Nothing’s design-focused sub-brand CMF has stepped into the over-ear headphone market with its first product, the CMF Headphone Pro, launched on September 29, 2025. Known for delivering affordable gadgets with bold design and smart features, CMF is now aiming to shake up the wireless headphone market with a mix of long battery life, tactile controls, and premium-grade audio at a budget-friendly price.
🔑 Key Highlights
- Up to 100 hours of battery life (50 hours with ANC on)
- 40dB Adaptive ANC with Transparency Mode and ENC for calls
- Energy Slider for bass/treble + Roller dial for volume & playback
- LDAC + Hi-Res audio support with 40mm custom drivers
- Interchangeable ear cushions in multiple colours
- Priced at $99 globally, the India launch is yet to be announced
Design and Build
The CMF Headphone Pro takes a softer, rounded approach compared to Nothing’s boxy Headphone 1. With swappable ear cushions (available in Light Green and Orange) and three base colours (Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Light Green), the design feels customisable and fun.
The padded headband and large over-ear cups are built for comfort during long listening sessions. CMF has also added an IPX2 rating, making these headphones resistant to light splashes and sweat — useful for daily commutes or casual use.
Controls and Customizations
One of the standout aspects of the Headphone Pro is its tactile control system:
- The Energy Slider lets you fine-tune bass and treble instantly, without needing to dig into apps.
- A Roller Dial controls volume, play/pause, and even toggles ANC on or off.
- A customisable button can be set for Spatial Audio, activating an AI assistant, or other shortcuts.
All of these settings can be personalised further through the Nothing X app, giving users complete control over their listening experience.
Audio and ANC
At its core, the Headphone Pro is built around 40mm custom dynamic drivers with nickel-plated diaphragms, a copper voice coil, dual-chamber construction, and a precision bass duct. This setup is designed to reduce distortion while boosting clarity and depth.
On the software side, the headphones support LDAC and Hi-Res Audio, alongside the standard SBC codec. For noise control, CMF offers Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that can block up to 40dB of external sound. You also get Transparency Mode for hearing the outside world and ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) to improve call quality.
Battery and Connectivity
Battery life is where the CMF Headphone Pro really stands out. CMF claims up to 100 hours of playback with ANC off and around 50 hours with ANC on — impressive figures even compared to premium competitors.
Other details:
- Quick charge: 5 minutes gives 4–5 hours of playback.
- Full charge: Takes about 2 hours via USB-C.
- Bluetooth 5.4 ensures stable connectivity.
- Supports Google Fast Pair (Android) and Microsoft Swift Pair (Windows).
- Can also be used via USB-C wired playback.
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Specifications of CMF Headphone Pro
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headphone Type | Over-Ear Wireless Headphones |
| Driver Size | 40mm Custom Dynamic Drivers (Nickel-plated diaphragms) |
| Noise Cancellation | Hybrid ANC (up to 40dB) + Transparency Mode + ENC |
| Audio Codecs | LDAC, SBC (Hi-Res Audio Certified) |
| Controls | Roller Dial (Volume/ANC/Playback), Energy Slider (Bass/Treble), Custom Button |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, USB Type-C (wired + charging), Multipoint, Fast Pair (Android/Windows) |
| Battery Life | 100 hrs (ANC off), 50 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs talk time |
| Quick Charge | 5 mins = 4–5 hrs playback |
| Full Charge | ~2 hours via USB-C |
| Water Resistance | IPX2 |
| Colours | Dark Grey, Light Grey, Light Green; Cushions in Light Green & Orange |
| Unique Features | Interchangeable cushions, Nothing X app support, Hi-Res Audio |
| Price | $99 (US), €99 (Europe), £79 (UK); India pricing not yet announced |
Pricing and Availability
Globally, the CMF Headphone Pro is priced at $99 in the US, €99 in Europe, and £79 in the UK (roughly ₹8,000–10,000). Sales have already started in the UK and EU, while the US launch is set for October 7.
India, however, remains on the waiting list. While CMF has confirmed it is shifting more of its global marketing operations to India, the official launch date and pricing for the Indian market are yet to be announced.
Bigger Picture: Why This Launch Matters
The launch of the CMF Headphone Pro comes at an interesting time. Sony has just released its WH-1000XM6 in India at nearly ₹40,000, while CMF is targeting the under-$100 (₹8,000) segment. This contrast shows CMF’s strategy clearly: deliver flagship-level features at a budget price.
By combining tactile hardware controls, adaptive ANC, Hi-Res audio support, and marathon battery life, CMF is directly challenging established players like JBL, Skullcandy, and even entry-level models from Sony and Bose.
For global users, this makes the CMF Headphone Pro one of the most feature-rich wireless headphones in its price category. For India, the anticipation is building — especially as CMF positions itself more strongly in the market.
Conclusion
The CMF Headphone Pro proves that premium features don’t always have to come with premium pricing. With 100-hour playback, customizable controls, ANC, and Hi-Res audio, CMF has created a strong contender in the mid-budget headphone space.
While global buyers can already grab it, Indian buyers will need to wait for official word on availability. But one thing is clear: CMF has made a confident entry into the over-ear headphone game, and it’s here to compete with the big names.
