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The CMF Clip Pro is a good fit if you want open-ear earbuds that stay put, let you hear your surroundings and offer hands-on controls. It is a weaker choice if you need noise isolation, dependable calls in wind or a full workday of continuous playback: RTINGS measured a little over six hours in its battery test, below CMF/Nothing’s advertised maximum. Nothing’s US product page listed the earbuds for $99 when checked in 2026.
What the CMF Clip Pro is—and who it suits
The CMF Clip Pro is a clip-on, open-ear earbud from CMF by Nothing. Rather than sitting inside the ear canal, each earbud holds around the outer ear, leaving the canal open. That design can feel less intrusive than an in-ear seal and keeps environmental sound audible, but it also gives up much of the isolation that helps earbuds quiet a commute or noisy office.
RTINGS found the fit comfortable and stable for many users and considered it suitable for sports, though comfort and security depend on individual ear shape. The earbuds are rated IP54, according to RTINGS; that rating applies to the earbuds, not necessarily the charging case. Nothing advertises Hi-Res Audio and LDAC, and the launch report lists LDAC, AAC and SBC codec support. Codec support describes compatibility, not a guarantee of sound quality.
Good match
- You prefer an open fit and want to remain aware of nearby sounds.
- You want earbuds that can stay secure for walking or workouts without sealing the canal.
- You value physical controls and a case dial instead of doing everything from a phone.
Less suitable
- You want quiet on a plane, in a busy office or around loud machinery.
- You need consistently clear calls in wind or other noisy conditions.
- You expect the advertised maximum battery life to represent continuous listening in everyday use.
How do the fit and controls work?
The three-point clip construction, as described in the 2026 launch report, is intended to hold each bud around the ear rather than press it into the canal. Reviews broadly support the stable-fit use case, but a clip shape is not universally comfortable; if possible, try the fit before committing, especially if conventional earbuds tend to cause pressure or soreness.
#1 Best Overall
- CMF 2026 New Open Ear Earbuds - Breaking the limits of compact & lightweight design, CMF Clip Pro is certified for Hi-Res Audio. Customized 10.8mm dynamic drivers give you crisp, energetic bass alongside crystal-clear highs.
- 5.92g Ultra-Light & Custom 3-Point Clip - Positioned perfectly for clear sound. By spreading pressure across three contact areas, they deliver a secure, slip-free fit with all-day comfort for any activity.
- Flagship Voice Pickup Unit (VPU) - Separates your voice from environmental noise in real time. With a 4 HD mic system, your voice stays clear and easy to hear, whether on a crowded street or in strong wind.
- More Than Smarts - Your earbuds are already exceptional, yet offer more. Spin or press the Smart Dial for intuitive control. Plus, you can explore Anti-Leakage Mode, Spatial Audio, custom EQs, and more in the Nothing X app.
- All-Day Playback - Enjoy up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge (32.5h total). Powered by Bluetooth 5.4 for rock-solid stability, the Clip Pro supports Dual-Device Connectivity & Low Lag Mode.
The case-mounted Smart Dial and physical earbud controls are standout practical features. SoundGuys praised the physical controls and dial, and RTINGS also noted the useful case interface. They can make adjustments more direct than reaching for a phone, though the case still needs to be accessible when you want to use its dial.
How good is the sound?
Reviews do not converge on one simple description. Picky Audio reports strong bass for an open-ear design, while noting tuning caveats at higher volume. RTINGS describes the sound as bright and finds bass reproduction limited. These impressions come from different reviewers and methods; neither LDAC support nor the product’s Hi-Res Audio claim settles how it will sound to you.
Rank #2
- CMF 2026 New Open Ear Earbuds - Breaking the limits of compact & lightweight design, CMF Clip Pro is certified for Hi-Res Audio. Customized 10.8mm dynamic drivers give you crisp, energetic bass alongside crystal-clear highs.
- 5.92g Ultra-Light & Custom 3-Point Clip - Positioned perfectly for clear sound. By spreading pressure across three contact areas, they deliver a secure, slip-free fit with all-day comfort for any activity.
- Flagship Voice Pickup Unit (VPU) - Separates your voice from environmental noise in real time. With a 4 HD mic system, your voice stays clear and easy to hear, whether on a crowded street or in strong wind.
- More Than Smarts - Your earbuds are already exceptional, yet offer more. Spin or press the Smart Dial for intuitive control. Plus, you can explore Anti-Leakage Mode, Spatial Audio, custom EQs, and more in the Nothing X app.
- All-Day Playback - Enjoy up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge (32.5h total). Powered by Bluetooth 5.4 for rock-solid stability, the Clip Pro supports Dual-Device Connectivity & Low Lag Mode.
The shared design trade-off is more important than any codec label: an open earbud does not create the seal of an in-ear model, so low-frequency weight and consistency may be harder to achieve, and outside noise remains audible. If you listen in quieter surroundings and prioritize an open fit, the sound may be satisfying. For immersive listening or bass-heavy music in noisy places, a sealed earbud is a safer category to consider.
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No: the Clip Pro’s open-ear design is not a substitute for active noise cancellation or a strong passive seal. It leaves environmental sound audible, which can be useful when you want awareness, but makes it a poor option when your priority is reducing noise during travel or focused work. RTINGS reports weak isolation and noticeable sound leakage. It says the leakage-reduction feature can mitigate leakage, but that does not turn an open design into isolation.
Rank #3
- CMF 2026 New Open Ear Earbuds - Breaking the limits of compact & lightweight design, CMF Clip Pro is certified for Hi-Res Audio. Customized 10.8mm dynamic drivers give you crisp, energetic bass alongside crystal-clear highs.
- 5.92g Ultra-Light & Custom 3-Point Clip - Positioned perfectly for clear sound. By spreading pressure across three contact areas, they deliver a secure, slip-free fit with all-day comfort for any activity.
- Flagship Voice Pickup Unit (VPU) - Separates your voice from environmental noise in real time. With a 4 HD mic system, your voice stays clear and easy to hear, whether on a crowded street or in strong wind.
- More Than Smarts - Your earbuds are already exceptional, yet offer more. Spin or press the Smart Dial for intuitive control. Plus, you can explore Anti-Leakage Mode, Spatial Audio, custom EQs, and more in the Nothing X app.
- All-Day Playback - Enjoy up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge (32.5h total). Powered by Bluetooth 5.4 for rock-solid stability, the Clip Pro supports Dual-Device Connectivity & Low Lag Mode.
Use a moderate volume in shared spaces. The people nearby may hear some of what you play, particularly when the surrounding environment is quiet or you turn the volume up.
How long does the battery last?
CMF/Nothing’s launch claim, reported by Gadgets 360 in 2026, is up to 10 hours on a charge and up to 32.5 hours total with the case. RTINGS measured a little over six hours of continuous playback in its 2026 review. Those figures come from different sources and conditions, so the independent result should not be treated as a direct replication of the manufacturer’s stated maximum. For planning uninterrupted listening, the RTINGS result is the more cautious reference.
Rank #4
- 50dB Adaptive Hybrid ANC: CMF Buds Pro 2 ANC earbuds automatically detect noise leakage between the earbuds and your ear canal to ensure optimal noise cancellation performance. With smart ambient sound recognition, they keep you alert during runs and focused in transparency mode.
- Smart Dial & Dual Connection: Customize volume, tracks, and noise modes directly via the smart case dial. Bluetooth 5.4 enables seamless multipoint connectivity, while 120ms low latency gives you a competitive edge in gaming—making these a top choice for Bluetooth earbuds.
- Dirac-Tuned Dual Drivers: Equipped with an 11mm ultra-bass driver and a 6mm tweeter, these noise cancelling earbuds support LDAC lossless audio transmission for rich, detailed sound. Dynamic Bass Boost 2.0 further refines the rhythm, creating an immersive listening experience.
- 6 HD Mics for Clear Voice: Compared to traditional wireless earbuds, the CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 triples the audio transmission rate and offers Hi-Res Audio support, preserving sound clarity. AI-enhanced microphones featuring Clear Voice Technology 3.0 ensure natural voice pickup and excellent call quality.
- 43-Hour Total with Fast Charging: Enjoy up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge and 43 hours total with the charging case. A 10-minute quick charge delivers 3 hours of playback—perfect for non-stop gaming, sleep, travel, and commuting. The IP55 waterproof design ensures durability and allows for a quick post-swim rinse.
Are calls any good?
SoundGuys reports two microphones per earbud and found voice pickup good in ideal conditions, but weaker noise rejection in challenging or windy settings. RTINGS describes microphone recording quality as poor, and Picky Audio also notes call-quality limitations. Taken together, the reviews suggest calls can work in quiet surroundings but are not a strong reason to choose the Clip Pro if you regularly take calls outdoors or in noisy places.
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What does the CMF Clip Pro cost?
Nothing’s US product page listed the Clip Pro at $99 in 2026. SoundGuys also includes lower $79 and $69 figures tied to its review and retailer links, but those should not be read as the universal or current US price. Seller prices and stock can change; check the live listing for the market where you plan to buy.
Best Value
- 50dB Adaptive Hybrid ANC: CMF Buds Pro 2 ANC earbuds automatically detect noise leakage between the earbuds and your ear canal to ensure optimal noise cancellation performance. With smart ambient sound recognition, they keep you alert during runs and focused in transparency mode.
- Smart Dial & Dual Connection: Customize volume, tracks, and noise modes directly via the smart case dial. Bluetooth 5.4 enables seamless multipoint connectivity, while 120ms low latency gives you a competitive edge in gaming—making these a top choice for Bluetooth earbuds.
- Dirac-Tuned Dual Drivers: Equipped with an 11mm ultra-bass driver and a 6mm tweeter, these noise cancelling earbuds support LDAC lossless audio transmission for rich, detailed sound. Dynamic Bass Boost 2.0 further refines the rhythm, creating an immersive listening experience.
- 6 HD Mics for Clear Voice: Compared to traditional wireless earbuds, the CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 triples the audio transmission rate and offers Hi-Res Audio support, preserving sound clarity. AI-enhanced microphones featuring Clear Voice Technology 3.0 ensure natural voice pickup and excellent call quality.
- 43-Hour Total with Fast Charging: Enjoy up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge and 43 hours total with the charging case. A 10-minute quick charge delivers 3 hours of playback—perfect for non-stop gaming, sleep, travel, and commuting. The IP55 waterproof design ensures durability and allows for a quick post-swim rinse.
How does it compare with alternatives?
| Option | Why to consider it | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| EarFun Clip 2 | SoundGuys identifies it as a budget clip-on alternative and says it offers longer battery life, an IP55 rating and wireless charging. | Current specifications and price; the comparison is not a controlled head-to-head test. |
| CMF Buds 2 Plus | SoundGuys points to it for a more traditional earbud fit with noise cancellation. | Current model features and price. |
| Shokz OpenDots 2 or Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | RTINGS discusses them as higher-priced open-ear alternatives, including battery, microphone performance, connectivity and controls. | Current prices and listings; the cited comparison does not establish a controlled test across every alternative. |
If open-ear clip-on fit is the priority, compare the Clip Pro with another clip-on on battery, water resistance and controls. If quiet matters more, choose a model with a sealed fit or noise cancellation instead. The alternatives above are directions to investigate, not claims that one model wins every category.
Verdict
The CMF Clip Pro’s case dial, physical controls and open, secure-wearing design make it an appealing option for awareness-focused listening and workouts. Its central compromise is equally clear: it provides little isolation, can leak sound and has mixed review findings on battery, sound and microphones. At Nothing’s US listed price of $99 in 2026, buy it for the fit and controls—not as a noise-cancelling travel earbud or a dependable noisy-environment headset.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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