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CMF Buds Neo 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 5 of 7 measures.

  • CMF Buds Neo
  • Nothing CMF Buds Neo
HearWiki score
76
84
Sound
7.5
7.4
Noise cancelling
7.0
7.8
Battery
8.5
9.0
Calls
8.0
7.8
Value
9.0
9.8
Price (USD)
$25
$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?

Same generation

Both shipped in 2026. These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

  • Buds Neo2026
  • CMF Buds Neo2026

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

Specifications

Buds NeoCMF Buds Neo
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$25
$22
HearWiki score
76
84
Released
2026
2026
Availability
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
6.0
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC
-
Multipoint pairing
Yes
-
Latency
120 ms
-
Wireless range
10 m
-
Battery life
52 h
11 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
-
Battery incl. case
-
52 h
Full charge time
70 min
10 min
Quick charge
10 min → 5.5 h
10 min → 5.5 h
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
-
Case weight
50.3 g
-
Water resistance
IP54
-
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
4
4
Microphone type
MEMS
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
Yes
Call NR technology
ENC
-

What reviewers said

CMF Buds Neo

The CMF Buds Neo are budget-friendly true wireless earbuds that deliver adaptive noise cancellation and a robust 52-hour total playtime with the charging case. They support Bluetooth 6.0 for stable connections, dual-device pairing, and feature IP54-rated earbuds for sweat and splash resistance. With 12.4mm dynamic drivers and touch controls, they aim to provide solid performance at an accessible price.

  • Pro:Adaptive ANC for flexible noise reduction
  • Pro:Long 52-hour total battery life with case
  • Pro:Bluetooth 6.0 with multipoint connectivity
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:SBC and AAC codecs only, no high-res options
  • Con:Battery life drops to 8 hours 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.

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New comparisonCMF Buds NeoNothing CMF Buds Neo