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Haylou GT1 Plus 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.

  • Haylou GT1 Plus
  • Nothing CMF Buds Neo
HearWiki score
57
84
Sound
6.2
7.4
Noise cancelling
-
7.8
Battery
4.0
9.0
Calls
4.8
7.8
Value
-
9.8
Price (USD)
$30
$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 Haylou GT1 Plus (2020). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C, Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • GT1 Plus2020
  • CMF Buds Neo20266 yr newer
What differsGT1 PlusCMF Buds Neo

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Specifications

GT1 PlusCMF Buds Neo
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$30
$22
HearWiki score
57
84
Released
2020
2026
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
7.2 mm dynamic
12.4 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
7.2 mm
12.4 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
32 Ω
-
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.0
-
Codecs
AAC, aptX
-
Multipoint pairing
Yes
-
Wireless range
10 m
-
Battery life
5 h
11 h
Battery incl. case
18 h
52 h
Full charge time
90 min
10 min
Quick charge
10 min → 1.5 h
10 min → 5.5 h
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
touch
-
Weight
3.9 g
-
Case weight
22 g
-
Water resistance
IPX5
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Microphones
1
4
Call noise reduction
-
Yes

What reviewers said

Haylou GT1 Plus

The Haylou GT1 Plus delivers a well-rounded, balanced audio experience that stands out in its budget tier, pairing a compact, lightweight build with dependable battery life. Its support for aptX and AAC codecs, along with stable Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and multipoint pairing, makes it a versatile pick for everyday listening. Despite lacking active noise cancellation and app support, it offers strong value for cost-conscious buyers seeking comfortable true wireless earbuds.

  • Pro:Balanced, pleasing sound signature for the price
  • Pro:Compact and ultra-light design for comfortable wear
  • Pro:Supports aptX and AAC for better wireless audio quality
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or app-based EQ
  • Con:Battery life per charge is modest at around 5 hours
  • Con:Touch controls may be less precise for some users

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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