- The CMF Clip Pro are $99 clip-on wireless earbuds from CMF, the budget-conscious subsidiary of U.K.-based audio/mobile company Nothing.
- The Clip Pro offer a balanced sound with upfront vocals and decent bass, aided by a Bass Enhancement feature that the reviewer kept at maximum level (level 2).
- The Smart Dial on the charging case is a standout hardware feature, programmable in the Nothing X app to control volume, track skipping, and play/pause, though there is a slight delay in volume control.
- The Clip Pro are comfortable and secure, with solid battery life (10 hours advertised, matching testing), but the case orientation can be confusing.
- The Clip Pro struggle with volume in loud environments, being easily drowned out on the subway and sometimes hard to hear even on a treadmill or sidewalk.
- Call quality is mediocre: background noise is mitigated but voice clarity diminishes, earning a 6.5 out of 10 in a test call.
CMF's Clip Pro earbuds, priced at $99, aim to deliver quality sound and innovative features. Reviewers praised their balanced audio and Smart Dial case, but noted significant drawbacks in volume and call quality in noisy settings.345678910111213
The Clip Pro earbuds feature a Bass Enhancement option, which enhances low-end sound, a common weakness in clip-style earbuds. Reviewers found the sound quality particularly strong in rock genres, although some EQ presets, like the “rock” setting, were criticized for poor performance.
Despite their comfort and solid 10-hour battery life, the earbuds struggled to deliver adequate volume in loud environments, such as subways or while exercising. One reviewer noted that the earbuds were hard to hear even at higher volumes during these activities.
Call quality was rated as mediocre, with background noise mitigation affecting voice clarity. A test call received a score of 6.5 out of 10 for clarity, indicating room for improvement.14
The Smart Dial on the charging case allows users to control volume and track selection, though some users experienced a slight delay in responsiveness. Overall, while the Clip Pro offers unique features and decent sound for the price, they may not meet the needs of users in noisy environments.
“The Clip Pro's Smart Dial on the charging case is programmable in the Nothing X app, but volume control has a slight delay. Battery life hits 10 hours as advertised, yet the buds are easily drowned out on the subway and call quality scored 6.5/10 in a test.”
gizmodo.com
