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JLab JBuds Air ANC 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 JBuds Air ANC
  • Nothing CMF Buds Neo
HearWiki score
58
84
Sound
5.7
7.4
Noise cancelling
3.8
7.8
Battery
6.4
9.0
Calls
4.3
7.8
Value
-
9.8
Price (USD)
$37
$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 JBuds Air ANC (2021). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid. It also adds USB-C.

  • JBuds Air ANC2021
  • CMF Buds Neo20265 yr newer
What differsJBuds Air ANCCMF Buds Neo

Platform

ANC type
Hybrid
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Level on: Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

JBuds Air ANCCMF Buds Neo
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$37
$22
HearWiki score
58
84
Released
2021
2026
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
12 mm dynamic
12.4 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
12 mm
12.4 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
28 Ω
-
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.2
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Latency
200 ms
-
Wireless range
9 m
-
Battery life
11 h
11 h
Battery life (ANC on)
7.5 h
-
Battery incl. case
40 h
52 h
Full charge time
120 min
10 min
Quick charge
10 min → 1.5 h
10 min → 5.5 h
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
hybrid
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
touch
-
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Weight
5 g
-
Case weight
55 g
-
Water resistance
IPX5
-
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Microphones
6
4
Microphone type
MEMS
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
Yes
Call NR technology
noise-cancelling mic
-

What reviewers said

JLab JBuds Air ANC

These budget true wireless earbuds deliver a punchy, bass-forward sound with adjustable EQ presets and a useful transparency mode, making them a solid everyday pick. Hybrid ANC and a long total playtime of 40 hours with the case are highlights, though call quality and fit may not satisfy everyone. Overall, they offer good value for the price rather than flagship-level performance.

  • Pro:Long battery life with the charging case
  • Pro:Bass-heavy sound with customizable EQ
  • Pro:Effective transparency mode for ambient awareness
  • Con:Noise cancellation is not very strong
  • Con:Call quality is below average
  • Con:Bulkier fit may be uncomfortable for smaller ears

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 comparisonJLab JBuds Air ANCNothing CMF Buds Neo