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Nothing CMF Buds Neo vs QCY ArcBuds: 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
  • QCY ArcBuds
HearWiki score
84
72
Sound
7.4
6.7
Noise cancelling
7.8
6.5
Battery
9.0
7.4
Calls
7.8
5.5
Value
9.8
6.8
Price (USD)
$22
$30

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 QCY ArcBuds (2023). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid.

  • CMF Buds Neo20263 yr newer
  • ArcBuds2023
What differsCMF Buds NeoArcBuds

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
Hybrid

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

Specifications

CMF Buds NeoArcBuds
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$22
$30
HearWiki score
84
72
Released
2026
2023
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
Impedance
-
32 Ω
Sensitivity
-
99 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.2
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
-
No
Latency
-
80 ms
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
11 h
8 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
6 h
Battery incl. case
52 h
32 h
Full charge time
10 min
90 min
Quick charge
10 min → 5.5 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
-
No
Controls
-
touch
Voice assistant
-
Google Assistant, Siri
Weight
-
4.4 g
Case weight
-
25 g
Water resistance
-
IPX5
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Model code
-
BH22HT07A
Microphones
4
6
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

QCY ArcBuds

The QCY ArcBuds are budget-friendly true wireless earbuds that pack hybrid active noise cancellation, a transparent mode, and six microphones for clear calls. With around eight hours of playback per charge (six with ANC) and a total of 32 hours with the case, they offer solid endurance for the price, though they lack multipoint and wireless charging. The sound is enjoyable for everyday listening, and the IPX5 rating adds some sweat resistance.

  • Pro:Effective hybrid ANC for the price
  • Pro:Good battery life with the charging case
  • Pro:Decent call quality thanks to six mics
  • Con:Case feels a bit flimsy
  • Con:No quick-charge support
  • Con:Fit can be slightly bulky for some

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

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New comparisonNothing CMF Buds NeoQCY ArcBuds