CMF Clip Pro - Open-Ear Buds That Answer Calls With a Dial
Nothing's sub-brand CMF just dropped a clip-style open-ear earbud, and it caught my attention. Instead of plugging into your ear, it hooks onto it — and you can even answer calls using a dial on the charging case. That combo made me want to keep an eye on this one.
📊 Quick Info
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | CMF by Nothing |
| Price | TBD |
| Materials/Specs | Clip-on open-ear design, dial control on the charging case |
| Key Features | Ear-hook fit, answer/reject calls via the case dial |
| One-line take | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ Both the colorway and the control scheme feel unmistakably CMF |
✨ 3-Line Summary
- 👍 Best feature: The dial on the case makes for a genuinely unique way to take calls
- 👎 Drawback: As an open-ear design, sound quality and noise isolation may fall short of in-ear buds
- 🎯 Best for: Anyone who wants to stay aware of their surroundings during workouts or outdoor activities
📸 Product Gallery
Concept shot showing the White, Orange, and Black clips layered on a single ear
The orange charging case paired with a set of earbuds — the dial on top of the case is the control point
A close-up that shows off the clip-style fit hooking over the upper ear
A color comparison shot with the orange, white, and black cases lined up side by side
🔍 Why I'm Interested
Taking calls with the case dial
The standout feature is the metal dial on top of the charging case. You're supposed to be able to hold the case and turn or press the dial to answer and end calls — being able to do that without touching the earbuds themselves feels genuinely different.
The clip design should mean less fit fatigue
Instead of plugging into your ear canal like in-ear buds, this hooks onto the outside of your ear like a clip, so I'd expect less discomfort from pressure during long wear sessions. It also keeps the open-ear advantage of staying aware of your surroundings while working out.
Colors and finish that feel very CMF
The Orange, White, and Black lineup captures CMF's signature tone-on-tone color sensibility really well. Getting Nothing's design language at a sub-brand price point is appealing too.
🤔 What Gives Me Pause
The inherent limits of open-ear design
Since it doesn't seal your ear canal, you can't expect real noise isolation, and in loud environments where you need to crank the volume, there may be some loss in sound quality or audio leakage.
Price and official release timing unconfirmed
Given CMF's typical lineup, it's likely to land at a reasonable price point, but the exact price and whether it'll launch in Korea still need confirming.
📋 Product Ratings (Personal Assessment)
- Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Practicality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (price unconfirmed)
🛒 Before You Buy
✅ Recommended for
- Anyone who wants to stay aware of ambient sound while exercising or walking
- Anyone who's found in-ear buds uncomfortable
- Fans of the distinctive CMF/Nothing design language
❌ Not recommended for
- Anyone who needs noise cancellation
- Anyone who wants deep, bass-forward immersive sound
🎯 Final Verdict
Open-ear earbuds themselves aren't new — plenty of brands have tried this category already. But the idea of controlling calls through a dial on the case is a genuinely fun, distinctly CMF move. The clip-on wear style should also help cut down on long-wear fatigue.
Sound quality and noise isolation are things I'll have to wait on real-world reviews to judge, but the design and interaction alone are enough reason to put this on the wishlist.
Source: Yanko Design product page
