How do clip-on earbuds differ from standard in-ear models?

Clip-on earbuds attach outside the ear, leaving the ear canal unobstructed. This ensures comfort and better awareness of surroundings but reduces noise isolation and bass quality.

Are CMF Clip Pro suitable for music listening?

Partially. The sound is balanced with an EQ in the app, but the lack of a sealed fit limits detail. They’re not ideal for critical listening.

How does the CMF Clip Pro control system work?

Controls include buttons on the earbuds, a rotary dial on the case, or the Nothing X app. The dial may accidentally rotate in a pocket, so many users disable this feature.

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Hardware

CMF Clip Pro: Budget Clip-On Earbuds with Solid Sound

August 14, 2026

Photo: The Verge

Quick answer

CMF Clip Pro are clip-on earbuds from Nothing’s sub-brand priced at $79–99, combining the convenience of open design with acceptable sound quality.

CMF, Nothing’s budget division, has released the Clip Pro clip-on earbuds at an initial price of $99, now lowered to $79. The model positions itself as an affordable alternative to premium options from Bose, Sony, and Shokz, while retaining the key benefits of an open design.

The Clip Pro’s main advantage is comfort. The earbuds clip onto the outer ear with a flexible band, avoiding discomfort even during extended wear. This makes them ideal for users who dislike in-ear models. However, the open design has drawbacks: sound can leak at high volumes, and bass quality suffers due to the lack of a sealed fit.

The Clip Pro delivers balanced sound but isn’t flawless. The Nothing X app offers a three-band EQ, though adjustments aren’t always intuitive—changing one range may affect others. The earbuds support spatial audio and high-resolution LDAC, but these features are barely noticeable in real-world use. For calls, they outperform Nothing’s flagship Ear 3A, though aggressive noise cancellation may clip word endings during quiet speech.

Controls include buttons on the earbuds, a rotary dial on the case, or the app. The dial is convenient but may accidentally rotate in a pocket, so many users disable it. The case doubles as a charger, and battery life matches the stated specifications.

The Clip Pro is a solid choice for those prioritizing comfort and unwilling to overpay for a brand name. While not perfect, they outperform many competitors in this price segment.

Common questions

How do clip-on earbuds differ from standard in-ear models?: Clip-on earbuds attach outside the ear, leaving the ear canal unobstructed. This ensures comfort and better awareness of surroundings but reduces noise isolation and bass quality.
Are CMF Clip Pro suitable for music listening?: Partially. The sound is balanced with an EQ in the app, but the lack of a sealed fit limits detail. They’re not ideal for critical listening.
How does the CMF Clip Pro control system work?: Controls include buttons on the earbuds, a rotary dial on the case, or the Nothing X app. The dial may accidentally rotate in a pocket, so many users disable this feature.

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