The CMF Clip Pro earbuds offer a comfortable open-ear design that balances awareness and sound quality, making them a compelling choice for users prioritising comfort over isolation, despite some compromises in noisy environments.
Clip-style earbuds remain a trade-off, but the CMF Clip Pro make a stronger case than most. The design leaves the ear canal open, which improves comfort and awareness of surroundings, yet inevitably limits isolation and consistency in sound. In The Verge’s review, the Clip Pro stood out because they handled those compromises better than expected for a pair priced below $100, with early retail discounting bringing them even lower.
Their main strength is fit. Instead of sealing inside the ear, the speaker sits outside the canal while a flexible loop secures the unit around the ear. That avoids the pressure and fatigue many users dislike with in-ear models, and it makes the Clip Pro a sensible option for people who struggle with conventional earbuds. The Verge reported that comfort was excellent, with no pinching or awkward pressure points during use.
Sound quality is acceptable rather than reference-grade, which is exactly the limit one would expect from an open design. The Verge found that the bass lift built into the default tuning helped offset the lack of a sealed fit, although critical listening was not the point. A three-band equaliser in the Nothing X app allows adjustment, but the controls work in a less intuitive way than a conventional EQ. The Clip Pro also support fixed spatial audio and LDAC, though the review suggested those extras add little practical value in an open-ear format, especially once background noise is present.
That same open design also defines their limits in louder environments. The Verge noted that speech and vocals can become harder to hear near traffic unless the volume is raised, which risks sound leakage to people nearby. An anti-leakage mode is available, but it reduces treble and hurts overall quality. Controls are generous, with buttons on the earbuds and a dial on the charging case, though the case dial was described as somewhat too loose and easy to nudge in a pocket.
Call performance is solid, if not flawless. The Verge said voice pickup was generally clear at normal speaking volume, with the noise gate doing a good job of cutting background sound on the street, but quieter speech could sound muffled and clipped. That makes the Clip Pro less suitable for soft-spoken users, yet still competitive within their category. Taken together, they look like a careful execution of a niche idea rather than a universal headphone alternative, and that may be enough for buyers who value comfort above all else.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
