Compare CMF Headphone Pro vs Beats 360

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 one of the 360’s clearest strengths, with most testing describing clean, energetic and balanced playback. A minority view found the tuning thin and grating, especially without Spatial Audio.

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.

Wireless playback is usable for video, but the lack of a wired path means true zero-latency operation is unavailable.

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 flexibility is limited by Bluetooth-only audio, which rules out straightforward wired use with many consoles.

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.

A faint hiss or whooshing noise can be audible with ANC in otherwise quiet conditions, though it is generally described as a minor issue.

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 can be highly immersive for movies and compatible music, especially with head tracking. Some listeners leave it off because it can alter bass or add an artificial echo.

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 changes the sound slightly, with one test preferring the tonal balance when noise cancellation was switched off, though the difference was not large.

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.

The soundstage is consistently spacious for a closed wireless headphone, with good width and room around instruments.

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.

Noise cancellation has only a small tonal effect in the direct listening test, with sound judged slightly better when ANC was off.

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 good enough for outdoor calls, with only faint static reported in windier conditions rather than intrusive noise.

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 a major upgrade and repeatedly lands near the top of the premium class for steady noise, travel and gym use. Bose, Sony and Apple flagships can still do better in some situations, especially voices.

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.

Background-noise suppression is a standout microphone strength, often keeping street, gym and environmental noise remarkably quiet behind the speaker’s voice.

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.

Dynamic performance is strong, with wide swings and energetic playback holding together well; UltraPlush can improve perceived punch further.

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 punchy and controlled for many listeners, but opinions vary sharply by cushion, track and listening mode. Some found it lean for workouts, while others heard plenty of weight or even occasional boom.

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.

The tuning is far more balanced than old-school Beats, but it still leans neutral-bright rather than truly reference-flat. That balance works for many listeners but not all.

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 deep cushions and seal, especially with UltraPlush; the more porous Knit pads trade some isolation for breathability.

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.

Movies and music can sound convincingly enveloping, with head-filling presentation and strong spatial effects when the material suits them.

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.

Hi-res and lossless playback are major limitations: there is no wired lossless path and no high-resolution Bluetooth codec support.

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 lack of a 3.5mm analog path is a major recurring complaint, especially for airplane entertainment, consoles and battery-independent playback.

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.

IPX4 sweat and water resistance is a defining strength, making the 360 unusually suitable for workouts and light rain among premium over-ear headphones.

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, which matters most to Android listeners who want higher-bitrate Bluetooth audio.

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.

Connectivity is flexible across Apple and Android wirelessly, but Bluetooth-only audio removes the wired fallback that many premium competitors retain.

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.

At launch, the 360 feels short on expected premium conveniences, particularly wear detection, wired audio and broader software personalization.

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 360 plays notably loud, with several comparisons highlighting its roughly 12 dB higher output versus Studio Pro.

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.

Ecosystem integration is a major strength: iPhone users get AirPods-like pairing and switching, while Android still receives Fast Pair, Find Hub and useful native controls.

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

The modular cushion and headband system is the signature feature: parts swap quickly, support workout-to-office use and make both style changes and wear replacement unusually easy.

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 soft magnetic pouch is light, breathable and convenient for gym bags, but travelers wanting impact protection may prefer a hard-shell case.

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 reduces top-of-head pressure effectively and contributes strongly to the 360’s long-session comfort.

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 performance is split: comfort, ANC and long battery life are excellent on the move, but no wired seatback connection and limited foldability are meaningful drawbacks for frequent flyers.

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.

Although the construction uses plenty of plastic, the 360 generally feels more premium in hand than earlier Beats models and several similarly priced rivals.

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 mixed: the softer clamp can avoid painful temple pressure, but thick arms may break the seal and reduce ANC.

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

The soft-touch silicone finish looks good but can attract hair and small particles, requiring occasional wiping.

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.

Stereo imaging is precise, placing instruments and effects in distinct positions across the wide soundstage.

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 unusually complete for an Apple-owned product, with Fast Pair, Find Hub, Audio Switch and app-based controls repeatedly praised.

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 widely praised for sounding natural and usable for conversation, though a few tests found it less immediate or polished than Apple’s best implementations.

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 primarily a charging connection rather than a dependable wired-audio option, a recurring frustration for travelers and lossless-audio users.

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 a consistent strength, with small textures and layered elements remaining easy to pick out despite the consumer-friendly tuning.

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 secure fit works well for cycling, lifting and most workouts, but sprints, sit-ups and bench movements can expose some movement depending on head size.

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 metal adjustment system provides enough extension to accommodate different head sizes and line the cups up comfortably.

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 often comes across detailed and crisp, but the brighter tuning can become stilted, sibilant or fatiguing on certain tracks.

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.

The midrange is generally clearer than older Beats tuning, though not uniformly so. Some listening found vocals full and prominent, while other testing heard recessed or thin mids.

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.

The earcups rotate flat for storage, a useful compromise even though the headphones do not collapse inward.

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.

Cross-platform compatibility is one of the 360’s best practical advantages, delivering a near-first-class experience on both iOS and Android.

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.

Portability is only average: the cups swivel flat, but the frame does not collapse, so it takes more bag space than folding Sony or Bose rivals.

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 earpads are exceptionally easy to remove and replace, making worn, sweaty or dirty contact surfaces simple to refresh.

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 is absent, so music keeps playing when the headphones come off unless the user stops it manually.

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.

Even at high volume, distortion stays impressively low and clarity holds up well.

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 slim profile is generally considered discreet and easy to wear in public, although one test found the cups stick out more than desired.

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 across most hands-on testing, driven by the combination of workout versatility, comfort, ANC, sound and modularity.

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, simpler construction and available battery-service paths make the 360 notably more repairable and maintainable than many sealed premium headphones.

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 overall recommendation is strongly positive, especially for active users wanting one over-ear pair for gym and daily life. A notable dissent centers on the tuning, wired omissions and premium price.

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.

Both cushion styles are well received: Performance Knit is breathable and workout-friendly, while UltraPlush is softer and often preferred for long listening. Knit can feel slightly rougher to some users.

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 included pouch is useful, but the absence of a charging cable or charger disappoints some buyers at this price; others are happy not to receive another USB-C cable.

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, helping busy arrangements stay distinct, though heavy bass can introduce some congestion.

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 360 earned explicit Editors’ Choice recognition for its combination of modular design, water resistance and performance upgrades.

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.

Find My and Find Hub add useful tracking, though one test linked always-on Find My behavior to noticeable standby drain.

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 a weak point: the 360 relies on standard Bluetooth codecs and lacks the higher-resolution options offered by several rivals.

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.

Automatic switching can work well inside supported ecosystems, but there is no true simultaneous Android-and-iPhone multipoint connection.

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

Automatic power management is weak because the headphones do not reliably sleep when removed, creating avoidable battery-drain risk if left on.

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 for a $350 premium workout-focused headphone, especially against AirPods Max, but full-price cushion kits and rival discounts can weaken the equation.

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 custom Beats platform omits some smarter AirPods-style features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and Personalized Volume.

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 feature set feels incomplete for the price because wear detection, wired playback and several H2-era AirPods conveniences are missing.

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

The cushion-recognition chime provides helpful confirmation that a replacement earcup is seated and detected correctly.

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 pairing and everyday setup are generally simple, though deeper software customization is more limited than some premium rivals.

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.

Manual EQ is one of the most repeated software complaints. Adaptive tuning is automatic, but users cannot freely shape bass, mids and treble to preference.

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 generally very strong, with clear speech in difficult environments, but some tests heard noticeable processing and stopped short of recommending it for important conferencing.

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 5.3 is considered fully adequate here, with little practical benefit expected from moving to Bluetooth 6 for this use case.

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 access works well across platforms, with hands-free Siri on Apple devices and Android assistant access through the controls.

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 connectivity proved trouble-free in the direct cross-phone test, including switching between Android and iPhone.

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 usually preferred for sweaty workouts and reliable control, though several users found the similarly shaped or flush buttons harder to identify by touch.

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 Beats app is useful and straightforward on Android, providing firmware, button and device controls that keep the experience close to iOS.

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.

Performance Knit can noticeably reduce sweat and heat versus leather-style pads, but over-ear coverage still gets warm during longer workouts and listening sessions.

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 viewed as solid and more premium than older Beats models, with sturdy sliders and little sense of flimsy plastic.

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

Dropping the traditional folding hinge simplifies a common wear point and is viewed as a durability advantage over older Beats designs.

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 redesign is widely praised as modern, sleek and distinctly customizable, with swappable colors giving the 360 more personality than most premium ANC headphones.

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.

Long-session comfort is one of the strongest themes, helped by soft cushions, good weight distribution and a lighter-feeling headband. Larger heads may still notice clamp pressure.

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.

Despite weighing around 294–295 g, the 360 usually feels lighter than the number suggests because its weight is distributed into the earcups and cushions.

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 force is a tradeoff rather than a universal win. It helps keep the headphones secure for exercise, but head size can determine whether that feels reassuring or uncomfortable.

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.

The simpler structure and replaceable wear surfaces give the 360 unusually good long-term ownership potential, with cushions easy to refresh as they age.

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 a strong point at around 32 hours with ANC, and real-world tests often supported that claim. One unit showed unusually high standby drain, and Transparency can shorten endurance.

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 Fuel charging is consistently useful, providing about an hour of playback from a five-minute charge.

Live Translation is missing because the 360 does not use the newer H2 feature stack.

There is no aptX Lossless support, limiting high-resolution wireless playback options.

Wear detection is one of the clearest weaknesses. The 360 does not sense when it is put on or removed, an omission repeatedly criticized at $350.

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.

Because the 360 has no wired playback path, there is no detachable audio-cable convenience to fall back on.

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 system is capable of excellent voice pickup, supporting the 360’s strong call performance.

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.

Cushion-recognition sensors automatically retune the headphones for Knit or UltraPlush pads, a clever feature that helps preserve tuning across different seals.

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.

Using Beats’ own chip instead of Apple’s H2 preserves cross-platform flexibility but leaves out several newer AirPods software features.

Smart Pause is effectively missing: taking the headphones off does not automatically stop playback.

Dolby Atmos with head tracking can create a convincing theater-like presentation, especially for compatible movies and spatial mixes.

A faint idle whoosh has been reported in quiet ANC use, so the electronics are not completely silent for every listener.

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 is effectively nonexistent because the necessary on-head sensing is absent.

The use of 80% recycled plastic across key components is a meaningful sustainability benefit for the construction.