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JLab Go Air Pop 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.

  • JLab Go Air Pop
  • Nothing CMF Buds Neo
HearWiki score
68
84
Sound
6.6
7.4
Noise cancelling
-
7.8
Battery
8.5
9.0
Calls
4.3
7.8
Value
7.8
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 JLab Go Air Pop (2022). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C and Companion app.

  • Go Air Pop2022
  • CMF Buds Neo20264 yr newer
What differsGo Air PopCMF Buds Neo

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Level on: Custom EQ.

Specifications

Go Air PopCMF Buds Neo
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$25
$22
HearWiki score
68
84
Released
2022
2026
Availability
Still sold new
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
103 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.1
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC
-
Multipoint pairing
Yes
-
Wireless range
9 m
-
Battery life
8 h
11 h
Battery incl. case
32 h
52 h
Full charge time
132 min
10 min
Quick charge
10 min → 1 h
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
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
touch
-
Voice assistant
Google Assistant, Siri
-
Weight
8.2 g
-
Case weight
28.1 g
-
Water resistance
IPX4
-
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Microphones
2
4
Call noise reduction
-
Yes

What reviewers said

JLab Go Air Pop

The JLab Go Air Pop offers a compelling mix of long battery life, comfortable fit, and customizable sound through built-in EQ presets at a very accessible price. While it lacks active noise cancellation and premium build materials, its engaging bass-heavy sound and practical features like Bluetooth multipoint make it a strong budget option for everyday listening.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life, exceeding expectations in real-world tests
  • Pro:Comfortable and lightweight design for extended wear
  • Pro:Three built-in EQ presets for sound customization
  • Con:Sound profile is bass-heavy, which may not suit audiophiles
  • Con:Call quality is limited and can be inconsistent
  • Con:Build feels less premium due to lightweight plastic materials

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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