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KZ S2 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.

  • KZ S2
  • Nothing CMF Buds Neo
HearWiki score
40
84
Sound
5.8
7.4
Noise cancelling
-
7.8
Battery
3.0
9.0
Calls
4.0
7.8
Value
-
9.8
Price (USD)
$30
$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 S2 (2020). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.

  • S22020
  • CMF Buds Neo20266 yr newer
What differsS2CMF Buds Neo

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Level on: USB-C.

Specifications

S2CMF Buds Neo
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$30
$22
HearWiki score
40
84
Released
2020
2026
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
2-driver hybrid
12.4 mm dynamic
Driver type
hybrid
dynamic
Driver size
7 mm
12.4 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
-
Sound signature
v-shaped
-
Impedance
24 Ω
-
Sensitivity
98 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.0
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Wireless range
20 m
-
Battery life
3 h
11 h
Battery incl. case
18 h
52 h
Full charge time
120 min
10 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 5.5 h
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Controls
touch
-
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Water resistance
IPX5
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
-
4
Call noise reduction
-
Yes

What reviewers said

KZ S2

The KZ S2 is an affordable pair of true wireless earbuds that offers a hybrid dual-driver setup, Bluetooth 5.0, touch controls, and IPX5 water resistance. Its sound is generally described as bass-forward and detailed, though some listeners find the treble slightly harsh or splashy. While it provides a comfortable fit and stable connection for many, its short single-charge battery life and inconsistent wireless performance have drawn criticism.

  • Pro:Comfortable and lightweight fit
  • Pro:Strong bass and clear detail
  • Pro:IPX5 water resistance for workouts
  • Con:Short battery life per charge (3 hours)
  • Con:Treble can be harsh or splashy
  • Con:Wireless connection may be unstable

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 comparisonKZ S2Nothing CMF Buds Neo