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Nothing CMF Buds Neo vs Soundcore P20i: 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
  • Soundcore P20i
HearWiki score
84
66
Sound
7.4
5.2
Noise cancelling
7.8
-
Battery
9.0
7.5
Calls
7.8
4.7
Value
9.8
9.0
Price (USD)
$22
$21

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 Soundcore P20i (2023). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.

  • CMF Buds Neo20263 yr newer
  • P20i2023
What differsCMF Buds NeoP20i

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

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

Specifications

CMF Buds NeoP20i
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$22
$21
HearWiki score
84
66
Released
2026
2023
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
12.4 mm dynamic
2× 10 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
12.4 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
-
16 Ω
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
11 h
10 h
Battery incl. case
52 h
30 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
No
ANC type
adaptive
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
touch
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
-
4.3 g
Case weight
-
47.6 g
Water resistance
-
IPX5
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
4
2
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

Soundcore P20i

The Soundcore P20i is an affordable true wireless earbud that prioritizes core essentials over extra features, delivering a bass-forward sound profile that suits casual listening. With a solid 10-hour single charge, Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint support, and an IPX5 rating, it offers practical everyday usability for budget-conscious buyers. Its compact, lightweight design and touch controls make it a dependable choice for workouts or commutes.

  • Pro:Strong battery life with 30 total hours via case
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless device switching
  • Pro:IPX5 water resistance for sweat and light rain
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:Sound quality leans bass-heavy, not neutral
  • Con:No wireless charging support

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

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