Affordable Clip-Style Earbuds That Stand Out in the Market

Clips are the latest trend, and we’re not just talking about viral TikTok videos. Clip-style wireless earbuds are becoming just as popular as some questionable social media marketing strategies, with several well-known brands entering the market. Notable names include the Sony LinkBuds Clip, Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, JBL Soundgear Clips, Shokz OpenDots 2, and a potential offering from Samsung.

While the U.K.-based audio and mobile brand Nothing hasn’t released a clip-style model yet, its budget-friendly subsidiary, CMF, has just introduced its first entry—the $99 CMF Clip Pro. Although it follows the typical format for clip-style wireless earbuds, there are unique features that position it as a valuable contender in the open wireless earbuds market.

Exploring the Potential of Open-Ear Audio

While Nothing has launched its Ear Open wireless earbuds, which wrap around the back of the ear, CMF’s Clip Pro marks the brand’s first foray into open-ear products, and it shows promise.

For testing, I listened to tracks like “Any Major Dude Will Tell You” by Steely Dan. The Clip Pro impressed me with its balanced audio profile. Vocals were clear, and I could distinguish various guitar lines and keys without losing the bass, which is often lacking in clip-style earbuds. The Clip Pro features a “Bass Enhancement” option that effectively addresses this common shortcoming.

I initially hesitated about the Bass Enhancement feature, as I dislike overly boosted bass that sounds artificial. after trying it out, I found it made a significant difference. CMF has managed to enhance the low-end frequencies without overwhelming the overall sound. I consistently kept the Bass Enhancement feature at its highest setting for an optimal listening experience.

This well-balanced low-end response carried over into other genres. Daft Punk’s “Da Funk” showcased a solid bass mix, although the strong bass occasionally blurred midrange frequencies. Overall, I found the Clip Pro performed better with rock music than electronic tracks.

Fortunately, the Nothing X app provides preset and customizable EQ options, which can enhance electronic music playback. not all presets are equally effective; for instance, the “rock” preset significantly diminished vocal clarity and made the mix less enjoyable. On the other hand, the “enhance vocals” setting proved beneficial for making podcasts clearer during my subway rides. Unfortunately, like most open wireless earbuds, these lack a personalized EQ for tailored sound profiling.

Regarding sound customization, the Nothing X app also includes spatial audio settings, which can be toggled to “fixed.” I didn’t notice a substantial difference with spatial audio enabled, and I generally find CMF’s spatial audio feature tends to darken the sound profile, making it feel unbalanced. Fortunately, users can simply disable this feature if desired.

One aspect I wish CMF had improved is the volume level. Like many open wireless earbuds, the Clip Pro struggles in noisy environments, but I found them less effective than higher-priced models from Shokz and Bose. On public transportation, the Clip Pro often failed to provide sufficient volume, and I sometimes had difficulty hearing them while exercising on a treadmill or walking outdoors.

Call quality was mediocre. CMF effectively reduced background noise during calls, but this sometimes made my voice sound distant. In a test call with simulated street noise, the feedback I received indicated that while ambient sounds weren’t overwhelming, my voice clarity suffered slightly. The caller rated my audio quality a 6.5 out of 10—not excellent, but acceptable.

Nevertheless, the CMF Clip Pro delivers impressive audio quality for its price, and at $99, my concerns are minimal. For those who prioritize audio fidelity, spending extra on models like the OpenDots 2 may offer a more refined experience.

Check out the CMF Clip Pro on Amazon

Innovative Design with a Touch of Fun

CMF stands out in hardware design. True to Nothing’s innovative style, the Clip Pro includes a Smart Dial on its charging case.

The Smart Dial functions exactly as described—a dial that you can twist and press to control various features. Users can program its actions via the Nothing X app; I configured mine to adjust volume by twisting and skip tracks with double or triple presses. A single press pauses or plays audio. While this feature isn’t groundbreaking, I find it enjoyable, even if it lacks practicality. The dial offers a satisfying click during use, and pressing the button feels satisfying as well.

There is a slight delay when adjusting volume (at least on my iPhone 17), which isn’t overly bothersome but does add a minor inconvenience. I don’t feel this warrants a deduction of points from the Smart Dial, but it’s worth noting that the experience isn’t entirely seamless.

The good news is that the Smart Dial is optional. Both earbuds have physical buttons that I prefer over touch controls, and they function perfectly, with customizable commands available through the Nothing X app. No complaints about the buttons!

As with most clip-style open earbuds, the Clip Pro prioritizes comfort. I wore them for several hours at a time and never experienced the discomfort that often accompanies silicone-tipped noise-canceling earbuds. CMF has successfully balanced comfort with a secure fit, allowing me to wear the Clip Pro during a brisk 15-minute treadmill run without any slippage.

Battery life is also commendable. CMF claims a 10-hour runtime on a single charge, which aligns with my testing. After listening for an hour at 50% volume, I observed only a 10% drop in battery life.

I do have one minor issue with the design: the orientation of the earbuds in the charging case. The listening surface should face outward rather than inward, which caused initial confusion when I first removed them. I mention this to prevent you from experiencing the same frustration as I did.

The Affordable Clip-Style Earbuds for Everyone

While the CMF Clip Pro may not be the top choice among premium clip-style earbuds, it offers impressive value at its price point. Although I find the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds superior in sound quality and performance in noisy environments, and Shokz’s OpenDots 2 deliver a more premium audio experience, those options come with significantly higher price tags of $299 and $199, respectively. At just $99, the Clip Pro provides substantial features and comfort.

The Smart Dial is a delightful addition, and the earbuds are comfortable enough for long listening sessions. potential buyers should be aware that they may struggle in loud environments.

Not everyone needs to invest heavily to enjoy quality clip-style wireless earbuds, and if you’re seeking an affordable open-ear option to complement your main ANC earbuds, the CMF Clip Pro is a solid choice.

View the CMF Clip Pro on Amazon