Introduction
Nothing’s sub-brand CMF has rolled out its first over-ear headphones, the CMF Headphone Pro, packing premium-level features for just $99. With a modular design, long-lasting battery, and high-end audio tech, these headphones are set to shake up the budget audio market.
Design and Build
The CMF Headphone Pro stays true to the brand’s style—colorful, customizable, and comfortable. Unlike the sharp, retro-futuristic look of Nothing’s Headphone (1), this model goes for a softer, rounded design with plush padding for comfort.
The oversized, playful look comes with a mix of matte and glossy finishes, while the drivers use nickel-plated diaphragms and a dual-chamber setup for better sound performance.
Modular Customization
A big highlight is the swappable ear cushions. The base headphones come in Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Light Green, with extra cushions in Orange and Light Green sold separately. With mix-and-match options, users can create over ten different style combos.
Controls and Features
The Headphone Pro ditches finicky touch controls for a tactile setup:
- Roller Dial – Adjust volume, play/pause, or toggle ANC
- Energy Slider – Fine-tune bass and treble on the fly
- Custom Button – Assignable for AI assistants, Spatial Audio, or mic mute
This hands-on control scheme offers more reliability than touch panels.
Audio Performance
- 40mm Custom Drivers with nickel-plated diaphragms
- 16.5mm Copper Voice Coil for punchy bass
- Dual-Chamber Design for clarity and depth
- 20Hz–20kHz frequency response
- Hi-Res Audio certification (wired + wireless)
Codec Support
- LDAC for high-bitrate wireless streaming
- SBC for standard Bluetooth playback
Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.4 with improved stability
- Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair
- Dual Device Connection
- USB-C for charging and wired listening
Noise Cancellation
The CMF Headphone Pro brings 40dB Hybrid Adaptive ANC, on par with Nothing’s premium model. It includes:
- Triple mics with ENC
- Adaptive ANC that adjusts to surroundings
- Three ANC modes (strong, moderate, light)
- Transparency Mode for hearing the outside world
Audio Enhancements
- Personal Sound Profiles powered by Audiodo
- Spatial Audio with Cinema and Concert modes
- Low Latency Mode under 120ms for gaming
- In-ear detection for auto play/pause
Battery Life
The battery performance is a standout:
- 100 hours without ANC
- 50 hours with ANC
- 50 hours talk time
- Quick charge: 5 minutes = 4–5 hours of playback
- Full charge in ~2 hours
- Reverse charging from supported smartphones
Pricing and Availability
- US: $99 (~₹8,785)
- UK: £79 (~₹9,420)
- EU: €99 (~₹10,000)
Release Dates:
- UK & EU – September 28, 2025
- US – October 7, 2025
- Extra cushions – $25 / £19 / €25
India Launch
Confirmed for late 2025, but pricing details aren’t out yet. CMF seems to be waiting to position it properly in the price-sensitive Indian market.
Competition and Market Position
At under $100, the CMF Headphone Pro competes with brands like Anker Soundcore and JLab, but it offers features usually found on headphones costing two to three times more.
Advantages:
- Premium features at a budget price
- 100-hour battery life
- Modular swappable cushions
- Physical controls instead of only touch
- Hi-Res Audio & LDAC support
Build Quality
The headphones weigh 283g, have IPX2 water resistance, and use durable materials with soft-touch finishes and solid metal connectors.
App Support
Through the Nothing X app, users can:
- Remap buttons
- Adjust EQ and sound profiles
- Switch ANC modes
- Set up ChatGPT integration
- Save personal sound profiles directly on the headphones
Final Thoughts
The CMF Headphone Pro looks like a serious game-changer in the budget headphone scene. With its modular design, long-lasting battery, and flagship-level features, it sets a new bar for what $99 headphones can deliver.
For India, the late 2025 launch suggests CMF is carefully planning pricing before release. If it hits the sweet spot, this could easily become one of the most popular budget over-ear headphones worldwide.