CMF by Nothing just entered open-ear audio. The new CMF Clip Pro open-ear earbuds target busy city listeners and active users for under $100.
Moreover, Nothing’s budget sub-brand is pushing comfort first. The Clip Pro uses a 3-point clip design that spreads pressure across the ear, so the buds should feel less pinchy than cheap clamps. Each bud weighs 5.9 grams.
Open-ear sound and Ultra Bass
These sit outside the ear canal. You give up active noise cancellation, but you keep more awareness of traffic and people around you.
In addition, each bud uses a 10.8 mm dual-magnet dynamic driver. Nothing promises strong bass, clear mids, and controlled highs for an open design. To fight thin low end, CMF adds Ultra Bass Technology that boosts lows while trying to limit treble distortion.
The Clip Pro is Hi-Res certified and supports LDAC, AAC, and SBC. That codec set is generous at this price, especially if you stream high-bitrate audio from a compatible Android phone.
Calls, controls, and battery
Four HD mics handle call pickup. Clear Voice tools aim to separate your speech from street noise. Nothing also says the buds can manage mid and high frequencies so nearby people hear less of your call audio, with app-side control for that privacy mode.
However, the standout control idea is Smart Dial. A rotating dial on the charging case handles volume, playback, and call answer or reject without hunting for tiny on-bud gestures. Physical bud controls remain available if you prefer them.
Battery life is rated at 10 hours of continuous play. Total listening time reaches 32.5 hours with the case. A 10-minute top-up returns about four hours of use.
Price, features, and availability
Still, the price is the headline. Engadget lists a $99 tag. Nothing’s U.S. product page currently shows both $79 and $99 during pre-order, so check the live store before you buy.
For that money, CMF also packs dual Bluetooth connections, a low-latency gaming mode, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, and IP54 splash and dust resistance. IP54 is for rain and sweat, not swimming.
Therefore, Clip Pro lands in a crowded open-ear field against pricier specialists. If you are comparing comfort-first clips, start with guides like which Shokz open-ear headphones to buy and reviews such as the Shokz OpenDots 2.
Finally, CMF Clip Pro goes on sale August 15 in Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Coral. Pre-orders are already live on Nothing’s U.S. site.
