CMF has launched its first portable Bluetooth speakers, and they look unlike most of the audio gear crowding store shelves. The new CMF Speaker Series arrives in two sizes, each with a boxy, rounded silhouette that immediately calls to mind a milk carton. The design is playful rather than accidental, fitting a brand that has built a reputation for budget-friendly products with bold colors and unusual industrial design. The speakers are the first wireless audio products in the CMF line, which was created by Nothing and is in the process of becoming an India-based standalone subsidiary.

The lineup includes the CMF Speaker S and the CMF Speaker M. The smaller S is priced at $59, while the larger M costs $109. Both are available in white, dark gray, orange, and turquoise. They share a focus on portability, durability, and customization, but they differ in driver configuration and intended listening experience.

Key facts at a glance

• CMF Speaker S: $59, 45mm custom-tuned full-range driver, two passive radiators.
• CMF Speaker M: $109, 10W tweeter, 25W woofer, two drivers total.
• Both: up to 18 hours of battery life, IP68 dust and water resistance.
• Both: Bluetooth 6, dual-device connection, NFC, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, USB-C audio.
• Both: customizable front panel and multifunction knob, with an official design file for 3D printing.
• Stereo pairing requires two units of the same model; Auracast party mode can sync with other speakers, even from other companies.

A design that stands out in a crowded market

Portable Bluetooth speakers often fall into one of two visual camps: rugged outdoor cylinders or minimalist fabric-covered blocks. CMF has chosen a third path. The Speaker S and Speaker M look like small musical milk cartons, with a flat front panel, a rounded top flap, and a multifunction knob that controls volume and playback. The vertical flap on top also works as a hanging point, making it easy to attach the speaker to a backpack, tent loop, or kitchen hook.

The milk-carton comparison is not just about shape. The speakers use a clean, almost graphic front panel that can be swapped out. That panel, along with the knob, is designed to be removable. Owners can replace it with an alternate color or a completely different design. CMF plans to release the official design file so that modders can 3D print their own custom panels and knobs. That turns the speaker into a small canvas for personal expression, which is rare at this price point.

Speaker S: compact and affordable

The CMF Speaker S is the entry point. At $59, it is positioned for listeners who want a portable speaker for casual use, travel, or a secondary room. It uses a single 45mm full-range driver that CMF describes as custom-tuned. To compensate for the limited low-frequency output that a small full-range driver can produce, the S also includes two passive radiators. Passive radiators move with the pressure changes inside the enclosure, reinforcing bass without requiring additional powered drivers. The result should be a fuller sound than the tiny cabinet size might suggest.

The S is likely to appeal to users who prioritize size, weight, and price. It can be carried easily, placed on a shelf, or hung from its top flap. Its 18-hour battery life and IP68 rating make it suitable for outdoor use, including poolside listening, camping, and beach trips. The IP68 rating means it is protected against dust and can survive immersion in water, though CMF does not present it as a rugged adventure speaker.

Speaker M: more drivers, more separation

The CMF Speaker M sits at $109 and steps up the audio hardware. Instead of a single full-range driver, it uses two drivers: a 10W tweeter and a dedicated 25W woofer. This configuration is designed to improve bass performance and provide better separation between instruments and singers. A tweeter handles high frequencies, while a woofer handles mid and low frequencies. That division of labor can produce clearer vocals, more detailed cymbals, and a more controlled low end than a single-driver design.

The M is still portable, but it is larger and heavier than the S. It keeps the same milk-carton-inspired design language, the same customizable panel and knob, and the same battery and durability specifications. For listeners who want a fuller sound in a small package, the M is the more capable option. The $50 difference buys a more ambitious acoustic system, which may matter in a market where many speakers under $150 rely on a single driver.

Customization through the app and through 3D printing

Both speakers can have their sound profile customized through the Nothing X app. That app-based tuning allows users to adjust EQ settings and tailor the speaker to different genres or listening environments. But the customization story goes beyond software. The physical design is also modular. The front panel and the multifunction knob can be removed and replaced. CMF intends to release official design files, which means owners with access to a 3D printer can create their own parts.

This approach echoes the kind of tinkering culture that has grown around mechanical keyboards, modular handhelds, and DIY electronics. It also gives the CMF Speaker Series a longer lifespan as a personal object. A speaker that can change its face does not need to be replaced just because the owner wants a new color or pattern. That is a small but meaningful sustainability angle, even if CMF does not market it that way.

Battery, durability, and everyday practicality

Battery life is rated at up to 18 hours for both models. Real-world results will vary with volume, EQ settings, and connection type, but 18 hours is competitive for portable speakers in this price range. The IP68 rating is a strong specification for outdoor use. It means the speakers are dust-tight and protected against water immersion. Users can take them to the pool, the beach, or a campsite without worrying about splashes or rain. The speakers also charge and play audio over USB-C, which is convenient for modern devices.

Connectivity and multi-speaker modes

The CMF Speaker Series uses Bluetooth 6, the latest generation of the wireless standard. It supports dual-device connection, allowing the speaker to stay paired to two audio sources at once. A user can jump between a phone and a laptop without manually re-pairing. For fast pairing, the speakers support NFC, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair. NFC allows a tap-to-pair workflow with compatible phones. Google Fast Pair speeds up connection on Android devices, while Microsoft Swift Pair does the same on Windows computers.

Stereo pairing is available, but with a restriction. Users can pair two Speaker S units together or two Speaker M units together for left-and-right stereo sound. They cannot mix an S with an M. That limitation makes sense because the two models have different drivers and acoustic characteristics. Stereo pairing can create a wider soundstage for movies, games, and music.

There is also an Auracast-based party mode. Auracast is a Bluetooth broadcast feature that allows one audio source to transmit to multiple speakers. CMF says the party mode can synchronize several speakers simultaneously, even speakers from other companies. That could make the CMF Speaker Series useful for gatherings where multiple people bring different Bluetooth speakers. Instead of daisy-chaining or using a single speaker, the group can broadcast the same audio to a wider area.

Availability and market positioning

The CMF Speaker Series is available starting today in white, dark gray, orange, and turquoise. The Speaker S is priced at $59, and the Speaker M is priced at $109. The launch places CMF in one of the most competitive segments of the consumer

Source: The Verge News