CMF Buds Neo earbuds have emerged as a surprisingly capable budget option after a hands-on test of Nothing’s latest low-cost audio product.
Launched last month at $25, the earbuds promise a substantial feature set for the price, including up to 52 hours of battery life, active noise cancellation, dual-device connectivity and support for the Nothing X app.
They are also available in bright colour options, with users able to adjust their sound through the app’s equaliser presets. In everyday use, however, their strengths and limitations become clear.
The CMF Buds Neo produce sound that is more than adequate for their price, although the default tuning can feel slightly hollow. Reducing the bass enhancement improves the balance, while voices and spoken-word content such as podcasts come through particularly well.
Music performance is less impressive than on Nothing’s more expensive Ear (3a) model, but the difference is not as dramatic as the price gap might suggest. For listeners seeking an affordable pair for general use, the audio quality should be sufficient.
The cost-cutting is more obvious in the construction. Both the charging case and the earbuds have a distinctly inexpensive feel, despite the case’s attractive appearance. The earbuds nevertheless fit securely and remained comfortable during several hours of use.
The touch controls respond reliably, although play and pause is not assigned by default. The earbuds also appeared to lose their connection to a Fold 8 sooner than other recently tested models, suggesting that wireless range may be one of the compromises involved in keeping the price down.
Some of the case’s physical details are better considered. Its magnets hold the earbuds firmly, the hinge has a satisfying movement and a lanyard hole is built into a rotating corner section.
There is no dedicated pairing button on the case, which can make reconnecting the earbuds less convenient. Google Fast Pair is supported, although the on-screen prompt for the blue version reportedly identifies the product simply as “blue” and does not display an image of the earbuds.
Despite those shortcomings, the CMF Buds Neo deliver the essentials: respectable sound, useful connectivity features and a comfortable fit at a very low price. They could appeal to buyers wanting a spare pair for a bag or bedside table, as well as anyone looking for an inexpensive everyday set of wireless earbuds.
