Compare CMF Headphone Pro vs Beyerdynamic Aventho 100

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.

Most reviewers describe the sound as enjoyable, clear, and engaging, with especially strong praise from Tom’s Guide, HiFi Oasis, and HeadphoneCheck. A minority found the stock tuning merely average or dull, so EQ can make a meaningful difference.

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.

ANC’s effect on sound is mixed. One reviewer heard virtually no tonal change, while another found the sound more compressed and unnatural with ANC engaged.

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.

Wind handling is a recurring weakness outdoors, with crackling or audible wind noise reported in both ANC and transparency modes.

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 itself adds very little objectionable background noise in most testing. One reviewer heard no disturbing hiss at all, while another described only a subtle ambient 'air' rather than a true hiss.

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.

One measurement-focused review found the default response noticeably uneven and in need of EQ. It became much more natural after correction, but stock accuracy was not a strength there.

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.

Bass is generally a strength: powerful, full-bodied, and clean enough for pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Some reviewers found the default low end overemphasized or muddy, while others thought it was too restrained for true bass-head impact.

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.

ANC is one of the most widely praised features, cutting cafe, transit, office, and steady engine noise surprisingly well for an on-ear design. It still trails the very best flagship over-ear systems, and fit can affect both comfort and effectiveness.

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.

Soundstage is the most consistent acoustic limitation: several reviewers call it narrow, closed-in, or intimate because of the on-ear form factor. A few still found respectable depth or width, and wired listening can open it up somewhat.

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.

One reviewer found that engaging ANC left the core sound signature essentially unchanged, which makes switching noise cancellation on and off less disruptive.

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.

The microphone system does a good job suppressing background noise while keeping speech intelligible. Reviewers found it useful for calls in busier indoor and outdoor settings.

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.

Gaming support is solid thanks to low-latency mode and versatile multimedia performance. One reviewer still suggested Beyerdynamic’s MMX 200 Wireless as the smarter gaming-specific choice.

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.

Video sync is very good, especially with the low-latency option available when needed. Reviewers reported little to no lag after enabling the appropriate mode.

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.

Passive isolation is consistently good for an on-ear headphone and helps before ANC is even enabled. Reviewers still note that over-ear designs can seal more completely.

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.

Transient and dynamic performance is good overall, with sharp articulation in one review. Another heard some smearing when very dense, heavily layered tracks became demanding.

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 reviewer found the stereo presentation highly immersive, with sounds moving convincingly around the listener despite the compact on-ear design.

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.

Channel separation is clear enough to give instruments and effects distinct left-right positioning. That helps the stereo image feel organized and precise.

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 folding on-ear design makes the Aventho 100 exceptionally portable and much easier to bag than many over-ear alternatives. Even reviewers who disliked the fit still praised the compact footprint.

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.

Glasses can worsen clamp pressure for some users. One reviewer with thin frames became uncomfortable after roughly half an hour.

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.

The headphones can play loudly with plenty of headroom. Reviewers who tested output level found them strong without obvious strain.

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

The ear pads and headband pad can be replaced, which supports longer service life and easier maintenance.

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.

Sidetone can make calls feel more natural by feeding back enough of the wearer’s voice to reduce the sealed-off sensation.

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.

Earcup swivel is functional but not universally intuitive. One reviewer disliked the direction the cups rotate when worn around the neck.

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 IP53 rating gives useful reassurance against dust, light rain, and some sweat. Reviewers still treat it as splash resistance rather than true waterproofing.

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.

The headband padding is generous and distributes pressure well. One reviewer reported no hot spots even during extended wear.

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.

Google account integration adds useful convenience on Android by remembering the headphones for quick reconnects across compatible devices.

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.

The feature set is deliberately streamlined rather than maximal, trading spatial-audio extras and other flagship features for a lower price and simpler experience.

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.

Android support is excellent thanks to Google Fast Pair. Reviewers reported quick recognition, one-tap setup, and reliable behavior on compatible phones.

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.

Headband adjustment works, but the range and mechanism are not perfect. Larger heads may reach the end of the extension, and one reviewer found even adjustment a little stiff.

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.

The Aventho 100 usually feels premium thanks to metal accents, refined styling, and solid construction. One reviewer thought the molded plastic sections kept it from fully matching its upscale appearance.

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.

The headphones stay securely in place during normal movement despite their light weight. Reviewers generally found the clamp sufficient to prevent slipping.

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.

Cable quality is mixed: the exposed braided wiring on the headphone is praised for improved durability, while one reviewer thought the included analog cable felt cheap.

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.

Imaging is a strength, with convincing depth, stable positioning, and clear spatial movement. Even when stage width is limited, placement within that space remains precise.

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.

At least one preset disappointed, with the bass mode described as dull and overly blunt. Custom EQ is the safer route for listeners who want to fine-tune the sound.

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.

Treble is mostly smooth and non-fatiguing, with several reviewers praising its clarity and lack of harshness. Others found the top end slightly dull, soft, or occasionally edgy, making this one of the more taste-dependent parts of the tuning.

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 3.5mm input is widely appreciated because it allows passive listening, airplane use, and continued playback when the battery dies. Several reviewers see the wired fallback as a major usability advantage.

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.

Travel friendliness is a core strength: light weight, folding hinges, long battery life, and wired fallback all make the Aventho 100 easy to live with on the move.

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.

Midrange reproduction is usually clear, natural, and easy to follow, especially for vocals. A few reviews note some recession or resonance in the lower mids, particularly before EQ.

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.

Overall satisfaction is high, with multiple reviewers calling the Aventho 100 fantastic, very good, or among their favorites. Negative reactions are driven mainly by fit and stock tuning rather than by basic functionality.

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 included soft pouch earns mixed reactions. Some reviewers liked its material and cable pocket, while others wanted a proper hard case or felt the bag looked too basic for the price.

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.

Clarity remains impressively intact at very high volume, with little muddiness or distortion reported. That makes the Aventho 100 unusually composed when pushed hard.

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.

The Aventho 100 can look distinctive without becoming flashy. One reviewer specifically praised its understated styling as a good match for buyers who want something stylish but restrained.

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.

Connection flexibility is excellent, spanning Bluetooth, analog 3.5mm, and USB audio in supported setups. Reviewers liked being able to choose the best connection for each device.

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.

The headphones work smoothly across phones and computers, including hassle-free use for video calls and everyday device switching.

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.

Transparency mode is generally useful and natural enough for conversations or situational awareness. Some reviewers heard muffling or wind interference outdoors, so performance is better in calm environments.

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 accessory bundle is functional but not premium. Reviewers criticized the charging-only USB cable in one package and the dated USB-A termination in another.

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.

Automatic wear-detection pause is missing, and the reviewer who called it out viewed that omission negatively.

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.

Repairability is unusually strong for wireless headphones, with replaceable parts and even published disassembly guidance. Reviewers specifically praised this long-term ownership approach.

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.

Earpads are easy to replace and lock securely back into place. That improves both longevity and the potential for future customization.

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.

Overall recommendations are strongly positive but often conditional on fit. Reviewers repeatedly advise buying for the styling, portability, battery life, and enjoyable sound, while warning that on-ear comfort should be tested if possible.

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.

Detail retrieval is good but not universally class-leading. Some reviewers heard impressive fine information, while others wanted more articulation and resolution from a Beyerdynamic headphone.

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.

Instrument separation is usually strong enough to keep individual parts distinct, even in busy tracks. The main exception comes from reviewers who heard congestion or weaker separation when mixes became especially dense.

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 2025 Red Dot Design Award is repeatedly highlighted, and reviewers who discussed it generally felt the visual design deserved the recognition.

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.

The memory-foam earpads are soft, thick, and comfortable in the positive fit case. Their cushioning helps offset the pressure inherent to an on-ear design.

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.

Voice assistant integration has one notable software quirk: one reviewer found the assistant toggle behaved in the opposite way expected. The feature works, but that implementation was confusing.

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.

EQ customization is one of the most useful features because multiple reviewers improved the stock sound with it. The five-band layout is simple and effective, though a few listeners wanted finer control.

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.

Call quality is a strong point overall, with voices repeatedly described as clear, full, and easy to understand. One reviewer found it merely ordinary, but most testing was distinctly positive.

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.

Software features are practical rather than extravagant, covering the adjustments most people are likely to use. Reviewers liked the range, though one wanted more button-mapping flexibility for ANC controls.

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

Voice prompts are generally clear, pleasant, and useful for battery and mode feedback. One review noted that the spoken battery percentage could differ slightly from the app.

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.

Physical buttons are a consistent usability strength: easy to find, responsive, and more reliable than touch controls for many reviewers. A short learning period may be needed because several buttons sit close together.

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 companion app is broadly praised for being clean, fast, and easy to navigate. It covers ANC, transparency, EQ, button mapping, updates, and other practical settings without becoming overly complicated.

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.

Initial setup is very easy, with quick recognition and straightforward firmware handling. Reviewers describe the onboarding process as essentially frictionless.

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.

Bluetooth performance is consistently stable, quick to pair, and reliable across normal room or office distances. No major dropouts or connection problems were reported in hands-on testing.

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.

Build quality is consistently excellent, with sturdy metal components, robust plastics, and little creaking. Reviewers often cite construction as one of the reasons the Aventho 100 feels worth its price.

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.

Comfort is highly fit-dependent. Several reviewers wore the Aventho 100 for long stretches without fatigue, while others experienced sore ears, heat, or pressure after one to three hours.

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

Hinge construction inspires confidence, with metal structure and robust surrounding parts contributing to a durable folding mechanism.

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.

The retro styling is one of the product’s most universal strengths, with reviewers repeatedly praising its 1970s or radio-operator aesthetic. The aluminum accents, compact proportions, and multiple finishes help it stand apart from generic wireless headphones.

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.

At roughly 220 grams, the Aventho 100 feels notably light and easy to carry. Reviewers repeatedly connect the low weight with better everyday and travel comfort.

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.

Clamping force is the product’s biggest fit wildcard. Some reviewers found it secure and comfortable, while others experienced severe pressure that made extended listening difficult.

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.

Durability impressions are strong thanks to robust hinges, solid materials, and improved braided wiring. The foldable frame still feels capable of everyday commuting and travel abuse.

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.

Codec support is unusually strong for this class, with AAC, SBC, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless repeatedly highlighted. Reviewers see this as a meaningful advantage for compatible sources.

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.

Value is generally considered good to excellent for the combination of styling, battery life, ANC, build, and connectivity. A few reviewers still called the price high, especially when comfort or stock tuning did not suit them.

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.

Multipoint works well and is usually seamless between two devices. One review found that media had to be paused on the first device before the second would play, but the broader consensus is very positive.

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.

Fast charging is outstanding, with about 15 minutes repeatedly translating into roughly 15 hours of playback. Reviewers see this as especially valuable for travel and last-minute charging.

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.

Battery life is the clearest point of consensus: reviewers repeatedly praise the roughly 60-hour ANC-off and 40-hour ANC-on endurance. Several testers went days or a full week without needing a charge.

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.

Long sessions can make ears hot for listeners who struggle with on-ear designs. Two reviewers specifically reported heat buildup becoming uncomfortable after extended wear.

aptX playback receives excellent marks, including praise for clean wireless sound with no obvious compression artifacts. Compatible devices can take good advantage of the headphone’s higher-quality wireless modes.

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.

The Aventho 100 is easy to drive in normal use, with its active electronics handling amplification so a powerful source is not required.

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.

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.

The integrated microphone array performs reliably for calls and computer meetings. It captures speech clearly without requiring a boom microphone.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Mechanical noise while worn is extremely low. One reviewer specifically praised the near absence of creaking or frame noise when moving the jaw.

Idle noise is usually very low, but the experience depends on mode. One reviewer heard virtually no hiss or hum, while another noticed audible hiss in ANC or transparency with nothing playing.

Bluetooth LE support is absent, which one reviewer flagged as a disappointing omission from an otherwise modern wireless implementation.

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.

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.