True Wireless
KZ S1 Hybrid
42Weak
$25
Full review dataKZ S1 Hybrid 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.
True Wireless
Nothing CMF Buds Neo
84Outstanding
$22
Full review dataScore 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.
- KZ S1 Hybrid
- Nothing CMF Buds Neo
HearWiki score
42
84
Sound
6.0
7.4
Noise cancelling
-
7.8
Battery
2.7
9.0
Calls
4.5
7.8
Value
-
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 KZ S1 Hybrid (2020). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.
- S1 Hybrid2020
- CMF Buds Neo20266 yr newer
What differsS1 HybridCMF Buds Neo
- ANC type
- None
- Adaptive
Platform
Level on: USB-C.
Specifications
S1 HybridCMF Buds Neo
- Type
- True Wireless
- True Wireless
- Price (USD)
- $25
- $22
- HearWiki score
- 42
- 84
- Released
- 2020
- 2026
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2-driver hybrid
- 12.4 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver size
- -
- 12.4 mm
- Drivers per side
- 2
- 1
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 24 Ω
- -
- Bluetooth
- 5.0
- -
- Codecs
- SBC, AAC
- -
- Multipoint pairing
- No
- -
- Wireless range
- 20 m
- -
- Battery life
- 3 h
- 11 h
- Battery incl. case
- 9 h
- 52 h
- Full charge time
- -
- 10 min
- Quick charge
- -
- 10 min → 5.5 h
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- Yes
- ANC type
- -
- adaptive
- Companion app
- -
- Yes
- Custom EQ
- -
- Yes
- Controls
- touch
- -
- Weight
- 10 g
- -
- Case weight
- 45 g
- -
- USB-C
- Yes
- Yes
- Microphones
- 1
- 4
- Call noise reduction
- -
- Yes
What reviewers said
KZ S1 Hybrid
The KZ S1 Hybrid is a budget-friendly true wireless earphone that pairs a dynamic driver with a balanced armature in each side for improved detail and clarity. It offers a compact, lightweight design with touch controls and a USB-C charging case, making it a solid value pick for those seeking a hybrid sound on a tight budget. Battery life is modest at around three hours per charge, with the case extending total playback to roughly nine hours.
- Pro:Hybrid dual-driver setup adds clarity and detail
- Pro:Very affordable for the sound quality offered
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit at just 10g per bud
- Con:Short battery life of only 3 hours per charge
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:No multipoint connection support
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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