CMF by Nothing has expanded its Malaysian audio range with two very different pairs of wireless earbuds. The CMF Buds Neo costs RM129 and follows a conventional in-ear design with active noise cancellation, while the RM359 CMF Clip Pro keeps the ear canal open for greater awareness of the wearer’s surroundings.
Both models are available through Nothing’s Malaysian website, official online stores, the Nothing Image Store and authorised retailers including TMT and Urban Republic. Buds Neo comes in Black, White and Dark Blue, while Clip Pro is offered in Dark Grey, Light Grey and Coral.
Buds Neo puts ANC at the lower price
The Buds Neo uses 12.4mm dynamic drivers with a titanium-coated PET dome and supports static spatial audio. Its hybrid active noise cancellation is rated to reduce ambient noise by up to 35dB, with three manual levels and an adaptive mode. As with any manufacturer ANC figure, real-world performance will depend on fit, ear shape and the type of surrounding noise.
CMF claims up to 11 hours of playback from the earbuds and 52 hours with the case when ANC is disabled. With ANC enabled, those figures fall to eight hours and 30 hours respectively. A 10-minute USB-C charge is rated to provide up to 5.5 hours of listening.
The charging case includes CMF’s familiar circular dial, but on Buds Neo it is a mechanical fidget element and lanyard point rather than an electronic control. Playback and noise controls are handled through touch sensors on the stems.
Clip Pro is designed for open-ear listening
Clip Pro wraps around the outer ear using a three-point structure built around an elastic titanium wire core. Each earpiece weighs 5.92g and carries an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, making it more suitable for exercise and commuting than situations where strong isolation is required.
Its 10.8mm dual-magnet driver works with CMF’s Ultra Bass processing to compensate for the bass leakage common to open-ear designs. LDAC, AAC and SBC codecs are supported, along with Bluetooth 5.4, dual-device pairing and a low-latency mode.
Unlike Buds Neo, the Clip Pro case has a functional Smart Dial that can adjust volume, control playback, answer calls and start pairing. Battery life is rated at up to 10 hours per charge or 32.5 hours with the case, with four hours of playback claimed from a 10-minute charge.
Which one makes more sense?
Buds Neo is the obvious value choice for buyers who want isolation and ANC at the lowest price. Clip Pro costs considerably more, but its open-ear design is useful for runners, cyclists and commuters who need to hear traffic or announcements.
Neither model has been independently tested by KLGadgetGuy yet, so the quoted battery life, ANC and call-quality performance should be treated as CMF’s claims. The design choice is nevertheless clear: Buds Neo prioritises isolation, while Clip Pro prioritises awareness and comfort.
