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Nothing CMF Buds Neo vs QCY MeloBuds N65: 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 N65
HearWiki score
84
80
Sound
7.4
7.1
Noise cancelling
7.8
7.5
Battery
9.0
8.0
Calls
7.8
6.9
Value
9.8
9.2
Price (USD)
$22
$40

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. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Nothing CMF Buds Neo adds Custom EQ.

  • CMF Buds Neo2026
  • MeloBuds N652026
What differsCMF Buds NeoMeloBuds N65

Everyday features

Custom EQ
Yes
No

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

Specifications

CMF Buds NeoMeloBuds N65
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$22
$40
HearWiki score
84
80
Released
2026
2026
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
12.4 mm dynamic
12 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
12.4 mm
12 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Bluetooth
-
6.0
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Latency
-
45 ms
Wireless range
-
20 m
Battery life
11 h
11 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
6.5 h
Battery incl. case
52 h
50 h
Full charge time
10 min
-
Quick charge
10 min → 5.5 h
10 min → 2.5 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
adaptive
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
touch
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
-
4.8 g
Water resistance
-
IPX5
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
4
8
Call noise reduction
Yes
Yes
Call NR technology
-
AI 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 MeloBuds N65

The QCY MeloBuds N65 are budget-friendly true wireless earbuds that pack in adaptive noise cancellation, LDAC support, and Bluetooth 6.0 with triple-device multipoint connectivity. With a 12mm dynamic driver, IPX5 water resistance, and up to 50 hours of total playback, they offer strong value for the price. The low-latency gaming mode and 8-microphone setup round out a feature-rich package aimed at everyday versatility.

  • Pro:Adaptive ANC and transparency mode for flexible listening
  • Pro:LDAC codec support with Bluetooth 6.0 for high-quality audio
  • Pro:Triple-device multipoint connection for seamless switching
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:No custom EQ options in the app
  • Con:Plastic build may feel less premium

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 NeoQCY MeloBuds N65