Compare H2O Audio RIPT Ultra vs CMF Headphone Pro

Sound quality drew unusually divided reactions: some heard crisp, balanced, energetic audio, while others found it muddy, tinny, or merely passable for the price. The tuning seems better suited to workout motivation than critical listening.

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.

Microphone noise reduction is a weak spot. Traffic, strong fans, wind, and heavy breathing may remain audible, although one tester reported decent fan handling.

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.

At louder listening levels in quiet spaces, sound leakage can become noticeable to people nearby.

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.

ANC’s effect on the tuning varies sharply: one reviewer heard improved depth and a wider stage, while another preferred the cleaner, less muddy sound with ANC off.

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.

ANC changes the sound noticeably for some listeners. It often adds bass, impact, and richness, but can also deepen muddiness or introduce hum in wired mode.

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.

Most listeners enjoyed the strong, punchy low end, but a few heard bass bleed, crackling, or excessive thickness. Bass-heavy tracks are the biggest test of whether this tuning will suit you.

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.

Soundstage is highly source- and listener-dependent: some heard a wider presentation with ANC, while others found it narrow and crowded. Spaciousness is not a consistent strength.

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.

When the tuning worked, reviewers heard an even, balanced response with clear articulation. Track-to-track performance was less consistent for one tester, especially with bass-heavy material.

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.

ANC was widely praised for suppressing gym clatter, fans, aircraft hum, and office distractions, though a few found it only average. Performance can weaken with silicone pads, and long sweaty sessions produced crackling for some users.

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.

One tester reported no meaningful latency during wireless use, making video playback feel properly synchronized.

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.

Wind handling is mixed. One runner found outdoor wind and fan noise controlled well, while another reviewer said wind remained a problem for calls.

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.

The thick over-ear cushions provide strong passive isolation before ANC is even engaged. That seal helps cut gym, travel, and office noise without using extra battery.

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.

Low-frequency noise such as aircraft hum, fans, and gym machinery is reduced effectively in many tests. Other reviewers heard only a small improvement, and silicone pads can weaken the seal.

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.

The Zwift edition worked well for indoor racing and paired smoothly with Discord, offering clear playback and a usable built-in microphone.

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.

LDAC is not supported, limiting high-resolution Bluetooth options for compatible Android devices.

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.

Hi-res wireless playback and USB DAC-style audio modes are absent. Buyers seeking higher-resolution digital playback will need a different model.

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.

Glasses may break the ear-cushion seal, allow sweat to pool, and press the arms against the head. One commenter reported no issue, but the main review considered glasses compatibility potentially uncomfortable.

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.

The headphones fold or hinge into a compact shape, and some cups rotate flat. That makes the bulky over-ear design much easier to pack.

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.

Sweat resistance is the defining strength: the silicone cushions protect the drivers, wipe or rinse clean, and survived demanding workouts. There is no formal IP rating, and sweat can still pool inside the cups during long sessions.

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.

The launch feature set feels thin for a premium-priced model, especially because the app, EQ, Find My, and other extras are missing.

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.

There is no Find My function, which one reviewer considered a notable omission at this price.

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.

The headphones play very loudly, with more than enough output for workouts and noisy environments. Reviewers did not struggle to reach motivating volume levels.

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.

USB-C charging was praised as convenient and painless, with ordinary cables working as expected.

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.

The package is generous, with alternate cushions and other workout or travel essentials treated as thoughtful additions.

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.

The ear cushions can be swapped and replaced easily, which supports longer ownership and lets users move between workout and everyday pads. Headband replacement was not discussed.

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

Most versions include a protective carry case or bag plus space for cables and spare cushions. The case is useful for travel, though one reviewer found it only moderately protective and another called it sizable.

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.

The plastic-heavy construction can look and feel less premium than conventional headphones at this price. Its practical durability softens that criticism but does not erase it.

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.

Instrument separation was one of the more disputed sound traits. A few testers could isolate individual parts easily, but others heard instruments smushed together or pushed into the background.

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.

Headband padding is thick enough to spread pressure comfortably without becoming cumbersome. Reviewers found it well matched to the secure workout fit.

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.

Vocals and mids were generally clear, warm, and easy to follow. A few reviewers thought voices sounded slightly dark or lost detail when arrangements became dense.

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.

Overall satisfaction is high among users who prioritize sweatproof over-ear comfort, battery life, and workout stability. Satisfaction drops when fit is loose, heat builds up, or sound and software are judged against similarly priced lifestyle headphones.

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.

Transparency mode is useful for outdoor awareness and quick conversations, and several reviewers found it natural enough for safety. One tester heard muffled mids, rolled-off treble, and hiss.

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.

Bluetooth and wired 3.5mm playback give the headphones useful flexibility for phones, airplanes, and other everyday sources.

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.

The headphones connected smoothly across smartphones, an iPad, and a Garmin watch, showing strong compatibility beyond a single platform.

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.

Long battery life, folding construction, wired playback, and a protective case make these strong travel companions. The softer pads also help them transition from workouts to flights and daily use.

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.

Treble impressions ranged from crisp and clean to rolled-off, thin, or lacking sparkle. It avoids harshness well, but detail lovers may want more air and presence.

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.

Fit security is excellent for many medium-to-large heads, staying put through running, lifting, and cycling. Smaller heads are the clear risk: several testers experienced slipping, and one pair flew off during power cleans.

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.

Android can provide a precise battery percentage that the headphones’ own voice feedback lacks, adding a useful compatibility benefit.

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.

Removable cushions are central to the design and usually twist off for washing or replacement. Reinstallation can take practice, and one reviewer could not find official spare pads for sale at the time.

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.

The included 3.5mm input is a valuable backup for airplanes, receivers, and low-latency listening. Wired sound can be strong, although one tester heard ground-loop hum when ANC was active.

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.

The two cushion sets are a standout: silicone for sweaty training and softer leather-style pads for everyday wear. Reviewers liked the secure fit, easy cleaning, and flexibility to trade breathability for comfort.

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.

Most reviewers recommend the headphones for people who specifically want sweatproof over-ear workout audio. Recommendations become much more cautious for audiophiles, smaller heads, long hot sessions, or shoppers focused on maximum value.

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.

The click-adjust headband usually holds its setting securely and offers precise sizing. A serious exception is smaller heads, where even the minimum setting may remain too loose.

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.

The black and gray versions offer a more discreet gym look than the bright orange Zwift model, which attracts considerably more attention.

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.

Voice prompts are a recurring annoyance because they are loud, vague, and cannot be disabled or volume-adjusted. Mode announcements can also interrupt music and calls.

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

There is no functional companion app for these headphones, which most reviewers saw as a major omission at this price. One tester appreciated the simpler app-free experience, but customization remains extremely limited.

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.

The software feature set is sparse compared with similarly priced headphones. There is no companion control suite for personalized settings or feature expansion.

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.

The fixed sound profile cannot be adjusted with an equalizer or vocal preset. That is especially frustrating for reviewers who wanted to tame bass, lift vocals, or correct the darker 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.

Call voices were usually clear, sometimes even clearer than a phone alone. Outdoor traffic, fan noise, and wind can still reach the other person because microphone noise suppression is limited.

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.

Bluetooth connections were consistently stable across phones, tablets, watches, and normal household distances. Reviewers reported easy pairing, no meaningful dropouts, and little noticeable latency.

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.

Pairing and setup were effortless in the one detailed test, with multiple devices connecting quickly and reliably without confusing steps.

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.

Physical buttons are generally easy to locate and more dependable than touch controls with sweaty hands. Downsides include awkward placement, loud spoken interruptions, and an ANC button that stuck on one sample.

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.

Value is the biggest dividing line. The specialized sweatproof design can justify the premium for committed over-ear workout users, but several reviewers felt the sound, ANC, and missing app fell short of the price.

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.

Two reviewers criticized the lack of high-resolution options, while one video reviewer reported an “AEX HD” codec that worked reliably. The conflicting descriptions leave advanced codec support unclear.

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.

Reports on multipoint conflict: some reviewers say it is absent, while others paired multiple devices or reported dual-device support that worked smoothly. Buyers who depend on true simultaneous multipoint should verify the behavior they need.

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.

The hinge and frame felt robust overall, but one active-use test produced occasional squeaking and crackling noises during movement.

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

Most testers expected the sweatproof plastics and washable pads to last through repeated workouts, and one unit remained reliable for months. The major concern is intermittent ANC crackling reported on multiple long, sweaty rides, including a replacement pair.

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.

Styling is polarizing: the Zwift edition earned praise for its bold orange design, while the standard blue-accented models looked too sporty or plain to others. The design favors workout identity over sleek minimalism.

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.

Construction generally feels solid, with metal reinforcement and durable plastics suited to exercise. Some units creak or feel cheaper than their price suggests, but most reviewers still considered them well made.

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.

Clamping is firmer than average to support movement, but reviewers who fit the headphones properly did not find it painful. The pressure generally feels purposeful rather than excessive.

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.

Long-wear comfort is one of the strongest themes, especially with the softer leather-style pads. Heat and small-head fit issues are the main reasons some users may not stay comfortable for extended workouts.

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.

Most testers found the weight well balanced or surprisingly light in use, though one reviewer considered the 304g frame and thick silicone pads noticeably heavy. Comfort depends more on heat and fit than raw weight.

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.

The sealed over-ear design frequently traps heat and moisture during hard workouts. Several testers found the silicone pads hotter than normal, with sweat pooling around the ears on longer sessions.

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.

Battery life is a major strength, commonly lasting a week or many long workouts without recharging. Real-world results around 40-50 hours with ANC were considered more than sufficient.

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.

USB-C charging is convenient, and one review reported several hours of playback from a 15-minute charge. The port is charging-only, with no USB audio mode.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 built-in microphone and call controls make it easy to answer, reject, or end calls without reaching for a phone.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.