If nothing else, Nothing’s budget-friendly CMF sub-brand has proven that you don’t have to pay more for good tech. Since launching in 2023, the company has been subverting our expectations of premium quality with its sub-$200 smartphones and $100 smartwatches. Now, it enters the world of over-ear monitors with the Headphone Pro, launching at just $84 and featuring the design language we’ve come to adore from the burgeoning tech brand.
From Earbuds to Over-Ears
What started as a design-focused venture (the name literally stands for Color, Material, and Finish) has evolved from wireless earbuds into a full-fledged audio ecosystem. While the Headphone Pro are the brand’s first foray into over-ear territory, it borrows heavily from its parent company’s playbook. Nothing’s own Headphone (1) from earlier this year introduced the multi-function roller control that CMF has adapted here, but where Nothing went angular and polarizing with its design, CMF opts for soft curves and rounded ear cups.
The modular philosophy that defined the CMF Phone 1 carries over here too. Twist-off ear cushions come standard, with replacement pads available in bright orange and light green for around $25. It’s a fun way to personalize but also gives these headphones a longer shelf life than most budget options where cushion deterioration means you have to replace the entire unit.
Tactile Touch
Going against the touch panel trend, CMF leans into tactile controls. The multi-function roller can adjust volume and handle playback and mode switching in an intuitive way. Then there’s the Energy Slider, a physical control that adjusts bass and treble emphasis without you needing to use the app. Slide up for brighter highs, down for deeper lows. There’s also a customizable button that can launch ChatGPT, toggle spatial audio, or trigger voice notes on Nothing OS devices.
The Tech Breakdown
CMF isn’t cutting corners on the internals despite the price tag. The 40mm dynamic drivers feature nickel-plated diaphragms with a 16.5mm copper coil in a dual-chamber setup, targeting reduced distortion and a wider soundstage. They’re Hi-Res Audio certified with LDAC support for high-bitrate wireless streaming, though there’s also a 3.5mm wired option included. Audiodo’s Personal Sound feature tailors EQ based on your hearing profile, while hybrid adaptive ANC promises up to 40dB reduction that automatically adjusts to your environment across three modes.
Battery life is where these shine. With ANC off, you’re looking at up to 100 hours of playback. Even with noise cancellation active, CMF claims 50 hours. A 5-minute charge delivers 4 hours of listening, and you can charge directly from your smartphone via USB-C if needed.
Connectivity covers Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint pairing, Google Fast Pair for Android, Swift Pair for Windows, and full iOS support. Call quality gets a boost from AI noise reduction across five total microphones with a three-mic ENC architecture.
Spec Sheet
Model: CMF Headphone Pro
Drivers: 40mm dynamic with nickel-plated diaphragm
Battery Life: 100 hours (standard), 50 hours (ANC)
ANC: Hybrid adaptive, up to 40dB reduction
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint pairing
Water Resistance: IPX2
Weight: 10oz (headphones), 1.59oz (cushions)
Colors: Dark Grey, Light Grey, Light Green
Price: $84
Pricing & Availability
The CMF Headphone Pro is available now overseas but won’t be shipped to U.S. customers until October 7. It’s priced at $84, with replacement ear cushions running $25.
Recap
CMF Headphone Pro
CMF just dropped its first over-ear headphones for $84, and they’re packed with features you’d expect from way pricier cans like 100-hour battery life, adaptive ANC, swappable ear cushions, and physical controls.
