Key Highlights
- 50dB ANC
- Smart dial
- 13.6mm custom driver
- Spatial Audio Effect
- 5 HD mics
Picture this: you’re constantly on the move, bustling through life, and somehow always misplacing your earbuds. Sounds familiar, right? Well, fear not, because the CMF, the Nothing sub-brand, has arrived with the Neckband Pro to save the day. The CMF Neckband Pro is the company’s first neckband headset.
Equipped with up to 50dB of ANC, a nifty Smart Dial feature, and not one, not two, but five microphones for crystal-clear call noise cancellation, this neckband headset promises to be a game-changer. But is it truly the ultimate neckband headset under Rs. 2,000? Let’s dive deep into the review to uncover the truth. Also Read | CMF Buds Review: Do They Stand Out In The Crowded TWS Earbuds Market?
| Pros | Cons |
| Up to 50dB ANC | No charging cable |
| Good Design | Inconvenient buttons placement |
| Good battery life |
What’s Inside The Box?
- CMF Neckband Pro (Orange color)
- Ear tips in small and large size (Medium pre-installed)
- User manual
Design and Comfort
Let’s take a closer look at the CMF Neckband Pro, where CMF stands for Color Material Finish, just like Nothing, the brand that focuses heavily on design. When you first see it, it might seem pretty normal, like other neckbands you’ve seen. But there’s more to it.
There’s a small wire connecting the earbuds to the neckband, which you wear around your neck. It comes in a bold orange color, which might not be everyone’s favorite, but I found it pretty interesting. This neckband is super flexible, lightweight, and feels smooth. Even though the bottom part is made of plastic, it still has a nice, smooth finish. And guess what? The whole thing weighs just 29.6 grams, so it won’t weigh you down.
The back of the earbuds is magnetic, so they snap together when you’re not using them. Plus, they connect and disconnect automatically. So, if you want to pause your music, just snap them together, and to start again, just pull them apart.
Instead of boring buttons, CMF decided to be different. They put a rotating dial right on the neckband itself. And it’s not just for looks. On right side, there’s a USB Type-C charging port and an LED indicator. Plus, there’s a handy button for pairing and switching devices.
Now, onto comfort. The earbuds fit nicely and feel comfortable, even during workouts or when you’re moving around a lot. The wire and plastic parts seem sturdy and well-made. And get this – the neckband is IP55 rated, so it can handle splashes and a bit of dust too.
Overall, the design is pretty cool, but some things could be better. For example, the dial’s placement isn’t the most convenient. When it’s hanging around your neck, it can be tricky to find and use. It might have been easier if the controls were on the earbuds instead.
Also Read | VingaJoy CL-6320 Neckband Review: An Ideal Workout Companion
Audio and Call Quality
The ANC on the CMF Neckband Pro is impressive, blocking out up to 50dB of noise. I’ve tried a bunch of other devices in this price range, but none even come close to what CMF offers. Plus, it’s got some serious audio power under the hood. With a 13.6mm composite diaphragm driver and a 0.27cc back chamber, the bass depth is enhanced without any distortion. While the sound can get pretty loud at higher volumes, I did notice it could’ve been even louder compared to some other neckbands I’ve used.
When it comes to sound quality, vocals are crystal clear and instrument separation is spot-on. The bass is rich and satisfying, never overwhelming the vocals. And with the new Ultra Bass 2.0 technology in the Nothing X app, you can customize your bass experience with five different levels. It’s all controlled through the app, which also lets you choose from various modes to match your needs, whether you want to block out all noise or just tone it down a bit. I particularly enjoyed the transparency mode, which lets you hear your surroundings without taking off the neckband.
This device is perfect for bass enthusiasts, delivering a powerful thump without drowning out the rest of the music. Plus, it creates a realistic soundstage, placing instruments and vocals exactly where they should be.
Additionally, the CMF Neckband Pro has a spatial audio mode, making it feel like the sound is coming from all around you. I loved using this feature for watching movies and playing games on my phone. You can easily toggle it on and off by tapping the right band, or control it straight from the app.
When it comes to call quality, the CMF Neckband Pro pleasantly surprised me. My voice came through clear and loud to the person on the other end of the call. Also, there were minimal disruptions, even in challenging conditions like noisy traffic or windy weather.
Connectivity and Pairing
The CMF Neckband Pro is compatible with Bluetooth 5.33, ensuring seamless connectivity with various devices, including Android, iOS, and others that support Bluetooth. Pairing it with your phone is an easy process. You simply have to press the function button for three seconds to activate pairing mode.
Once in pairing mode, select the Neckband Pro from your device’s Bluetooth menu to establish a connection. What’s more, you can simultaneously connect to two devices and switch between them with a quick double-press of the function button.
During connecting it with my iPhone, I faced no issues with pairing or disconnection. If you’re using the latest Android phones, there’s even a fast pair option available. Additionally, there’s Microsoft Swift Pair support for easy connectivity to Windows devices.
Also Read | Blaupunkt BE200 Budget Neckband Review: Got The Basics Right?
Battery Life and Charging
The CMF Neckband Pro boasts a 220mAh battery, offering 37 hours of battery life without ANC and 23 hours with ANC, according to the company’s claims. In my own usage, I managed to squeeze out over 20 hours of mixed usage, toggling between ANC and non-ANC modes, with the volume set at around 50-60 percent. However, it’s worth noting that battery life may vary depending on how often you use ANC and your preferred listening volume.
When it comes to charging, powering up the headset from 0 to 100 percent takes just a little over half an hour. Additionally, there’s a fast-charging option available, promising 18 hours of playback without ANC or 11 hours with ANC after just 10 minutes of charging. However, CFM doesn’t include a charging cable in the box, which is quite disappointing.
Giznext’s Final Verdict
The CMF Neckband Pro stands out in its category, boasting not only stylish design but also great performance across various aspects, making it a top choice in our view. Its unique design features distinguish it from other neckbands, while its impressive ANC and bass-rich sound cater well to music enthusiasts. With solid battery life, if you seek clear and dynamic audio, the CMF Neckband Pro definitely get a thumbs-up from us.
