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Baseus Encok W04 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 6 of 7 measures.

  • Baseus Encok W04
  • Nothing CMF Buds Neo
HearWiki score
56
84
Sound
4.6
7.4
Noise cancelling
-
7.8
Battery
4.6
9.0
Calls
4.3
7.8
Value
5.1
9.8
Price (USD)
$19
$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 Baseus Encok W04 (2021). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Custom EQ.

  • Encok W042021
  • CMF Buds Neo20265 yr newer
What differsEncok W04CMF Buds Neo

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

Custom EQ
No
Yes

Level on: USB-C, Companion app.

Specifications

Encok W04CMF Buds Neo
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$19
$22
HearWiki score
56
84
Released
2021
2026
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
13 mm dynamic
12.4 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
13 mm
12.4 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
32 Ω
-
Sensitivity
105 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.0
-
Codecs
SBC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Latency
38 ms
-
Wireless range
15 m
-
Battery life
5 h
11 h
Battery incl. case
20 h
52 h
Full charge time
90 min
10 min
Quick charge
10 min → 2 h
10 min → 5.5 h
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
none
adaptive
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
touch
-
Weight
3.5 g
-
Case weight
400 g
-
Water resistance
IP54
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
4
Call noise reduction
-
Yes

What reviewers said

Baseus Encok W04

The Baseus Encok W04 is an ultra-affordable true wireless earbud that prioritizes everyday convenience and portability. It delivers a bass-forward sound signature that works well for music and movies, though its single microphone and basic codec support keep it firmly in budget territory. With IP54-rated durability and a compact, lightweight build, it suits active users who don't demand premium audio or advanced features.

  • Pro:Very low price point for a TWS earbud
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for active use
  • Pro:Strong bass response suitable for music and movies
  • Con:Call quality is notably poor for voice conversations
  • Con:Only supports basic SBC codec
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode

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.

Compare something else

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New comparisonBaseus Encok W04Nothing CMF Buds Neo