Nothing's CMF Launches Its First Speakers, and The Verge Compares Them to Milk Cartons

CMF, the Nothing sub-brand that makes affordable devices, has released its first speakers. The brand appeared in 2023, so it took about three years to reach the home audio category. The Verge summed up the new product in one phrase: the speakers look like milk cartons. The original report gives no price, power output or battery specs, so below we separate what is confirmed from what still needs checking.

What we know so far

There is little data, and it is worth splitting into confirmed and unknown.

• Manufacturer: CMF by Nothing, a Nothing sub-brand.
• Category: speakers, the first in CMF's history.
• Design: according to The Verge, it resembles milk cartons.
• Price, power output, battery capacity, Bluetooth version and supported codecs: not specified.
• Whether there is a voice assistant and an app with an equalizer: not specified.

The milk carton comparison most likely hints at a geometric, boxy shape. That is our interpretation, not a confirmed detail. For a speaker, such a look can be either an advantage or a drawback: the device sits in plain view, and appearance sells it as much as sound does.

Why CMF is moving into speakers

CMF launched in September 2023 with the Watch Pro, the Buds Pro earbuds and a charger. In July 2024, the brand released the CMF Phone 1 smartphone for about 200 dollars. It stood out for its swappable back panels and bright colors. The main Nothing brand bets on transparent casings and a recognizable visual language, and CMF carries that aesthetic into a cheaper segment.

A speaker is a logical step for this strategy. It is cheap to make, sits on a desk or shelf, and works as a visual anchor for the ecosystem. Watches and earbuds are hidden on the wrist or in the ears, but every guest sees a speaker. For a company whose main asset is design, this category is a good fit.

Where it will get difficult

The budget Bluetooth speaker segment has long been divided among JBL, Anker Soundcore, Xiaomi and Sony. These companies win through scale, proven acoustics and aggressive pricing. An unusual casing alone is not enough to win: buyers compare volume, bass, battery life and water resistance, and only then look at the shape.

There are also two risks to consider. First, an unconventional form factor often hurts acoustics: the size of the enclosure and the placement of the drivers determine almost everything. Second, it is unclear whether the speaker will get features that set it apart from faceless competitors, such as an app for sound tuning or integration with other Nothing products.

What to check before buying

Until independent tests are available, it makes sense to follow a short checklist.

• Compare the price with direct competitors: JBL, Soundcore and Xiaomi in the same class.
• Look for measured battery life and maximum volume, not just the manufacturer's claims.
• Check the water and dust resistance rating if you need the speaker outdoors.
• Find out whether two speakers can be paired as a stereo set and whether there is an app with an equalizer.
• Confirm official availability in your region and the warranty terms: in a number of countries, CMF products reach the market through parallel imports.

If the first reviews confirm acceptable sound for comparable money, CMF will gain another entry point into buyers' homes. If the sound turns out to be average, the speakers will remain a curious design object that got press coverage because of a milk carton.