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Nothing CMF Buds Neo vs SoundPEATS Sonic: 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
  • SoundPEATS Sonic
HearWiki score
84
61
Sound
7.4
6.4
Noise cancelling
7.8
-
Battery
9.0
8.4
Calls
7.8
6.3
Value
9.8
-
Price (USD)
$22
$30

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 SoundPEATS Sonic (2021). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • CMF Buds Neo20265 yr newer
  • Sonic2021
What differsCMF Buds NeoSonic

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

Custom EQ
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No

Level on: USB-C.

Specifications

CMF Buds NeoSonic
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$22
$30
HearWiki score
84
61
Released
2026
2021
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
-
94 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.2
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
Multipoint pairing
-
No
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
11 h
15 h
Battery incl. case
52 h
35 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
No
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
buttons
Case weight
-
47.5 g
Water resistance
-
IPX5
Detachable cable
-
No
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
4
2
Call noise reduction
Yes
Yes
Call NR technology
-
cVc 8.0

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

SoundPEATS Sonic

The SoundPEATS Sonic true wireless earbuds prioritize long battery life and a polished design at a budget-friendly price. They deliver solid call quality and decent audio for video playback, though the sound signature could be more refined for critical listening. With up to 15 hours per charge, they are a strong option for users who value endurance over advanced features.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life per charge
  • Pro:Premium-looking build for the price
  • Pro:Reliable call quality
  • Con:Sound lacks refinement
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No app support or EQ customization

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 NeoSoundPEATS Sonic