Anker Soundcore Space A40 vs CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2
Quick take: The Anker Soundcore Space A40 lasts longer per charge (8 hrs).
Which one to buy
Same $45 price, same 4.9g bud weight, and LDAC on both, but owners describe these as opposite strengths. The CMF Buds Pro 2 is the better-sounding pair: its 11mm woofer plus 6mm tweeter gets compared to buds three or four times the price, and the Nothing X app is widely called the cleanest in budget audio. The Space A40 is the better-cancelling pair, with ANC owners put at 90% of buds that cost twice as much and a flush shell people sleep on.
The CMF's 50dB ANC claim oversells it. It handles rumble but lets voices through, and some owners hear the adaptive mode pump in and out. Its grip is the other gamble, since the shallow shape works loose in some ears, while the A40's rotate-lock fit holds better for most people (not all). The CMF fights back on calls, where its mics handle wind well enough for walking calls and the A40's struggle outdoors. It also has IP55 against IPX4 and the Smart Dial on the case, which fixes the touch controls both pairs get criticized for.
Battery and charging favor the A40: 8 hours against 6.5 with ANC, 50 against 43 total, and wireless charging the CMF doesn't have. Both have scattered reports of one bud's battery fading, on the A40 past the one-year mark.
Anker Soundcore Space A40
Best if noise cancelling and comfort come first, for flights, noisy apartments or sleeping, and you want a wireless-charging case.
CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2
Worth it when sound quality and a polished app matter more than maximum ANC, you take calls while walking outside, and the volume dial on the case appeals to you.
| Spec | Anker Soundcore Space A40 | CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$45 | ~$45 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Wireless Earbuds | Wireless Earbuds |
| Noise Cancelling | Adaptive ANC | Adaptive ANC |
| Battery (single charge) | 8 hrs | 6.5 hrs |
| Battery (with case) | 50 hrs | 43 hrs |
| Quick Charge | 10 min = 4 hrs | 10 min = 3 hrs |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Driver Size | 10 mm | 11 mm |
| Weight | 4.9 g | 4.9 g |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP55 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | No | Yes |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
Pros & cons
Anker Soundcore Space A40
- ✓Adaptive ANC hangs with buds twice the price
- ✓LDAC plus true multipoint at $45
- ✓50-hour total with wireless-charging case
- ✓Small enough to sleep on
- ✓10-minute charge adds four hours
- ✓Still the budget ANC benchmark two years on
- ✗LDAC cuts ANC battery from 8 hours to roughly 5
- ✗No volume touch control by default, no wear detection
- ✗Mediocre mics for outdoor calls
- ✗One-bud battery fade reported past a year
- ✗Aging Bluetooth 5.2 shows the 2022 roots
CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2
- ✓11mm woofer plus 6mm tweeter per side at $45
- ✓Smart Dial case twists for volume and modes
- ✓LDAC plus 50dB adaptive ANC
- ✓Nothing X app is best-in-budget for EQ control
- ✓IP55 buds beat most cheap rivals
- ✓$37 sale prices embarrass buds twice the cost
- ✗ANC good-not-great against voices
- ✗Diffuse spatial audio most owners switch off
- ✗LDAC disables dual-device connection
- ✗Bare plastic case scuffs quickly
- ✗Mics get shouty in wind
Anker Soundcore Space A40 vs CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2: common questions
Which has stronger ANC, the Space A40 or the CMF Buds Pro 2?▾
The Space A40, by owner accounts. The CMF's 50dB figure is best treated as marketing: it handles engine rumble but voices come through, and some units audibly cut in and out. The A40 is still weaker against voices than premium buds, but it's the stronger of the two.
Does the CMF Buds Pro 2 sound better than the Space A40?▾
The CMF Buds Pro 2. Its dual-driver setup is the headline, and owners rate the sound well above the price. The A40 sounds good for $45, but people mostly buy it for the ANC and comfort.
Does the Space A40 or the CMF Buds Pro 2 stay in better during workouts?▾
Usually the Space A40, whose rotate-to-lock fit is more secure for most ear shapes. The CMF's shallow grip lets the buds work loose for a meaningful minority of owners, though its IP55 rating handles sweat better than the A40's IPX4.