CMF, the value-focused brand from consumer electronics company Nothing, is expanding its audio lineup with the CMF Clip Pro, its first clip-style open-ear earbuds. Priced at $99, the earbuds target listeners who want to remain aware of their surroundings without paying the premium prices attached to many competing open-ear models.
The Clip Pro combines a lightweight design, long battery life and useful connectivity features, although its open construction inevitably limits bass response and overall sound isolation.
CMF Clip Pro Design Uses a Lightweight Clip-On Fit
The Clip Pro uses a C-shaped bridge that wraps around the outer edge of the ear instead of placing an ear tip inside the ear canal. A flexible titanium wire core allows the earbuds to adjust to different ear shapes.
Each earbud weighs 5.9 grams, keeping the design light enough for extended listening. CMF offers the earbuds in Dark Grey, Light Grey and Coral.
The charging case is one of the more distinctive parts of the package. A tactile control on top, called the Smart Dial, can be pressed and used to manage volume, playback, calls and other functions.
Charging is handled through a USB-C port on the back. Wireless charging is not supported.
Each earbud also includes a physical button. Unlike some conventional in-ear designs, pressing these controls does not force the earbud deeper into the ear, making the buttons relatively comfortable to operate.
IP54 Protection Covers Workouts and Light Rain
The earbuds have an IP54 dust- and splash-resistance rating, providing protection against sweat and light rain. That should be sufficient for everyday Canadian commutes, gym sessions and outdoor activities in mild weather, although more rugged sports earbuds can offer IP57 protection or better.
The charging case carries an IPX2 rating against dripping water.
Comfort Is One of the Clip Pro’s Strongest Features
Because the Clip Pro does not enter the ear canal, it avoids some of the pressure and discomfort associated with traditional sealed earbuds.
The clip applies enough pressure to remain secure without becoming uncomfortable during longer listening sessions. Users unfamiliar with clip-style earbuds may need a short adjustment period, but the lightweight construction makes them suitable for extended wear.
The fit also remains stable while walking, working and performing light exercise. Runners who prefer hearing traffic and other environmental sounds may find the open design particularly practical.
Open-Ear Design Prioritizes Awareness Over Noise Cancellation
The CMF Clip Pro does not offer active noise cancellation, but that is intentional. Open-ear earbuds are designed to allow outside sound to remain audible, making conventional ANC and transparency modes largely unnecessary.
CMF instead attempts to address sound leakage with its Sound Seal system, which directs more audio toward the ear canal.
The feature can reduce some leakage, but it comes with a compromise. Enabling Sound Seal can noticeably alter the audio response and make playback sound more muffled. That may be acceptable for podcasts or audiobooks, but it is less appealing for music.
Nothing X App Adds EQ and Gaming Controls
The broader feature package is competitive for the price. Four microphones handle voice isolation and noise suppression during calls.
Through the Nothing X app, users can access a customizable equalizer, remap controls, locate misplaced earbuds and activate a Low Latency mode intended for gaming.
Bluetooth 5.4 provides wireless connectivity, alongside Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair and dual-device multipoint support.
Battery Life Reaches Up to 10 Hours Per Charge
Battery performance is another strength of the CMF Clip Pro.
Each earbud contains a 60mAh battery rated for up to 10 hours of continuous listening or 6.5 hours of talk time. With the charging case included, total listening time rises to 32.5 hours.
Those figures make the earbuds practical for a full workday or extended travel without frequent charging.
Fast charging is also supported. A 10-minute USB-C charge can provide up to four additional hours of listening.
CMF Clip Pro Sound Quality Reflects Open-Ear Limitations
Each Clip Pro earbud uses a 10.8mm dual-magnet dynamic driver with a TPU and liquid crystal polymer diaphragm.
The earbuds carry Hi-Res Audio certification and support LDAC at up to 990 kbps, as well as AAC and SBC. CMF also includes its “Ultra Bass” technology to compensate for the reduced low-frequency response associated with an unsealed design.
Despite those technologies, the Clip Pro cannot entirely overcome the physical limitations of open-ear audio.
Without a seal around the ear canal, deep bass and fine detail are harder to reproduce than with conventional in-ear earbuds. The Clip Pro has a somewhat mid-forward sound profile, with vocals remaining reasonably clear.
That makes spoken-word content such as podcasts and audiobooks particularly suitable. Music remains enjoyable for casual listening, although listeners seeking powerful bass or highly detailed treble will likely prefer sealed earbuds or headphones.
Bose Offers Better Sound at a Much Higher Price
More expensive open-ear products can provide a noticeable improvement. The Bose Ultra Open, listed at $299 in the original comparison, delivers richer audio and a wider soundstage.
However, that puts the Bose model at roughly three times the Clip Pro’s price, making the comparison less straightforward for budget-conscious shoppers.
Call quality is another positive for CMF. The four-microphone system performs well for everyday calls and online conversations. Combined with the ability to hear surrounding sounds, that makes the Clip Pro particularly useful for office environments and remote work.
Should You Buy the CMF Clip Pro?
The CMF Clip Pro makes a strong case for shoppers who specifically want affordable open-ear earbuds. Its comfortable clip-on design, long battery life, tactile controls, multipoint connectivity and useful app features provide considerable value at $99.
Sound quality remains the principal compromise. The Clip Pro cannot deliver the bass impact or isolation of sealed earbuds, while premium open-ear competitors can offer richer audio at considerably higher prices.
Nothing’s own Ear (open) is another alternative for listeners willing to consider a different open-ear form factor.
For commuters, office workers, runners and other users who prioritize comfort and environmental awareness over maximum audio fidelity, the CMF Clip Pro offers a well-rounded entry into the growing open-ear category without requiring a premium-priced purchase.
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