Ashhar Alam/New Delhi

In a market flooded with lookalike headphones and predictable features, it takes something genuinely different to stand out. After using the CMF Headphone Pro as my daily driver for weeks, I can confidently say these aren’t just another budget pair trying to punch above their weight, they’re thoughtfully built to challenge expectations.

Design That Feels Intentional

CMF’s design language is instantly recognizable clean, functional, and slightly playful. My Dark Grey unit keeps things subtle, though green and white variants add more personality. Despite weighing just 283 grams and featuring a mostly plastic build, the construction feels solid.

The adjustable metal stems provide a secure yet comfortable fit. The clamp isn’t overly tight, making long listening sessions easy. On my head, the extended stems create a slightly visible gap, which may not appeal to everyone aesthetically, but comfort remains uncompromised.

A standout element is modularity. The ear cushions twist off effortlessly for cleaning or swapping, aligning with CMF’s “Remix” philosophy. While extra cushion options aren’t widely available yet, the idea itself is refreshing. Importantly, the cushioning remains soft enough for extended wear, even with glasses.

Controls You Can Actually Feel

Unlike many modern headphones that depend on inconsistent touch panels, the CMF Headphone Pro opts for physical controls and it’s a smart move.

The multifunction roller on the right earcup is the highlight. Volume adjustments feel precise, and the click mechanism for playback control is satisfyingly tactile. On the left, the “energy slider” allows instant sound tuning boosting bass or sharpening vocals in real time without opening an app.

There’s also a customizable button that can trigger voice assistants or toggle ANC. Even after prolonged use, the controls feel durable and reliable.

Sound That Adapts to You

Equipped with custom 40mm drivers, nickel-plated diaphragms, and a large copper voice coil, the headphones deliver a lively V-shaped sound punchy bass paired with crisp highs.

The real differentiator, however, is the personalised sound calibration through the Nothing X app. The built-in hearing test creates a custom audio profile stored directly on the headphones. Whether connected via LDAC on Android or through a standard Bluetooth link, the sound signature remains tailored to your hearing.

At this price, support for LDAC and Hi-Res audio certification feels like a bonus usually reserved for higher-end devices.

Noise Cancellation and Awareness

Hybrid ANC effectively reduces background noise, particularly low-frequency hums such as traffic or engine sounds. Adaptive ANC intelligently adjusts between intensity levels depending on your environment.

Transparency mode performs naturally, letting external sounds in without distorting your own voice, a detail frequent callers will appreciate.

Battery That Redefines Endurance

Battery life is arguably the biggest highlight. With ANC off, playback approaches 90 hours in real-world usage; with ANC enabled, around 50 hours. Fast charging via USB-C adds hours of listening time in just minutes. It even supports charging directly from a smartphone.

For heavy daily use, charging once every week or two is more than sufficient.

READ MORE: Temple serves Sehri to Muslim Mahout

The Verdict

At ₹6,999, CMF has delivered a headphone that confidently earns its “Pro” label. Strong battery life, dependable controls, adaptive ANC, and personalised audio tuning combine to create an experience that feels far more premium than its price suggests.

The design may divide opinions, but in terms of comfort, longevity, and functionality, the CMF Headphone Pro stands as one of the most compelling options in its segment.