Casting a fresh light on the audio world, CMF by Nothing has introduced its Headphone Pro, an over-ear option designed to bring quality sound and smart features to a wider audience. Following the company’s initial headphone release, this model steps in as a more budget-friendly choice, now accessible in Nepal. It boasts a distinctive look and a unique “Energy Slider” for on-the-fly bass and treble adjustments, promising a tailored listening experience.
Design That Catches the Eye
The CMF Headphone Pro sports a clean, spherical, and minimalist aesthetic, moving away from some of the more angular designs seen in other headphones. Crafted primarily from plastic, it comes in three appealing colors: dark gray, light gray, and a vibrant light green. Comfort is a key focus, featuring ear cushions that are notably larger and softer, making them ideal for extended listening sessions. Weighing around 283 grams, these headphones offer a comfortable fit without feeling too heavy.
Inside the box, you’ll find a soft, velvet-like pouch for protection and a 3.5mm audio cable. Interestingly, even when using the wired connection, the headphones still require power, meaning the internal battery will continue to drain.
Immersive Sound and Personalization
At its core, the CMF Headphone Pro utilizes powerful 40mm dynamic drivers with nickel-plated diaphragms to deliver crisp, clear audio. These headphones are ready for high-fidelity sound, supporting both Hi-Res Audio and the advanced LDAC codec, which allows for wireless streaming at an impressive 990 kbps.
One of the standout features is the “Energy Slider” located on the left earcup. This physical control lets you instantly adjust bass and treble levels—slide it up for a more pronounced low-end, or down for a gentler sound profile. A smooth, scrollable volume changer adds to the intuitive control. Beyond physical adjustments, you can dive deeper into sound customization via the Nothing X app, choosing from various sound styles like Pop and Techno, or fine-tuning your own settings. The “Personal Sound” feature, powered by Audiodo, intelligently adapts the audio to your unique hearing profile in real time. While the headphones support spatial audio for a more expansive soundstage, they do not include head-tracking capabilities.
Advanced Noise Control
The CMF Headphone Pro comes equipped with Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), claiming a significant 40dB of noise reduction. With three microphones on each side, this system is designed to effectively block out unwanted background sounds, particularly when paired with music. However, some user reports suggest that extremely high-frequency noises might still get through. The transparency mode, which lets you hear your surroundings, is also present, though some find it less refined compared to other premium headphones. The headphones offer three ANC presets that automatically adjust based on your environment, with CMF stating they can eliminate up to 99% of ambient noise.
Intuitive Controls and Daily Use
Controlling your audio experience is straightforward with the CMF Headphone Pro. The left earcup houses the 3.5mm port, along with essential buttons and the unique Energy Slider. On the right earcup, you’ll find a USB-C port for charging, a versatile volume roller, and a customizable button. The volume roller manages audio levels, a quick press pauses or plays music, and a long press toggles the ANC. The customizable button can be programmed for various functions, such as an AI shortcut to access ChatGPT, switching listening modes, or muting the microphone. One feature that is notably absent, however, is a wear sensor, meaning music won’t automatically pause when you take the headphones off; you’ll need to stop playback manually.
Exceptional Battery Life and Seamless Connectivity
Perhaps the most compelling feature of these headphones is their incredible battery performance. CMF claims up to an astonishing 100 hours of playback without ANC, which drops to a still-impressive 50 hours with ANC enabled. This means days, if not weeks, of use on a single charge for many users. Fast charging is also very efficient, providing four to five hours of listening time after just five minutes of charging. Adding to the convenience, you can even charge the headphones directly from your smartphone using a USB-C cable, a handy feature for travelers.
For connectivity, the CMF Headphone Pro uses Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring a stable and efficient wireless connection. Gamers and video enthusiasts will appreciate the low-latency mode, which reduces end-to-end delay to under 120 milliseconds. The headphones also support “dual connection,” allowing them to pair with two devices simultaneously. Pairing is made easy with Google Fast Pair for Android, standard pairing for iOS, and Microsoft Swift Pair for Windows. While not designed for heavy water exposure, the headphones come with an IPX2 water resistance rating, which is standard for many headphones in this category.
CMF Headphone Pro Key Features
- Design: Lightweight plastic body, available in dark gray, light gray, and light green, with an IPX2 rating.
- Drivers: Custom 40mm dynamic drivers.
- Audio Quality: Supports LDAC and Hi-Res Audio (both wired and wireless), up to 990kbps streaming.
- Active Noise Cancellation: 40dB Adaptive ANC with three hybrid mics and Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC).
- Listening Modes: ANC, Transparency Mode with three filter presets.
- Controls: Unique Energy Slider for bass/treble, multi-function volume roller, customizable AI button.
- Battery Life: Up to 100 hours (ANC off), 50 hours (ANC on); 5 minutes of charge provides 4-5 hours of playback; USB-C charging.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, dual device connection, low-latency mode (sub-120ms).
Pricing and Availability
In Nepal, the CMF Headphone Pro is officially priced at NPR 13,999. You can find and purchase these headphones at CMF-authorized retail stores throughout the country.
Conclusion
The CMF Headphone Pro stands out as a strong contender in the wireless headphone market, especially for those seeking a blend of unique features, solid audio performance, and exceptional battery life without breaking the bank. Its distinctive design, the innovative “Energy Slider” for sound customization, effective noise cancellation, and a battery that keeps going for days make it a compelling choice. While it misses a wear sensor, its overall package, particularly at its price point in Nepal, presents excellent value for an immersive and personalized listening experience.