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1MORE PistonBuds/ Omthing Airfree vs Nothing CMF Buds Neo: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Nothing CMF Buds Neo comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Nothing CMF Buds Neo - Outstanding overall at around $22.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Nothing CMF Buds Neo leads on 7 of 7 measures.

  • 1MORE PistonBuds/ Omthing Airfree
  • Nothing CMF Buds Neo
HearWiki score
51
84
Sound
5.8
7.4
Noise cancelling
-
7.8
Battery
2.9
9.0
Calls
5.1
7.8
Value
5.8
9.8
Price (USD)
$33
$22

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

Nothing CMF Buds Neo (2026) against 1MORE PistonBuds/ Omthing Airfree (2020). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • PistonBuds/ Omthing Airfree2020
  • CMF Buds Neo20266 yr newer
What differsPistonBuds/ Omthing AirfreeCMF Buds Neo

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Level on: USB-C.

Specifications

PistonBuds/ Omthing AirfreeCMF Buds Neo
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$33
$22
HearWiki score
51
84
Released
2020
2026
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
7 mm dynamic
12.4 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
7 mm
12.4 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
16 Ω
-
Bluetooth
5.0
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Wireless range
10 m
-
Battery life
3.5 h
11 h
Battery incl. case
20 h
52 h
Full charge time
90 min
10 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 5.5 h
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
none
adaptive
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
touch
-
Weight
4.2 g
-
Case weight
43.3 g
-
Water resistance
IPX4
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
4
4
Call noise reduction
Yes
Yes
Call NR technology
ENC
-

What reviewers said

1MORE PistonBuds/ Omthing Airfree

The 1MORE PistonBuds, also known as the Omthing Airfree, are ultra-affordable true wireless earbuds that prioritize comfort and portability with a lightweight build and IPX4 splash resistance. They deliver a bass-forward sound signature and solid call quality for the price, though their short per-charge battery life and occasional connectivity quirks hold them back from being top-tier budget picks. Overall, they offer a decent package for casual listeners seeking a very cheap and comfortable daily pair.

  • Pro:Very affordable price point
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
  • Pro:Decent call quality with four mics
  • Con:Short battery life of 3.5 hours per charge
  • Con:Bass-heavy tuning may not suit all tastes
  • Con:Bluetooth connection can be unstable

Nothing CMF Buds Neo

The CMF Buds Neo deliver impressive value for around $22, combining a punchy, bass-forward sound with surprisingly effective adaptive ANC and marathon battery life of up to 52 hours with the case. They offer a comfortable, lightweight fit, app support with a custom EQ, and quick charging, though some premium conveniences like wear detection are absent. Overall, they stand out as a top budget TWS option for listeners who prioritize bass, battery, and noise cancellation over extra features.

  • Pro:Strong bass-heavy sound with good volume
  • Pro:Effective adaptive ANC for the price
  • Pro:Excellent battery life (up to 52h with case)
  • Con:No wear detection sensor
  • Con:Finicky touch controls at times
  • Con:No physical pairing button on the buds

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparison1MORE PistonBuds/ Omthing AirfreeNothing CMF Buds Neo