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JLab JBuds Air Executive V2 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 Executive V2
  • Nothing CMF Buds Neo
HearWiki score
56
84
Sound
5.3
7.4
Noise cancelling
-
7.8
Battery
4.6
9.0
Calls
4.4
7.8
Value
-
9.8
Price (USD)
$38
$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 Executive V2 (2021). 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.

  • JBuds Air Executive V22021
  • CMF Buds Neo20265 yr newer
What differsJBuds Air Executive V2CMF Buds Neo

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

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

Specifications

JBuds Air Executive V2CMF Buds Neo
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$38
$22
HearWiki score
56
84
Released
2021
2026
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
8 mm dynamic
12.4 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
8 mm
12.4 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
32 Ω
-
Sensitivity
103 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.0
-
Codecs
SBC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Wireless range
9 m
-
Battery life
6.5 h
11 h
Battery incl. case
24 h
52 h
Full charge time
90 min
10 min
Quick charge
15 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
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
buttons
-
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Weight
5.5 g
-
Case weight
61 g
-
Water resistance
IP55
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Microphones
3
4
Mic sensitivity
-4.8 dBV
-
Call noise reduction
-
Yes

What reviewers said

JLab JBuds Air Executive V2

The JLab JBuds Air Executive V2 are an affordable true wireless option that prioritize battery life and durability over audio fidelity. With a secure fit and IP55 protection, they're practical for everyday use, though sound quality is average and controls can be fiddly. They're a solid budget pick for those who value convenience and longevity over premium features.

  • Pro:Strong battery life with charging case
  • Pro:IP55 water and dust resistance
  • Pro:Secure, comfortable fit
  • Con:Average, unbalanced sound quality
  • Con:Complicated button controls
  • Con:High latency, not ideal for gaming

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 Executive V2Nothing CMF Buds Neo