Introduction
When I first heard that CMF by Nothing was stepping into the over-ear headphone market, I was both curious and a little skeptical. Their previous focus had been mainly on earbuds, so I was interested to see how this would translate into a full-size headphone. The CMF Headphone Pro promises a premium listening experience at an affordable price, and after using it for a while, I can say it delivers more than I expected.
Design & Build
The packaging is simple and clean, in line with CMF’s usual design approach. Inside the box, you get the headphones, a soft drawstring pouch, and a 3.5 mm cable. There’s no hard case and no USB-C audio cable, it charges via USB-C, but you can’t use that port for wired listening.
I have the Light Grey version, and I really like how understated it looks. It’s minimalist and goes well with pretty much anything, without drawing too much attention. The build is mostly plastic, but it feels well-assembled and solid. The earcups are nicely cushioned and the headband padding makes them comfortable even during longer listening sessions. After a few hours of use, I didn’t feel any pressure or discomfort, something not every pair of budget headphones can claim.
Controls & Features
The controls are surprisingly versatile for this price range:
A multi-function roller handles volume, playback, and calls.
An “Energy Slider” boosts either bass or treble depending on your preference.
A customisable Action button lets you toggle ANC modes, spatial sound, or assign other shortcuts.
They’re all easy to reach, though the tactile feedback could be a bit smoother. Still, it’s great to see so much functionality built in without relying too heavily on touch controls or the app.
Sound Quality & Noise Cancellation
Sound-wise, the CMF Headphone Pro really impressed me. The bass is punchy but controlled, mids are clear, and the highs have enough sparkle without getting harsh. The inclusion of Hi-Res LDAC support and 40 mm dynamic driversdefinitely helps it stand out in this price range. For everyday listening, whether it’s music, YouTube, or podcasts, the sound is clean, full, and enjoyable.
The Active Noise Cancellation does a solid job too. It easily handles background noise like chatter, fans, or light traffic. It’s not at the same level as flagship models from Sony or Bose, but it’s effective enough to keep you focused or immersed in your music. The spatial audio modes are a fun addition, especially the “Cinema” setting, though I mostly kept them off for a more natural sound.
Connectivity & Battery Life
Pairing was quick and seamless, and the Bluetooth connection remained stable throughout testing. The wired mode via 3.5 mm jack is handy, though it’s worth noting the headphones need to be powered on for it to work.
Battery life is one of the highlights here. CMF claims up to 100 hours of playtime without ANC and around 50 hours with it on, and that feels pretty accurate. The quick-charge feature is also great: a few minutes of charging gives several hours of use. I barely had to think about charging during the week.
Verdict
The CMF Headphone Pro isn’t trying to compete with ultra-premium models, but that’s exactly why it’s so good at what it does. You get solid sound quality, effective ANC, great comfort, and incredible battery life, all at a very reasonable price.
If you’re looking for a pair of everyday headphones that deliver real value without cutting too many corners, the Headphone Pro is an easy recommendation. The Light Grey finish looks sleek, the features are genuinely useful, and overall it feels like a thoughtful, well-balanced product from CMF.
