Compare Nothing Headphone (1) vs CMF Headphone Pro

Sound quality was the most divisive area: some loved the tuned or EQ-adjusted sound, while many criticized the default tuning as dark, flat, or compressed.

Sound quality is the headline strength: most reviewers found it unusually good for the price, especially after light EQ or LDAC. Stock tuning can be bass-heavy, but the overall presentation is energetic, clean, and far better than typical budget expectations.

Immersive audio was weak in TechRadar’s testing, where spatial effects added little and sometimes harmed movie or podcast playback.

Concert-mode spatial processing can create a convincing sense of space and immersion when it works well. That positive result is not universal across the broader spatial-audio impressions.

One review said audio sounded best with ANC off because switching ANC on narrowed and muted the presentation.

ANC preserves the underlying music surprisingly well in at least one detailed account. Noise reduction did not noticeably disturb timbre or detail, which is a useful advantage for listeners sensitive to ANC-related sound changes.

One review found ANC changed the sound signature negatively, narrowing and muting more complex tracks.

ANC generally changes the sound very little. Reviewers who focused on this found timbre and EQ shifts modest enough that using noise cancellation did not meaningfully spoil the music.

Soundstage was often criticized as narrow or compressed, though a few reviewers heard decent width after tuning or in positive listening sessions.

Soundstage is respectable for a budget closed-back headphone, with several reviewers hearing more width than expected. Others still found it narrow compared with pricier over-ears, so it is good rather than truly expansive.

Low-latency mode was treated positively as a useful gaming/video feature for reducing delay.

Latency is well controlled for video and casual gaming, especially in wired or low-lag modes. Reviewers who tested sync found speech, effects, and on-screen action aligned closely enough for normal use.

Spatial audio was mixed: some found it useful for movies and broad device support, while others called it weak, limp, or harmful to music.

Spatial audio is highly mixed and often the weakest software feature. Concert mode sometimes adds welcome width, but Cinema and other processing frequently introduce muddiness, harshness, echo, or an unnatural presentation.

Frequency-response evidence was mixed: some heard balanced tuning, while others found the default curve dark, uneven, or treble-recessed.

The stock frequency balance is lively rather than neutral, usually with extra bass and elevated treble. EQ can make it substantially more balanced, but buyers seeking flat tuning should expect to adjust it.

Microphone noise reduction was generally strong, with reviewers praising background suppression, though one noted echo/reverb issues.

Microphone noise reduction is better than the raw mic quality might suggest. Wind and steady background noise are often reduced effectively, though unpredictable noisy environments can still overwhelm speech cleanup.

Wind handling was mixed: some mic suppression impressed reviewers, while ANC or voice noise gating struggled in wind.

Wind handling is mixed. One reviewer noticed more wind noise than on pricier models, while another found wind pickup fairly low, so outdoor call performance is not completely consistent.

Passive isolation was a clear strength, with the ear pads and seal repeatedly helping noise reduction even before ANC.

Passive isolation is consistently strong thanks to the large, well-sealing earcups. Even without ANC, the fit blocks a useful amount of surrounding noise and helps the active cancellation work more effectively.

Bass impressions were split: some heard controlled punch and texture, while others described muddy bass or weak low-frequency precision before EQ.

Bass is powerful and fun, but opinions split on how much is too much. Several reviewers praised its punch once dialed in, while others found the stock low end bloated or overly dominant.

Background-noise reduction was mixed: lab-style and street testing praised attenuation, while some reviewers noted weaker handling of voices or sudden sounds.

Background hiss from ANC is present but usually modest. Some reviewers noticed thin white noise or a telltale hiss, while others found pressure and noise artifacts minimal.

ANC was generally viewed as strong for the price and effective in everyday noise, though several reviewers said Sony, Bose, or AirPods Max still outperform it.

ANC is good for the price and strongest against steady low-frequency noise such as engines, fans, and traffic. It is not class-leading, and voices, sudden sounds, and higher frequencies are more likely to leak through.

Voice prompts and feedback split reviewers sharply: one loved the mode sounds, while others found cues uncomfortable, awful, loud, or jarring.

The audible control feedback is playful and easy to understand. One reviewer specifically enjoyed the little sounds that confirm volume and button interactions.

EQ customization was a standout feature, repeatedly described as powerful, granular, and sometimes essential for fixing the stock tuning.

EQ customization is the biggest software compromise. The basic three-band controls can improve the stock tuning, but many reviewers wanted the more granular advanced EQ available on Nothing’s pricier headphones.

Voice assistant integration was positively supported through the customizable button and Gemini/assistant access.

Voice-assistant access is easy to map and responsive when used. The customizable action button adds flexibility for people who actually want assistant shortcuts on the headphones.

Bluetooth reliability was supported by positive connectivity evidence, including Bluetooth 5.3 range and dual-device support.

Bluetooth performance is one of the least troublesome parts of the experience. Pairing is quick, reconnection is dependable, and reviewers generally reported strong range with few dropouts.

Setup and software simplicity were praised through Google Fast Pair, an easy app, and automatic pairing behavior.

Setup is exceptionally easy. Fast Pair, Swift Pair, and the clear Nothing X interface make initial pairing and ongoing configuration simple even for less technical users.

Bluetooth 5.3 was described as up to date, giving the headphones a modern wireless baseline.

Bluetooth 5.4 is a modern implementation and was viewed positively for current-device support. Real-world pairing and range were strong enough to make the newer radio feel useful rather than merely a spec-sheet upgrade.

Reviewers consistently praised the broad feature set, especially customization, spatial options, ANC controls, and app-driven extras.

Advanced software features add real value, particularly personalized hearing calibration and customizable shortcuts. ChatGPT-style integration is more niche, while the hearing-based tuning was far more consistently useful.

Call mic quality was mixed-to-positive: several reviewers heard clear calls, while others described the mic as merely fine, tinny, or robotic.

Call quality ranges from good to merely serviceable. Voices are generally intelligible, but several reviewers heard muffling or softness, while a few found the microphones impressively clear in quieter conditions.

Physical controls were a standout strength, widely praised for tactility and usability, although a few reviewers found the layout or paddle/roller behavior finicky.

Physical controls are a major part of the appeal: the roller is frequently praised as intuitive and more dependable than touch gestures. The Energy Slider is divisive, with some reviewers loving the instant adjustment and others calling it pointless or gimmicky.

Smart listening features were positively supported by Personal Sound, which was described as a useful way to personalize tuning.

The personalized hearing profile is one of the more successful smart features. Most reviewers found it useful or noticeably better balanced, although a few preferred the stock sound or experienced uneven results.

The app was one of the product’s strongest points, with reviewers praising its layout, speed, settings, and unusually deep EQ tools.

The Nothing X app is a consistent strength. Reviewers describe it as clean, polished, easy to navigate, and unusually pleasant for a budget headphone companion app.

Replaceable earpad evidence was weak-to-negative, with uncertainty around replacements and a long-term reviewer noting Nothing still did not sell them.

Replaceable earpads are one of the most universally praised features. They twist off quickly, make color changes easy, and provide a practical way to replace the part most likely to wear out first.

Repairability evidence was mixed-to-negative: The Guardian noted replacement cushions, but a long-term reviewer criticized the soldered battery.

Repairability is a standout advantage because the ear cushions twist off easily and can be replaced without tools. Reviewers repeatedly saw this as a genuine longevity benefit rather than just a color-customization gimmick.

USB-C was praised as a useful wired audio and charging option, especially for modern devices and lossless playback.

USB-C is limited to charging, and one reviewer specifically disliked the lack of USB audio. Buyers wanting digital wired playback through the USB port will not get it here.

Water/sweat resistance was praised as rare for premium over-ears, though PCMag cautioned that IP52 is still limited.

Water protection is weak. The low IPX2 rating—or lack of a meaningful weather rating in one account—makes these better suited to light sweat than serious workouts or wet commutes.

Travel friendliness was mixed-to-negative because battery life is good but the case is bulky and the headphones do not fold up.

Travel use benefits from good comfort, long battery life, and cups that rotate flat. The main limitation is bulk, since the headphones do not collapse into a smaller shape.

Case feedback was mixed: some praised protection and compactness, while others found it too large, cheap-feeling, or annoying to zip.

The included soft pouch is better than nothing but feels basic. Reviewers repeatedly wished for a protective hard case, especially because the headphones do not fold compactly.

Ecosystem perks were useful for Nothing Phone users, but some exclusive features limited broader appeal.

Ecosystem integration is mostly good but not perfectly even. Some advanced functions may lean more heavily on Nothing OS or Android, so buyers outside that ecosystem may not get identical feature parity.

Portability was mixed: the headphones lie flat and can pack neatly in some cases, but they do not fold up and remain large.

Portability is compromised by the non-folding chassis. The cups rotate flat, but the headphones remain bulky in a bag and take more space than folding competitors.

The six-month review praised the app for working on both iOS and Android, supporting strong Android usability.

Android pairing and feature support are generally strong, especially with Fast Pair and LDAC. One microphone test found device-dependent behavior, so the experience is not perfectly consistent across every phone.

Premium feel was widely praised, with reviewers saying the headphones feel expensive, solid, and better than expected at the price.

Premium feel depends heavily on color and expectations. The design and finish can look far more expensive than the price, but glossy plastic and hollow-feeling parts remind some reviewers that this is still a budget product.

Overall recommendations were mixed-positive: many reviewers liked the value and debut effort, but sound tuning and comfort kept it from universal praise.

The overall recommendation is overwhelmingly positive, especially for shoppers around the $80–$100 range. Even reviewers with complaints about ANC, EQ, or build usually still viewed the package as easy to recommend at the right price.

Instrument separation ranged from crowded and unclear in negative reviews to solid detail and separation in more positive listening impressions.

Instrument separation is a clear strength for the money. Reviewers often heard vocals, percussion, guitars, and layered elements distinctly, though dense tracks can expose the limits of the drivers.

Smudge resistance was a weakness because the finish visibly picked up oil even if it wiped off easily.

Smudge resistance depends heavily on finish. Matte versions resist fingerprints well, while glossy variants attract prints and can pick up visible scuffs more easily.

Fit stability was praised where reviewers described a secure fit without excessive tightness.

Fit stability is good for normal daily use and even some workouts, but not universally secure. Larger movements can shift the cups, and the bulky design is not ideal for intense exercise.

Headband adjustability drew mixed but mostly positive feedback, with smooth adjustment praised and one top-mounted mechanism criticized.

Headband adjustment is straightforward and offers enough range for larger heads. The slider generally stays where set, with reviewers describing the mechanism as easy and secure.

Ear cup padding was mostly praised for soft memory foam and a good seal, though a few reviewers felt pressure or heat.

The ear cushions are consistently praised for being plush, soft, deep, and generously padded. Their thickness helps keep ears away from the inner hardware and supports long-session comfort.

One reviewer specifically liked the slim profile because the headphones sit close to the head despite their bold styling.

The darker, more restrained colorways can work well for shoppers who do not want flashy headphones. One reviewer specifically saw the sedate styling as a useful alternative to Nothing’s more attention-grabbing designs.

Wired hi-res and USB-C digital playback were viewed as useful extras, with reviewers noting clearer or lossless wired listening.

Hi-Res support is impressive for the price and works through the supported wired/wireless paths. Reviewers treated the certification as part of the unusually premium audio feature set.

Midrange clarity was polarizing, with some praising vocals while others heard too much lower-mid darkness or underemphasized midrange.

The midrange is generally competent, with vocals staying clear enough for everyday listening. A recurring caveat is that the bass can push mids backward or make them feel congested on busier tracks.

Treble clarity was a common weakness in negative sound reviews, with several reviewers hearing recessed, dull, or less crisp highs.

Treble is one of the more inconsistent areas. Some reviewers heard crisp detail and good extension, while others found the highs sharp, scratchy, muted, or lacking sparkle depending on tuning and volume.

Find My support was considered useful but basic, with reviewers noting it mainly plays a sound rather than offering smarter tracking.

Find My is basic rather than precision tracking. It can play a sound to help locate nearby headphones, but it does not provide AirTag-style directional finding.

Launch features were viewed positively because the headphones offered several differentiating features beyond visual design.

The launch feature set is unusually generous for the price, with LDAC, Hi-Res support, spatial modes, personalization, ANC, and customizable controls. Reviewers often described the package as closer to premium than entry-level.

Maximum-volume clarity was positive in CNET’s testing, with almost no distortion even at high volumes.

Clarity usually holds up well at higher volumes, with multiple reviewers reporting little obvious distortion. The main exception is bass-heavy playback, where punch and precision can soften when driven hard.

Wear detection auto-pause was criticized in long-term Mac use, where the reviewer said over-ear detection was god-awful.

Wear-detection auto-pause is simply missing, and reviewers repeatedly noticed it. Most adapted by manually pausing, but it is one of the clearest convenience features sacrificed to hit the price.

LDAC support was consistently treated as a positive, especially for Android/high-res wireless listening.

LDAC is widely appreciated and often improves clarity, texture, and bass control. The size of the improvement varies by listener, but reviewers consistently treated its inclusion as a premium feature for a budget headphone.

Transparency mode was generally usable and often natural enough for conversations, but several reviewers found it less natural than Apple, Bose, or Sony.

Transparency mode is usable for quick conversations and awareness, but it is not consistently natural. Some reviewers liked its clear handling of nearby voices, while others heard a processed or slightly dull presentation.

Reviewers liked that wired listening is covered with a 3.5mm jack, often alongside USB-C, making the headphones more flexible for planes and wired sources.

The 3.5mm input is a welcome fallback for zero-latency listening, laptops, older gear, and travel. A caveat is that the headphones still need power for wired playback.

Cable quality was criticized because the included 3.5mm cable was only three-pole and could not carry microphone audio.

The included analog cable works, but one reviewer found it noticeably short. It is fine for nearby laptops and handheld devices, less ideal for setups that need more reach.

Headband padding was mixed: SoundGuys liked weight distribution, while The Guardian found the padding too thin after hours.

Headband padding is more divisive than the ear cushions. Some reviewers found it soft and comfortable, while others wanted more padding or felt the narrow band created pressure over time.

Multi-platform use was praised in long-term testing because the app works across iOS and Android with most features available on both.

The headphones work well across Android, iPhone, Windows, and wired sources. Reviewers appreciated the broad compatibility, although some advanced features are stronger on Android/Nothing devices.

Preset EQ feedback was mixed, with some finding treble/bass presets useful and others saying presets were not enough or should be skipped.

The preset EQs are mixed. Pop is often the safest choice, while several other presets were criticized for extra boominess, thinness, or awkward tonal shifts.

Connectivity was a major strength, with reviewers praising the mix of USB-C, 3.5mm, multipoint, and app/device support.

Connectivity is flexible and well executed, combining wireless codecs with wired 3.5mm listening and reliable pairing options. Reviewers generally found the overall connection setup solid.

Volume output was criticized by reviewers who wanted more headroom or found the roller caused accidental loud jumps.

Maximum loudness is a recurring weakness. Several reviewers reached full volume and still wanted more output, although a minority found the available level perfectly adequate.

Long-term durability evidence was limited, but one reviewer worried about cosmetic dings from the rectangular cups.

Long-term durability has limited direct testing, but one extended-use account reported the controls and functions still performing like new. That is encouraging, though broader longevity remains less established than short-term build impressions.

Weight comfort was mixed: reviewers often found them wearable, but their 329g weight was repeatedly noticed against lighter Sony/Bose options.

Despite their chunky appearance, the headphones feel relatively light and easy to wear. Reviewers often credited the 283g weight and balanced distribution for reducing fatigue over long sessions.

Build quality was broadly praised as solid, premium, and better than expected, though one reviewer worried about long-term headband durability.

Build quality is better than the price suggests but still clearly plastic. Some reviewers found it solid and confidence-inspiring, while others heard creaks or felt the shell was cheap and hollow.

Comfort was usually positive over hours of use, but weight, heat, piercings, glasses, and headband pressure made it less universal.

Comfort is one of the strongest recurring positives. Most reviewers could wear the Headphone Pro for hours, flights, work sessions, or editing without major fatigue, though a few head shapes experienced pressure after extended use.

Design was one of the most discussed strengths, repeatedly praised as distinctive, premium, and eye-catching, though also polarizing.

The playful rounded design stands out from generic black budget headphones and earns broad praise. Color preferences vary, but reviewers frequently called the look fresh, distinctive, attractive, or surprisingly premium for the price.

Clamping force was generally secure and comfortable, but PCMag found it tighter than preferred.

Clamping force is mostly well judged but somewhat head-dependent. Some reviewers found it snug without pain, while others felt initial tightness or pressure that tended to ease with use.

Value was generally positive because the headphones undercut major rivals while offering strong build, controls, battery, ANC, and EQ, though weak default sound hurt value for some.

Value for money is exceptional and the strongest point of consensus. Many reviewers felt the Headphone Pro competes with headphones costing substantially more, with sale prices making the recommendation even easier.

Auto power/sleep behavior drew criticism in long-term use, especially when connected to a Mac.

Automatic power behavior is limited. One reviewer specifically called out the lack of the hoped-for auto-off behavior as a notable feature omission.

Multipoint reliability was treated positively, with reviewers highlighting quick switching and two-device connection.

Multipoint works very well for switching between a phone and computer. Reviewers repeatedly described device changes as smooth, quick, and useful for mixed music, meeting, and call workflows.

Codec support was treated positively, with SBC/AAC/LDAC and high-res support helping the value proposition.

The mix of AAC, SBC, and LDAC is unusually strong at this price. The broader codec support gives buyers flexibility, with LDAC standing out as the meaningful high-quality option.

Battery life was one of the clearest strengths, repeatedly praised for 35+ hours with ANC and exceptional longevity without ANC.

Battery life is outstanding and arguably the product’s most consistent strength. Real-world testing repeatedly supported very long runtimes, with roughly 40–50 hours with ANC common and much longer endurance available with features reduced.

Charging was praised, especially the fast-charge claims and real-world usefulness before trips or commutes.

Fast charging is excellent for everyday use. A five-minute top-up commonly delivers several hours of playback, making low-battery situations easy to recover from.

Auracast was a weakness only by absence, with TechRadar saying the lack of LE Audio and Auracast keeps them from feeling fully future-proof.

Wear/on-head detection was praised in early reviews as useful and working well, though related long-term Mac behavior was criticized elsewhere.

The Headphone Pro earned strong external recognition in the supplied coverage, including an Editors’ Choice and a best-budget-headphone award. Those awards reflect how strongly it competes on overall value.

Personalized tuning created an uneven left-channel result for one reviewer, making the presentation feel unbalanced. That reviewer preferred the sound with the personalized profile disabled.

Detail retrieval is strong for the price, especially after personalization or EQ. Reviewers heard subtle instruments and texture that cheaper headphones often miss, although true audiophile nuance is still limited.

The earcups offer plenty of swivel and can rotate flat, which helps fit and neck-wearing. They do not provide the compact inward fold that some travelers may expect.

Firmware support looked promising because a later Nothing X update added Personal Sound support.

Competitive gaming gets no dedicated sound-profile presets. The headphones can still game well through wired or low-latency modes, but there is little specialization for positional competitive play.

Glasses wearers generally fare very well. Plush pads and manageable clamp pressure let multiple reviewers wear the headphones for long work or editing sessions without the usual frame pinch.

Imaging is competent rather than exceptional. Directional placement can be surprisingly clear on some tracks, but the overall precision remains below dedicated higher-end headphones.

The accessory bundle is sparse. A 3.5mm cable and soft pouch are useful, but the missing charging cable or hard case left several reviewers feeling the package had obvious cost-cutting.

Overall satisfaction is extremely high among reviewers who discussed ownership-like use. Several said the headphones replaced pricier daily drivers or delivered almost exactly what they wanted from an affordable over-ear.

The removable earpads are excellent, but the headband is not similarly replaceable. That asymmetry limits how far the modular repairability concept goes.

Sensor evidence was positive but limited, with one reviewer identifying proximity sensing as useful hardware.

There is no sidetone-style feature to feed your own voice back during calls. Because passive isolation is strong, one reviewer found that omission noticeable when speaking.

Streaming-service integration was criticized in long-term use because Channel Hop/favorites behavior felt confusing.

Dynamics are lively and energetic at normal listening levels, with good punch and excitement. Heavy bass at higher volume can soften attack and precision, so the strongest performance is not at maximum drive.

Gaming performance is good for casual play, especially with the low-latency mode or a wired connection. Competitive gamers may still want lower latency and more specialized positional tuning.

LE Audio readiness was marked down because TechRadar noted the lack of Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast.

Sound leakage is inconsistent across the small number of direct tests. Two reviewers found it low, while one long-term user considered it a serious privacy problem in quiet shared spaces.

Wear detection performance was poor in one long-term Mac test, where it reportedly never worked.

The hinges drew limited but positive comments. Reviewers who discussed them found the mechanism solid and stable rather than loose or fragile.

Sustainability materials were a weakness because The Guardian said the headphones were not made with recycled materials.

Smart Pause performance was praised by TechRadar, which said wear detection and multipoint both worked perfectly once enabled.

Heat buildup is a recurring comfort tradeoff. The plush sealed cups can make ears warm during long sessions or exercise, and the low water-resistance rating makes sweaty workouts a poor match.