CMF Clip Pro First Reviews: $99 Open-Ear Earbuds Get Mixed Marks on Sound but Praise for Battery and Value

The CMF by Nothing Clip Pro shipped today, August 15, and the first wave of full reviews is in from Gizmodo, TechRadar, Pocket Tactics, and Wallpaper.

What Reviewers Love

• Battery life: 10 hours per earbud tracks almost exactly with CMF{"'"}s claim — comfortably the longest in the sub-$100 open-ear category
• Smart Dial: The physical dial on the case for volume, playback, and call control remains CMF{"'"}s killer feature — no competitor offers anything comparable at this price
• Value: At $99 ($79.99 pre-order), reviewers call the Clip Pro the most affordable open-ear earbuds from a reputable brand
• All-day comfort: The 3-point clip design distributes pressure evenly and stays put during runs

What Reviewers Flag

• Bluetooth connectivity: Multiple reviewers reported inconsistent pairing and occasional dropouts, especially when switching between devices
• Sound quality: Bass Enhancement helps but doesn{"'"}t fully close the gap with sealed earbuds — mids and highs are clear but bass remains thin in noisy environments
• Form factor: The clip design is polarizing — some testers found it secure and invisible, others said it pinched after two hours

Verdict

Gizmodo called the Clip Pro "an affordable challenger" that offers "more than you{"'"}d think for $99." TechRadar praised the absence of Nothing{"'"}s controversial in-call recording feature found on flagship models. Pocket Tactics was less enthusiastic, calling it "a bold idea that won{"'"}t suit everyone."

Should You Buy?

At $99, the Clip Pro is the easiest recommendation for budget-conscious buyers who want open-ear earbuds. If sound quality is your priority, the Sony WF-1000XM6 or Shokz OpenFit 2 are better but cost nearly twice as much. Compare all wireless earbuds.