CMF BY NOTHING Headphone Pro Wireless Over-Ear Headphones 100-Hour Battery ANC Review: The New Mid-Range Champion?

There’s a familiar, frustrating ritual for many of us who rely on wireless headphones. It’s the moment you’re settling in for a long flight, a deep work session, or just a quiet evening with your favourite album, only to hear that dreaded low-battery chime. Suddenly, your private soundscape is gone, replaced by the drone of an airplane engine or the chatter of a busy office. We’ve all been there, tethered to a charging cable, feeling like our wireless freedom was just a temporary loan. The market is flooded with options, from ultra-premium cans that cost a small fortune to budget models that promise the world but deliver muddy sound and flimsy construction. Finding that perfect sweet spot—a pair of headphones with marathon battery life, genuinely good audio, effective noise cancellation, and a design that doesn’t scream “generic”—has felt like an impossible quest. This is the problem we set out to solve when we got our hands on the CMF BY NOTHING Headphone Pro Wireless Over-Ear Headphones 100-Hour Battery ANC.

What to Consider Before Buying Noise Cancelling Headphones

A pair of Noise Cancelling Headphones is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your focus, enhancing your travel experience, and immersing yourself fully in your audio world. In today’s noisy environment, the ability to create a pocket of silence on demand is a superpower. The main benefit is obvious: blocking out distracting external sounds. But the advantages go deeper. Effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) can reduce stress on commutes, improve concentration while working or studying, and even protect your hearing by allowing you to listen at lower, safer volumes without background noise forcing you to crank it up.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently finds themselves in loud environments—commuters, frequent flyers, open-plan office workers, or students in bustling dorms. They value audio fidelity but also prioritise peace and quiet. However, these might not be the best fit for someone who needs to maintain constant awareness of their surroundings for safety reasons, like a cyclist or a parent listening for a baby monitor, though Transparency Modes do mitigate this. For those who only need headphones for quiet home use or workouts, a simpler, non-ANC pair or a set of sweat-resistant earbuds might be a more practical and affordable alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Comfort & Weight: You’ll likely be wearing these for hours. Look for plush, breathable earcups (memory foam is a plus) and a well-padded, adjustable headband. The overall weight is also critical; a lighter headset, like the 283g CMF Headphone Pro, significantly reduces neck strain during extended listening sessions.
• Audio Quality & Codec Support: Performance is paramount. Look beyond just driver size. Support for high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC, as found in the CMF model, can make a night-and-day difference in sound clarity and detail, especially if you’re streaming high-quality music. A robust companion app with a customizable equalizer is also a huge plus for tailoring the sound to your personal taste.
• Battery Life & Charging: This is a major differentiator. While the industry average hovers around 20-30 hours with ANC on, standout models are pushing the boundaries. The CMF BY NOTHING Headphone Pro Wireless Over-Ear Headphones 100-Hour Battery ANC boasts a staggering 50 hours with ANC and 100 hours without, setting a new benchmark for endurance. Also, consider the charging method (USB-C is the modern standard) and quick-charge capabilities.
• ANC Effectiveness & Features: Not all ANC is created equal. Hybrid ANC, which uses microphones both inside and outside the earcup, is generally more effective than feedforward or feedback systems alone. Look for adjustable ANC levels and a reliable Transparency Mode that lets you hear your surroundings without taking the headphones off.

Choosing the right pair is about balancing these factors against your budget. It’s about finding a tool that seamlessly integrates into your life, providing both exceptional sound and welcome silence.

While the CMF BY NOTHING Headphone Pro Wireless Over-Ear Headphones 100-Hour Battery ANC is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Minimalist Design Meets Intuitive Function

Unboxing the CMF BY NOTHING Headphone Pro Wireless Over-Ear Headphones 100-Hour Battery ANC is a refreshingly straightforward experience, reflecting the brand’s minimalist ethos. Inside, you find the headphones nestled securely, a well-made fabric pouch for transport, and a 3.5mm audio cable. One notable omission is a USB-C charging cable, a minor point given their ubiquity but something to be aware of. Our Dark Grey model felt immediately premium in the hand. The materials are curated and well-finished, avoiding the cheap, plasticky feel that plagues many headphones in this price bracket. At 283g, they feel substantial yet lightweight. The headband adjustment is smooth and satisfyingly tactile, and the ear cushions are remarkably soft. What truly stood out in our initial moments were the physical controls. In an industry obsessed with finicky touch panels, CMF’s decision to use a rotating dial for volume and a sliding dial for bass/treble is a masterstroke of user-centric design. It’s intuitive, precise, and a joy to use without fumbling or looking at an app. This focus on tactile, thoughtful design immediately sets it apart from the crowd.

Deep Dive: A Feature-by-Feature Performance Breakdown

After our initial impressions, we spent weeks putting the CMF BY NOTHING Headphone Pro Wireless Over-Ear Headphones 100-Hour Battery ANC through its paces. We used them on noisy train commutes, during long workdays at a shared desk, for critical listening sessions at home, and everything in between. This is where the headphones moved from being an interesting prospect to a genuine contender for our daily driver.

Sound Signature and Hi-Res Audio Performance

At the heart of any headphone is its sound, and CMF has delivered something special here. The custom 40mm drivers, combined with Hi-Res LDAC codec support, create a soundstage that is surprisingly wide and detailed for this price point. Out of the box, the tuning is balanced with a slight warmth. It’s an engaging, non-fatiguing sound that works well across genres, from the intricate layers of a classical piece to the driving beat of electronic music. We confirmed what several users noted: the bass is punchy and impactful without being bloated or muddy. One user described it as having a “mini subwoofer on your ears,” and we found that with the right track, that’s not an exaggeration.

The real magic, however, lies in the customization. The Nothing X app is clean, stable, and offers powerful tools. The personalized sound test, which tunes the audio to your specific hearing profile, made a noticeable difference, enhancing clarity in frequencies I didn’t even realize I was missing. Beyond that, the app provides a full custom EQ and six presets. But the standout feature is the physical bass and treble slider on the right earcup. The ability to add a touch more low-end rumble for a hip-hop track or dial up the treble for a podcast, all without opening the app, is brilliantly executed. It’s an analog touch in a digital world that we absolutely love. While some users mentioned the maximum volume isn’t ear-splittingly loud, we found it more than sufficient, especially with ANC enabled. In fact, the excellent passive isolation means you don’t need to push the volume to dangerous levels to drown out the world, which is a feature in itself. The high-resolution audio capability truly shines, offering a listening experience that rivals headphones costing significantly more.

Design, Comfort, and Those Brilliant Tactile Controls

Comfort is subjective, but CMF seems to have found a winning formula for most. The round earcups are a design choice that some users found less constraining than the elongated oval shapes of competitors. They fit fully over our ears without pinching, and the memory foam cushions created an excellent seal. The padded headband distributed the 283g weight evenly, and we wore them for a 6-hour stretch without any significant discomfort or hot spots. As one user pointed out, they feel “solid with the size adjusting bar being sturdy and not flat,” a testament to the build quality. A few reviewers mentioned they felt a bit tight initially, which can be true for those with larger heads, but we found they relaxed into a secure but comfortable fit after a day or two.

The aesthetic is undeniably a highlight. It’s minimalist yet sophisticated, with a quiet confidence that stands out. The Dark Grey finish is elegant, and the option to buy interchangeable ear cups in different colours adds a welcome layer of personalization. But we have to come back to the controls. The large, knurled dial for volume is a revelation. It’s easy to find by feel, offers precise control, and has a satisfying physical feedback loop that touch controls simply can’t replicate. The same goes for the bass/treble slider. These aren’t just features; they are a statement about usability and a direct solution to the common frustration of imprecise or unresponsive touch gestures. This thoughtful approach to the physical interface makes using the headphones a seamless and enjoyable experience every single time.

Active Noise Cancellation and Battery Life: The Marathon Runner

This is where the CMF BY NOTHING Headphone Pro Wireless Over-Ear Headphones 100-Hour Battery ANC truly makes its case. Let’s start with the ANC. The hybrid system is quite effective, offering multiple levels of cancellation (Strong, Moderate, Light) plus an Adaptive mode that adjusts automatically. In our tests, it did an admirable job of cutting out low-frequency drones like air conditioning units, train rumble, and airplane cabin noise. One user was spot on when they said, “With music on, it cancels everything out.” For silencing the general hum of daily life, it’s excellent.

However, it’s important to set expectations. As other reviewers have compared, the ANC doesn’t quite reach the uncanny silence of market leaders like the Sony WH-1000XM5. It’s less effective against higher-frequency, unpredictable sounds like nearby conversations or sharp noises. We’d classify its performance as very good for the price tier, but not elite. For most users, it will be more than enough to create an immersive listening bubble. The Transparency Mode is also well-implemented, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly without sounding overly processed or artificial.

Now, for the headline feature: battery life. To put it simply, it’s astonishing. The claim of 50 hours with ANC on and a mind-boggling 100 hours with it off is not an exaggeration. During a full week of heavy daily use with ANC activated, we never even came close to draining the battery. This completely changes the user experience. You stop thinking about charging. “Battery anxiety” becomes a thing of the past. You can take these on a long trip without even packing a charger. This endurance is, without question, the product’s killer feature and a massive selling point that makes it a standout in a crowded market.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the user sentiment for the CMF BY NOTHING Headphone Pro Wireless Over-Ear Headphones 100-Hour Battery ANC is overwhelmingly positive, with most users agreeing it’s an “unbeatable” value. Many, like one reviewer, were “honestly surprised by how good these headphones are for what they cost.” The sound quality, comfort, and especially the battery life are consistently praised. A user who also owns the premium Sony XM5s found the CMF’s sound “really good” and comparable, highlighting the impressive audio performance for the price.

The most common point of constructive criticism centres on two areas. First, the ANC, which many agree is good but not top-tier. As one detailed review put it, “The ANC is below average, and won’t really get you more than a slightly quieter sound,” which seems a bit harsh based on our testing, but reflects the gap between this and much more expensive models. The second point, mentioned by a couple of users, is the maximum volume level. One Italian reviewer noted, “the volume seemed a bit low compared to other headphones I’ve tried.” This seems to be a matter of personal preference, as we found the volume perfectly adequate, but it’s a recurring theme worth noting for those who like their music exceptionally loud.

How Does It Compare to the Alternatives?

The CMF BY NOTHING Headphone Pro carves out a unique space, but it’s not without stiff competition. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives in the Noise Cancelling Headphones category.

1. soundcore Q20 Headphones Active Noise Cancelling

The Anker Soundcore Q20 has long been a king in the true budget category. Its main advantage is its rock-bottom price, often available for significantly less than the CMF Pro. It offers surprisingly competent ANC and a bass-heavy sound signature that many find enjoyable. However, the CMF Headphone Pro justifies its higher price with a more refined design, superior build materials, a much more balanced and detailed audio profile thanks to LDAC support, and more than double the battery life (40H vs. 100H). If your budget is the absolute number one priority, the Q20 is a solid choice. For those willing to spend a bit more for a massive upgrade in battery, audio fidelity, and design, the CMF is the clear winner.

2. Sony ULT WEAR Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Moving up the price ladder, we have the Sony ULT WEAR. This is for the unapologetic bass lover. Sony’s brand recognition and audio engineering pedigree are evident here, with a focus on deep, powerful, resonant bass via its “ULT POWER SOUND.” The noise cancellation is also likely a step up from the CMF, closer to Sony’s flagship performance. The trade-offs? A significantly higher price tag and much shorter battery life (up to 30 hours). The choice here is clear: if your primary goal is the absolute deepest bass and you’re willing to pay a premium for the Sony brand and its advanced ANC, the ULT WEAR is your pick. If you prefer a more balanced sound, unparalleled battery life, and a more wallet-friendly price, the CMF Pro holds its ground firmly.

3. RUNOLIM Hybrid ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

The RUNOLIM headphones compete directly with the CMF Pro in the budget-to-mid-range space, also boasting a long playtime of 70 hours. They offer a foldable design for portability, which the CMF lacks, and a focus on HiFi audio and deep bass. Where the CMF pulls ahead is in its ecosystem, design, and advanced features. The Nothing X app is more polished, the personalized sound profile is a significant advantage, and the LDAC support provides a higher ceiling for audio quality. Furthermore, CMF’s unique tactile controls and sophisticated, minimalist aesthetic give it a much more premium feel. The RUNOLIM is a strong contender on battery and price, but the CMF Pro offers a more complete and refined user experience.

Final Verdict: Are the CMF BY NOTHING Headphone Pro Worth It?

After extensive testing, we can say with confidence that the CMF BY NOTHING Headphone Pro Wireless Over-Ear Headphones 100-Hour Battery ANC is a resounding success. It strikes an almost perfect balance between price, performance, and design. While its noise cancellation may not dethrone the ultra-premium titans of the industry, it’s more than capable for daily commutes and noisy environments. What it does better than almost any other headphone on the market is deliver an incredible user experience through its marathon battery life and brilliantly intuitive physical controls. Add to that a surprisingly detailed and customizable sound profile with Hi-Res LDAC support, and you have a package that is incredibly difficult to beat for the price.

We recommend this product wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a stylish, long-lasting, and great-sounding pair of over-ear headphones who doesn’t want to spend a fortune. It’s for the student, the daily commuter, the design enthusiast, and anyone who is simply tired of reaching for a charging cable every other day. It’s a thoughtful, well-executed product that punches far above its weight. If you’re ready to end battery anxiety and enjoy your audio in style, you can check the latest price and availability for the CMF Headphone Pro right here.