CMF Headphone Pro Review: A versatile everyday option

After adding a twist to the smartphone segment, CMF by Nothing has stepped into a new gadget category: the overhead headphone. It has launched the CMF Headphone Pro, blending funk, practicality, and well-thought-out features, all for just ₹6,999. With Hi-Res certified sound, a 100-hour battery, adaptive ANC and a modular design that lets you express your style, CMF aims to redefine what everyday headphones can offer.

Design

The CMF Headphone Pro immediately stands out because of its modular design. The interchangeable ear cushions allow you to customise the look depending on your mood or outfit. It’s quick and satisfying to swap them; just a gentle twist, and they come right off. This fresh approach turns a pair of headphones from a mere audio accessory into something personal.

CMF Headphone Pro
| Photo Credit:
Haider Ali Khan

CMF has focused on making these headphones practical for daily use, eschewing touch controls, which can be hit or miss, for physical buttons and dials. At the heart of this control system is an Energy Slider paired with a Multi-function Roller, letting you fine-tune bass and treble, adjust volume, manage playback, and control ANC with precision. There’s also a customisable Action Button for quick access to features like Spatial Audio. On the right earcup, you’ll find a dedicated button that lets you call up your Google Assistant instantly, which is great for setting reminders or changing tracks hands-free. The headphones also pack a clear on/off button and a 3.5mm audio jack for wired listening. And for charging, CMF includes a modern USB Type‑C port that tops up the battery fast and can even draw power directly from your smartphone when you need it.

Comfort is another area where CMF gets it right. The lightweight build and soft cushioned ear pads make these easy to wear for long hours. They served an additional purpose on chilly Delhi mornings, keeping my ears warm while blocking out the wind.

The build quality feels tough and dependable, tested through 66 different durability checks, which means they’re ready to handle the bumps and twists of daily life. Whether you’re in the gym, on your commute or just relaxing at home, they sit snug and stable without feeling too tight.

Controls

I’ve already mentioned some of the controls, but they’re worth a closer look. The Energy Slider lets you change the feel of your music instantly, moving between bass-heavy punch and treble-rich clarity. It works in real time, too.

The Multi-function Roller takes care of volume adjustments, playback, and noise cancellation. Its scroll-and-click style is satisfying and quick to use. Along with this, the Action Button offers one-tap access to features like Spatial Audio. Together, these controls make everyday interaction simple and reliable without forcing you to constantly reach for your phone.

Connectivity

CMF Headphone Pro pairs up quickly with devices, whether phones, tablets, or laptops. Even without the Nothing X app, connecting is straightforward on both Android and iOS. Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Fast Pair make first-time pairing almost instant.

If you install the Nothing X app, you unlock deeper control. You can tweak the EQ, customise buttons, adjust ANC intensity, and keep firmware updated. One standout feature in the app is the Audiodo personal sound profile test, which tunes the audio specifically for your hearing and stores it directly on the headphones. Your sound stays personalised no matter the device.

Sound Quality

The CMF Headphone Pro’s sound quality is impressive for its price. The 40mm custom drivers with nickel-plated diaphragms deliver clear highs, detailed mids, and deep, satisfying bass. It’s the kind of sound that feels balanced without losing energy.

The Hybrid Adaptive ANC is especially good in everyday use. It adapts automatically to your surroundings and reduces ambient sound by up to 40dB. In crowded metros or busy street traffic, it works well to filter out noise and keep your listening peaceful.

Spatial Audio adds depth to music and movies. Cinema mode creates a broad soundstage for clearer dialogue, while Concert mode pumps up the energy for live tracks. LDAC and dual Hi-Res certification mean high‑resolution audio every time, whether you’re listening wired or wireless.

Call Quality

Call quality on this gadget is solid for daily communication. The three HD microphones with Clear Voice Technology help keep your voice audible and reduce wind noise. Busy outdoor settings may demand a slightly louder voice; however, clarity remains good in most situations.

Battery

The battery life is excellent, offering 100 hours of playback with ANC off and around 50 hours with ANC on. Even with mixed use, frequent recharging is not a challenge here. A 5‑minute charge translates to around four hours of listening with ANC on; a full charge via the Type‑C port takes under two hours.

The ability to charge directly from your smartphone makes them even more practical, especially for those who travel or use headphones all day.

Verdict

CMF has packed modular style, strong audio performance, smart controls, and excellent battery life into the Headphone Pro, and kept the price reasonable, at under ₹6,999. The combination of interchangeable ear cushions, tactile sliders and rollers, a Google Assistant button, wired and wireless listening, and Adaptive ANC makes these headphones a versatile everyday option.

Students and young professionals especially will like the blend of fashion and function offered by these headphones. But anyone looking for a comfortable, reliable, and feature‑rich headset for daily use will find good value here.

Published – January 14, 2026 02:49 pm IST