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Nothing CMF Buds Neo vs Tiso i4: 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
  • Tiso i4
HearWiki score
84
41
Sound
7.4
5.8
Noise cancelling
7.8
-
Battery
9.0
2.5
Calls
7.8
4.6
Value
9.8
-
Price (USD)
$22
$20

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 Tiso i4 (2019). The Nothing CMF Buds Neo edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C, Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • CMF Buds Neo20267 yr newer
  • i42019
What differsCMF Buds Neoi4

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No

Specifications

CMF Buds Neoi4
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$22
$20
HearWiki score
84
41
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
Sensitivity
-
108 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.0
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
-
No
Battery life
11 h
4 h
Battery incl. case
52 h
24 h
Full charge time
10 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
Water resistance
-
IPX5
USB-C
Yes
No
Microphones
4
-
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

Tiso i4

The Tiso i4 is an ultra-affordable true wireless earphone aimed squarely at bass enthusiasts, delivering a punchy and engaging sound when played at higher volumes. While it doesn't shine for calls, gaming, or quiet listening, its low price makes it a solid pick for those prioritizing a fun, bass-heavy signature. It offers basic wireless functionality with a compact 6mm driver and IPX5 water resistance.

  • Pro:Very affordable price point
  • Pro:Strong bass-forward sound at higher volumes
  • Pro:IPX5 water resistance
  • Con:Not ideal for calls or gaming
  • Con:Sound quality suffers at low volumes
  • Con:No ANC, transparency mode, or app 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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