
Nothing CMF Headphone Pro vs Philips Shp9500: 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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Nothing CMF Headphone Pro | Philips Shp9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $140 | $100 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2025 | 2014 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm custom nickel-plated dynamic drivers | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 12Hz-35kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 101 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | none |
| Bluetooth version | 5.4 | - |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC, LDAC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No |
| 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 charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No |
| ANC type | hybrid | none |
| Transparency mode | Yes | No |
| Companion app | Yes | No |
| Custom EQ | Yes | No |
| Wear detection | Yes | No |
| Controls | both | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 283 g | 320 g |
| Water resistance | IPX2 | none |
| Foldable | No | No |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | Yes | No |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 5 | - |
| Call noise reduction | 3-mic ENC architecture | - |
What reviewers said
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
Philips Shp9500
The Philips SHP9500 is a budget-friendly open-back headphone that offers a neutral, well-balanced sound signature, making it a solid pick for audiophiles on a tight budget. Its high sensitivity and 32-ohm impedance mean it can be driven easily by most devices without a separate amplifier. While it lacks wireless features and noise isolation, its detachable cable and lightweight design add practical value for home listening.
- Pro:Accurate, neutral sound profile with minimal coloration
- Pro:Easy to drive from phones, laptops, or basic audio gear
- Pro:Comfortable, breathable open-back design for long sessions
- Con:No wireless or Bluetooth support—wired only
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no noise isolation
- Con:Lacks built-in controls, app support, or EQ adjustments
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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