CMF Speaker S and Speaker M Review: These Milk Carton Inspired Speakers Are Too Cute to Ignore

CMF, the sub-brand of consumer tech company, Nothing, has entered the portable speaker market with the launch of the CMF Speaker S and CMF Speaker M.

Designed to combine distinctive styling with practical features, the two Bluetooth speakers offer an alternative to the conventional cylindrical and fabric covered designs commonly found in this category.

We were presented with both models in turquoise, and the first thing that caught our attention was their milk carton inspired design.

Rather than looking like typical audio equipment, the speakers resemble oversized cartons of milk, complete with an upright rectangular body and a tapered top. It is an unusual approach, but one that gives both products plenty of personality.

The striking turquoise finish adds to their appeal, making the speakers stand out on a desk, shelf or kitchen counter. For anyone who appreciates consumer electronics that complement their living space instead of blending into the background, CMF’s design direction is refreshing.

We particularly like how the milk carton concept carries across both sizes while giving each model its own proportions and practical features.

The two speakers are available in White, Dark Grey, Orange and Turquoise.

CMF has also made their front panels and control knobs removable, allowing owners to switch components or create their own designs using compatible 3D printed parts. This adds a degree of personalisation that is uncommon among portable speakers in this category.

The CMF Speaker S is the smaller of the two, designed for people who want music on the go.

Weighing 334g and measuring 130.5mm tall, it is compact enough to slip into a bag. An integrated attachment point also allows users to hang it from a strap or attach it to a carabiner, making it suitable for picnics, short trips and other outdoor activities.

The larger CMF Speaker M weighs 602g and measures 220mm tall. Its integrated handle makes it easier to carry between rooms or take along to gatherings.

While both models share the same design language, the larger speaker looks more substantial and is better suited to a desk, living room or casual get together.

Beyond their appearance, the two speakers differ in their audio hardware.

The Speaker S uses a 45mm full range driver supported by two passive radiators, delivering up to 10W RMS output. The passive radiators help reinforce lower frequencies, allowing the compact speaker to produce a fuller sound than its size might suggest.

The Speaker M features a more powerful audio arrangement, combining a dedicated 25W woofer with a 10W tweeter for a total output of 35W RMS. Its separate drivers are designed to handle bass and higher frequencies independently, with a frequency response ranging from 60Hz to 20kHz, compared with the Speaker S’s 70Hz to 20kHz range.

Both speakers feature Adaptive Tuning, which automatically adjusts audio output and equalisation during playback. Ultra Bass provides additional low frequency emphasis, while Wide Soundstage is designed to create a more spacious listening experience. Users can also access four equaliser presets through the Nothing X app: Balanced, More Bass, More Treble and Voice.

For everyday use, these options offer some flexibility depending on what is playing. Listeners can adjust the sound for music, podcasts or spoken content without having to rely entirely on the default settings.

CMF has also equipped both models with a multifunction physical control knob for playback, track navigation, volume adjustment and Ultra Bass. Dedicated buttons handle power, Bluetooth pairing and Auracast functions. The physical controls are a welcome addition for those who prefer adjusting their music directly on the speaker rather than reaching for their phones each time.

Connectivity is another area where the speakers offer a comprehensive feature set. Both support Bluetooth 6.0, NFC tap to pair, Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair. They can remain connected to two devices simultaneously, making it easier to switch between a smartphone and laptop without repeatedly pairing them.

USB C audio is also supported for wired digital playback, which can be useful when connecting a compatible computer for music, videos or casual gaming.

For those who want a more immersive listening experience, two identical Speaker S or Speaker M units can be paired in Stereo Mode, with each speaker handling a separate audio channel. Auracast based Party Mode allows compatible speakers to synchronise playback across multiple units, including supported products from other brands. This means users can expand their setup for gatherings without necessarily relying on a single, larger speaker.

Durability is another consideration for portable audio products, and both models carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. According to CMF, they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 metres of water for up to 30 minutes under specified conditions.

Battery life is rated at up to 18 hours of playback at 50 per cent volume with Ultra Bass enabled. A 10 minute charge can provide up to an additional hour of listening under the stated conditions. The Speaker S takes approximately 2.5 hours to charge fully, while the Speaker M requires around 3 hours. Charging is handled through USB C, although a charging cable is not included in the package.

Ultimately, the CMF Speaker S and Speaker M make a strong first impression with their distinctive milk carton inspired styling, particularly in turquoise. Their colourful finishes, customisable components and practical physical controls help them stand apart in a crowded portable audio market.

The shared feature set is also appealing, with Bluetooth 6.0, USB C audio, IP68 protection, multi speaker connectivity and up to 18 hours of claimed battery life. However, the decision between the two should come down to more than appearance. The Speaker S makes sense for those prioritising portability and casual listening, while the Speaker M offers higher output and a convenient carrying handle.

For us, the design is the biggest draw. We like how CMF has taken an everyday object as familiar as a milk carton and turned it into something that feels playful without sacrificing its practical purpose.

For the Singapore market, the CMF Speaker S is priced at S$99, while the larger Speaker M costs S$159. More details are available on the official Nothing Singapore website.

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