While CMF scrapped plans for another affordable smartphone this year as the ongoing memory crunch pushed component costs higher, the Nothing sub-brand has managed to go cheaper somewhere else. It has launched the Buds Neo, its most affordable wireless earbuds yet, and the price puts them surprisingly close to Apple’s wired EarPods.
The CMF Buds Neo launch in India for ₹1,999 (~$21). For comparison, Apple still sells its USB-C EarPods for $19 in the U.S. CMF is offering a completely wireless pair of earbuds around the same general price bracket, complete with active noise cancellation, spatial audio, app controls, and a charging case.
There is only one catch for U.S. buyers. CMF hasn’t announced the Buds Neo for America.
CMF packed a lot into its cheapest earbuds
Each Buds Neo earbud uses a 12.4mm dynamic driver with a titanium-coated PET dome, paired with CMF’s Bass Enhancement feature for listeners who want more low-end punch. There are also six EQ presets and a custom EQ available through the Nothing X app.
The standout feature at this price is active noise cancellation. CMF is promising up to 35dB of ANC, with three selectable levels and an Adaptive ANC mode that automatically adjusts as your surroundings change.
Static spatial audio is included too, creating a wider sound field around the listener. It doesn’t track your head like the more advanced spatial audio systems found on expensive earbuds, but seeing the feature this far down CMF’s lineup is still notable. Four built-in microphones handle calls, while CMF’s Clear Voice Technology is designed to keep speech clearer when there is noise around you.
Too bad you can’t buy them in the U.S.
Battery life is another strong point. CMF rates the Buds Neo for up to 11 hours from the earbuds and 52 hours with the case when ANC is switched off. Keeping ANC enabled brings total listening time down to 30 hours, while a 10-minute charge can add another 5.5 hours.
The case also gets CMF’s usual playful treatment, pairing a square shape with a contrasting circular dial and a built-in lanyard hole. Unlike the Smart Dial on the CMF Clip Pro, however, CMF doesn’t say this dial controls playback or volume. The Buds Neo go on sale in India on August 26 in Black, White, and Dark Blue. It is currently unclear whether CMF plans to bring them to the U.S.
If they do arrive, they should slot underneath the CMF Buds 2a, which are currently selling for $24.65. Considering Apple still charges $19 for a wired pair of USB-C EarPods, CMF bringing ANC-equipped wireless earbuds anywhere near that price would make the Buds Neo a very interesting budget option.