CMF’s $99 Headphone Pro Redefines Beats by Dre’s Legacy With Fresh Sound and Style

Affordable, customizable, and feature-packed, CMF’s Headphone Pro is shaking up the headphone scene where Beats once ruled.

Remember When Beats Ruled the Streets?

It’s wild to think how Beats by Dre headphones once owned every sidewalk, subway car, and social feed with their bold, colorful headphones. They were more than just audio gear—they were fashion statements, cultural icons, and status symbols all rolled into one. Meanwhile, Apple quietly raked in the profits behind the scenes.

But fast forward to today, and Apple seems to have shifted gears, focusing nearly all its energy on AirPods and letting Beats slide into the background. That gap has created an intriguing opening for a fresh contender. Enter CMF by Nothing, a budget-focused brand aiming to reclaim that streetwise headphone crown with their new Headphone Pro headphones.

CMF: The New Kid on the Block with a Smart Strategy

CMF operates as Nothing’s budget-friendly spin-off, kind of like how Beats was Apple’s youthful, bold player in the headphone game. But here’s the twist: Nothing is actually letting CMF grow as its own entity, giving it room to breathe and flourish instead of treating it like a forgotten side brand.

Priced at just $99, the Headphone Pro headphones is more than a budget option—it’s a serious contender for reclaiming the cultural and audio territory Beats once dominated. Finally, a fresh breath of air with price and quality that hits just right.

Smarter Sound with Real-Time Control

Here’s where CMF really gets clever. Beats was known for their bass-heavy sound, sometimes at the expense of clarity. CMF flips that script with an “Energy Slider” — a physical dial on the headphones that lets you adjust the sound profile in real time. Crank it up for pumping workouts and bass-heavy bangers, or turn it down for podcasts and mellow acoustic vibes.

No need to dive into apps or complicated menus—just a simple analog control on your headphones. It’s a refreshing nod to tactile simplicity in this ultra-digital age.

And those 40mm drivers with 16.5mm copper voice coils? Not just fluff. The Headphone Pro headphones boast Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification and support the LDAC codec, which means you get superior Bluetooth streaming quality that’s usually reserved for pricier models. Adaptive hybrid noise cancellation knocks out up to 45dB of ambient noise, putting these headphones in impressive company for their price.

Battery Life That Keeps Up With You

If you’ve ever been frustrated by headphones dying mid-day, CMF’s Headphone Pro headphones will feel like a dream. They claim a staggering 100 hours of playback with noise cancellation off (using the AAC codec), and even with the fancy LDAC codec active, you’re looking at 70 hours.

Turn on the noise cancellation feature, and you still get a generous 50 hours with AAC or 38 hours with LDAC. That kind of endurance usually comes only with top-tier headphones, not ones under $100.

Need a quick boost? Five minutes of charging provides 4 hours of playback. Plus, charging is super convenient with USB-C to USB-C — even your smartphone can share the juice if needed.

Modular Earcups: More Than Just a Gimmick

At first glance, the modular earcups might seem like a gimmick. But the more you think about it, the more it makes sense. The earcups are completely swappable and come in Light Grey, Dark Grey, and Light Green by default, with extra Orange and Light Green replacements available for $25.

This means worn-out pads or accidental dings don’t force you to ditch the whole headphone. Plus, you can mix and match colors to craft a look that's uniquely yours—not just picking from whatever color the company decided was trendy.

Thoughtful Controls Without the App Hassle

The Headphone Pro headphones controls feel deliberately crafted rather than slapped together. A single roller button handles the volume and play/pause with a short press, while a long press toggles noise cancellation on and off. No app required, no fiddly touchpads—you get tactile, intuitive control right at your fingertips.

There’s also spatial audio processing with Concert and Cinema modes for a slightly immersive vibe, though it’s more of a neat add-on than a game-changer. Most users will probably stick with the classic, straightforward sound.

It really feels like CMF picked up the torch Beats dropped when Apple acquired the brand, blending street cred with serious tech savvy.

Availability and Pricing That Challenges the Market

CMF’s Headphone Pro headphones hit UK and European shelves immediately at £79 and €99, with U.S. availability slated for October 7th. The aggressive pricing undercuts many established players while packing in features usually reserved for much pricier headphones.

The Future of Street-Style Headphones?

CMF understands something Beats seemed to lose track of: you can have audio gear that is both technically excellent and culturally relevant, without compromise.

The Headphone Pro headphones deliver flagship specs wrapped in customizable, expressive design at a price point that truly opens premium features to the masses. Will CMF bring back the street-level cool Beats once commanded? Only time will tell. But the groundwork is laid, and with Apple’s Beats sitting on the sidelines, CMF looks poised to take center stage.

“The Headphone Pro delivers flagship-level specs wrapped in customizable, expressive design at a price that makes premium features genuinely accessible.”

FAQ

• How does the Energy Slider enhance listening experience?
  It allows users to adjust bass and sound intensity on the fly without using an app, perfect for switching between music styles instantly.
• What makes the battery life of Headphone Pro exceptional?
  With up to 100 hours of playback on a single charge (without ANC), these headphones outlast many competitors by a wide margin.
• Are the modular earcups durable and customizable?
  Yes, earcups can be swapped out to replace worn pads or to change colors, offering both longevity and personal flair.
• Is noise cancellation effective on these headphones?
  The adaptive hybrid noise cancellation reduces ambient noise by up to 45dB, excellent for most noisy environments.
• What audio codecs do the Headphone Pro support?
  They support Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification and LDAC codec, ensuring high-quality Bluetooth audio streaming.

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