Nothing has unveiled the CMF Clip Pro, the latest addition to its CMF sub-brand lineup. The open-ear earbuds come at a price point of £79 and are built to address common complaints about such audio devices, including discomfort and poor sound quality. Each earbud weighs just 5.9g and uses a three-point clip structure that spreads pressure across the ear. A flexible 0.5mm titanium wire C-bridge wraps around the device, which Nothing says helps eliminate fatigue over long use. The earbuds also feature a 13.8mm listening ball, making them feel lightweight and nearly undetectable when worn all day.
Sound Quality and Audio Features
One of the biggest challenges in open-ear audio is the lack of strong bass. Nothing claims it has solved this by using a 10.8mm dual-magnet dynamic driver in the CMF Clip Pro. This driver works in tandem with Nothing's proprietary Ultra Bass Technology, which is designed to compensate for the loss of low frequencies typically seen in open-ear designs. The system produces a fuller audio experience without introducing harsh treble distortion. The earbuds are Hi-Res Audio certified, ensuring high-fidelity sound. Additionally, they support multiple audio codecs, including LDAC, AAC, and SBC, to offer high-quality playback across various devices.
To address audio leakage, a common issue in open-ear earbuds, Nothing introduced a Sound Seal system. This feature is controlled through the Nothing X app and works by reducing mid-to-high frequencies to limit the amount of sound that escapes. Users can choose from three settings: Off, Calls Only, and Audio and Calls. The Smart Dial on the charging case adds another layer of customization, letting users adjust volume, manage playback, and control active modes with a tactile interface. The earbuds themselves have responsive physical buttons for additional control.
The CMF Clip Pro delivers a battery life of up to 10 hours per full charge. When combined with the charging case, the total runtime extends to 32.5 hours. A special Long Battery Mode pushes this to 36 hours. For quick top-ups, a 10-minute charge provides an additional four hours of playback. The earbuds also offer Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, ensuring a stable and secure wireless link. They are IP54 rated for dust and water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use. The device supports dual-device connections and features a low-latency gaming mode for a more immersive experience during online gameplay. Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair are also supported.
Voice call clarity has also been prioritized in the CMF Clip Pro. The earbuds are equipped with a dedicated Voice Processing Unit (VPU) and a 4-microphone system to reduce environmental and wind noise. This ensures clear communication even in noisy environments. The CMF Clip Pro comes in three color options: Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Coral. The earbuds are part of Nothing's broader strategy shift, which is reportedly placing wearables and audio products at the forefront, with a phased rollout moving away from a smartphone-first approach. The CMF Clip Pro will be available to buy starting August 15.