CMF by Nothing introduces its first clip-style open-ear earbuds, promising improved privacy, stability, and comprehensive features for active users, challenging conventional open-ear designs with innovative engineering and high-end tech at a competitive price.
Nothing’s CMF Clip Pro is trying to solve one of the awkward truths of open-ear audio: it should let you hear the world around you without broadcasting your music to everyone else. In a first-hand test, Creative Bloq found the clip-on earbuds surprisingly private in ordinary office conditions, with colleagues struggling to detect anything even at louder volumes. That matters because open designs typically trade isolation for comfort and awareness, which can make sound leakage a concern for commuters, gym users and anyone listening in shared spaces.
The Clip Pro is CMF by Nothing’s first clip-style open earbud and the product is pitched squarely at active users who want a lighter alternative to conventional in-ear models. What sets it apart is the three-point clip system with a slim C-bridge and an elastic titanium wire core, which is intended to keep each 5.9g bud stable without pressing into the ear canal. CMF says the design is built around a 10.8mm dual-magnet dynamic driver, with its Ultra Bass Technology used to reinforce low frequencies, while an IP54 rating adds resistance to dust, sweat and splashes.
The feature list is unusually broad for a £79 open-ear model. According to What Hi-Fi? and TechRadar, the Clip Pro supports LDAC for higher-resolution wireless audio on compatible devices, Bluetooth Multipoint for switching between sources, low-latency mode for gaming and Google Fast Pair. CMF also includes a four-microphone array and voice-processing software for calls, plus on-ear controls and a Smart Dial on the charging case. TechRadar noted that the company has also moved away from the call-recording features found on some recent Nothing products, a detail that may appeal to more privacy-conscious buyers.
Battery life is another major selling point. CMF says the earbuds last up to 10 hours on a charge, with a total of 32.5 hours including the case, and fast charging can deliver roughly 4 hours of playback from 10 minutes plugged in. The company is offering the Clip Pro in Dark Grey, Light Grey and Coral, with availability set to begin on August 15, 2026, according to TechRadar. For a category often defined by compromise, the early signs suggest CMF is aiming for a rare mix of comfort, restraint and practical audio performance.
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.
