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The CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro has carved out a compelling niche in the wireless headphone market — offering active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.4, and up to 50 hours of ANC playback at a price point that undercuts most premium competitors. But like any headphone investment, the right accessories can make the difference between a good experience and a great one. Whether you need a protective case for daily commutes, a backup cable for wired listening, or you’re exploring compatible alternatives that share a similar feature set, this guide covers everything you need to round out your CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro setup.
Best for: Budget-conscious audiophiles who want ANC, long battery life, and a modern wireless experience
Why Accessories Matter for the CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro
The CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro ships with the essentials — a USB-C charging cable and basic documentation — but it doesn’t include a hard-shell carrying case, a 3.5mm audio cable for wired use, or an airplane adapter. If you commute, travel, or simply want to protect your investment, filling these gaps is worthwhile. And if you’re shopping for a second pair of headphones (for the office, gym bag, or a family member), knowing which alternatives share similar specs helps you make a smarter purchase.
Below, we review the CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro itself and four alternative wireless headphones that complement or compete with it. Each review is based on publicly available specifications, manufacturer documentation, and patterns from verified customer feedback.
If you’re also in the Nothing ecosystem, you might find our step-by-step setup guide for the Nothing Headphone (1) helpful, and if you own a Nothing Phone 4a Pro, check out our complete compatibility guide for accessories and standards.
CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro — The Foundation of Your Setup
Before diving into accessories, let’s establish what you’re working with. The CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro is an over-ear wireless headphone featuring active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, and a manufacturer-rated 50 hours of ANC playback. It uses a USB-C port for charging — a universal standard that simplifies cable management — and supports the Nothing X app for EQ customization and firmware updates.
The design language follows Nothing’s signature transparent-accented aesthetic, which sets it apart visually from competitors at this price tier. The over-ear form factor provides passive noise isolation on top of the electronic ANC, making it suitable for commuters, open-office workers, and frequent flyers.
Verified customer feedback generally praises the battery life as genuinely long-lasting, with many users reporting they charge the headphones only once or twice a week with moderate daily use. The ANC performance is frequently described as effective for steady-state noise (airplane hum, HVAC systems) though some reviewers note it’s less aggressive than premium options from Sony or Bose. Comfort receives mostly positive marks, though users with larger heads occasionally mention the clamping force could be lighter.
On the downside, some reviewers wish the headphones included a carrying case in the box, and a few note that the microphone quality during calls — while adequate — doesn’t match dedicated headsets. The lack of multipoint Bluetooth connection (connecting to two devices simultaneously) is another common critique, though this varies by firmware version.
Who should buy this: Anyone looking for a well-designed ANC headphone with exceptional battery life and modern Bluetooth connectivity without paying flagship prices. It’s an especially strong pick for Nothing ecosystem users.
Accessory Categories to Consider
Before we look at alternative headphones, here’s a quick rundown of the accessory types that pair well with the CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro:
Protective Cases
The Headphone Pro uses a standard over-ear headphone form factor. Hard-shell cases designed for headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra typically fit, but always verify internal dimensions. Look for cases with interior dimensions of at least 19 × 17 × 8 cm to accommodate the folded headphones.
USB-C Cables
Since the Headphone Pro charges via USB-C, any quality USB-C cable works. Consider a braided nylon cable for durability, or a short 30 cm cable for portable charging from a power bank.
3.5mm Audio Cables
If the Headphone Pro supports wired playback via a 3.5mm jack (check your specific model’s port configuration), a replacement or upgrade cable with in-line controls can be useful for airplane entertainment systems or devices without Bluetooth.
Bluetooth Transmitters
For connecting to older TVs, gym equipment, or in-flight entertainment systems that lack Bluetooth, a portable Bluetooth 5.0+ transmitter bridges the gap.
Ear Pad Replacements
Over time, ear pads compress and wear. Replacement pads that match the Headphone Pro’s ear cup diameter can restore comfort and passive isolation.
Now, let’s look at four alternative headphones that serve as worthy companions or backups.
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones (Black)
The Sony WH-CH520 is one of the most popular budget wireless headphones on the market, and for good reason. It offers Bluetooth connectivity, up to 50 hours of battery life, and Sony’s well-regarded audio tuning — all in a lightweight on-ear design. While it lacks active noise cancellation, it makes an excellent secondary pair for situations where you don’t need ANC, such as working from home or casual listening.
Sony’s Headphones Connect app gives you access to EQ presets and DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), which upscales compressed audio files. The on-ear design makes it significantly more compact and lighter than the over-ear CMF Headphone Pro, which is a genuine advantage for portability.
Verified reviewers consistently highlight the battery life as a standout feature — many report going weeks between charges with moderate use. Sound quality is frequently described as clear and balanced for the price, though bass-heavy listeners sometimes wish for more low-end punch. The on-ear fit divides opinion: some find it comfortable for hours, while others report ear fatigue after extended sessions.
The lack of ANC and the plastic build quality are the most common criticisms. The microphone is serviceable for calls but won’t impress in noisy environments.
Who should buy this: Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable secondary headphone for calls, podcasts, or light listening — especially if portability matters more than noise cancellation.
Beats Solo 4 — Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
The Beats Solo 4 represents a significant evolution for the Solo line, offering up to 50 hours of battery life, a more neutral sound signature than previous Beats models, and both USB-C and 3.5mm wired connectivity. For CMF Headphone Pro owners, the Solo 4 serves as a premium on-ear alternative — particularly appealing if you’re in the Apple ecosystem, thanks to native Apple and Android compatibility with one-touch pairing.
Beats has moved toward a more balanced audio profile with the Solo 4, and reviewers who previously dismissed Beats for excessive bass have noted the improvement. The headphones support spatial audio with dynamic head tracking on Apple devices, adding an immersive dimension for compatible content. The UltraPlush ear cushions receive generally positive comfort feedback, though the on-ear design still causes fatigue for some users during very long sessions.
Customer reviews frequently praise the build quality — the Solo 4 feels more premium than its predecessors — and the inclusion of both USB-C audio and a 3.5mm jack gives it versatility that many wireless headphones lack. The ability to use it as a wired headphone when the battery dies is a practical advantage.
Common complaints include the lack of active noise cancellation (surprising at this price tier) and the fact that the carrying case, while included, is a soft pouch rather than a hard shell.
Who should buy this: Apple ecosystem users or style-conscious listeners who want a premium on-ear headphone with excellent battery life and wired backup options. A strong complement to the CMF Headphone Pro for different use cases.
If you’re exploring more affordable ANC options, our guide to cheaper alternatives to the Bose QuietComfort Headphones covers several worthy contenders.
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones (Blue)
This is the same Sony WH-CH520 reviewed above, but in a blue colorway. We’re including it separately because color choice matters for accessory coordination — and if you own the CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro in a darker colorway, having a visually distinct secondary pair helps you (or family members) quickly identify which headphones belong to whom.
All the technical specifications are identical to the black version: Bluetooth wireless connectivity, up to 50 hours of battery life, on-ear design, and Sony’s Headphones Connect app compatibility. The blue finish adds a pop of color that many reviewers appreciate, particularly younger users or those tired of the all-black headphone aesthetic.
Verified customer feedback mirrors the black model — praise for battery life and sound quality at the price point, with the same caveats about the lack of ANC and the on-ear comfort trade-offs. Some reviewers specifically note that the blue color is more muted and sophisticated in person than it appears in product photos, which is generally received as a positive.
The lightweight design (approximately 147g according to Sony’s specs) makes this an excellent travel companion alongside the heavier, over-ear CMF Headphone Pro.
Who should buy this: Anyone who wants the Sony WH-CH520’s reliable performance in a more distinctive color. Ideal as a household’s second pair or a gym/travel backup.
BERIBES Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear
The BERIBES over-ear Bluetooth headphones offer a staggering 65 hours of claimed playtime and six EQ music modes, making them one of the most feature-rich budget headphones available. For CMF Headphone Pro owners, the BERIBES serves as an ultra-affordable backup pair — the kind you can toss in a gym bag or leave at the office without worrying about damage or loss.
The headphones feature HiFi stereo sound with 40mm drivers, a built-in microphone for calls, and both Bluetooth and wired (3.5mm) connectivity. The six EQ modes let you switch between presets optimized for different genres — a feature that’s surprisingly uncommon at this price point. The foldable design aids portability, and the padded headband and ear cushions aim for extended-wear comfort.
Verified reviewers are generally impressed by the value proposition. The battery life consistently meets or exceeds expectations, and the sound quality is described as surprisingly good for the price — though it doesn’t compete with the CMF Headphone Pro or Sony offerings in terms of detail and soundstage. The build quality is the most common concern: several reviewers note that the plastic construction feels less durable than pricier alternatives, and the ear pad material may not hold up to heavy daily use over many months.
The Bluetooth connection is reported as stable by most users, though a few note occasional dropouts at longer ranges. There’s no ANC, so these are best suited for quieter environments.
Who should buy this: Budget shoppers who need a reliable backup pair with exceptional battery life. Great for kids, gym use, or keeping at the office as a secondary option.
Essential Accessory Checklist for CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro Owners
Here’s a quick-reference checklist of accessories to consider:
- Hard-shell carrying case — Protects during commutes and travel. Look for universal over-ear headphone cases with interior padding.
- USB-C charging cable (spare) — Keep one in your bag, one at your desk. Braided cables last longer.
- USB-C to USB-A adapter — For charging from older laptops, car chargers, or power banks with USB-A ports only.
- Bluetooth transmitter — Enables wireless connection to non-Bluetooth devices like older TVs or gym equipment.
- 3.5mm audio cable — For wired listening when battery is low or Bluetooth isn’t available (verify your model supports this).
- Airplane audio adapter — Dual-prong adapter for in-flight entertainment systems.
- Replacement ear pads — Stock up for when the originals wear out; measure your ear cup diameter before ordering.
- Headphone stand — Keeps your desk organized and prevents headband deformation from flat storage.
- Microfiber cleaning cloth — For keeping the ear cups and headband free of oils and dust.
How to Choose the Right Companion Headphone
If you’re considering a second pair to complement your CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro, think about the use case gap you’re trying to fill:
| Need | Best Pick |
|---|---|
| Lightweight travel backup | Sony WH-CH520 |
| Apple ecosystem integration | Beats Solo 4 |
| Ultra-budget gym/office pair | BERIBES Over Ear |
| Color variety for household | Sony WH-CH520 (Blue) |
The CMF Headphone Pro covers the ANC over-ear category well, so a companion headphone ideally fills a different niche — on-ear portability, extreme affordability, or ecosystem-specific features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro come with a carrying case? Based on available product listings and customer feedback, the Headphone Pro does not include a hard-shell carrying case in the box. A universal over-ear headphone case is a worthwhile accessory purchase.
Can I use the CMF Headphone Pro with a wired connection? Check your specific model’s port configuration. Many over-ear headphones in this category support a 3.5mm auxiliary input for wired listening, but confirm before purchasing a cable.
What Bluetooth version does the CMF Headphone Pro use? Bluetooth 5.4, which offers improved range, stability, and power efficiency compared to older Bluetooth versions.
Are replacement ear pads available? While CMF/Nothing may not sell official replacement pads separately, third-party universal ear pads in the correct diameter typically work. Measure your existing pads before ordering.
Can I connect the Headphone Pro to two devices at once? Multipoint Bluetooth support varies by firmware version. Check the Nothing X app for the latest firmware updates, which may add or improve this feature.
How We Research
This guide is based on publicly available manufacturer specifications, official product documentation, and patterns observed across verified customer and expert reviews. We have not personally tested, owned, or handled any of the products featured in this article. Our goal is to synthesize the most reliable information available so you can make an informed purchasing decision. When we describe user feedback, we’re paraphrasing commonly reported sentiments from verified buyers — not inventing specific quotes or experiences.
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