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Nothing CMF Buds Neo vs OnePlus Buds Z2: 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 Z2
HearWiki score
84
67
Sound
7.4
5.8
Noise cancelling
7.8
6.2
Battery
9.0
5.3
Calls
7.8
5.8
Value
9.8
8.2
Price (USD)
$22
$26

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 Z2 (2021). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid.

  • CMF Buds Neo20265 yr newer
  • Buds Z22021
What differsCMF Buds NeoBuds Z2

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
Hybrid

Level on: USB-C, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

CMF Buds NeoBuds Z2
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$22
$26
HearWiki score
84
67
Released
2026
2021
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
12.4 mm dynamic
11 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
12.4 mm
11 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
-
16 Ω
Sensitivity
-
98 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.2
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
11 h
7 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
5 h
Battery incl. case
52 h
38 h
Full charge time
10 min
10 min
Quick charge
10 min → 5.5 h
10 min → 5 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
hybrid
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
-
touch
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
-
4.6 g
Case weight
-
42 g
Water resistance
-
IP55
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
4
3
Microphone type
-
MEMS
Call noise reduction
Yes
Yes
Call NR technology
-
ENC

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 Z2

The OnePlus Buds Z2 are an exceptionally affordable pair of true wireless earbuds that punch above their weight class, delivering surprisingly robust sound and effective hybrid active noise cancellation for the price. With a comfortable fit, IP55 durability, and a battery life that easily covers a full day with the case, they're a compelling budget option, especially for OnePlus smartphone owners. While they lack premium touches like wireless charging and have some limitations in call quality, their core performance makes them a standout value in the entry-level segment.

  • Pro:Strong, bass-forward sound for the price
  • Pro:Effective hybrid ANC for a budget pair
  • Pro:Excellent battery life with the charging case
  • Con:Call quality is below average
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Lacks aptX codec support

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 Z2