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Nothing CMF Buds Neo vs TOZO Crystal Buds: 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
  • TOZO Crystal Buds
HearWiki score
84
72
Sound
7.4
7.4
Noise cancelling
7.8
-
Battery
9.0
7.2
Calls
7.8
3.0
Value
9.8
8.2
Price (USD)
$22
$32

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

  • CMF Buds Neo20263 yr newer
  • Crystal Buds2023
What differsCMF Buds NeoCrystal Buds

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Level on: USB-C.

Specifications

CMF Buds NeoCrystal Buds
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$22
$32
HearWiki score
84
72
Released
2026
2023
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
Impedance
-
16 Ω
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
11 h
9 h
Battery incl. case
52 h
40 h
Full charge time
10 min
120 min
Quick charge
10 min → 5.5 h
-
Wireless charging
-
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
none
Companion app
Yes
-
Custom EQ
Yes
-
Water resistance
-
IPX8
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
4
4
Call noise reduction
Yes
Yes
Call NR technology
-
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

TOZO Crystal Buds

The TOZO Crystal Buds are a budget-friendly true wireless option that focuses on delivering a clear, natural sound with less exaggerated bass than many rivals. They offer a long battery life, strong water resistance, and useful app support, making them a solid pick for everyday use, though their call quality is a notable weak point.

  • Pro:Crisp and natural sound signature
  • Pro:Excellent IPX8 water resistance
  • Pro:Long battery life with charging case
  • Con:Below-average phone call performance
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Basic codec support without aptX or LDAC

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

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