Skip to content
HearWiki

CMF Buds by Nothing 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.

  • CMF Buds by Nothing
  • Nothing CMF Buds Neo
HearWiki score
72
84
Sound
6.3
7.4
Noise cancelling
7.1
7.8
Battery
6.5
9.0
Calls
7.0
7.8
Value
-
9.8
Price (USD)
$27
$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 CMF Buds by Nothing (2024). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid.

  • Buds by Nothing2024
  • CMF Buds Neo20262 yr newer
What differsBuds by NothingCMF Buds Neo

Platform

ANC type
Hybrid
Adaptive

Level on: USB-C, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

Buds by NothingCMF Buds Neo
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$27
$22
HearWiki score
72
84
Released
2024
2026
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
12.4 mm dynamic
12.4 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
12.4 mm
12.4 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Bluetooth
5.3
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC
-
Multipoint pairing
Yes
-
Wireless range
10 m
-
Battery life
8 h
11 h
Battery life (ANC on)
5.6 h
-
Battery incl. case
35.5 h
52 h
Full charge time
-
10 min
Quick charge
10 min → 6.5 h
10 min → 5.5 h
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
hybrid
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
touch
-
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Weight
4.6 g
-
Case weight
43.7 g
-
Water resistance
IP54
-
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Model code
A10600057
-
Microphones
4
4
Call noise reduction
Yes
Yes

What reviewers said

CMF Buds by Nothing

The CMF Buds by Nothing pack hybrid ANC, Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint, and a 12.4 mm dynamic driver into a budget-friendly true wireless design. They offer a bass-forward sound signature and strong feature set for the price, though audio quality may benefit from EQ adjustments and battery life drops noticeably with ANC active. Overall, they are a compelling value pick for bass lovers on a tight budget.

  • Pro:Excellent value for the price
  • Pro:Hybrid ANC with transparency mode
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
  • Con:ANC can feel pressurizing on ears
  • Con:No aptX or LDAC codec support
  • Con:Battery life reduced with ANC on

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

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonCMF Buds by NothingNothing CMF Buds Neo