True Wireless
Nothing CMF Buds Neo
84Outstanding
$22
Full review dataNothing CMF Buds Neo vs QCY T3/ Xiaomi T3: 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.
True Wireless
QCY T3/ Xiaomi T3
50Average
$22
Full review dataScore 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 T3/ Xiaomi T3
HearWiki score
84
50
Sound
7.4
6.3
Noise cancelling
7.8
-
Battery
9.0
5.1
Calls
7.8
6.9
Value
9.8
5.7
Price (USD)
$22
$22
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 T3/ Xiaomi T3 (2019). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.
- CMF Buds Neo20267 yr newer
- T3/ Xiaomi T32019
What differsCMF Buds NeoT3/ Xiaomi T3
- ANC type
- Adaptive
- None
- USB-C
- Yes
- No
Platform
Everyday features
Specifications
CMF Buds NeoT3/ Xiaomi T3
- Type
- True Wireless
- True Wireless
- Price (USD)
- $22
- $22
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 50
- Released
- 2026
- 2019
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- 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
- Impedance
- -
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 102 dB/mW
- Bluetooth
- -
- 5.0
- Codecs
- -
- SBC, AAC
- Multipoint pairing
- -
- No
- Battery life
- 11 h
- 5 h
- Battery incl. case
- 52 h
- 25 h
- Full charge time
- 10 min
- 75 min
- Quick charge
- 10 min → 5.5 h
- 7 min → 1 h
- Wireless charging
- -
- No
- Active noise cancelling
- Yes
- No
- ANC type
- adaptive
- -
- Companion app
- Yes
- -
- Custom EQ
- Yes
- -
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- touch
- Water resistance
- -
- IP65
- USB-C
- Yes
- No
- Microphones
- 4
- 2
- Call noise reduction
- Yes
- Yes
- Call NR technology
- -
- noise-cancelling mic
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 T3/ Xiaomi T3
The QCY T3 (also sold as the Xiaomi T3) is a budget-friendly true wireless earbud with a semi-in-ear design and solid battery life, offering around five hours per charge and 25 hours with the case. It delivers clear calls and decent performance for the price, though its sound tuning is unremarkable and fit can be tricky. With touch controls, IP65 water resistance, and AAC support, it’s a practical everyday option rather than an audiophile pick.
- Pro:Comfortable semi-in-ear fit
- Pro:Good battery life with case (25 hours total)
- Pro:Clear call quality with dual mics
- Con:Sound quality is average with weak bass and detail
- Con:Sensitive touch controls can trigger accidentally
- Con:Loose ear tips may need adjustment for secure fit
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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