Nothing’s new CMF earbuds provide noise cancellation at a price point similar to that of Apple’s wired EarPods.

Nothing’s new CMF earbuds provide noise cancellation at a price point similar to that of Apple’s wired EarPods.

      CMF's most affordable earbuds yet introduce ANC and spatial audio to the budget segment.

      CMF by Nothing

      While CMF abandoned plans for another low-cost smartphone this year due to rising component costs from the ongoing memory shortage, the Nothing sub-brand has found a way to offer a more economical product elsewhere. It has launched the Buds Neo, its least expensive wireless earbuds to date, priced surprisingly close to Apple's wired EarPods.

      The CMF Buds Neo are being released in India at ₹1,999 (~$21). For context, Apple's USB-C EarPods are still available for $19 in the U.S. CMF presents a fully wireless option at this similar price point, featuring active noise cancellation, spatial audio, app controls, and a charging case.

      However, there's one drawback for U.S. customers: CMF has not announced the Buds Neo for the American market.

      CMF has included a lot in its budget earbuds

      Each Buds Neo earbud is equipped with a 12.4mm dynamic driver featuring a titanium-coated PET dome, along with CMF's Bass Enhancement feature for those seeking more bass. Additionally, there are six EQ presets and a customizable EQ accessible via the Nothing X app.

      The key highlight at this price range is active noise cancellation. CMF claims that the earbuds can deliver up to 35dB of ANC, with three adjustable levels and an Adaptive ANC mode that adjusts automatically according to the environment.

      CMF by Nothing

      Static spatial audio is also offered, creating an expansive sound field around the listener. Although it doesn’t track head movement like more advanced spatial audio systems found in pricier earbuds, its inclusion in CMF's lineup is still noteworthy. Four built-in microphones are used for calls, while CMF’s Clear Voice Technology aims to enhance voice clarity in noisy environments.

      It's unfortunate that they aren't available for purchase in the U.S.

      Battery performance is another strong feature. CMF claims the Buds Neo can provide up to 11 hours of usage from the earbuds alone and 52 hours with the charging case when ANC is turned off. With ANC enabled, total listening time drops to 30 hours, and a quick 10-minute charge can add an extra 5.5 hours of playtime.

      CMF by Nothing

      The charging case has a playful design, featuring a square shape with a contrasting circular dial and a built-in lanyard hole. However, unlike the Smart Dial on the CMF Clip Pro, there is no indication that this dial manages playback or volume levels. The Buds Neo will be available for purchase in India starting August 26 in Black, White, and Dark Blue. It remains unclear whether CMF intends to launch them in the U.S.

      If they do become available, they will likely fit beneath the CMF Buds 2a, which are currently priced at $24.65. Given that Apple still charges $19 for a wired pair of USB-C EarPods, CMF offering ANC-enabled wireless earbuds in a similar price range would make the Buds Neo an intriguing budget-friendly option.

Nothing’s new CMF earbuds provide noise cancellation at a price point similar to that of Apple’s wired EarPods. Nothing’s new CMF earbuds provide noise cancellation at a price point similar to that of Apple’s wired EarPods. Nothing’s new CMF earbuds provide noise cancellation at a price point similar to that of Apple’s wired EarPods. Nothing’s new CMF earbuds provide noise cancellation at a price point similar to that of Apple’s wired EarPods. Nothing’s new CMF earbuds provide noise cancellation at a price point similar to that of Apple’s wired EarPods. Nothing’s new CMF earbuds provide noise cancellation at a price point similar to that of Apple’s wired EarPods. Nothing’s new CMF earbuds provide noise cancellation at a price point similar to that of Apple’s wired EarPods.

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Nothing’s new CMF earbuds provide noise cancellation at a price point similar to that of Apple’s wired EarPods.

CMF has introduced its most affordable earbuds to date, featuring ANC, spatial audio, and extended battery life, but U.S. consumers currently do not have access to them.