CMF Buds Pro 2 or Soundcore P40i for calls?

If calls are your main reason for buying, the CMF Buds Pro 2 is the better pick between the two. Both earbuds use six microphones and noise-reduction processing, but independent testing finds the CMF’s microphone more accurate and better at reducing background noise. The P40i remains a good choice if you value longer battery life, comfort, and strong bass more than microphone quality.

CMF Buds Pro 2 vs Soundcore P40i for Calls

The two earbuds look similar on paper. Both are affordable true wireless earbuds with ANC, six microphones, and software designed to improve calls.

The difference becomes clearer when you focus on what the person on the other end actually hears.

Call feature	CMF Buds Pro 2	Soundcore P40i
Microphones	6 HD mics	6 mics
Call noise reduction	Clear Voice Technology 2.0	AI microphone processing
Outdoor calls	Better overall	Usable, but less consistent
Background-noise handling	Better	Good in some situations
Voice naturalness	Generally better	Can sound thin or distorted
Wind handling	Good	Decent
Video meetings	Better choice	Fine for casual meetings
Battery	Up to 43 hours with case	Up to 60 hours with case
ANC	Up to 50 dB	Adaptive ANC
Best strength	Call microphone	Battery and bass

The microphone comparison is the most important part of this matchup. RTINGS currently finds the CMF Buds Pro 2’s microphone system more accurate and better at filtering background noise.

CMF Buds Pro 2 call quality

The CMF Buds Pro 2 uses six microphones, Clear Voice Technology 2.0, and a dedicated wind-noise reduction system. Nothing says its call processing was trained with more than 28 million noise models.

Independent testing gives the earbuds a more positive picture than the marketing alone. SoundGuys found that background-noise reduction works well, including in windy conditions, although the voice can sound somewhat muffled.

RTINGS is a little more critical. Its testing describes the microphone as decent at separating background noise from your voice, but says the voice does not sound especially natural.

So the CMF isn’t a professional headset microphone. But for normal phone calls, walking outside, and everyday video meetings, it is the stronger option here.

Soundcore P40i call quality

The Soundcore P40i also has six microphones and AI processing for calls. Soundcore specifically markets the earbuds for phone calls and video chats.

The problem is that microphone performance is less impressive in independent testing.

SoundGuys found that the P40i keeps callers understandable but can make speech sound thin and distorted. It is therefore acceptable for normal conversations, but less appealing for important meetings or calls where your voice needs to sound natural.

That doesn’t make the P40i a bad pair of earbuds. It simply means calls are not its strongest reason to buy it.

Which Is Better for Outdoor Calls?

For outdoor use, I would choose the CMF Buds Pro 2.

Wind and background noise are two of the hardest situations for small wireless earbuds. The CMF Buds Pro 2 has a dedicated Wind Noise Reduction 2.0 system, and independent testing found its background-noise handling effective in simulated street and windy conditions.

The P40i can still handle outdoor calls, but its microphone reproduction is not as strong. Scarbir found the P40i handled outdoor phone calls reasonably well, while SoundGuys found its voice reproduction less natural.

If you regularly take calls while walking, commuting, or sitting somewhere with moderate background noise, CMF has the advantage.

Which Is Better for Zoom, Teams, and Work Calls?

For frequent video meetings, the CMF Buds Pro 2 is the safer choice.

That does not mean either model replaces a good dedicated headset. RTINGS notes that the CMF microphone is suitable for occasional meetings but is not a substitute for a headset microphone when you take many calls.

For a student joining an occasional class or someone taking a few Zoom or Teams meetings each week, either can work.

For someone spending several hours a day in meetings, a dedicated headset with a boom microphone is still a better tool.

Where the Soundcore P40i Wins

The P40i has some clear advantages, so choosing CMF for calls does not make the Soundcore a poor overall buy.

Its biggest advantage is battery life. Soundcore rates the P40i for up to 12 hours of playtime and up to 60 hours with the charging case.

The P40i also has a bass-heavy sound profile and an adaptive ANC system. RTINGS found it offers longer continuous battery life and lower latency than the CMF Buds Pro 2.

Another unusual feature is its charging case, which doubles as a phone stand. That can be handy when watching videos or taking hands-free calls.

So if calls are only one part of your buying decision, the P40i becomes more competitive.

Where the CMF Buds Pro 2 Wins

The CMF Buds Pro 2 has a more call-focused advantage.

Its six HD microphones work with Clear Voice Technology 2.0, while the earbuds also use wind-noise reduction.

It also has dual drivers, LDAC support, customizable sound settings, and dual-device connectivity. Nothing lists up to 43 hours of total playback with the charging case.

Most importantly for this comparison, independent testing puts its microphone ahead of the P40i.

That makes the CMF the more sensible choice when your voice quality matters more than maximum battery life.

CMF Buds Pro 2 vs P40i: Which Should You Buy?

The answer depends on how you use your earbuds.

Choose CMF Buds Pro 2 if:

• Phone calls are a major reason you’re buying.
• You often talk outside.
• You need better background-noise reduction.
• You take regular video meetings.
• You want better microphone performance.
• You also care about higher-quality music features.

Choose Soundcore P40i if:

• Battery life is your top priority.
• You like strong bass.
• You want adaptive ANC.
• You prefer its fit and comfort.
• Calls are occasional rather than a major part of your day.
• You like the charging case’s built-in phone stand.

For a buyer asking specifically “CMF Buds Pro 2 or Soundcore P40i for calls?”, I’d give the edge to CMF Buds Pro 2.

What About Call Quality in Quiet Rooms?

In a quiet room, the difference between the two becomes smaller.

Neither earbud needs to fight much background noise, so both should be able to keep your voice understandable.

The CMF still has the advantage in microphone accuracy based on current comparative testing, but you may not notice a dramatic difference during a simple phone call from a quiet bedroom or home office.

This is where the P40i can make sense if you find it at a better price and don’t make many calls.

What About Noisy Streets?

This is where I’d favor CMF more strongly.

A busy street creates several problems at once: traffic, people talking, wind, and changing background sounds. The CMF Buds Pro 2’s microphone system is designed specifically to reduce environmental noise, and independent testing found strong background-noise performance.

The P40i remains usable, but its voice reproduction has received more criticism in independent testing.

If you frequently make calls while walking around a city, the CMF is the better bet.

Two Real-World Buying Scenarios

Imagine you want inexpensive earbuds for commuting to school or work. You listen to music most of the time but also make several calls while walking outside. In that situation, CMF Buds Pro 2 makes more sense because microphone and background-noise performance are important.

Now consider someone who mostly listens to music at home, wants very long battery life, enjoys heavy bass, and makes only a few short calls each week. Soundcore P40i may be the better overall fit because its battery and audio profile may matter more than its microphone limitations.

Neither choice is wrong. The better option depends on how often you actually use the earbuds for calls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CMF Buds Pro 2 better than Soundcore P40i for phone calls?

Yes. Current independent testing gives the CMF Buds Pro 2 the edge for microphone accuracy and background-noise handling. The P40i is still usable for everyday calls, but its voice reproduction can sound thinner and less natural.

Which has better microphone noise cancellation, CMF Buds Pro 2 or P40i?

The CMF Buds Pro 2 has the advantage in independent testing. It combines six microphones with Clear Voice Technology 2.0 and wind-noise reduction, while the P40i uses six microphones with AI processing.

Should I buy P40i instead of CMF Buds Pro 2?

Buy the P40i if you care more about long battery life, bass-heavy sound, and everyday listening than call quality. If calls, outdoor conversations, or video meetings are a major part of your use, the CMF Buds Pro 2 is the better choice.

The Bottom Line

For calls specifically, choose the CMF Buds Pro 2. Its microphone system has the stronger independent test results, and its noise-reduction and wind-handling features make it better suited to outdoor conversations and video meetings.

The Soundcore P40i is the better alternative if you care more about battery life, bass, comfort, and general everyday listening. Its call quality is usable, but it is not the reason to choose it over CMF.

My practical tip: if more than half of your earbud use involves calls or meetings, pick the CMF Buds Pro 2; if calls are occasional and battery life matters more, consider the P40i.