CMF Headphone Pro Enters Competitive Segment with Aggressive Pricing
Priced at Rs 7,999, the CMF Headphone Pro steps into a well-defined market segment where consumer expectations are firmly established. Buyers in this price bracket typically seek robust sound quality, reliable active noise cancellation, extended battery life, and ergonomic comfort, often prioritizing these practical aspects over brand recognition alone. CMF, the sub-brand from Nothing, has carved its niche through minimalist aesthetics and competitive pricing strategies. The Headphone Pro represents CMF's ambitious foray into the over-ear wireless headphones category, promising features that are commonly associated with higher-priced models. The central question remains: does the CMF Headphone Pro deliver a cohesive and satisfying everyday experience, or do certain compromises emerge during regular usage? Let's delve deeper into its design and performance to uncover the answer.
Design Philosophy: Minimalism Meets Modularity
Upon initial handling, the CMF Headphone Pro immediately reveals its design ethos. CMF has opted for a clean, modular aesthetic that aligns seamlessly with the brand's broader ecosystem. The headphones feature a straightforward, functional silhouette characterized by smooth surfaces and well-defined edges, eschewing flashy embellishments for understated elegance. Available in three subdued color variants—Dark Grey, Light Green, and Light Grey—the finish complements CMF's minimalist design language. The generously padded earcups are attached to a headband that strikes a balance between sturdiness and flexibility, ensuring durability without sacrificing comfort.
A standout design element is the emphasis on modularity. The ear cushions are interchangeable, facilitating easy replacement over time and allowing for a degree of personalization. This practical feature enhances the headphones' longevity and user adaptability. In terms of comfort, the padding on both the earcups and headband distributes weight evenly, preventing excessive pressure during prolonged listening sessions. On the right side, physical controls replace touch gestures, featuring an Energy Slider, a multifunction roller, and a dedicated action button. These tactile controls minimize accidental inputs and become intuitive with practice. The multifunction roller, in particular, enables seamless management of volume, playback, track navigation, and noise cancellation through simple scrolls and presses.
The dedicated action button is customizable via the companion app, allowing users to assign functions such as Spatial Audio or quick access to AI assistants. This customization enhances convenience, especially when the paired device is not immediately accessible. Constructed primarily from plastic, the build feels robust for the price point, avoiding any impression of flimsiness. Overall, the CMF Headphone Pro prioritizes usability and practicality, making it a versatile companion for home, office, or travel scenarios.
Performance Analysis: Consistent and Feature-Rich
In everyday usage, the CMF Headphone Pro demonstrates a tuning preference for extended listening rather than brief demonstrations. Tested across music streaming, voice calls, and video playback during work breaks and commutes, the headphones maintained consistent performance. For audio enthusiasts, the support for LDAC and Hi-Res certification shines through when playing high-quality tracks. Songs like Tum Hi Ho, Kesariya, Channa Mereya, and Agar Tum Saath Ho exhibited detailed reproduction, with vocals rendered clearly and instruments maintaining distinct separation. The 40mm custom drivers deliver a balanced sound profile where bass is present without being overwhelming, mids remain clean, and highs stay controlled. Even at elevated volumes, distortion was negligible during testing.
The Personal Sound feature, powered by Audiodo, adds a personalized dimension to the listening experience. After completing a brief hearing test in the Nothing X app, the sound profile becomes more tailored, particularly enhancing vocals and softer instruments. Since this profile is stored directly on the headphones, the customized tuning persists across different connected devices. Noise cancellation performance is commendable in daily environments; the Hybrid Adaptive ANC automatically adjusts based on surroundings, effectively reducing background chatter and traffic noise in settings like offices, outdoor walks, or cafes. This allows music and podcasts to remain clear without necessitating volume increases.
Spatial Audio modes further enrich the experience, with Cinema mode improving dialogue clarity for movies and Concert mode expanding the soundstage for live music videos. Call quality proves reliable, thanks to three HD microphones combined with environmental noise cancellation, ensuring voices remain clear during conversations. Even in outdoor conditions, wind noise is mitigated, facilitating uninterrupted communication. Battery life emerges as a significant strength, with the CMF Headphone Pro rated for up to 100 hours of playback and up to 50 hours with ANC activated. In practical use, charging was infrequent, and the fast-charging capability proved valuable—a mere five-minute charge provided several hours of listening, while a full charge via USB-C took under two hours.
Verdict: A Well-Rounded Contender in the Mid-Range Segment
The CMF Headphone Pro positions itself as a feature-focused option for users seeking over-ear headphones with enduring battery life and contemporary controls. In daily application, it delivers stable performance across music, calls, and media consumption, bolstered by support for Hi-Res audio, adaptive noise cancellation, and extensive app-based customization. The Personal Sound feature and Spatial Audio modes offer flexibility to cater to diverse listening preferences, while call quality remains dependable in most environments.
However, the sound tuning leans more toward balance than pronounced bass, which might not satisfy listeners who favor a heavier low-end response. The design and controls emphasize practicality, though users seeking a more premium aesthetic may note the focus on functionality over flair. Overall, the CMF Headphone Pro presents a compelling blend of sound quality, intelligent features, and exceptional battery life at Rs 7,999. For users who prioritize extended listening sessions, clear communication, and straightforward customization, it stands out as a reliable and well-rounded choice within its competitive segment.
