CMF has teased a first look at its first over-ear headphones, revealing the name “Headphone Pro” in a brief bunch of teaser clips. The company’s advertising suggests a focus on design and customization, making the new model seem like a fun and practical addition to its fast-growing collection of gadgets.
The teasers feature two colorways—light green and orange—with interchangeable ear cushions to share and the tagline “remix everything.” The fact that it’s done with a slogan and interchangeable pads leads me to believe CMF is embracing customization as more of a feature rather than an adjunct. Details on specs are still being held under wraps, but the teasers suggest a launch is just around the corner.
First look: design and customization inspiration
At first glance, Headphone Pro chooses a tidier, more traditional shape over its sister brand’s more pronounced over-ear design language. Even so, the hardware continues to pay homage to the parent company’s aesthetic with some differing button shapes and a clear focus on tactile control. The move to swappable ear cushions may have utility beyond just style, potentially increasing the life of a design, enhancing hygiene, and allowing wearers to adjust for varying head shapes and climates.
CMF’s teaser lineup also included pending devices across its device lineup – a new smartwatch and phone, for instance. Presenting them together signals the brand’s continued approach — mix in an accessible price point with striking design, and unify it all with consistent colorways and accessories.
How it fits into the brand’s audio roadmap
CMF, which is a design-forward and value-oriented sub-brand, has rapidly expanded its audio roster. After color pop in-ear models with practicalist features, graduating to a full-on over-ear headset feels like the right next step – especially since the parent brand has already set out its stall with its “Headphone 1.” It should be a more approachable take on the new formula, with a focus on comfort, battery life, and intuitive controls.
Earwear also makes up the vast majority of the wearable category, which overall surpassed over 500 million units shipped recently, and it has been reported by analysts from IDC to Counterpoint Research that earwear leads the pack. While true wireless earbuds are a significant portion of the volume, over-ear headphones continue to be a stable, higher-value niche. That’s exactly where a design-forward, sensibly priced upstart can make outsized waves.
Features and pricing: hidden behind the words
CMF hasn’t revealed specs, but there are certain expectations for a modern over-ear. Active noise cancellation and transparency modes are table stakes for the midrange, as is multipoint Bluetooth, a decent app with EQ controls, and USB-C fast charging. The bracket of 40 to 60 hours of battery life without ANC is increasingly standard on high-end mid-tiers nowadays, and a 3.5mm wired choice will be good news for the travellers or creators among you.
On codecs, SBC and AAC are a must-have; LC3 or LDAC would push Headphone Pro into the audiophile realm — though this can vary based on what they need to hit for launch price. However — CMF usually comes in under premium rivals, so a value-first play with one or two killer features (modular bits, great battery life, weird-control shenanigans) would be on-brand for the CMF team.
The personalization as a true usability win
Ear cushions that are swap-friendly aren’t just a matter of amazing appearance. Organic pads compress and wear over time; convenient replacement means you can enjoy your pads better, with improved hygiene and a longer service life. Companies like AIAIAI have demonstrated how modularity can enable both personalization and sustainability, and groups including many at iFixit have regularly called out replaceable parts as a key measurement of potential longevity. Assuming CMF leans into this philosophy — whether through cushions, cables, or other user-serviceable elements — the Headphone Pro might prove a standout in a crowded midrange.
The competitive landscape and what to watch
Over-ear ANC standbys like Sony, Bose, and JBL establish a performance and polish standard, while value players like Soundcore and Skullcandy force the envelope on aggressive pricing. CMF’s advantage is brand identity: industrial-inspired design, splashy colors, and a system that can make accessories feel like part of the experience. If the company is able to offer up sound quality that’s just on or below par while offering comfortable wear and a smart control design — without jacking up the price — Headphone Pro could translate into an interesting newcomer in a crowd of established midrange favorites.
And the big questions in teaser-land are: How sturdy is the ANC, what sort of codecs and multipoint options can it pair with, how customisable will those pads and parts be, and just how wallet-busting is the pricing going to look?
Should the finished product live up to this promise of “remix everything,” then CMF’s first over-ear could well be its most convincing audio drop yet.
