CMF Speaker S: Unboxing and First Impressions

The portable Bluetooth speaker market is currently a sea of homogeneity, filled with endless variations of cylinders and boxes. However, CMF is shaking things up with a design that is genuinely refreshing. Enter the CMF Speaker S, a compact audio solution priced at just €69 that manages to be both quirky and capable. Before we dive into the details, you can catch a glimpse of the device in action over on our TikTok channel.

Unboxing the CMF Speaker S is a minimalist affair. There are no bells and whistles here; the package contains only the speaker itself, stripped of any additional accessories.

Positioned as the entry-level option in the lineup, the Speaker S is the smaller sibling to the €114 CMF Speaker M, which offers double the power output.

Under the hood, the Speaker S utilizes a 45mm driver to pump out 10W of audio, covering a frequency response from 70Hz up to 20kHz. To help bolster the low end, CMF has integrated two passive radiators on the sides of the chassis.

The aesthetic is a talking point in its own right. CMF admits the design was inspired by a milk carton—a detail that didn't escape our editorial team. Available in Cyan, Black, Red, and White, the speaker features a unique rotating knob tailored to each colorway. The White and Red versions sport a lever-style dial, while the Cyan and Red models feature ring-shaped and X-shaped knobs, respectively.

Adding to its charm is a modular philosophy. By releasing a lock button on the rear, users can swap the knob or the entire front panel between different units. While a clever touch, this customization is only practical for those owning multiple devices, as CMF does not sell the knobs or front covers as standalone accessories.

The control knob is the centerpiece of the user experience, continuing CMF's trend of multi-functional physical interfaces. While its primary role is volume adjustment, a press toggles playback controls, and a subsequent press handles track skipping. This intuitive versatility makes the device feel more like a gadget and less like a generic utility.

In terms of audio performance, the 10W output provides surprising loudness for its size. The sound profile is predominantly midrange-centric, offering crisp instrumentals and a strong, clear vocal presence. The trade-off is the bass; it lacks the punch needed to make music feel truly visceral. Even with the "Ultra Bass" mode engaged, the low-end boost feels forced and tends to compromise the overall clarity of the audio.

While the lack of deep bass might be a drawback for audiophiles, it's a common limitation for ultra-compact speakers. For the average listener, the trade-off is likely acceptable.

The real wins here are the "cool factor" and the sheer volume the device can push relative to its footprint. Furthermore, with an IP68 rating, it is fully resistant to both dust and water immersion, making it a rugged companion for outdoor use.

The CMF Speaker S is currently available for purchase via CMF's official channels across North America, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Europe.