CMF Headphone Pro review: Nothing’s Rs 7,999 over-ear bet takes on JBL and Sony

The affordable headphone market in India is currently led by prominent brands like Noise, JBL, and Sony. Now, Nothing's sub-brand, CMF, is stepping into this competitive arena with the launch of the CMF Headphone Pro, priced at Rs 7,999. This over-ear headset is being marketed as a premium option without the premium price tag. Equipped with impressive specifications, including 40mm drivers, LDAC support, spatial audio capabilities, and an astounding claimed battery life of up to 100 hours, the CMF Headphone Pro aims to attract young consumers who prioritize extended battery life and immersive audio experiences for streaming and gaming. In terms of design, the CMF Headphone Pro distinguishes itself with a glossy plastic finish, diverging from the common matte aesthetics in this segment. It features soft leather cushioning on both the earcups and headband, along with a lightweight frame and high-density memory foam, ensuring comfort for lengthy listening sessions. Available in Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Light Green, the lighter hues are particularly targeted at a younger demographic. The headphones include physical controls such as a multifunction roller for volume and playback, an Energy Slider for bass and treble adjustments, a power button, and a customizable Action Button, all laid out in an intuitive manner. Though the device boasts an IPX2 rating for sweat resistance, it offers limited protection against rain and splashes. When it comes to sound quality, the CMF Headphone Pro utilizes custom 40mm drivers with nickel-plated diaphragms, supporting Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC Hi-Res, and AAC codecs. The sound is described as balanced and clear, with strong mids and crisp vocals; however, its bass performance may not satisfy those who prefer a heavier bass profile found in some competing models. The headphones feature two spatial audio modes: Concert and Cinema. Concert mode amplifies bass and treble for music, while Cinema mode enhances depth for video content. Active noise cancellation is rated at up to 40dB, performing well against steady background noise but showing variability in crowded settings. The Nothing X app complements the hardware, allowing users to adjust EQ settings, manage noise cancellation levels, and toggle between spatial audio modes with ease. One of the standout features of the CMF Headphone Pro is its battery life. CMF claims it can deliver up to 100 hours of playback time when ANC is disabled, and around 50 hours with ANC activated. With typical daily use of five to six hours, users can expect the headphones to last nearly a week on a single charge, with charging time estimated at about two hours. In summary, the CMF Headphone Pro offers an impressive range of features for its price, combining a unique design, long battery life, user-friendly controls, and app customization. While its noise cancellation performance is average and the bass may not meet the expectations of all listeners, the overall package positions it as a formidable option in the sub-Rs 10,000 category, targeting style-conscious youth seeking endurance and modern features.