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Nothing CMF Buds Neo vs QCY MeloBuds N60: 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 MeloBuds N60
HearWiki score
84
72
Sound
7.4
7.2
Noise cancelling
7.8
6.4
Battery
9.0
8.3
Calls
7.8
6.4
Value
9.8
9.4
Price (USD)
$22
$24

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?

Same generation

Both shipped in 2026. These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

  • CMF Buds Neo2026
  • MeloBuds N602026

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

Specifications

CMF Buds NeoMeloBuds N60
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$22
$24
HearWiki score
84
72
Released
2026
2026
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
12.4 mm dynamic
2× 11 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
12.4 mm
11 mm
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Bluetooth
-
6.0
Codecs
-
SBC, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Wireless range
-
15 m
Battery life
11 h
9 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
6 h
Battery incl. case
52 h
60 h
Full charge time
10 min
120 min
Quick charge
10 min → 5.5 h
10 min → 2 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
adaptive
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
touch
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
-
4.9 g
Water resistance
-
IPX5
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
4
6
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

QCY MeloBuds N60

The QCY MeloBuds N60 pack a surprisingly comprehensive feature set into a budget-friendly package, including adaptive ANC, LDAC support, and Bluetooth 6.0. While the sound quality is competent rather than class-leading, the long battery life and solid performance make them a strong value pick. The dual 11mm drivers and extensive app control add to their appeal for cost-conscious buyers.

  • Pro:Adaptive ANC and transparency mode for under $25
  • Pro:LDAC support for high-resolution audio
  • Pro:Good battery life: 9 hours alone, 60 with case
  • Con:Sound quality is decent but not exceptional
  • Con:No wireless charging despite USB-C
  • Con:Touch controls can be finicky for some users

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

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