CMF Speaker S Review: The milk carton-shaped speaker that has won me over

I won't lie to you: when I received the CMF Speaker S, I didn't expect them to be speakers I'd end up using so much. Because of their size, I thought they'd be a convenient option to carry around, but little more than that. After trying them out, I'm pretty sure I underestimated them. For just 59 euros, they offer sound quality that has surprised me, especially considering how small they are.

But there's something I liked even more: the stereo mode. Using two units dramatically changes the experience and makes these small speakers even more useful. In this review, I'll explain everything they offer, because they have far more interesting features than you might initially think.

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A different design that suits it perfectly

I think CMF's decision to go for a shape similar to a milk carton was brilliant. We're used to seeing portable speakers that are cylindrical or have fairly conventional designs, so something like this is refreshing. They're fun, have a lot of personality, and at the same time, maintain that minimalist aesthetic so characteristic of Nothing. Plus, the color you choose really changes their character: you can go for a more understated look with dark gray or give it a much more casual feel with orange or turquoise, not forgetting white.

The best part is that the details also vary depending on the finish. The volume wheel changes depending on the color chosen, with different colors and shapes: a circle, a bar, or an X. And if you buy two, you can mix and match the colors for a really cool set. It doesn't change how they sound, obviously, but I think it's a unique way to give them personality.

Although the photos already give you an idea of their size, you don't really appreciate just how small they are until you hold one in your hand. They're smaller than a smartphone and weigh just 334 grams, measuring 130.5 × 85 × 44 mm. You can place them pretty much anywhere and take them with you without them taking up too much space. In fact, it's surprising to think that something so compact can deliver the kind of sound power I'll discuss later.

As for the materials, the plastic finish has left me with a good impression. Nothing seems to be developing a fondness for that soft, rubbery texture, which also reminds me of the Nothing Phone (4b). It's still plastic, but it feels pleasant to the touch and conveys a sense of higher quality than I expected for the price. The volume wheel, however, is the least convincing aspect: when you turn it, it feels somewhat cheaper, although both it and the other controls offer acceptable feedback when used.

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Customization and durability

Another detail I find very original is the ability to customize its appearance. Using a slider on the back, you can unlock and remove both the front panel and the volume wheel. This allows you to swap parts and experiment with different color combinations, but it also opens the door to 3D printing. If you're creative, you can design your own parts and give the speaker a completely different look. In this sense, imagination is the limit, and I think it's a fantastic idea for a product like this.

The top also features a practical detail: a rounded opening that makes it easy to carry. You can use it to hang it from a backpack, for example, and take it conveniently anywhere. The power button is accompanied by an LED that allows you to check different device statuses, such as battery level and charging, without visually cluttering the design.

As for durability, they have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, with advertised protection for immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes under the manufacturer's specified conditions. I haven't dared to test it myself, but I've seen several videos where the speaker is submerged and, after being taken out, it continues to function normally.

Sound that surprises for its size

We've reached one of my favorite aspects. Honestly, I didn't expect such small speakers to deliver a sound experience like the CMF Speaker S. On paper, they have a 45mm full-range driver, 10W RMS output, and two passive radiators that help reinforce the bass frequencies. But beyond the numbers, what's important is how they sound when you use them.

In my tests, with the volume set to around 50–70%, the sound comes through clearly, and the bass has been a very pleasant surprise. This isn't a large speaker, nor is it meant to replace a home sound system, but it more than delivers when it comes to listening to music while doing things around the house, cooking, or throwing a small party with friends. To me, achieving this kind of performance in such a compact device is one of its biggest strengths.

However, there are limits. When you turn the volume up too high, especially as you approach the 90-100%, the treble loses clarity and a certain harshness appears, as if the sound is starting to break up. It's something I've noticed when trying to push them to their limits and it's worth bearing in mind, although I don't consider it a deal-breaker for my purposes. It's precisely in that mid-range where I've enjoyed them the most, with a pleasant sound, good bass, and enough power to fill a room with music.

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And they're not just for home use. They perform exceptionally well outdoors as well. I recently used them in the backyard of a country house with friends, and they were a huge hit. Using one speaker offers a great experience, but there's something that makes a massive difference: using two.

Stereo Mode: when having two speakers changes everything

If there's one thing I particularly recommend trying with the CMF Speaker S, it's Stereo Mode. As I mentioned, you can use a single unit and still enjoy a satisfying listening experience, but when you pair two speakers through the Nothing X app, the difference is huge. One plays the left channel and the other the right, creating a wider soundstage and a level of separation you simply don't get when listening through a single speaker.

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You wouldn't believe how wonderful it is to place one on each side of a room and hear the music drifting out from different directions. Personally, I love positioning them this way in my long, narrow kitchen. I put one speaker at each end, and cooking while listening to music or podcasts becomes a much more enjoyable experience. Even when there's some background noise, having two well-distributed sound sources makes the music even more enjoyable.

The interesting thing is that you don't need to buy a particularly large device or spend a lot of money to get that feeling. For 59 euros each, you can have two units and enjoy an experience that, at least in my case, I use far more than I imagined.

Obviously, buying two means doubling the cost, but I think it's worth considering if you're looking for more than just a speaker for occasional music. Stereo Mode is one of the features I've used the most, and for me, one of the best reasons to consider buying a second unit.

Nothing X: a fantastic app, as always

As is often the case with Nothing audio products, the Nothing X app plays a key role. It does more than just display the battery level or manage the Bluetooth connection: it also lets you adjust the sound and access various features to tailor the speakers to different situations.

To start with, there are four EQ presets: Balanced, More Bass, More Treble and Voice. You can also create your own custom EQ if you prefer to fine-tune the sound to your liking. Of these, I'd particularly like to highlight the Voice preset, which brings vocals to the forefront and, in my opinion, is a great option for listening to podcasts.

Another available feature is Ultra Bass, which you can turn on or off to boost the bass and add more punch to songs that need it. It doesn't have different intensity levels, but it's easy to use, and considering how well these small speakers handle low frequencies, it's an interesting option for those who enjoy a fuller sound.

We also have a night mode that I find useful in certain situations. It reduces the bass intensity and limits the maximum volume compared to standard mode, making the sound less intrusive. It's a good option for listening to music at times when you don't want the speaker to be too loud, although it doesn't mean you can play it at any volume without disturbing those around you.

The app also includes a low-latency mode, control settings, and options for managing connections. Here's where I find a minor drawback: the CMF Speaker S allows for a dual Bluetooth connection, meaning it can stay connected to two source devices and switch between them without constantly pairing. However, in my experience, this dual connection isn't available when Stereo Mode with two speakers is activated. It doesn't prevent you from enjoying the product, but it's a limitation worth knowing if you want to use both functions.

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Connectivity options

The CMF Speaker S features Bluetooth 6.0, an advertised range of over 100 meters in open spaces, and compatibility with Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair for easy connection with compatible devices. It also includes NFC, allowing for quick pairing of your mobile device by simply bringing it close to the speaker, without having to manually search for it in the settings.

Another interesting option is audio playback via USB-C. You can connect the speaker to a compatible device to play lossless digital audio, with a latency of less than 60 ms according to the manufacturer's specifications. This makes it possible to use it with a computer for listening to music, watching movies, or playing games, in addition to the usual wireless connection.

Finally, we have Party Mode via Auracast. Unlike Stereo Mode, which splits the left and right channels between two speakers, this feature allows you to synchronize multiple compatible speakers to play the same music simultaneously. It's designed to extend the sound coverage at a gathering, ensuring the music reaches more areas of the room without each speaker having to play a different channel.

Battery and charging

The CMF Speaker S features a 2,600 mAh battery and, according to Nothing, up to 18 hours of playback under specific conditions: AAC audio, Balanced EQ, Ultra Bass enabled, and volume at 50%. Actual battery life may vary depending on volume and usage. Charging takes approximately two and a half hours, while a ten-minute charge can provide up to one hour of playback under the advertised conditions.

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Are the CMF Speaker S worth it?

It's a very complete product, and I didn't expect to use them so much or be so surprised by their size. The CMF Speaker S have become fantastic companions for listening to music at home and on the go, especially when I take advantage of Stereo Mode with two units. At €59, they seem like a very attractive option if you're looking for a portable speaker with character and sound that goes beyond what its dimensions might suggest.