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Nothing CMF Buds Neo vs OnePlus Buds Z: 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.

  • Nothing CMF Buds Neo
  • OnePlus Buds Z
HearWiki score
84
54
Sound
7.4
6.1
Noise cancelling
7.8
-
Battery
9.0
4.3
Calls
7.8
5.0
Value
9.8
-
Price (USD)
$22
$50

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 OnePlus Buds Z (2020). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • CMF Buds Neo20266 yr newer
  • Buds Z2020
What differsCMF Buds NeoBuds Z

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

Custom EQ
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No

Level on: USB-C.

Specifications

CMF Buds NeoBuds Z
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$22
$50
HearWiki score
84
54
Released
2026
2020
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
12.4 mm dynamic
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
12.4 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity
-
97 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.0
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
-
No
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
11 h
5 h
Battery incl. case
52 h
20 h
Full charge time
10 min
-
Quick charge
10 min → 5.5 h
10 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
Yes
No
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
touch
Weight
-
4.3 g
Case weight
-
40 g
Water resistance
-
IP55
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
4
2
Call noise reduction
Yes
-

What reviewers said

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

OnePlus Buds Z

The OnePlus Buds Z are a budget-friendly true wireless option that deliver a bass-forward yet balanced sound, making them a solid choice for everyday listening. With a comfortable fit, IP55 water resistance, and straightforward touch controls, they offer practical value for around $50, though their feature set is basic and battery life is modest. They pair especially well with OnePlus phones but remain a competent pick for any Bluetooth device.

  • Pro:Affordable price point
  • Pro:Comfortable and secure fit
  • Pro:Bass-forward sound with decent clarity
  • Con:Only 5 hours of battery per charge
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Limited touch control customization

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 comparisonNothing CMF Buds NeoOnePlus Buds Z