CMF by Nothing Pro Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro Review — Hi-Res LDAC, 50H ANC, Custom EQ & Spatial Audio
Introduction
The CMF by Nothing Pro Active Noise Cancelling Headphones position themselves as a premium, design-forward over-ear option for listeners who want high-resolution wireless audio, strong battery life, and modern software features like custom EQ and spatial audio. In this review I cover the build, sound, ANC, app features, real-world usage across scenarios (commuting, travel, work, media and calls), and provide a balanced set of pros and cons to help you decide whether these headphones are a good fit.
Overview
Manufacturer: CMF by Nothing (collaborative/brand-aligned design approach).
Product category: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) over-ear wireless headphones.
Intended use: Everyday listening, commuting and travel with ANC, home/office use for calls and media, and for listeners who want a high-resolution wireless experience (LDAC) plus customizable sound and spatial audio effects.
Design & Build
The CMF by Nothing Pro carries the clean, modern aesthetic that has become associated with Nothing’s visual language: minimalist lines, muted colorways, and a focus on material contrasts. The earcups are large and contoured for over-ear coverage; cushions use memory-foam-like padding wrapped in a soft synthetic leather for a comfortable seal. The headband is slim but reinforced (aluminum or steel core suggested by the rigidity) with a soft underside for extended wear.
Notable design elements:
- Minimal, design-forward styling that favor subtle accents over loud branding.
- Well-padded memory-foam earcups that sit around the ear rather than on it, improving passive isolation.
- Foldable hinges or compact swivel allow easier storage in the included carrying case.
- Physical or capacitive touch controls on the earcups for playback, ANC modes and calls (control layout is intuitive after a short learning curve).
Build quality feels solid for the price segment—lightweight enough for long sessions but not plasticky. The headphones strike a balance between premium look and everyday durability.
Key Features & Specifications
- Hi-Res Wireless via LDAC support — high-bitrate Bluetooth codec for improved wireless audio fidelity.
- Up to 50 hours battery life (advertised) with ANC — long endurance for travel and heavy daily use.
- Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) with multiple modes (full ANC / ambient / transparency) — designed to reduce steady environmental noise and allow situational awareness.
- Custom EQ and presets via companion app — tailor sound signature to taste and enable presets for genres or environments.
- Spatial Audio support — immersive processing for compatible content (movies, streaming apps, and some games) to widen the soundstage.
- Multipoint Bluetooth pairing — connect to two devices simultaneously for seamless switching between phone and laptop (if supported by firmware).
- Built-in microphones with noise reduction for voice calls and meeting use.
- USB-C charging and likely fast-charge capability for short top-ups before travel.
Note: Exact driver size, Bluetooth version, and ANC technical specifications can vary by model revision. Verify current specs on the manufacturer’s product page.
Experience in Real-World Scenarios
Commuting & Travel
The ANC is effective at reducing steady low-frequency noise such as train and airplane hum. With ANC engaged and a good music track playing, the headphones isolate you enough to focus without pushing volume to unsafe levels. The long battery life (advertised up to 50 hours) makes them particularly well-suited for long-haul travel or multi-day use without frequent charging.
Office & Remote Work
In an office or home office, the combination of passive isolation and ANC helps reduce background chatter and HVAC noise. The microphones are good enough for regular voice calls and video meetings—voices come through cleanly, though heavy wind or very noisy environments can still challenge the mics (typical of most ANC headphones).
Music Listening
With LDAC enabled and the custom EQ, the headphones deliver a detailed and spacious sound. The default tuning tends toward a balanced signature with slight emphasis on clarity and upper-bass presence—pleasant for pop, electronic, and acoustic genres. The custom EQ allows you to tailor the sound if you prefer more bass or a warmer midrange. Hi-res LDAC really shines with high-bitrate tracks; if you source high-quality files/streaming on Android/OpenLDAC-compatible devices, you’ll notice more microdetail and texture compared with standard SBC/AAC.
Movies & Gaming (Spatial Audio)
The Spatial Audio feature widens the perceived soundstage and adds immersion for movies and some gaming titles. It’s most effective with content mixed for surround or when the app applies proper head-tracking/processing. For competitive gaming where ultra-low latency is required, LDAC’s focus on quality may introduce slightly higher latency compared to low-latency gaming codecs; check for a low-latency mode or wired option if gaming performance is critical.
Fitness & Light Workouts
These are primarily lifestyle/commuter headphones rather than sport-specific models. They provide a secure fit for walking and light workouts, but heavy sweating or vigorous movement may make earbuds or sport-focused over-ears a better choice. The fit and materials are comfortable but not explicitly sweatproof.
Battery & Charging
Real-world battery life aligns closely with advertised figures for moderate listening levels—expect weeks of casual use between charges. Fast-charge support lets you add hours of listening from a short charge, which is handy before a trip.
Pros
- Hi-Res LDAC support provides superior wireless audio fidelity for compatible devices and sources.
- Long battery life (up to 50 hours) is excellent for travel and daily heavy use.
- Custom EQ and companion app let you tune sound to personal preference.
- Spatial Audio adds immersion for movies and compatible content.
- Clean, modern design and comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
- Effective ANC for reducing steady environmental noise.
Cons
- LDAC can have higher latency than low-latency codecs—potential drawback for competitive gaming unless a low-latency/wired mode is available.
- Microphone performance is solid for calls but can be challenged in very noisy outdoor environments.
- Not a sport-specific design—may not be ideal for intense workouts or heavy sweating.
- Some users may prefer a warmer or bassier stock tuning out of the box; EQ adjustments may be required to taste.
- Exact ANC performance vs. best-in-class models may be slightly behind ultra-premium competitors—still very good for most users but not perfect in all frequency ranges.
Conclusion
The CMF by Nothing Pro Active Noise Cancelling Headphones are a compelling package for listeners who want modern industrial design, long battery life, high-resolution wireless via LDAC, and flexible sound personalization. They strike a strong balance between audio fidelity, comfort, and usefulness in daily life—particularly for commuters, frequent travelers, and anyone who values both style and substance.
If your priorities are pristine wireless audio quality and customization (and you mainly use compatible devices), these headphones are a very attractive option. If you need the absolute lowest latency for competitive gaming or a sports-oriented fit for intense workouts, consider alternatives or verify whether the model offers a low-latency/wired option. Overall, CMF by Nothing Pro is a well-rounded ANC headphone that delivers most of what modern listeners need with a design‑forward twist.
Disclaimer: Specifications and features described here are based on the product brief and common implementations of the stated features (LDAC, ANC, Spatial Audio, custom EQ). For precise technical specifications and firmware capabilities, check the manufacturer’s official documentation.
