Reasons to Buy
- Striking modular design with interchangeable ear cushions
- Massive 100-hour battery life
- Adaptive ANC that works well in real life
- Tactile physical controls that feel intuitive
- Hi-Res audio with LDAC support
- Wired and wireless listening in one device
The budget headphone market in India feels crowded. Many models promise everything. Few deliver a complete experience. CMF by Nothing enters this space with a bold idea. It offers style, control, and endurance at ₹6,999.
The CMF Headphone Pro is not just another accessory. It tries to redefine what everyday headphones can feel like, blending personality with practicality. At the same time, it also challenges bigger brands in this price range.
At this price, buyers usually compromise. They lose battery life, design flair, or sound quality. CMF attempts to break this pattern. It brings modular design, long battery life, and adaptive ANC into the segment. That makes it stand out.
This is not a perfect product. Yet it feels thoughtfully designed. It suits students, commuters, and work-from-home users. It also feels fresh in a category that often looks dull.
A Fresh Take on Design
The first thing you notice is the look. The modular ear cushions change how headphones feel. You can swap them with a gentle twist. This simple idea adds personality. It makes the product feel personal.
Most headphones in this segment look similar. Black plastic dominates shelves. CMF breaks that monotony. It gives users control over how their device looks. This appeals to younger buyers. It also feels refreshing for older users.
The build feels sturdy. CMF claims extensive durability testing. In daily use, the headphones feel dependable. They handle travel and gym sessions well. They do not feel fragile.
The design avoids touch controls. Instead, it uses physical buttons and rollers. This choice feels wise. Touch panels often misfire. Buttons feel reliable in daily life.
Comfort Matters in Daily Use
Comfort plays a huge role in long sessions. CMF gets this part right. The headphones feel light on the head. The cushions stay soft during long hours.
During commutes, they block wind and noise. In winter mornings, they even keep ears warm. The clamping force feels balanced. They stay secure without pressing too hard.
Many budget headphones cause fatigue after an hour. These do not. That makes them suitable for work calls and travel. Comfort becomes their silent strength.
Controls That Feel Thoughtful
The Energy Slider changes how music feels. You can boost bass or add clarity. It works instantly. You feel the change in real time. The Multi-function Roller handles volume, playback, and ANC. It feels satisfying to scroll and click. You do not need your phone often.
The Action Button adds quick access to features. You can map it to Spatial Audio. A dedicated Google Assistant button sits on the earcup. That feels rare in this segment. These controls make interaction simple. They feel designed for real users. Many competitors still rely on confusing touch gestures.
Connectivity That Works Everywhere
Pairing feels fast. Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Fast Pair help. Android, iOS, and Windows work without fuss. The Nothing X app unlocks deeper control. You can adjust EQ and ANC, remap buttons and update firmware.
The Audiodo hearing test stands out. It builds a personal sound profile. The headphones store this profile. Your sound stays consistent across devices. There are few headphones under ₹7,000 that offer this level of tuning. This feature gives CMF an edge.
Sound That Punches Above Its Price
The 40mm drivers deliver balanced sound. Highs feel clear. Mids sound natural. Bass feels deep without overpowering. Music feels energetic. Podcasts sound clean. Movies feel immersive. The tuning suits most genres.
Hybrid Adaptive ANC works well. It reduces up to 40dB of noise. In metros and traffic, it helps. It adapts to surroundings automatically. It does not match premium ANC headphones. Yet for this price, it performs admirably.
Spatial Audio adds depth. Cinema mode widens the stage. Concert mode boosts energy. These modes feel fun. They enhance content without distortion.
LDAC and Hi-Res certification support high-quality audio. Wired and wireless listening both benefit.
Calls and Daily Communication
Call quality remains dependable. Three microphones handle voice capture. Clear Voice Technology reduces wind noise.
In busy streets, you may need to speak louder. Yet clarity stays acceptable. For work calls and casual chats, they perform well. Some rivals struggle with mic quality. CMF performs better than many in this bracket.
Battery Life Changes the Game
Battery life becomes the biggest strength. You get up to 100 hours without ANC. With ANC, you still get around 50 hours. Many rivals offer 30 to 40 hours. CMF doubles that. This matters for travelers and students.
A five-minute charge gives four hours of use with ANC. A full charge takes under two hours. You can even charge from your smartphone. This feature feels practical. It suits long days away from sockets.
Where It Stands in Its Segment
Under ₹7,000, buyers usually choose between sound and features. Sony and JBL offer good sound. They often skip customization and long battery. Boat and Noise focus on loud tuning. They lack finesse and control.
CMF Headphone Pro balances both worlds. It offers style, control, and endurance, without chasing gimmicks.
Its ANC does not beat premium models. Its bass may feel mild for heavy listeners. These remain its main limitations. Yet the overall package feels mature.
Verdict
The CMF Headphone Pro feels thoughtfully built. It blends style with real-world usability. It offers strong sound, reliable ANC, and class-leading battery life.
At ₹6,999, it competes with familiar names. Yet it feels different — personal and designed for daily life. However, it is not flawless. ANC could improve. Bass lovers may want more punch. Yet the balance feels right.
For students and young professionals, it makes sense. For anyone needing reliable everyday headphones, it offers strong value.
CMF shows that budget headphones can feel premium in thought. That makes this product worth attention.
