Compare CMF Headphone Pro vs Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen)

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.

Sound quality is a major success for this generation. Reviewers consistently call it good to excellent, with more balanced tuning and better detail than earlier standard QuietComfort models, though Ultra-level refinement remains slightly ahead.

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.

With ANC switched off, one test found bass became boomy and masked other detail, so the cleaner sound depends on leaving noise control engaged.

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 the tuning became markedly worse with ANC disabled, making the normal noise-canceling mode important to the intended sound.

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.

Spatial audio works especially well for movies, shows, and gaming according to one detailed comparison, adding an engaging sense of space.

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 was excellent in one outdoor test, where the built-in wind mode kept feedback minimal even on a breezy day.

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.

Immersive Audio is the most polarizing feature. Some reviewers love the wider, speaker-like presentation for movies, while others find it flattening, distracting, or not worth the battery hit.

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.

Factory tuning is one of the generation's biggest audio improvements. Reviewers repeatedly describe it as balanced, refined, and more tonally honest than earlier QuietComfort models.

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.

Microphone noise reduction is inconsistent. Background and wind noise can leak through badly outdoors, though some tests found the newer processing improved voice isolation over the previous model.

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 usually described as punchy, satisfying, and controlled rather than muddy. A few reviewers found it either slightly too strong or too restrained, but most liked the balance.

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.

Noise cancellation is the clearest strength. Most reviewers place it near flagship level, praising how well it suppresses travel rumble, office noise, and city ambience, though a few rivals can still edge it out.

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.

Dynamics receive mixed feedback. One review found the presentation compressed and managed, while another thought the headphones sounded convincingly lively and dynamic.

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 generally spacious for a closed-back headphone and can widen further with Cinema or Immersive modes. The Ultra still sounds a little more open in direct comparisons.

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 benefits from the tighter oval seal and plush cushions. Reviewers say the design meaningfully quiets the outside world even before ANC starts.

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 noise artifacts are mostly well controlled, with one reviewer reporting brief static during sudden spikes while another found the system stayed composed without pumping or hiss.

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.

LDAC is absent, and reviewers who care about high-resolution wireless playback see that as a meaningful competitive disadvantage.

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.

Foldability and portability are excellent. The headphones collapse into a small footprint that fits easily in backpacks and carry-ons, a recurring advantage for travelers.

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.

USB-C is one of the most praised upgrades, adding lossless wired playback, charging while listening, and broader laptop/phone usefulness. Reviewers repeatedly wish this were standard on more headphones.

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.

The adjustable Self Voice sidetone control is appreciated for letting callers choose how clearly they hear their own voice.

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

Dark finishes show fingerprints and hand oils easily, so reviewers who care about appearance may find themselves wiping the headphones down often.

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 rotation is a minor ergonomic weakness. Multiple reviewers dislike that the cups do not naturally lie flat in the preferred direction when worn around the neck.

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 hard case is compact and highly travel-friendly, with several reviewers calling its small footprint a major advantage. One reviewer wished it had an easier carry tab.

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 two included cables are useful and travel-friendly, especially for USB-C and in-flight analog sources. The main accessory complaint is the lack of a wall charger.

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.

Wired flexibility has a meaningful catch: there is no passive playback, so the headphones still need power even when cabled. That weakens the cable as a true dead-battery fallback.

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.

Headband padding is consistently praised as soft, plush, and well distributed, helping the lightweight chassis remain comfortable over long sessions.

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 setup was quick and painless in testing, with Google Fast Pair connecting to an Android device in only a few seconds.

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 lightweight fit remained secure while walking around the city in testing, without requiring an overly tight clamp.

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.

Feature breadth draws split reactions: the second generation adds meaningful capabilities, but one reviewer still found the overall feature set too light for a premium-priced model.

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.

There is no native 3.5mm jack, which some reviewers consider a real loss, though the included USB-C-to-3.5mm cable softens the drawback for flights and analog sources.

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 generally crisp, smooth, and detailed without harshness. A few reviewers hear softened top-end air or slight recession, but the overall response is positive.

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 standard black and white versions keep the low-key, understated QuietComfort look that one reviewer thought was exactly right for everyday wear.

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.

With no water or sweat resistance rating, reviewers advise against rain, gym use, or workouts. These are clearly travel, commute, and desk headphones instead.

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.

High-volume playback stayed controlled in one detailed test, with crisp highs that did not become shrill even when played loudly.

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.

Premium feel is inconsistent. Some reviewers like the softer padding and refined finish, but many say the plastic chassis feels cheaper than a $359 product should.

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 pause on removal is missing, and the omission feels out of place on a premium-priced modern headphone.

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 is a natural fit for these headphones: strong ANC, low weight, compact folding, a small case, and USB-C/airplane-cable support repeatedly earn praise.

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.

One reviewer found overall output volume too low even though the tonal balance and Cinema mode were otherwise strong.

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 performance is usually clean and natural, especially for vocals, but some reviewers find mids slightly recessed or lacking the presence of the bass and treble.

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/Aware mode is usually rated good to very good, with clear voices and useful environmental awareness. Apple remains the common benchmark for a more natural outside-world sound.

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 is secure but somewhat divisive. Some like the smooth, precise slider, while others find it stiff or miss the repeatability of the older notched design.

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.

Separation is a strong point, with guitars, keys, vocals, and layered parts generally easy to distinguish. USB-C listening can sharpen separation further.

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.

Most reviewers recommend the QuietComfort 2nd Gen, especially for comfort, ANC, travel, and simple daily use. The main hesitation is paying full launch price when discounted alternatives or the Ultra are close.

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.

The Bass Boost preset is useful but not perfectly balanced; one reviewer needed to raise the mids afterward to get the desired sound.

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.

Replaceable ear cushions are strongly valued because worn pads can be swapped instead of forcing replacement of the whole headphone.

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.

Wired high-resolution playback is a major strength. Reviewers consistently heard or valued the cleaner, more detailed lossless USB-C path, even when the improvement over Bluetooth was modest.

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 many reviewers calling the headphones an easy daily driver or personal favorite. Negative reactions center mostly on price, materials, and battery life rather than the core listening experience.

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 generally strong, with reviewers hearing fine textures, vocals, and instrumental cues clearly. More revealing flagship models can still expose finer microdetail.

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.

Replaceable cushions give the headphones a practical repairability advantage, letting owners renew the first wear item instead of retiring the whole product.

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.

Earpad comfort is mostly praised for soft, plush cushioning and a good seal, but a few reviewers found the pads thinner or less plush than expected at this price.

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 compatibility is excellent. Reviewers wearing glasses generally found the redesigned seal and ANC compensation preserved noise cancellation with little or no noticeable penalty.

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.

Mashable gave the headphones its Choice Award treatment, placing them among products it describes as the best it has tested and loved.

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.

Wireless codec support is a clear limitation for enthusiasts: AAC and SBC are considered basic at this price, especially when rivals offer higher-resolution options.

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 highly price-dependent. Many reviewers think the full $359 launch price is awkward, but the package becomes very compelling around $299 or when compared with substantially pricier flagships.

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 reliability is excellent in the tests that covered it. Laptop-to-phone switching was fast and seamless, including incoming-call handoffs.

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 depth is a weak spot for the price. Several reviewers wanted richer features and more advanced customization than the relatively basic Bose experience provides.

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.

The physical buttons are an across-the-board success. Reviewers repeatedly prefer their tactile, predictable operation to touch controls and find them easy to use without looking.

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 serviceable rather than class-leading. Quiet-room calls usually sound fine, but several reviewers report compressed voices, low volume, or mediocre intelligibility in noisy environments.

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.

Bluetooth 5.4 drew a positive reaction in the preview coverage, though reviewers focused more on multipoint behavior than the version number itself.

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 Bose app is generally praised for being clean, simple, and approachable, though one review criticized its limited depth compared with cheaper rivals.

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.

Setup is generally very easy, with fast pairing and a straightforward app. The main usability wrinkle is that a few settings, such as fully disabling ANC, are more buried than expected.

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.

The three-band EQ is easy to understand but too limited for serious tuning. Casual users often find it sufficient, while enthusiasts repeatedly ask for more bands and finer control.

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

The power-on audio feedback drew an unusually enthusiastic response, with the reviewer describing the sound cue as satisfying.

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

One test unit had hinges that felt overly loose and wobbly, reducing confidence when carrying the headphones without their case.

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 a recurring concern: the lightweight plastic helps comfort, but many reviewers say it feels cheap, loose, or insufficiently premium for the price. A few units nevertheless held up well in use.

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.

Low weight is nearly universally praised and is a major reason the headphones disappear during long sessions. Reviewers consistently see it as a comfort advantage over heavier flagships.

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.

One reviewer subjected the headphones to rough bag and pocket use without seeing wear, suggesting encouraging early durability despite the plastic construction.

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 refreshed design is widely liked for its clean shape and colorful finishes. Reviewers often call it modern and attractive, even when they criticize the plastic materials.

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 one of the strongest areas overall. Most reviewers could wear the headphones for hours or full workdays, although a minority reported pressure or jaw fatigue from the firmer fit.

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.

Clamp comfort varies by head shape. Several reviewers found the pressure ideal for sealing without fatigue, while others reported noticeable pressure after longer sessions.

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 most repeated practical weakness. Around 24 hours is enough for ordinary use, but many reviewers consider it short for 2026, especially against 30- to 60-hour competitors.

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.

Charging behavior is practical, especially quick top-ups and the ability to listen while charging. Full charging is not especially fast, but the convenience features are well received.

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.

One reviewer noted sweaty earcups in warm conditions, a manageable but noticeable downside common to sealed over-ear designs.

aptX support is absent, which several reviewers see as a disappointing limitation for a premium wireless headphone, especially beside the Ultra's higher-resolution codec options.

The lack of head detection is a notable omission at this price, so the headphones do not automatically pause when removed.

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.

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.

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.

ActiveSense is well regarded for softening sudden loud sounds while Aware mode remains usable. Reviewers found it helpful with train screeches, streetcars, and other sharp noise spikes.

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

Spotify shortcut support was viewed as a useful convenience, giving quick one-button access to playback from the headphones.

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.

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.

A previous-generation ANC hiss was not noticeable to the CNET reviewer on this model, suggesting a clean idle noise floor in that test.

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.

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 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.

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.