True Wireless
Mpow X5
59Average
$40
Full review dataMpow X5 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.
- Mpow X5
- Nothing CMF Buds Neo
HearWiki score
59
84
Sound
5.2
7.4
Noise cancelling
5.4
7.8
Battery
5.5
9.0
Calls
4.1
7.8
Value
2.8
9.8
Price (USD)
$40
$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 Mpow X5 (2025). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid.
- X52025
- CMF Buds Neo20261 yr newer
What differsX5CMF Buds Neo
- ANC type
- Hybrid
- Adaptive
Platform
Specifications
X5CMF Buds Neo
- Type
- True Wireless
- True Wireless
- Price (USD)
- $40
- $22
- HearWiki score
- 59
- 84
- Released
- 2025
- 2026
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2× 6 mm driver
- 12.4 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- -
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 6 mm
- 12.4 mm
- Drivers per side
- 2
- 1
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- -
- Bluetooth
- 5.3
- -
- Codecs
- SBC, AAC, aptX
- -
- Multipoint pairing
- No
- -
- Battery life
- 6 h
- 11 h
- Battery incl. case
- 24 h
- 52 h
- Full charge time
- 120 min
- 10 min
- Quick charge
- 10 min → 1 h
- 10 min → 5.5 h
- Wireless charging
- No
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- Yes
- Yes
- ANC type
- hybrid
- adaptive
- Companion app
- -
- Yes
- Custom EQ
- -
- Yes
- Controls
- touch
- -
- Voice assistant
- Google Assistant, Siri
- -
- Water resistance
- none
- -
- USB-C
- -
- Yes
- Microphones
- -
- 4
- Call noise reduction
- -
- Yes
What reviewers said
Mpow X5
The Mpow X5 delivers a budget-friendly true wireless experience with hybrid active noise cancellation and support for SBC, AAC, and aptX codecs. Its sound leans neutral but carries a bit of extra low-end punch, which might not suit everyone. Overall, it's a capable performer for the price, though not without compromises.
- Pro:Hybrid ANC at an affordable price
- Pro:Supports aptX for better audio quality
- Pro:Quick charge gives 1 hour from 10 minutes
- Con:Bass can feel overpowering for some
- Con:No water resistance rating
- Con:No multipoint connection
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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