Consumer Tech
Nothing CMF launches budget open earbuds with dial-equipped case at $99
The CMF Clip Pro brings open-ear design to Nothing's affordable sub-brand, offering situational awareness without a premium price tag.
The Verge
Nothing's budget electronics brand CMF is making its entry into the growing open-ear headphone market with the CMF Clip Pro, a $99 option that lets listeners hear their surroundings while enjoying audio.
The CMF Clip Pro design and pricing#
The earbuds arrive in three color finishes—white, black, and orange—each paired with a matching charging case. At $99, the price matches Nothing's existing Ear 3A and original Ear (a) models, so the open-ear form factor doesn't command a higher cost. The buds are exceptionally lightweight at 6.5 grams each and employ a flexible design intended to contour to various ear shapes, promising comfort during extended listening sessions.
Standout case feature#
A distinctive element is the charging case's integrated "Smart Dial"—a rotating control that lets users manage volume, playback, calls, and device pairing without touching their phone. This design choice differentiates CMF from competing open-ear options.
Audio and call performance#
Each earbud houses a 10.8mm driver with support for LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs to enhance streaming quality. To address the inherent challenge of bass reproduction in open-ear designs, Nothing developed "Ultra Bass Technology" to maintain frequency balance and minimize distortion. Four microphones per earbud work to isolate speech and suppress ambient noise for clearer calls.
Battery life and durability#
Users can expect up to 10 hours of continuous playback per charge, extending to nearly 33 hours with the case. The IP54 rating shields the earbuds from dust and light water splash, making them suitable for everyday use but not full water immersion.
Connectivity and extras#
The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.4 with dual-device multipoint switching, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair for seamless pairing. Gaming enthusiasts gain access to a Low Latency Mode, with additional customization options through the Nothing X companion app. The Clip Pro is available immediately in the US.
