CMF by Nothing has launched the Headphone Pro as a premium-feel, budget-segment over-ear headphone aimed at users who want strong sound, modern features, and long battery life without paying flagship pricing. Official pricing sits at ₹7,999, while offers can bring it closer to ₹6,999, making the value proposition hard to ignore.
Table of contents
- Price and Positioning
- Unboxing Experience and In-Box Contents
- Design and Build Quality
- Comfort and Fit
- 40mm Drivers, LDAC, and Hi-Res Audio
- Controls and Physical Interface
- Nothing App Features and Customisation
- Noise Cancellation and Transparency
- Microphone and Call Quality
- Wear Sensor Note
- Gaming Performance and Latency
- Battery Life and Fast Charging
- Replaceable Ear Cushions: A Real-World Advantage
- Verdict
Price and Positioning
Pricing is one of the biggest highlights. At ₹7,999 (MRP) and often around ₹6,999 with offers, this model competes directly with mainstream wireless ANC headphones while adding LDAC, Hi-Res certification, and a feature-heavy app experience that usually costs more.
Unboxing Experience and In-Box Contents
The packaging feels intentionally designed and visually different from typical headphone boxes. Inside the box:
- CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro
- Booklet (unique shape and design)
- 3.5mm audio cable for wired use
- Cloth pouch for carrying
- Extra ear cushions (key long-term benefit)
- Nothing App QR code for quick setup
Extra ear cushions not included in the box are a rare and genuinely useful addition in this price range, especially for long-term ownership.
Design and Build Quality
A premium-first approach shows up immediately in the finish and materials. The headphone features a glossy exterior, a distinctive CMF aesthetic, and metal elements that add a more premium visual identity. The overall design looks modern and “different,” which aligns with the Nothing ecosystem vibe.
Clear Left/Right markings make daily use effortless, and the ear cup shape helps form a tight seal, improving both comfort and ANC performance.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is strong thanks to:
- Well-cushioned headrest
- Soft ear padding
- Secure ear seal that sits snugly
Long listening sessions feel comfortable, and the seal helps deliver better bass response and stronger perceived noise reduction. The headband extension adjusts easily, allowing a quick fit change without stiffness.
A fold-flat design is not present, so storage requires placing the headphone into the included pouch in a set orientation. Portability is still manageable, just not as compact as foldable alternatives.
40mm Drivers, LDAC, and Hi-Res Audio
Sound hardware includes 40mm drivers, supported by LDAC and Hi-Res Audio certification. That combination matters for users who care about:
- Better Bluetooth audio quality (with compatible devices)
- Cleaner highs and improved detail
- Stronger separation in music tracks
The tuning leans toward a punchy bass-forward profile, which is exactly what many listeners prefer for Bollywood, EDM, and everyday streaming playlists. Bass remains impactful while still keeping vocals clear.
Controls and Physical Interface
Controls are one of the most interesting design elements. The headphone includes:
- A rotary dial for volume control (and button-like interaction)
- Dedicated buttons on the ear cup
- A physical on/off switch
- Bluetooth pairing via press-and-hold
- 3.5mm audio jack for wired use
A wired option is a big plus for laptops, desktops, flight entertainment systems, and situations where Bluetooth latency or pairing hassle is unwanted.
Nothing App Features and Customisation
The Nothing App adds serious usability value and turns this headphone into a “tunable” product rather than a fixed-sound accessory. Key features include:
- Noise Cancellation modes: Adaptive / High / Mid / Low / Off
- Transparency mode
- Spatial audio modes: Concert / Cinema / Off
- EQ presets and equaliser controls
- Bass and treble tuning sliders
- Custom control mapping (single press, press/hold actions)
- Dual connection support (connect two devices)
Dual connection is practical for switching between a phone and laptop without constant re-pairing.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency
ANC performance feels impressive for the price segment. Multiple ANC strength levels allow adjustment based on the environment:
- Adaptive mode is ideal for daily switching scenarios
- High mode is useful for traffic, fans, and crowded places
- Transparency helps for quick conversations and awareness
Seal quality from the ear cups further strengthens the overall noise reduction experience.
Microphone and Call Quality
Call quality is strong, with voice sounding clear and intelligible to the listener on the other end. For online meetings and phone calls, performance feels reliable and clean, especially in normal indoor conditions.
Wear Sensor Note
A wear sensor is not included, meaning automatic pause/play when removing the headphones may not be present. Considering the price point and feature set, this omission is understandable.
Gaming Performance and Latency
Gaming performance comes across as smooth with no noticeable lag in typical mobile gaming usage. Audio remains synced well enough for casual and even semi-competitive gaming sessions, especially when switching to wired mode for guaranteed low latency.
Battery Life and Fast Charging
Battery life is one of the biggest highlights:
- Up to 100 hours of usage (depends on ANC and usage style)
- Fast charging support reduces downtime
Actual results will vary depending on ANC intensity and volume level, but endurance remains a major advantage for travellers and heavy users.
Replaceable Ear Cushions: A Real-World Advantage
Replaceable ear cushions are a practical win. Many headphones in this price range do not offer easy cushion replacement, or replacement parts are hard to find. Here, removal and attachment are simple, and extra cushions included mean longer usable life without extra spending.
Verdict
CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro delivers a rare combination of:
- Premium build feel
- 40mm drivers with strong tuning
- LDAC + Hi-Res
- Multi-level ANC + transparency
- Feature-rich Nothing App
- Dual connection
- Up to 100-hour battery
- Replaceable ear cushions (plus extras in box)
Value for money stands out strongly at ₹7,999, and even more when offers bring pricing near ₹6,999.