CMF has managed to make cheap but good clip earbuds

by | Aug 15, 2026 | Technology

CMF has managed to make cheap but good clip earbuds

CMF, the budget sub-brand of Nothing, has released the Clip Pro earbuds at a price point of $99, with promotional pricing bringing them to $79 shortly after launch. The device positions itself as an affordable alternative to premium clip earbuds from manufacturers like Bose, Sony, and Shokz, which typically command prices around $200.

The earbuds’ primary strength lies in their comfort profile. The flexible band design eliminates pinching around the ear helix, and the speaker orb and battery capsule placement do not cause discomfort during extended wear. This makes them particularly suitable for users who experience difficulty with traditional in-ear earbud designs. Sound quality, while acceptable for casual listening to music and radio content, reflects the inherent limitations of open-ear clip designs. The default audio profile includes bass reinforcement to compensate for the lack of a sealed ear canal fit. A three-band equalizer is available through the Nothing X app, though the interface operates on a relative adjustment system that can require some trial and error.

The device includes spatial audio and high-resolution audio support via LDAC, though the practical benefits of high-res audio are minimal in an open-ear configuration, particularly in environments with ambient noise. Sound leakage occurs at higher volume levels, and an anti-leakage mode that reduces higher frequencies is available but compromises audio quality. Call quality performs adequately at normal speaking volumes, though users with softer voices may experience clarity issues due to the aggressive noise gate filtering.

Control options include physical buttons on the earbuds and a dial mechanism on the charging case, both assignable through the app. The case dial lacks sufficient resistance and may inadvertently adjust volume when carried in pockets. Call performance remains stable without the technical issues present in the company’s recent Ear 3A model. Overall, the Clip Pro delivers performance appropriate to its price point and design constraints, offering comfort and affordability as primary advantages.

Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source

Article summary produced by Claude AI