I Put These 1More Headphones to the Test—and They're Top Picks for Budget Bliss

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51: A Two-Minute Review

The 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 are affordable over-ear headphones designed to excel in multiple areas. They promise high-quality sound, effective active noise cancellation, and stylish looks—all under $100/£100. Initially, this seemed like a challenging feat with some skepticism involved. However, following two weeks of use, I can confidently say they meet—and even exceed—these expectations.

Before diving deep into details, let's quickly look at the key points about the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 headphones. They have a reasonable retail price of $89 in the US, £99 in the UK, and AU$130 in Australia. The headphones feature active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode, support LDAC for high-resolution Bluetooth audio, and boast an impressive battery life of up to 100 hours.

Let's focus on what really counts — sound quality. Keep in mind; you won’t find audio performance that rivals the higher-end choices listed in our guide. best headphones , nor even the more ambitious versions in our best noise-cancelling headphones The overall performance remains impressive considering their price point. They offer crisp audio without any tinny quality, even when turned up louder. Additionally, these headphones boast a significantly bass-focused sound profile, making them perfect for lovers of electronic or dance genres. However, should you desire less emphasis on the lower frequencies, you can adjust this using the EQ settings available via the 1More Music application.

You receive quite an extensive audio experience, particularly when utilizing the mentioned LDAC feature—assuming your source device is compatible—or through wired connections. The audio quality remains robust whether you have active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled or disabled; however, I found myself preferring to keep ANC activated for the majority of the time. This ANC function works impressively well as well—background noises such as conversations on public transportation, typing sounds from keyboards, and traffic noises were significantly reduced—if not completely eliminated—when enjoying my beloved tunes.

I pointed out the impressive 100-hour battery life, though this figure assumes both LDAC and ANC are deactivated. Nonetheless, even when ANC is enabled, these headphones offer up to 65 hours of usage—more than sufficient value-wise! Additionally, they boast exceptional comfort due to ample cushioning on the headband and ear cups. Therefore, you can be confident that the Sonoflow Pro models provide not just extended battery life but also top-notch comfort for enduring listening experiences.

Moreover, these headphones boast an impressive appearance during use. Their slight forward tilt lends them a stylishly curved design. Additionally, they feature a neat matte finish, combining aesthetics with functionality. However, the main drawback is that their control buttons feel somewhat cheap plastic and the headband seems a bit flimsy—though such aspects might be typical for over-ear headphones at this cost point.

There aren't many other drawbacks worth mentioning, thankfully. However, one minor issue exists: the app scenario is somewhat confusing. The headphones connected exclusively to the 1More Music platform instead of the usual 1More app, causing some frustration. Additionally, 1More Music appears slightly outdated, lacking certain functionalities like multi-point connectivity, which might be puzzling. not Want this?) tucked away in a sub-menu, resulting in a less-than-optimal user experience.

Overall, I would definitely endorse the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51. These headphones excel in fundamentals with their outstanding audio quality, extensive battery life, and effective noise isolation. The fact that they achieve this at an affordable price point makes them even more appealing. However, for those seeking top-tier performance who aren’t concerned about spending extra money, alternatives like certain high-end models could be preferable. Sony WH-1000XM4 However, the quality provided by 1More’s Pro headphones is more than sufficient for anyone with a stricter budget.

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 review: cost and launch date

• $89 / £99 /AU$130
• Launched in 2024

The 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 – often simply referred to as the 1More Sonoflow HQ51 – has a retail price of $89 / £99 / AU$130. These were introduced in 2024 with three color options: Black, Blue, and Silver.

The price might differ somewhat between different colors, but generally, they remain within the same range. The positive news is that I've noticed the Sonoflow Pro has been discounted by various sellers such as Amazon US and UK, dropping down to approximately $70 / £70 previously.

1. More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 Review: Specifications

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 review: specifications

• Up-to-scratch ANC
• Phenomenal battery life
• The companion application needs improvement.

The Sonoflow Pro delivers all the features you'd expect from contemporary Bluetooth headphones—and even more. They offer Bluetooth 5.4 technology, support for multi-point connections, and include a useful accompanying app as well.

I should mention something about the companion app. Although the website for this model promoted the 1More app, it didn’t work with my Samsung phone. What did end up working was the 1More Music app, even though it feels somewhat outdated and less user-friendly. However, it functions well enough once you get used to it.

In any case, once everything was up and running smoothly, I decided to dive into the ANC features. There are three modes available: ANC Off; ANC On; or Passthrough mode. First thing first, I must admit that I was quite impressed with the effectiveness of the ANC feature. This was supposed to be one significant enhancement compared to the initial version of the Sonoflow headphones, and 1More certainly delivered. While seated in my office space, even at just half volume, almost all outside noise became virtually nonexistent as I enjoyed my tunes. Similarly, whether walking around outdoors or traveling via public transportation, ambient sounds remained pleasantly subdued.

Certainly, you won’t find the top-of-the-line active noise cancellation that you might anticipate from them. Bose QuietComfort Ultra For example, this is understandable since they come at a much lower cost. Additionally, the passthrough feature functions quite effectively — you'll notice extra noises from your environment, which can be useful when navigating through crowded areas where staying aware of your surroundings is important.

In addition to switching between noise cancellation modes, you can enable high-resolution audio streaming and tweak the equalizer settings — there’s a neat array of pre-set options for different genres along with a customizable setting. The headphones also feature an indicator to display battery levels. Regarding their endurance, these earphones offer impressive longevity; they should last several days, possibly even up to a week on a single charge. With noise canceling activated, they provide approximately 65 hours of playback, which extends to around 100 hours when ANC is turned off. This duration may fluctuate based on whether you’re using high-resolution streaming and playing sounds at maximum volume, yet overall, this represents quite extensive usage time.

Above and beyond these aspects, I discovered several lesser-known features within the 1More Music application. One such feature is smart burn-in, designed to 'condition' the speakers for improved sound quality. However, I did not notice any significant changes from this process, and since debates around burn-in effects are contentious among audiophiles, this option wasn't particularly impactful for my experience. Another feature is Soothing Sounds, offering ambient noise options like 'Waterfall,' 'Volcano,’ and 'Medium Fire.' Unfortunately, this turned out to be unsatisfactory; the audio quality is subpar, with clips frequently stopping and restarting abruptly. Nonetheless, you have the choice to simply ignore this function altogether.

• Features score: 4/5

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 review: audio performance

• Sharp clarity paired with deep bass
• High level of detailed sound with both wired and LDAC connectivity for enhanced audio experience.
• Adjustable audio due to equalizer choices

To be frank with you, dear reader, I didn't have high hopes for these 1More headphones when it came to their audio quality. However, they completely surpassed my expectations! Sure, you won’t achieve that top-notch, perfectly balanced, clearly defined, and well-layered sound produced by higher-end models, but what they do provide is quite delightful considering the affordable price point.

Similar to many cost-effective headphones available, the Sonoflow Pro undoubtedly emphasize a stronger bass profile — perfect for those who enjoy genres like dance music or hip-hop. Should you prefer a more neutral sound, simply use the 1More Music app and tweak theEQ using the five-band equalizer or choose from the provided presets — straightforward and user-friendly.

Therefore, let's begin with the bass. Unlike Many affordable choices, the deep bass sounds clear and energetic here. For example, when I switched on Black Eye In "Allie X," the drum beat is fast-paced without becoming overwhelming. Additionally, the song offers remarkable richness. Notably, when focusing on tunes featuring powerful low-end frequencies—such as The Boys Have Returned by Yung Gravy – the muffled bass thundered throughout the track with powerful force, yet remained distinct and disciplined.

However, high-quality sound doesn't necessarily have to be compromised for powerful bass production. I Want You By Moloko – this hectic, multi-layered song – the sultry, expansive vocals retain a notable presence and sharpness, coexisting well with the robust bass and the rapid-fire mix of strings, keyboards, percussion, and additional elements.

Even when tuning into mellower tunes like I Remember You Masayoshi Takanaka’s work featured guitars with precise tones, harmonica notes that were delicately melodic without sounding thin, and bass lines that were robust yet remained appropriately restrained. While the instrument clarity is decent considering the cost, I thought that enhancing the distance between the strings and guitar sounds would have provided a more open and detailed auditory experience.

That being said, you'll have the opportunity to select some interesting features with the Sonoflow Pro — this includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for direct listening and high-resolution Bluetooth sound through LDAC. Subtle synthesizers that slowly intensify can be heard early on in Kolter’s track. Overflow and light samba drums begin SAMBA DO MARCOS by Sadao Watanabe sprinkle some extra seasoning on an already funky song.

Overall, you receive impressively good sound quality from these affordable 1More headphones. The general audio doesn't quite match the clarity of higher-end models such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 and you won't experience impressive spatial sound comparable to that of Sonos Ace However, if you're looking for crisp and reasonably detailed audio, the Sonoflow Pro has got your needs covered.

• Sound quality score: 4/5

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 Review: Design

• Sleek on-ear look
• Cozy design for extended wear during listens
• A little flimsy

I genuinely admire the curved on-ear design of the 1More Sonoflow Pro headphones. Their slight angle lends a distinctive and crisp appearance when worn, much like what I enjoyed with the initial Sonoflow version. Additionally, the black variant I tried featured a sleek matte finish, resulting in quite appealing over-ear headphones overall.

But they’re more than just a pretty face. The Sonoflow Pro are also pretty comfortable to wear – even for longer listening sessions. They might not quite have the cushion-like comfort of the The Anker Soundcore Space One Pro , yet there’s ample cushioning on the headband and plush earcups, which made me comfortable listening through them for extended periods. Additionally, they are foldable, offering a convenient portable solution for travel.

What I wasn't entirely fond of from a design perspective is their lack of durability. The headband seems rather slim, and the buttons look and feel somewhat cheaply made. Additionally, there isn't any water-resistant or dust-proof feature—though this is typical for over-ear headphones. It shouldn’t be considered a major issue; however, don't anticipate top-notch construction.

However, moving on to the positive aspects: The inclusion of a sturdy carrying case in the package was greatly appreciated. This ensures your headphones remain undamaged even when tossed into a bag during travel—a compelling added feature. Additionally, the bundle comes with a USB-C charging cord and a 2.5mm-to-3.5mm adapter complete with an integrated microphone, providing decent call clarity despite not being top-notch crystal-clear audio.

• Design score: 4/5

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 review: value

• Awesome all-round budget package
• The included case adds significantly to the total value.
• Comparable pricing to the original Sonoflow, with several notable enhancements.

There should be little shock that this product excels most notably when it comes to providing good value. Priced at around $89 / £99 / AU$130, they're impressive from the start. However, what really sets them apart is their frequent appearance on sale, which means buyers get exceptional quality for their money. Offering decent audio performance along with an attractive build and including a carrying case—these features make for quite a compelling package overall!

In addition to this, these headphones come at prices remarkably close to those of the original 1More Sonoflow models, yet they provide notable enhancements. They feature improved active noise cancellation, extended battery life, and quicker charging times. Specifically, the Pro version offers ten hours of playback from just a five-minute charge, which is twice as fast as the regular model.

There are some amazing cheap headphones Out there, you might consider something like the Earfun Wave Pro. However, these 1More earphones offer superior battery life, a distinctive on-ear design, and various color choices. Essentially, multiple small enhancements contribute to a significant increase in overall value. For under $100, you couldn't realistically expect anything else from these headphones.

• Value score: 5/5

Should I purchase the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51?

Buy them if…

You want capable ANC I discovered that the Sonoflow Pro provided superior noise cancellation than anticipated, enabling me to concentrate fully on my tunes regardless of being in bustling places filled with conversations. It also includes a passthrough feature for those who wish to hear some background noises, adding a thoughtful element.

You're not planning to use up all of your life savings. At a retail price of $89 / £99 / AU$130, the Sonoflow Pro headphones fall into the budget-friendly category. Occasionally, they can be found at an even lower cost, offering decent sound quality and stylish looks without breaking the bank.

Don’t buy them if…

You want S-tier audio

The Sonoflow Pro boast a highly adjustable sound profile, offering impressive audio quality considering their cost. However, they won’t provide the deeply immersive, precisely distinct, high-end audio experience sought after by true audiophiles. For top-tier performance, consider headphones such as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or the Apple AirPods Max .

You desire exceptional construction quality. I want to make something clear; I appreciate how the Sonoflow Pro appears when worn, yet their plastic construction cannot be overlooked. Both the headband and control buttons seem somewhat flimsy, which means if you're searching for top-notch craftsmanship, these might not meet your expectations. Consider exploring other options for higher-end build quality.

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 review: take into account as well

Earfun Wave Pro For a while now, the Earfun Wave Pro has claimed the spot as the top choice for the most affordable option in our guide to the best headphones. best over-ear headphones And it's clear why this is the case. The cans offer exceptional battery life, superior audio quality, and an attractive design—all at a remarkably affordable price point. It’s hard to request anything beyond that! Read our complete review. Earfun Wave Pro review .

Sony WH-CH720N I've had the Sony WH-CH720N headphones for more than a year now, and I can confidently endorse them. These headphones provide excellent audio quality considering their cost, along with upscaling technology to enhance lower-resolution music tracks. Additionally, they feature functional noise cancellation, a useful accompanying application, and an attractive range of colors to select from. You should check out our comprehensive review for all the details. Sony WH-CH720N review .

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 review: My Testing Experience

• Tested for two weeks
• Utilized both at home and on public transportation
• Predominantly tested using Tidal

I put the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 through testing for about two weeks. During this time, I utilized the over-ear headphones across different settings such as indoors, alongside busy streets during walks, and using public transportation. Usually, these headphones were paired with my device via Tidal on my Samsung Galaxy 24 FE With the LDAC codec activated for superior sound quality.

While listening to music, I explored the GudangMovies21testing playlist, featuring an array of musical styles, before moving on to a broader range of tunes. Additionally, I used my Windows laptop to assess sound quality via a wired connection. Whenever relevant, I pitted the Sonoflow Pro against the Soundcore Space One Pro for comparison.

• First reviewed: March 2025
• Read more about how we test

Enjoying this article? To read more stories like this, follow us on MSN by tapping the +Follow button at the top of the page.