True Wireless
Edifier X3
57Average
$25
Full review dataEdifier X3 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.
True Wireless
Nothing CMF Buds Neo
84Outstanding
$22
Full review dataScore 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.
- Edifier X3
- Nothing CMF Buds Neo
HearWiki score
57
84
Sound
6.4
7.4
Noise cancelling
-
7.8
Battery
5.5
9.0
Calls
5.4
7.8
Value
4.0
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?
Half a step newer
Nothing CMF Buds Neo (2026) against Edifier X3 (2020). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.
- X32020
- CMF Buds Neo20266 yr newer
What differsX3CMF Buds Neo
- ANC type
- None
- Adaptive
Platform
Level on: USB-C.
Specifications
X3CMF Buds Neo
- Type
- True Wireless
- True Wireless
- Price (USD)
- $25
- $22
- HearWiki score
- 57
- 84
- Released
- 2020
- 2026
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 6 mm dynamic
- 12.4 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 6 mm
- 12.4 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 95 dB/mW
- -
- Bluetooth
- 5.0
- -
- Codecs
- SBC, aptX
- -
- Multipoint pairing
- No
- -
- Wireless range
- 10 m
- -
- Battery life
- 6 h
- 11 h
- Battery incl. case
- 24 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
- -
- adaptive
- Companion app
- -
- Yes
- Custom EQ
- -
- Yes
- Weight
- 33 g
- -
- Water resistance
- IP55
- -
- USB-C
- Yes
- Yes
- Microphones
- 1
- 4
- Call noise reduction
- -
- Yes
What reviewers said
Edifier X3
The Edifier X3 offers a compact design and comfortable fit at a very low price, delivering solid sound with aptX support and around six hours of playtime per charge. Its IP55 rating and touch controls add practical value, though opinions vary on its overall performance, with some critics finding it lacking compared to rivals. For the cost, it provides a decent set of core features for everyday listening.
- Pro:Compact and comfortable fit
- Pro:Supports aptX for better audio quality
- Pro:Decent 6-hour battery life with 24 hours total
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:No multipoint connection
- Con:Sound quality may not impress all listeners
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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