Just two years after launching its first earbuds, CMF by Nothing, a tech brand known for its design-focused approach, is expanding its audio offerings with the release of the CMF Headphone Pro. Priced under $100, these over-ear headphones offer a compelling combination of style, features, and affordability, positioning CMF as a noteworthy contender in a market largely controlled by established giants like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, and OnePlus.
Design and Style
The CMF Headphone Pro features a streamlined design, representing a departure from the aesthetic of the Nothing Headphones, which received positive reviews earlier this year. The headphones are available in three color options: dark gray, light gray, and light green, reflecting CMF’s focus on creating visually distinctive products. The ability to swap out ear pads allows for even greater personalization, letting users customize the look to suit their preferences.
Long-Lasting Battery and Quick Charging
A key feature of the CMF Headphone Pro is its exceptional battery life. The headphones offer up to 100 hours of playback on a single charge—equivalent to over four days of listening—or 50 hours of battery life for calls. Recognizing the inevitability of low battery situations, CMF has incorporated a quick-charge function, providing four hours of playback from just a five-minute charge. As an added convenience, the headphones can also be charged via a standard USB-C cable connected to a smartphone.
Audio Performance and Features
The CMF Headphone Pro boasts a range of specifications designed to deliver high-quality audio. Equipped with 40mm nickel-plated drivers, the headphones support Hi-Res and LDAC codecs, enabling high-fidelity wireless streaming at speeds up to 990kbps. Notably, an “Energy Slider” provides users with the ability to adjust the level of bass output to their preference. Additionally, the headphones incorporate an AI-powered shortcut, simplifying access to features such as ChatGPT, controlling listening modes, and managing the microphone.
A Rising Star in a Competitive Landscape
The rapid success of both Nothing and its sub-brand, CMF, is particularly impressive given the competitive nature of the tech market. Nothing achieved the status of the fastest-growing smartphone brand in India during 2024—a testament to its ability to resonate with consumers. As YouTuber Austin Evans of Overstock Media observed, Nothing and CMF have “really performed against the odds.” He praised the brands for consistently delivering “high-quality, unique phones and audio gear,” emphasizing that CMF’s “design-first company” approach results in “legitimately unique style that punches far above what you’d expect for the budget.”
The CMF Headphone Pro represents a significant step for the brand, demonstrating its commitment to providing stylish, feature-rich audio products at an accessible price point. It’s a clear indication that CMF is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the audio market.
