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Nothing CMF Buds Neo vs Xiaomi POCO Pods: 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
  • Xiaomi POCO Pods
HearWiki score
84
60
Sound
7.4
4.9
Noise cancelling
7.8
-
Battery
9.0
4.9
Calls
7.8
5.4
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?

Same generation

The Nothing CMF Buds Neo is 4 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Nothing CMF Buds Neo adds Custom EQ. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • CMF Buds Neo20264 yr newer
  • POCO Pods2022
What differsCMF Buds NeoPOCO Pods

Everyday features

Custom EQ
Yes
No

Level on: USB-C, Companion app.

Specifications

CMF Buds NeoPOCO Pods
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$22
$20
HearWiki score
84
60
Released
2026
2022
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
12.4 mm dynamic
12 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
12.4 mm
12 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC
Multipoint pairing
-
No
Latency
-
60 ms
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
11 h
30 h
Battery incl. case
52 h
-
Full charge time
10 min
90 min
Quick charge
10 min → 5.5 h
10 min → 1.5 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
touch
Weight
-
3.6 g
Case weight
-
34.7 g
Water resistance
-
IPX4
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
4
1
Microphone type
-
MEMS
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

Xiaomi POCO Pods

The Xiaomi POCO Pods are an ultra-affordable pair of true wireless earbuds that prioritize energetic sound and a secure, comfortable fit over premium extras. They pack active noise cancellation, a compact design, and a long total battery life into a very budget-friendly package, making them a solid pick for cost-conscious buyers. While they lack some frills like wireless charging or multipoint, they deliver a punchy and practical everyday listening experience for the price.

  • Pro:Energetic, punchy sound for the price
  • Pro:Comfortable and secure in-ear fit
  • Pro:Effective active noise cancellation at this level
  • Con:Limited to SBC codec only
  • Con:No wireless charging or multipoint support
  • Con:Basic customization options without an EQ

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 NeoXiaomi POCO Pods