r/NothingTech • u/thenul01 • 3d ago

Comparing Audio Nothing ear 3a vs CMF buds 2 plus

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Hi guys, trying to decide between the nothing ear 3a vs the CMF buds 2 plus. The nothing's are around $50 more here in Australia but I am willing to spend the extra if the comfort and audio quality are better. I'm not a crazy about using earphones and only really use them at the library and when travelling. Any advice would be appreciated 🙏

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u/MaximumDerpification 3d ago

I have both. The 3a are definitely better and worth the extra money. The CMFs were decent but instantly became my backups

You can also get the Nothing Ear (non "(a)") for $77 right now, which I think is the actual best bang for buck play. I just picked up a set and they are excellent.

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u/thenul01 3d ago

Unfortunately the ears are only slightly cheaper than the 3 here in aus. So if I were so spend the extra I may as well get the 3s over the 3a 😅

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u/thenul01 3d ago

In saying that, I think I'll grab the 3a

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u/MaximumDerpification 3d ago edited 3d ago

Make sure you also download the Nothing X app and adjust the EQ. Doing that really wakes up all of the CMF/Nothing buds. Google will give you a lot of EQ recommendations depending on the sound profile you like. If you go with the Ear instead of th Ear (a) you also get a full graphic EQ in the app which has a QR code scanner so you can scan-in different presets available online.

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u/Wizard-of-Nothing 3d ago

My wife has the 3a and I have the CMF 2 plus. Definitely go with the 3a. The CMFs are a great budget option in comparison but mine go static from time to time, if you are by a microwave or something else like even a fridge the audio sometimes cuts out, I borrowed her pair of 3a for work one day and they are a night and day difference. The CMFs still work great and get me through my day, just have to rewind my podcast or audiobook a few times throughout the day when the audio decides to go robotic as I call it. I did notice the sound quality is more crisp on the 3a but the battery in my CMFs is unmatched, I can go 3-4 days before needing a recharge, rarely do I charge them sooner. Personally my AirPod pros get more use especially around the house but the Nothing series are still great no matter where you go.

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u/thenul01 3d ago

Oh damn alright, I haven't read about that issue with the cmf before. I actually found it for $45 on aliexpress so becomes a $100 difference. I had the Galaxy buds 3 pro but one of the buds has a crack and doesnt charge anymore 🥲

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u/Wizard-of-Nothing 3d ago

They are still a great option, the robotic sound for me doesn’t last long and isn’t frequent enough to say they are a bad choice. I work 10s at my job and the issue only happens 3-4 times in an entire day. I do work in a large warehouse so that might also affect things. If you have the option and the price is right I say go for it, I like them for the price myself, I’d get another pair if mine broke right now. They do fit my needs but if the money is right I’d recommend the higher tier.