CMF has entered the over-ear headphone segment in India with the launch of the CMF Headphone Pro. This marks the brand's first attempt at full-sized ANC headphones and signals a clear push into a category that has recently seen renewed interest driven by long battery life, stronger noise cancellation, and design-led differentiation.
Over-ear headphones may be one of the oldest personal audio formats, but they are undergoing a reset as users look for better comfort, longer listening time, and tactile controls instead of touch-heavy designs. CMF is positioning the Headphone Pro as a modern reinterpretation of this legacy category, combining high battery endurance with modular design and physical controls.
Design and Controls: CMF Leans Into Modularity
CMF Headphone Pro follows the brand's playful, modular design language and is available in three colour options: Light Grey, Dark Grey, and Light Green. A key design highlight is the use of interchangeable ear cushions, allowing users to customise both the look and fit of the headphones.
The company has also opted for tactile, hardware-first controls. A Roller control handles volume, playback, and ANC functions, while a dedicated Energy Slider allows users to adjust bass and treble levels in real time. A customisable button can be assigned to functions such as Spatial Audio or quick access to AI features through the Nothing X app. The focus here is clearly on reducing reliance on touch gestures and apps for everyday controls.
Active Noise Cancellation and Spatial Audio
The Headphone Pro features Hybrid Adaptive ANC capable of reducing noise by up to 40 dB. The system automatically adjusts its intensity based on surrounding noise levels, aiming to balance effective cancellation with listening comfort over longer sessions.
CMF has also included Spatial Audio modes tuned for different use cases. Cinema mode is designed to enhance dialogue and directional effects for movies and shows, while Concert mode focuses on creating a wider, more immersive soundstage for music.
Sound Performance and Personalisation
Audio duties are handled by custom 40 mm drivers with nickel-plated diaphragms, paired with a dual-chamber design intended to reduce distortion and improve clarity. The headphones support Hi-Res Audio and LDAC, enabling higher bitrate wireless streaming for compatible devices.
CMF is also offering Personal Sound tuning using Audiodo technology. This feature adapts audio output based on the listener's hearing profile and ear canal shape, aiming to deliver a more personalised sound signature rather than a one-size-fits-all tuning.
Battery Life: The Standout Feature
Battery performance is where the CMF Headphone Pro clearly stands out. CMF claims up to 100 hours of playback on a single charge, which places it at the top end of the segment. Even with ANC enabled, users can expect up to 50 hours of listening time.
Fast charging support adds to the convenience. A five-minute charge delivers up to eight hours of playback with ANC turned off, while a full charge takes under two hours via USB-C. The headphones can also draw power directly from a smartphone using a USB-C to USB-C cable, making top-ups possible on the move.
Price and Availability
The CMF Headphone Pro is priced at ₹7,999 and will be available at a limited-time launch price of ₹6,999. Sales begin on 20 January 2026 via Flipkart and offline retail stores. The headphones will be available in Dark Grey, Light Green, and Light Grey colour options.
Should You Buy?
The CMF Headphone Pro makes a strong case for users who prioritise battery life and physical controls over brand legacy. The 100-hour playback claim, modular design, and tactile controls give it a clear identity in a segment crowded with similar-looking ANC headphones.
It is best suited for users who listen for long hours, travel frequently, or simply want a pair of headphones they do not have to charge every few days. ANC performance and LDAC support add to its appeal at the launch price, though buyers focused purely on sound tuning may still want to compare it with established audio-first brands.
At ₹6,999, the CMF Headphone Pro offers strong value for users looking for a feature-rich over-ear headphone with standout battery life and a distinct design approach.
