The audio landscape is getting a vibrant shake-up with the launch of the CMF Headphone Pro, the first over-ear wireless headphones from CMF by Nothing. True to CMF’s mission, these budget-friendly cans punch well above their weight, combining a playful, customisable design with an impressive suite of high-end features, most notably an astonishing battery life.
Design and Tactile Control
Moving away from Nothing’s signature transparency, the CMF Headphone Pro embraces a more traditional, yet still expressive, aesthetic. Available in Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Light Green, their design is chunky, comfortable, and eye-catching. A key feature is the modular design with interchangeable ear cushions (additional colours like the trademark Orange sold separately), allowing users to easily refresh the look and prolong the product’s lifespan.
Interaction is primarily handled through dedicated tactile controls, a welcome move for many who find touch controls finicky:
- Multi-Function Roller: Primarily for volume, it also handles playback (press for play/pause) and can switch ANC modes (long press).
- Energy Slider: A unique physical control that lets users instantly adjust the emphasis on either bass or treble on the fly, tailoring the sound to their music or mood without needing to open the app.
- Customisable Button: A quick-access shortcut configurable in the Nothing X app, allowing users to toggle Spatial Audio, switch ANC modes, or even activate an AI Assistant like ChatGPT.
Audio and Noise Cancellation Powerhouse
Beneath the playful exterior, the Headphone Pro is a serious contender in the budget audio segment. They feature 40mm custom dynamic drivers with nickel-plated diaphragms, tuned by Nothing to deliver a balanced, detailed, and bass-rich sound.
Crucially, they support the high-quality LDAC codec and boast Hi-Res Audio Wireless Certification, ensuring high-fidelity streaming up to 990 kbps for compatible devices. Personalisation is further enhanced with Personal Sound, a technology powered by Audiodo™ that creates a custom EQ profile based on a quick hearing test.
For blocking out the world, the CMF Headphone Pro utilises Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), claiming to reduce ambient noise by up to 40dB. The system automatically adjusts its strength based on the environment, complemented by a Transparency Mode for situational awareness. Clear voice calls are ensured by a 3-mic setup with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC).
Industry-Leading Battery Life
Perhaps the most talked-about feature is the exceptional battery performance. CMF claims the Headphone Pro can last for up to 100 hours of audio playback with ANC off, and a very respectable 50 hours with ANC activated. Fast charging via USB-C is also included, providing up to 5 hours of playback from just a 5-minute charge.
Pricing and Availability
The CMF Headphone Pro solidifies its position as a feature-packed yet affordable option with an aggressive launch price of $99 / £79 / €99. Global sales began on September 29, 2025, with the US launch following on October 7, 2025. While India’s pricing and exact launch date are pending, availability is expected by the end of the year.
With the CMF Headphone Pro, Nothing’s sub-brand has delivered a compelling package that brings premium features like adaptive ANC, LDAC support, and unprecedented battery life to an ultra-competitive price point, making it an immediate top contender for the best budget over-ear headphones of the year.
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