Skip to content
HearWiki

Nothing CMF Buds Neo vs QCY T1C: 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 6 of 7 measures.

  • Nothing CMF Buds Neo
  • QCY T1C
HearWiki score
84
58
Sound
7.4
6.0
Noise cancelling
7.8
-
Battery
9.0
4.5
Calls
7.8
4.4
Value
9.8
6.5
Price (USD)
$22
$15

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 T1C (2019). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C and Custom EQ.

  • CMF Buds Neo20267 yr newer
  • T1C2019
What differsCMF Buds NeoT1C

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No
Custom EQ
Yes
No

Level on: Companion app.

Specifications

CMF Buds NeoT1C
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$22
$15
HearWiki score
84
58
Released
2026
2019
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
12.4 mm dynamic
6 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
12.4 mm
6 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
-
32 Ω
Sensitivity
-
108 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.0
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
-
No
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
11 h
4 h
Battery incl. case
52 h
20 h
Full charge time
10 min
90 min
Quick charge
10 min → 5.5 h
-
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
buttons
Weight
-
4 g
Water resistance
-
IPX4
USB-C
Yes
No
Microphones
4
1
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 T1C

The QCY T1C is an ultra-affordable true wireless pair that focuses on delivering solid core audio and reliable Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for budget-minded buyers. With a compact 6mm driver, IPX4 sweat resistance, and a pocketable charging case, it covers the essentials without extra frills like ANC or wireless charging. While its sound and value earn praise, its short per-charge runtime and basic feature set keep expectations firmly in entry-level territory.

  • Pro:Very low price for a complete TWS setup
  • Pro:Balanced bass-forward sound for the cost
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
  • Con:Only 4 hours per charge, requiring frequent case top-ups
  • Con:Single mic struggles with voice clarity on calls
  • Con:No aptX or advanced codecs, limiting hi-res potential

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonNothing CMF Buds NeoQCY T1C