Pocket Tactics has published its review for Nothing sub-brand CMF's first open-earbuds, the CMF Clip Pro, awarding the wearable a 6/10 score. The review evaluates how the $79/£79 open-ear design holds up for daily tasks, calls, and mobile gaming compared to traditional closed-ear alternatives like the Nothing Ear or CMF Headphone Pro.

Review Findings: Pros and Cons

According to the Pocket Tactics evaluation, the CMF Clip Pro succeeds in physical comfort and utility while struggling with consistent performance and audio depth. The publication highlighted several specific strengths and weaknesses:

  • Pros: Responsive tactile buttons, a solid microphone for calls and Discord chats, and dependable battery life lasting roughly ten hours continuously with an additional 32 hours from the case.
  • Cons: Unremarkable audio quality, inconsistent Bluetooth connectivity, and a divisive three-point clip design that takes time to get used to.

The reviewer noted that while testing the earbuds while playing games like Marvel's Avengers on a ROG Ally, the open-ear design allowed them to hear external sounds in the room without heavily compromising the in-game audio. However, utilizing the Nothing X app's Privacy Tuning (Anti-Leakage Mode) to prevent sound bleeding placed a noticeable barrier on audio quality, making music and videos sound like they were playing behind a wall.

Connectivity and Player Fit

One of the primary friction points highlighted in the review is the pairing process. The reviewer experienced difficulties syncing the earbuds to a Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, noting that seating the magnetic contacts correctly inside the charging case can be finicky due to the shape of the hardware. Additionally, while the earbuds support Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair, actual connectivity remained inconsistent during testing.

For players considering whether the CMF Clip Pro fits their setup, the review suggests that traditional options like the Nothing Ear or CMF Headphone Pro offer a more rounded listening experience for immersive entertainment, while the Clip Pro leans closer to casual use cases, commuting, and work.