CMF Headphone Pro Review: Surprisingly Solid Sound for $99
The CMF Headphone Pro deliver a compelling audio experience at an impressively affordable price point, proving that excellent sound doesn’t always require a premium investment. As a sub-brand of Nothing, CMF is making waves by challenging expectations in the personal audio market, and the Headphone Pro represent a significant step forward in accessible, quality headphones.
A Bold Approach to Budget Audio
Nothing, known for its distinctive transparent designs and willingness to experiment, has extended its philosophy to CMF. The company isn’t afraid to “Try Things,” as one analyst noted, and this approach is evident in the Headphone Pro’s feature set and overall design. While the tech giant has seen mixed results with innovations like open-ear designs and ChatGPT integration in its earbuds, it has consistently excelled in the headphone category. The Headphone Pro, building on the success of the Headphone 1, aim to offer a similarly impressive experience at a more accessible price.
First Impressions: Build Quality and Aesthetics
Holding the CMF Headphone Pro, the first thing you’ll notice is a difference in build quality compared to the more expensive Headphone 1. This is understandable given the $200 price difference, and a compromise many consumers are willing to make. While the Headphone 1 “crush the design part of things” and are likely to turn heads, according to a user who’s worn them in public, the Headphone Pro have a distinct aesthetic of their own.
CMF offers a light green color option, paired with orange earcups, that stands out from the crowd. Adding to the headphones’ unique appeal, CMF allows users to purchase additional earcups in different colors, offering a degree of modularity that enhances longevity. Earcups are often the first component to deteriorate, and the ability to replace them easily is a significant advantage.
Sound Quality: Bass-Forward and Surprisingly Capable
Despite the lower price point, the CMF Headphone Pro deliver sound quality that exceeds expectations. While they don’t match the fidelity of the Nothing Headphone 1, they perform admirably across various genres. A reviewer found them particularly well-suited for electronic music, with the “round-sounding bass” complementing tracks from artists like Kitty Ray and Daft Punk.
However, the bass-heavy tuning isn’t ideal for all genres, proving less effective with grunge and folk music. Despite this, the headphones maintain a surprisingly wide soundstage, presenting guitars and other midrange frequencies with clarity. Utilizing the companion app, Nothing X, for a personalized hearing test improved vocal clarity, but didn’t entirely alter the overall tuning.
Features and Functionality: Hits and Misses
The CMF Headphone Pro retain some of the tactile features of the Headphone 1, including a roller for volume control and dedicated buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, and voice assistant activation. The inclusion of an “energy slider” to adjust the bass is a unique touch, though its usefulness is debatable given the already bass-heavy tuning. As one reviewer noted, “sliding that bad boy up definitely cranks the bass to 11,” but it may be redundant for many listeners.
The volume roller, while functional, feels cheaper than the one on the Headphone 1, lacking the satisfying “pop” of its more premium counterpart. Software features, including spatial audio modes, are a mixed bag. Concert Mode offers a negligible difference, while Cinema Mode actively degrades the audio quality, sounding as if you’re “watching the show inside a person-sized tin can.”
Battery Life and ANC: Impressive Performance
One of the standout features of the CMF Headphone Pro is their exceptional battery life. CMF claims up to 50 hours of playback with ANC enabled and a staggering 100 hours with ANC off. Testing confirmed these estimates, with the headphones maintaining a 30% charge after two hours of continuous use at 75% volume with ANC activated.
The active noise cancellation (ANC) is also surprisingly effective, though not on par with industry leaders like Bose. However, it provides a noticeable improvement over older or less expensive earbuds, making it a valuable feature for commuters and travelers.
The Verdict: A Compelling Value Proposition
For $99, the CMF Headphone Pro offer a remarkably compelling package. While they don’t deliver the premium experience of higher-end headphones like the AirPods Max or Sony WH-1000XM6, they provide a solid balance of sound quality, features, and battery life. As a senior official stated, CMF has put forth a “very compelling package” for the price.
The modular earcups and long battery life are particularly appealing, and while the build quality isn’t exceptional, it’s acceptable for the price. If you’re willing to sacrifice some refinement and don’t mind a bass-heavy tuning, the CMF Headphone Pro are an excellent choice for budget-conscious audiophiles.
