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Haylou GT1 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
  • Nothing CMF Buds Neo
HearWiki score
57
84
Sound
6.0
7.4
Noise cancelling
-
7.8
Battery
2.8
9.0
Calls
4.0
7.8
Value
-
9.8
Price (USD)
$36
$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 (2019). 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.

  • GT12019
  • CMF Buds Neo20267 yr newer
What differsGT1CMF Buds Neo

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

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

Specifications

GT1CMF Buds Neo
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$36
$22
HearWiki score
57
84
Released
2019
2026
Availability
Still sold new
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
-
Bluetooth
5.0
-
Codecs
AAC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Latency
65 ms
-
Wireless range
10 m
-
Battery life
4 h
11 h
Battery incl. case
-
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
none
adaptive
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
touch
-
Weight
3.9 g
-
Water resistance
IPX5
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Microphones
2
4
Call noise reduction
Yes
Yes

What reviewers said

Haylou GT1

The Haylou GT1 is an ultra-affordable true wireless option that pairs a compact, pocket-friendly charging case with a comfortable fit and easy touch controls. Its sound leans toward a balanced profile with a bass-forward tilt, making it a practical everyday choice for budget-minded listeners. While it lacks premium extras like noise cancellation or app support, its low price and solid basics make it a strong value pick.

  • Pro:Very affordable price point
  • Pro:Compact and portable charging case
  • Pro:Comfortable fit with touch controls
  • Con:Battery life is modest at around 4 hours
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:No app support or custom EQ options

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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