CMF Buds Neo review: Bold design and big sound on a budget?

New Delhi [India], August 23 (ANI): I’ve been testing the new CMF Buds Neo for over a week now, and I think they are the most accessible yet solid option by the brand. I liked the fact they are trying to focus on what matters most for daily use, like clear sound, practical features, and reliability, all wrapped up in that undeniable CMF visual flair.
Let me tell you all about these newly launched buds and help you decide if they make any sense to you.
Signature Minimalism Meets Everyday Utility:
Most of the earbuds that I’ve tried have these generic oval cases, so I liked the fact that the Buds Neo features a square form factor with a contrasting circular dial. In fact, the dual-tone aesthetic looks great. There is also a tactile finish on the dial, which is oddly satisfying to interact with when I’m just holding the case. Plus, they’ve added a lanyard hole to let me attach it to a bag when I’m on the move. They are IP54 rated, so no need to baby these either. Even the charging case is IPX2 protected, which is exactly the kind of durability I need for daily usage.

Image courtesy: CMF
12.4mm Drivers and Expansive Soundscapes:
I also admire the audio architecture which is driven by a custom 12.4mm dynamic driver built with a titanium-coated PET dome and a flexible PEEK and PU surround. In practice, this moves a serious amount of air, which helps in delivering deep, authoritative bass while keeping vocals clear. I can fine-tune everything using the Nothing X app. There are six professionally tuned presets with a multi-level bass enhancement toggle. But the real surprise for me was the static spatial audio. I recently fired up the Michael biopic to test the sound design, and the way these earbuds simulated a broad, lifelike, multidirectional sound field made the cinematic experience feel immersive.
Tuning Out the World with Adaptive ANC:
The Buds Neo comes with up to 35 dB of ANC. I could cycle through three manual levels or just let the adaptive mode automatically balance the attenuation as my surroundings change. There are four HD mics with clear voice technology. Though they are not as good as the premium buds that I’m using right now, I had no major problem while attending calls with some background noise.

Image courtesy: CMF
Unplug and Play:
This is where you’ll really appreciate the CMF Buds Neo, as I could get more than 50 hours of total playback with ANC turned off. I could enjoy my music for over 10 hours on a single stretch without ANC and close to eight hours with ANC. Plus, a 10-minute charge gave me five hours of playback without ANC. Total charging time is a little over an hour, and this one is powered by Bluetooth 6.0, so no problem with dual-device connections at all.
In The End:
The CMF Buds Neo is definitely one of the best budget options I tried recently. I get a reliable, stylish, and feature-rich audio experience without breaking the bank. Between the excellent battery life, surprisingly effective 35 dB adaptive ANC, and that dual-tone design, it is hard to find much fault here. If you are looking for an everyday pair of earbuds to bridge the gap between bold aesthetics and daily performance, the CMF Buds Neo is a pretty good choice that you can consider. It is available at an exclusive launch price of Rs 1,999 starting 26 August 2026 on Flipkart, Croma, Reliance Digital, and Vijay Sales.
My Rating: 4/5
(Disclaimer: The author is an expert in the fields of consumer technology, lifestyle, and auto. Views shared here are personal)