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Audio-Technica Ad500x vs Nothing CMF Headphone Pro: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Nothing CMF Headphone Pro comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Nothing CMF Headphone Pro - Great overall at around $140.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Audio-Technica Ad500x
Sound7.5
Value8.0
Nothing CMF Headphone Pro
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling8.5
Battery9.5
Calls7.5
Value9.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Audio-Technica Ad500x vs Nothing CMF Headphone Pro
SpecAudio-Technica Ad500xNothing CMF Headphone Pro
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$85$140
HearWiki score72 / 100 · Good84 / 100 · Great
Released-2025
Audio
Driverdynamic40mm custom nickel-plated dynamic drivers
Driver size53 mm40 mm
Drivers per side12
Frequency response5 - 25,000 Hz20Hz-20kHz
Impedance48 Ω16 Ω
Sensitivity100 dB/mW-
Wireless
Bluetoothnone5.4
Bluetooth version-5.4
Codecs-AAC, SBC, LDAC
Multipoint pairingNoYes
Latency-120 ms
Wireless range-10 m
Battery
Battery life-100 h
Battery life (ANC on)-50 h
Full charge time-120 min
Quick charge-5 min = 8 h
Wireless chargingNoNo
Features
Active noise cancellingNoYes
ANC typenonehybrid
Transparency modeNoYes
Companion appNoYes
Custom EQNoYes
Wear detectionNoYes
Controlsnoneboth
Design
Weight235 g283 g
Water resistancenoneIPX2
Foldable-No
Detachable cable-Yes
USB-CNoYes
Calls
Microphones-5
Call noise reduction-3-mic ENC architecture

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica Ad500x

The Audio-Technica AD500X is an open-back, over-ear headphone that prioritizes comfort and a natural, airy sound. Its self-adjusting wing system and lightweight frame make it easy to wear for long sessions, while the 53mm drivers deliver a clear, detailed presentation with a notably wide soundstage. It's a wired-only model, so it's best suited for home listening setups.

  • Pro:Very comfortable, pressure-free fit
  • Pro:Spacious, open soundstage
  • Pro:Clear and detailed treble
  • Con:No wireless or Bluetooth connectivity
  • Con:No included cable or accessories
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound

Nothing CMF Headphone Pro

The CMF Headphone Pro from Nothing is a budget-friendly over-ear wireless headphone that punches well above its price point, offering a robust feature set including hybrid ANC, LDAC support, multipoint Bluetooth, and an impressive 100-hour battery life with ANC off. Its sound is lively and well-tuned for the price, while the build and controls feel solid for the cost, though some compromises exist in water resistance and EQ customization. Overall, it's a standout value pick for anyone seeking long battery life and capable noise cancellation without spending a fortune.

  • Pro:Exceptional battery life of up to 100 hours
  • Pro:Effective hybrid ANC for the price
  • Pro:Supports high-quality LDAC codec
  • Con:Basic IPX2 water resistance only
  • Con:EQ customization is limited
  • Con:Not foldable for easy portability

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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