Why I’m Convinced 1More Headphones Are the Best Budget-Friendly Audio Option
1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 offers great sound, effective ANC, long battery life, and solid value for under $100.
1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 are affordable headphones with good sound, noise-canceling, and a stylish design, all for under $100 / £100. After testing them for two weeks, I can say they perform well.
They cost $89 / £99 / AU$130 and feature active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, LDAC for high-quality Bluetooth streaming, and up to 100 hours of battery life. With ANC on, you still get 65 hours of playtime.
The bass-heavy, crisp sound of the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 is perfect for dance music. The 1More Music app lets you adjust the bass. These headphones are comfortable for long listening sessions, and the ANC blocks out background noise.
They have a sleek matte finish and a streamlined design. The headband could be sturdier, and the buttons feel a bit plasticky, but these are small issues considering the price.
Despite the app being a bit outdated and some features hard to find, the Sonoflow Pro HQ51 offers great value. If you’re on a budget they’re a solid choice.
Table of Contents
1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 Specification
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | 🎧 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 |
| Drivers | 🎶 40mm dynamic |
| Active Noise Cancellation | 🚫 Yes |
| Battery Life | 🔋 65 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off) |
| Weight | ⚖️ 246g |
| Connectivity | 📶 Bluetooth 5.4, 3.5mm jack |
| Frequency Range | 🌐 20Hz – 40kHz |
| Waterproofing | 🌧️ None |
| Price | 💲 $89 / £99 / AU$130 |
| Build Quality | 🏗️ Plastic buttons, thin headband |
| Sound Quality | 🎵 Bass-heavy, clear, customizable |
| ANC Performance | 🔊 Good, effective in quiet and public areas |
| Comfort | 🛋️ Comfortable for long sessions, foldable design |
| App Features | 📱 EQ control, ANC, battery status, outdated app |
| Bonus Features | 🎁 Hard case, USB-C charging, 2.5mm-3.5mm cable with mic |
| Color Options | 🎨 Black, Blue, Silver |
| Smart Features | 🦻 Transparency mode (Pass-Through ANC) |
| Charging Time | ⚡ 10 hours playtime with 5-minute charge |
| Extras | 💦 “Soothing Sounds” feature (poor quality) |
| General Use | 💡 Affordable, solid performance for the price |
| Overall Value | 🏆 Great value for under $100, with good sound, ANC, and long battery life |
1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 Review: Price & Release Date
The 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 headphones are priced at $89 / £99 / AU$130 and were released in 2024. They come in three colors: Black, Blue and Silver.
Prices usually stay within the same range, but they can vary depending on the color. The good news is that the Sonoflow Pro has sometimes been found for under $70 or £70 on sites like Amazon US and UK.
1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 Review: Features
1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 headphones offer solid features, including Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, multi-point pairing, and a companion app. However, the app could use some improvements. Instead of the advertised 1More app, I had to use the 1More Music app which feels outdated but works fine.
The headphones offer three ANC modes: Off, On and Pass-Through. ANC is surprisingly effective especially for the price. In quieter environments like the office, I barely heard anything besides my music. On public transport, external noise was also reduced, though it won’t match the premium ANC of models like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
The Pass-Through mode lets in more outside sounds, which is useful when walking in busy areas. The app also allows you to activate hi-res music streaming, adjust the EQ, and check the battery levels. The battery life is impressive: 65 hours with ANC on and 100 hours with it off. You’ll likely get days or even weeks of use from a single charge.
The app has a few extra features, like smart burn-in to improve sound and Soothing Sounds with noises like “Waterfall” and “Volcano.” However, the burn-in didn’t seem to change much, and the Soothing Sounds feature has poor audio quality and sudden stops.
With the great ANC performance and long battery life Sonoflow Pro HQ51 is a terrific value.
1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 Review: Sound Quality
The 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 headphones offer great sound for their price. They may not have the perfect balance of higher-end models, but they deliver clear audio with rich bass.
These headphones have a bass-heavy sound, great for music like dance or hip-hop. If you want a more balanced sound, you can adjust the EQ with the 1More Music app.
The bass is punchy and controlled, and even deep bass tracks stay clear. Songs like Black Eye by Allie X sound great, and deep bass tracks like The Boys Are Back in Town by Yung Gravy hit hard without losing clarity.
Even with heavy bass, vocals and instruments stay clear. Tracks like I Want You by Moloko keep the vocals sharp, even with busy music. Mellow songs like I Remember You by Masayoshi Takanaka have accurate guitar and smooth bass.
The sound is good, though some instruments could be better separated. You can hear small details, especially with wired or LDAC Bluetooth listening.
Sonoflow Pro HQ51 offers clear, detailed sound at a budget price. They may not match premium headphones, but they’re a great choice for most listeners.
1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 Review: Design
The 1More Sonoflow Pro headphones have a sleek, modern on-ear design with a slight curve for a sharp look. The Black model I tested has a matte finish, making them stylish and attractive.
They’re also comfortable, even for long listening sessions. While they may not be as cushiony as some other models, the padded headband and soft earcups make them easy to wear for hours. Plus, they’re foldable, so they’re compact and easy to carry.
However, the build feels a bit flimsy. The headband is thin, and the buttons feel plasticky. There’s no waterproofing or dustproofing, which is common in this price range, but it’s something to consider. While not the most durable, the design is still solid for everyday use.
A nice bonus is the hard carry case included in the box, which keeps the headphones safe during travel. You also get a USB-C charging cable and a 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable with a mic for phone calls, offering decent call quality.
1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 Review: Value
The 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 offers amazing value. Priced at $89 / £99 / AU$130, they provide solid sound, a sleek design, and even a carry case. Plus, they often go on sale, giving you even more bang for your buck.
These headphones are priced similarly to the original 1More Sonoflow but offer key upgrades. You get better ANC, longer battery life, and faster charging. The Pro model gives you 10 hours of playtime with just a 5-minute charge—double the speed of the original.
While there are other affordable options like the Earfun Wave Pro, the Sonoflow Pro outshines them with better battery life, a sharper on-ear design, and more color choices. Small improvements make a big difference, making these headphones a fantastic deal under $100.
Pros and Cons of 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 🎧 Customizable, satisfying sound | 🚫 App situation is a bit messy |
| 🔊 Effective ANC | 🛑 Button controls feel cheap |
| 🔋 Fantastic battery life | ⚠️ Build feels slightly flimsy |
| 🛋️ Comfortable for long listening sessions | 🌧️ No waterproofing or dustproofing |
Conclusion
1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 offer great sound, strong ANC, and impressive battery life, making them some of the best value over-ear headphones under $100. While they may not have top-tier audio or the most durable build, it’s hard to find a more complete pair of headphones at this price.
