1 week ago
CMF Buds Neo Review: Affordable ANC Earbuds With Few Compromises
The CMF Buds Neo are wireless earbuds that cost Rs.
1,999.
They can reduce outside sounds using noise cancellation.
Their sound has strong bass but vocals and other sounds remain clear.
You can change the sound and controls using the Nothing X app.
The earbuds fit securely during workouts and resist sweat and light rain.
Their batteries can last a long time, especially when using the charging case.
They also work well for phone calls and can connect to two devices.
However, they do not pause music automatically when removed and do not support advanced high-quality audio codecs.
Priced at Rs. 1,999, the CMF Buds Neo offers ANC, a 12.4mm driver, and up to 52 hours of total battery life.
The earbuds deliver balanced, bass-forward sound with six EQ presets, custom EQ controls, and Ultra Bass Technology.
Its 35dB ANC is effective against steady noise, while four microphones provide clear call quality in moderate background noise.
Battery life reached close to the claimed figures, with fast charging providing about 5.5 hours of playback after 10 minutes.
The main compromises are the lack of wear detection and support for only AAC and SBC codecs.
- Who
- CMF by Nothing launched the CMF Buds Neo.
- What
- The company launched affordable true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, long battery life, and app-based customization.
- Where
- The reviewer used them during commutes, calls, workouts, and indoor and outdoor listening; a specific location is not stated.
- When
- The review tested the earbuds over a few days; the launch date is not stated.
- Why
- The earbuds are positioned as an affordable option for first-time ANC buyers, students, commuters, and budget-conscious listeners.
Value and Performance Strengths
Feature and Performance Limitations
Sound quality
Value and Performance Strengths
The earbuds provide balanced, bass-forward sound, clear vocals, six EQ presets, custom EQ, and two levels of Ultra Bass Technology.
Feature and Performance Limitations
The earbuds support only AAC and SBC codecs, with no higher-bitrate option for listeners seeking lossless audio.
Noise cancellation
Value and Performance Strengths
The 35dB ANC effectively reduces fan, air-conditioner, and steady traffic noise, while Transparency mode remains usable.
Feature and Performance Limitations
ANC is less aggressive than more expensive earbuds and is weaker than the 42dB rating on the original CMF Buds.
Everyday convenience
Value and Performance Strengths
The earbuds fit securely during workouts, offer strong battery life, clear calls, dual-device connectivity, and fast charging.
Feature and Performance Limitations
There is no optical wear-detection sensor, so removing an earbud does not automatically pause playback; dual-device mode also causes a brief reboot when toggled.
Key facts
- Price
- Rs. 1,999
- Driver
- 12.4mm dynamic driver
- Noise cancellation
- Active Noise Cancellation rated up to 35dB, with three fixed levels and Adaptive mode
- Battery life
- Up to 11 hours per earbud and 52 hours including the case with ANC off
- Fast charging
- About 5.5 hours of playback after 10 minutes in the case without ANC
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth 6.0, dual-device connections, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair
- Durability
- IP54-rated earbuds and an IPX2-rated charging case
Sources
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