Headphones CMF Buds Neo are presented – ANC, Bluetooth 6.0 and 52 hours of operation for $21

CMF, the budget subbrand Nothing, has launched the Buds Neo wireless earbuds. Despite being the most affordable model in the lineup, the new device features active noise cancellation, spatial audio, simultaneous connection to two devices, and significantly improved battery life.

Design

The case retained the characteristic square shape with rounded corners of CMF, but received a two-tone design and a large circular element on the body. There is also a hole for the strap.

At the same time, CMF does not claim playback or volume control functions for the round element. All customizable commands in the official feature list relate to touch control of the headphones themselves.

Three color options are available: Black, White, and Dark Blue. In the most vibrant versions, contrasting colors are used for the body, ear pads, and individual case elements.

Sound and noise cancellation

CMF Buds Neo are equipped with 12.4-mm dynamic drivers. Their design includes a dome made of PET with a titanium coating and a suspension system combining PEEK and polyurethane. The manufacturer promises deeper low frequencies without noticeable loss of vocal detail and high-range clarity.

The headphones support only AAC and SBC codecs – the budget model does not support LDAC or LHDC. However, static spatial audio is supported. We are specifically referring to the extended soundstage effect, not a head-tracking system.

The Nothing X app offers six ready-made equalizer profiles: Immersion Boost, Pop, Rock, Electronic, Enhance Vocals, and Classical. You can set up a custom equalizer and separately boost the low frequencies. Bass Enhancement has three settings: off, 50%, and 100%.

Active noise cancellation system can attenuate external noise by up to 35 dB. The user can select one of three ANC levels or activate adaptive mode, which automatically adjusts noise cancellation intensity based on the environment. There is also a transparency mode.

Four HD microphones are used for calls – two in each earbud. The Clear Voice Technology algorithm is responsible for suppressing ambient noise and isolating the speaker’s voice.

Battery life

Each earbud is equipped with a 45 мА·ч battery, and the charging case contains a 460 мА·ч battery.

Without ANC, Buds Neo work for up to 11 hours on a single charge and up to 52 hours with the case. With noise cancellation enabled, the figures drop to 8 and 30 hours respectively.

Fast charging allows up to 5.5 hours of playback after just 10 minutes of connection to a power source. Full charging via USB-C takes about 70 minutes.

For comparison, the older CMF Buds 2a work up to 8 hours independently and up to 35.5 hours with the case. In other words, the main advantage of Neo was precisely its autonomy.

Connection and additional features

CMF Buds Neo received Bluetooth 6.0 and support simultaneous connection to two devices. Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair are provided for quick pairing.

Through Nothing X, you can remap touch controls, adjust ANC parameters, configure the equalizer, and activate game mode. The minimum stated latency is 120 ms.

Smartphones and tablets with Android 6.0 and later are supported, as well as devices with iOS 13 and newer system versions.

The headphones themselves are protected against dust and water to the IP54 standard. The charging case has noticeably modest protection – IPX2.

Differences from Buds 2a

Despite positioning Neo as a new entry point into the CMF ecosystem, in some aspects they do not surpass Buds 2a.

Buds 2a offer more powerful advertised noise cancellation – up to 42 dB compared to 35 dB for Neo. Both models feature 12.4-mm speakers, four microphones, and support for AAC and SBC.

However, the Buds Neo significantly outperform in battery life: 52 hours versus 35.5 hours with the case and 11 hours versus 8 hours directly from the earbuds. Additionally, the new model received Bluetooth 6.0 instead of Bluetooth 5.4 and support for spatial audio.

Interestingly, the actual price difference between models is now practically non-existent. Buds Neo is priced at ₹1999, while Buds 2a are already being sold in Indian stores in August for approximately ₹1899-1999.

Price and start of sales

CMF Buds Neo are priced at ₹1999 – at the current exchange rate, this is approximately $21. The manufacturer calls this cost a special introductory price, so it may change later.

Sales in India will begin on August 26, 2026 via Flipkart, Croma, Reliance Digital, and Vijay Sales. The company has not yet disclosed information about the cost and release dates for CMF Buds Neo in other countries.