CMF by Nothing released the Buds Neo, its entry-level wireless earbuds, on October 12 at a price of 3,800 yen, according to ASCII.jp. The London brand's budget sub-label has packed the model with a 12.4mm dynamic driver, noise cancelling rated at up to 35dB, and spatial audio support. ASCII.jp reviewed the product and described the price as one that made its reviewer look twice.
The earbuds connect over Bluetooth 6.0 and can pair with two devices at once, such as a phone and a computer. Through the companion Nothing X app, users can choose from six sound presets and boost the low end. A low-latency mode cuts audio delay to 120ms, or 0.12 seconds, for video and gaming.
Why it matters
Cheap wireless earbuds are now easy to find, but ASCII.jp notes that unfamiliar overseas brands often disappoint once buyers get them home, with flimsy construction or poor sound. The Buds Neo's pitch is that a shopper can spend very little and still get a product that feels dependable, with design and features that do not read as cut-rate.
That combination matters because noise cancelling and multi-device pairing have generally been reserved for more expensive models. A 3,800 yen pair that offers both, from a brand tied to Nothing's design reputation, lowers the entry point for buyers who want everyday earbuds without research or risk.
What the review found
ASCII.jp's review framed the Buds Neo around three selling points. The first is sound that the reviewer found punchy for the money. The second is noise cancelling and call performance pitched at the right level for daily use. The third is styling and battery life that the reviewer said do not look like corners cut to hit a low price.
The app adds room to adjust the listening experience. Six presets cover different tastes, and a bass emphasis option is available for those who want more low end. The low-latency mode targets people who watch video or play games on their phone and do not want sound trailing the picture.
Dual-device connection is a practical detail for anyone moving between a handset and a laptop during the day. Bluetooth 6.0 is the newer version of the wireless standard, and its inclusion at this price is notable.
The sub-brand angle
CMF by Nothing operates as a lower-cost line beneath Nothing, the London company known for distinctive design. ASCII.jp describes CMF as the sub-brand through which Nothing reaches budget buyers, and the Buds Neo as its entry model.
The reviewer's conclusion was aimed at a specific shopper: someone who wants a wireless earbud they can use without worry. For that buyer, ASCII.jp said the Buds Neo is worth checking.
Nothing has not indicated what comes next for the CMF line. Buyers weighing the Buds Neo against other budget earbuds should watch for independent testing of its noise cancelling and call quality, the two areas where low-cost models most often fall short.
