CMF Steps Into the Big League
CMF by Nothing has finally taken a big step beyond earbuds and smartwatches. On September 30, the company unveiled its first-ever over-the-ear headphones, the CMF Headphone Pro. The launch grabbed attention for two reasons: a staggering 100 hours of claimed battery life and a design language that stays true to Nothing’s playful, colorful identity.
In an audio market flooded with big names like Sony, Bose, and Apple, CMF’s entry feels bold. The brand is positioning itself as the affordable yet stylish alternative, without cutting corners on features.
Features and Design That Stand Out
The CMF Headphone Pro continues Nothing’s obsession with clean yet striking aesthetics. The headphones come in vibrant colors and include customizable outer panels, letting users swap designs to match their mood or outfit.
A standout detail is the tactile control system. Instead of relying entirely on touch gestures, CMF has integrated intuitive dials and buttons that promise more accurate control for volume and playback—something audiophiles and everyday listeners often complain about in touch-only headphones.
An industry analyst based in Bengaluru remarked, “The headphone space needed a disruptor at this price range. CMF is bringing design innovation and practicality together, which could push competitors to rethink their strategy.”
Performance and Battery Life
The headline-grabber is undoubtedly the 100-hour playtime on a single charge. If the claim holds up in real-world use, that means nearly a week of continuous listening without reaching for the charger. Fast charging support is also included, with just a few minutes of charging giving hours of playback—ideal for busy commuters and travelers.
The headphones also come with active noise cancellation (ANC), a must-have feature in 2025’s premium headphone space. While CMF hasn’t revealed all the fine-tuned technical details yet, early impressions suggest that the company is serious about sound quality. Expect a focus on deep bass, crisp vocals, and balanced mids, tuned for both music lovers and casual users.
Availability and India’s Waitlist
For now, the CMF Headphone Pro will roll out in select global markets first. Interestingly, India is on the waiting list, meaning local fans will have to be patient before getting their hands on the product.
This strategy might feel frustrating to Indian buyers, especially considering Nothing’s strong popularity in the country. But experts suggest it could be part of a supply-chain plan to test limited markets first.
A Delhi-based retailer shared, “Nothing has built hype in India with its phones and earbuds. Even if the Headphone Pro comes a few months late, demand here will be strong, especially in the under-₹15,000 price segment.”
What This Means for the Headphone Market
With the CMF Headphone Pro, Nothing is clearly betting on long-lasting battery life and bold design to stand apart from premium but pricier brands. The customizable panels tap into the Gen Z and millennial desire for personalization, while the practical tactile controls solve a very real problem that even luxury headphones overlook.
If priced competitively, these headphones could easily disrupt the mid-range market. They may not dethrone Sony’s WH-1000XM series or Apple’s AirPods Max, but they will certainly challenge them in terms of style-to-value ratio.
Looking ahead, CMF’s move also signals a larger trend: smaller lifestyle tech brands no longer shy away from entering premium categories. For users, that only means more choices and more innovation.
Final Word
The CMF Headphone Pro is more than just another product launch—it’s a statement from Nothing that its sub-brand can deliver serious audio gear without losing its identity. With 100-hour playtime, tactile controls, and customizable looks, it brings something fresh to a market that often feels repetitive.
Whether this gamble pays off will depend on pricing and user reviews once sales begin. But one thing is clear: CMF has successfully sparked curiosity, and in the headphone world, that’s half the battle won.