1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 Review: The Good, the Bad, and the Unexpected.
Sonoflow Pro
Full review
My Honest Review of the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51. Best Budget Headphones of 2024?
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1. Design and Build Quality
The original Sonoflow impressed me with its excellent build quality and minimalist design, and 1More seems to have followed the "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it" philosophy. The Sonoflow Pro looks almost identical to its predecessor, which isn’t a bad thing. The matte black finish and subtle 1More and Quiet Max logos keep things sleek and stylish. The ear cushions feel softer and more comfortable than the previous model, and the padding on the headband makes for a snug fit. Weighing in at 246g (4g lighter than the original), the 1More Sonoflow Pro is comfortable enough for extended listening sessions.
If you’re familiar with the original Sonoflow, you might wish for a few design upgrades given the “Pro” label, but if this is your first time with the series, you’ll likely be impressed by the overall premium feel. The minimalist design with the subtle "1" logo on top keeps it looking sharp and modern.
2. Battery Life
Battery life on the Sonoflow Pro is impressive. You can enjoy up to 100 hours of playback, depending on your settings. Plus, the USB-C fast charging feature is a game changer—just 5 minutes of charging provides 10 hours of listening time. This is perfect for those of us who are constantly on the go and hate the dreaded low battery warning.
3. Inside the Box
If you’ve watched my unboxing video on YouTube, you’ve seen the usual 1More packaging: simple, informative, and straightforward. You might notice that the box doesn't specifically mention "Pro," only the reference number HQ51, which might be a bit confusing at first.
Inside, you’ll find a carrying case similar to the one included with the standard Sonoflow, but this time with a flimsy piece of foam inside rather than a proper compartment. It’s a bit disappointing, but having a case included is still a plus. You also get a USB-A to USB-C charging cable and a jack-to-jack cable for wired listening. This year, the jack cable includes a controller that’s limited to play/pause functions. Rounding out the contents is a detailed user guide, which is quite bulky but helpful.
4. Specs Overview
Specs can be overwhelming, especially with so many audio codecs and Bluetooth versions floating around. Here’s a breakdown of what the Sonoflow Pro HQ51 offers on paper:
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Quiet Max technology with a 42dB reduction, a 12% improvement over the original Sonoflow.
Drivers: 40mm DLC Dynamic driver.
Bluetooth: Version 5.4.
Spatial Audio: Available for an immersive listening experience.
Ultra-Low Latency Gaming Mode: Great for gamers who need real-time audio feedback.
Audio Codecs: Compatible with AAC (Apple) and Hi-Res Wireless Audio (LDAC).
The specs are impressive, especially for a headphone at this price point, but what do they mean in everyday use? It largely depends on your smartphone and music streaming service.
For iPhone Users: Unfortunately, iPhones and iPads don’t support Hi-Res Wireless Audio with LDAC codec, which is a bit of a letdown. You’ll be limited to AAC or MP3, but AAC is still a step up from standard MP3 quality. The Sonoflow Pro sounds great on iPhone!
For Android Users: The Sonoflow Pro shines on Android, where it supports Hi-Res Wireless Audio with LDAC, provided your streaming service offers it. Tidal, Amazon Music Unlimited, Deezer, Qobuz, and Apple Music (on Android) are all compatible with LDAC, allowing you to experience higher quality sound. It’s unfortunate that there isn’t an international standard for Hi-Res Wireless Audio across all devices, but this is a common limitation across most headphones.
Spatial Audio: Works with both iPhone and Android if your streaming service supports it. Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of Spatial Audio as some remixes don’t always sound right, but it’s there if you want to give it a go.
5. Sound Quality
This is where the 1More Sonoflow Pro really shines. The sound quality is fantastic, with a warm and well-balanced profile that’s enjoyable across a variety of genres. It may not quite reach the level of big names like Sony, but it’s not far behind, and for the price, that’s impressive.
The Active Noise Cancellation is effective, and the transparency mode is equally impressive, letting you hear your surroundings when needed. The sound remains clear, with no noticeable distortion even at higher volumes. If you’re watching videos on YouTube or Netflix, there’s no noticeable delay, and the headphones deliver loud, vibrant audio.
Using the 1More app, you can choose from 12 studio-grade equalizer profiles or manually adjust the EQ settings to your liking. I’ve been testing the Sonoflow Pro side-by-side with the standard Sonoflow, and the Pro model definitely sounds clearer with improved noise cancellation.
Final Thoughts
In short, the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 is a winner. It looks great, sounds fantastic, and offers excellent battery life. The sleek design, comfy fit, and impressive list of features make it a standout choice for anyone on a budget or for those who don’t want to spend over £250/$250 on a pair of headphones.
The Sonoflow Pro is comfortable for long periods, and the matte black finish adds a touch of class. I’m consistently impressed with 1More, and this is a brand to watch—especially if they continue delivering such great products at competitive prices.
If you’re interested, the Sonoflow Pro is available on 1More’s official website, and you might find some good discounts right now. It’s also available on Amazon, so if you’re a Prime member, you’re just a click away.
Buy on Amazon.com (click here)
Buy on Amazon.co.uk (click here)
So, is the SONOFLOW PRO the new king of budget headphones? In my opinion, absolutely yes!
The Good: Design-Sound Quality-Battery Life
The Bad: Almost same design as the standard Sonoflow
The Unexpected: The case is better on the standard Sonoflow.
Jerome
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