I replaced my old Sony headphones with this $75 alternative – and I can’t go back

CMF Headphone Pro Review: A $75 Bargain That Punches Above Its Weight

CMF, once a sub-brand of Nothing, has carved its own identity with a laser focus on affordable yet stylish tech. The CMF Headphone Pro exemplifies this philosophy, delivering premium design, impressive audio, and robust features at a price that’s hard to ignore. At just $75 (often discounted from $100), these headphones are a steal for budget-conscious audiophiles.

Design: Bold, Modular, and Fun

The CMF Headphone Pro stands out with its vibrant, modular design. Available in Dark Grey, Light Green, and Light Grey, the headphones come with matching ear cushions. But here’s the kicker: you can swap the ear pads for a pop of color. I opted for the Dark Grey model with orange ear cushions, and the result is a head-turning, personalized look. The modular design is refreshingly simple—swapping ear pads takes less than two minutes, proving that customization doesn’t have to be complicated.

The headphones are comfortable for long listening sessions, thanks to well-padded ear cushions and a soft headband. However, the headband feels slightly flimsy, which might raise durability concerns for some. Despite this, the overall build quality feels premium, especially for the price.

Controls: Physical Buttons Done Right

One of the standout features of the CMF Headphone Pro is its physical controls. On the left earcup, you’ll find a power/Bluetooth pairing button and a bass slider for on-the-fly adjustments. On the right, there’s a volume knob that doubles as an ANC toggle and a button to activate Google Gemini. These controls are intuitive, responsive, and a joy to use—no more fumbling with your phone to adjust settings.

Sound Quality: Bass-Forward and Balanced

The CMF Headphone Pro features custom 40mm drivers and supports high-resolution audio via the LDAC codec on compatible devices. On my iPhone 17 Pro Max and Vivo X100 Pro, the headphones delivered a wide soundstage with a bass-forward profile. The bass is punchy but not overwhelming, and vocals remain clear and crisp. Instruments sound lively, making these headphones a great choice for rock, pop, and electronic music.

However, cranking up the bass slider can muffle higher frequencies, so it’s best used sparingly. The headphones also offer EQ presets, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your liking.

Active Noise Cancellation: Surprisingly Effective

For a $75 pair of headphones, the CMF Headphone Pro’s ANC is impressive. It effectively muted ambient noise during my commute and in the office, particularly at lower frequencies like the hum of an air conditioner. While it doesn’t quite match the performance of premium models like the Sony WH-1000XM4, it’s more than adequate for everyday use.

Battery Life: All-Day Listening

CMF claims up to 100 hours of battery life with ANC off and 50% volume, but with ANC enabled and volume at 70%, you can expect around 45 hours of playback. This is excellent for wireless headphones in this price range, ensuring you won’t need to charge them frequently.

ZDNET’s Buying Advice

The CMF Headphone Pro is an easy recommendation, especially at its current $75 price point. They offer a compelling mix of style, sound quality, and features that rival more expensive models. The only drawbacks are the lack of foldable earcups for portability and the absence of a hard case for storage.

If you’re in the market for a pair of headphones under $80, the CMF Headphone Pro is hard to beat. They’re comfortable, sound great, and look cool—what more could you ask for?

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