1More SonoFlow Pro Review: Budget ANC Headphones With LDAC?

Do you want great headphones that don’t cost a fortune? The 1More SonoFlow Pro might be what you need. It costs under $90, but it has features you usually see on much pricier models.

You get LDAC Hi Res audio, hybrid noise cancelling, and a huge 100 hour battery life. It also has multipoint pairing and soft, plush ear pads.

But can a budget headphone really compete with big names like Sony and Bose? I dug into tests, reviews, and real user feedback to find out. This review covers the good parts, the weak spots, and who should buy it.

In a Nutshell

• Excellent value for money: The SonoFlow Pro lists at about $88 and often sells for less. Reviewers often call it one of the best headphones under $100. You get premium features without a premium price tag.
• Warm, fun sound with LDAC: The 40 mm drivers use a Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) diaphragm. Grammy winner Luca Bignardi tuned the sound. The bass is punchy but controlled, and the vocals sound natural.
• Strong noise cancelling for the price: The QuietMax hybrid ANC cuts up to 42 dB of noise, according to 1More. Lab tests found it blocks about 26 dB on average, which beats most rivals in this price range.
• Massive battery life: You get up to 100 hours with ANC off and about 65 to 70 hours with ANC on. A quick 5 minute charge gives you around 5 hours of music.
• Very comfortable for long sessions: The headphones weigh about 246 grams. Testers wore them for up to 8 hours without pain, even with glasses.
• A few small drawbacks: The app is basic, the power button is slow, and there is no IP rating. The case also feels cheaper than the original SonoFlow case.

1More SonoFlow Pro Overview

Last update on 2026-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The 1More SonoFlow Pro (model HQ51) is an over ear wireless headphone with active noise cancelling. It is the upgraded version of the popular original SonoFlow. 1More made it to give budget buyers a premium listening experience.

The headphone launched in late 2024. Its list price is $87.99, and you can often find it on sale for around $80. That price puts it against the Soundcore Space One and the Sony WH CH720N.

Here are the main specs at a glance:

• Drivers: 40 mm dynamic drivers with DLC diaphragm
• Bluetooth: Version 5.4 with multipoint pairing
• Codecs: SBC, AAC, and LDAC
• Noise cancelling: QuietMax hybrid ANC, up to 42 dB
• Battery: Up to 100 hours (ANC off), about 65 to 70 hours (ANC on)
• Charging: About 80 minutes for a full charge, USB C port
• Weight: Around 246 grams
• Colors: Black, Blue, and Matte Gray

The box includes the headphones, a carrying case, a USB C cable, and a 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm audio cable. You can use the wired cable with ANC still running, which is a nice touch.

The SonoFlow Pro has Hi Res Audio certification in both wired and wireless modes. This means it can play detailed music files with little quality loss. For most people, that is a big step up from regular Bluetooth headphones.

So, the specs look great on paper. Let’s see how they hold up in real life.

Design and Build Quality

The SonoFlow Pro has a clean, simple look. It doesn’t have flashy logos or loud colors. The matte finish feels smooth and resists fingerprints well.

At first glance, it looks almost the same as the original SonoFlow. Testers said it is nearly impossible to tell them apart just by looking. The main visual changes are new color options and small tweaks to the ear cups.

The headband has a metal frame inside for strength. The rest of the body is plastic. Still, reviewers at Headfonia noted that the headband and ear cups feel solid. There is no creaking or bending when you handle them.

The ear cups swivel flat and fold inward. This makes the headphones easy to pack in a bag. When you wear them around your neck, the swivel cups also sit more comfortably.

The case is one area where 1More cut costs. The original SonoFlow came with a nicer case that had shaped slots for the ear cups. The Pro case is plainer and lacks a cable pocket. It still protects the headphones, but it feels less premium.

Another small issue is the lack of an IP rating. The SonoFlow Pro has no official water or dust protection. So, avoid heavy rain or sweaty gym sessions with them.

Overall, the build is solid for the price. It won’t feel as fancy as a $350 Sony, but it feels sturdy enough for daily use and travel.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is one of the biggest strengths of the SonoFlow Pro. Many reviewers rank it among the most comfortable budget headphones they have tested.

TechGearLab gave it a comfort score of 7.7 out of 10. They wore the headphones for up to 8 hours without any discomfort. Only a few headphones in their test group scored higher.

The ear pads use memory foam covered in soft protein leather. The foam feels cushiony but dense. It supports your head well and doesn’t flatten out quickly. The Pro’s foam also feels firmer and smoother than the original SonoFlow’s pads.

The clamping force is gentle. This is great news for glasses wearers. Testers noticed no pressure points on the arms of their glasses, even after hours of wear.

The inner ear cup space is slightly larger than the original model. Still, people with bigger ears may feel their ears touch the inside of the cup. The soft fabric makes this less annoying, though.

One small downside is heat. The leather pads can make your ears feel warm after long sessions. This is common with most leatherette pads, so it’s not a big surprise.

At about 246 grams, the headphones feel light on your head. You can wear them on a long flight, a full workday, or a gaming session without neck strain. If comfort is your top priority, the SonoFlow Pro is a safe pick.

Top 3 Alternative for 1More SonoFlow Pro

The SonoFlow Pro is great, but it isn’t the only option. Here are three strong alternatives at similar prices. Each one has its own strengths.

Soundcore Space One

Last update on 2026-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Soundcore Space One by Anker is a direct rival. It has adaptive noise cancelling that adjusts to your surroundings. It also supports LDAC for Hi Res audio.

Its noise cancelling is very good at blocking low rumbles, like plane engines and train noise. The battery lasts about 40 hours with ANC on, which is less than the SonoFlow Pro. Choose this one if you want a more feature rich app.

Sony WH CH720N

Last update on 2026-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Sony WH CH720N is one of the lightest ANC headphones around. It uses Sony’s Dual Noise Sensor technology and offers about 35 hours of battery life.

It doesn’t support LDAC, and the battery life is much shorter. But you get Sony’s polished app and a trusted brand name. Pick this if you want a very light headphone from a big brand.

Soundcore Life Q30

Last update on 2026-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Soundcore Life Q30 is a classic budget favorite. It offers hybrid ANC with multiple modes and up to 50 hours of playtime with ANC on.

It often costs less than the SonoFlow Pro. The sound is bass heavy, and the app has a custom EQ. It’s a great choice if you want to save a little more money.

Sound Quality

Sound is where the SonoFlow Pro really shines. For under $90, it sounds much better than expected. Many reviewers call it engaging and fun.

Out of the box, the sound has a warm, slightly V shaped tuning. The bass and treble get a mild boost. This makes most music sound lively and exciting.

Bass: The lows hit with punch and depth. Still, they never get boomy or muddy. TechGearLab described the bass as “held back somewhat and mindful.” It adds drama without taking over the mix.

Midrange: Vocals sound natural and warm across many genres. From hip hop to classical, voices come through clearly. Dense tracks can feel a little crowded, but this rarely happens.

Treble: The highs are crisp and clean. They don’t sound tinny or harsh like many cheap headphones. You can listen for hours without ear fatigue.

The soundstage is decent for the price. You can tell where each instrument sits, but the space doesn’t feel very wide. Layers have enough room to breathe, so the mix never feels muddy.

Some reviewers noticed a slight veil over the sound in wireless mode. Wired mode sounds noticeably clearer and more detailed. So, plug in the cable if you want the best audio at home.

TechGearLab scored the sound quality 6.8 out of 10. That’s above the average for all headphones they tested, including pricier ones. For casual listeners, this sound is more than enough.

Noise Cancellation Performance

The SonoFlow Pro uses QuietMax hybrid active noise cancelling. Hybrid ANC uses microphones inside and outside the ear cups. This helps it catch more noise than basic ANC systems.

1More claims the headphones can cut up to 42 dB of noise. In lab tests, TechGearLab measured about 26 dB of average reduction. That beats every other headphone in its price range that they tested.

In real life, the ANC works well in offices, cafes, and homes. Human voices sound muffled. Typing noises almost vanish. The drone of a treadmill or air conditioner fades away.

Higher pitched sounds still sneak through. For example, microwave beeps and sharp alarms can still reach your ears. This is normal for headphones in this price class.

Planes are a weaker spot. One reviewer at Serious Insights struggled on a flight. The volume didn’t go high enough to beat the leftover cabin noise. If you fly often, you may want stronger ANC.

The headphones also have a transparency mode, called HearThrough. It lets outside sound in so you can hear announcements or chat with people. This mode sounds a bit loud and artificial, though. It can also amplify the hum of fans and air filters.

The good news is that ANC works even in wired mode. Many budget headphones turn off ANC when you plug in a cable. Overall, the noise cancelling is a clear upgrade over the original SonoFlow.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a standout feature of the SonoFlow Pro. It beats almost every headphone at this price, and even many expensive ones.

With ANC turned off, you get up to 100 hours of playback. With ANC on, you still get around 65 to 70 hours. That is enough for weeks of daily commutes on a single charge.

To put this in context, the Sony WH CH720N lasts about 35 hours. The Soundcore Space One lasts about 40 hours with ANC on. The SonoFlow Pro nearly doubles those numbers.

Quick charging is also available. A 5 minute charge gives you about 5 hours of music. This is handy if you forget to charge before heading out.

A full charge takes around 80 minutes through the USB C port. That’s fast, considering the large battery size.

There is one catch. TechGearLab found that the headphones don’t support passive playback. This means you can’t listen through the cable once the battery fully dies. With such long battery life, though, this rarely becomes a problem.

Another small issue is the power button. It needs a long press to turn the headphones off. Some testers thought they had switched them off when they hadn’t. This drained the battery while the headphones sat in a bag.

Overall, the battery is a big win. If you hate charging your gear often, this headphone is a perfect fit.

Connectivity and LDAC Support

The SonoFlow Pro uses Bluetooth 5.4, one of the newest versions. This gives you a stable connection, low power use, and good range.

The highlight here is LDAC support. LDAC is a Sony codec that sends up to 990 kbps of audio data. That’s about three times more data than standard Bluetooth. The result is richer, more detailed wireless sound.

You need an Android phone to use LDAC. Most modern Android phones support it. iPhones don’t support LDAC, so they use AAC instead. AAC still sounds good, but you won’t get the full Hi Res benefit.

The headphones also support multipoint pairing. You can connect to two devices at once, like a laptop and a phone. If a call comes in while you watch a video, the headphones switch to your phone.

There’s one thing to know here. On many 1More headphones, LDAC and multipoint can’t run at the same time. The app labels the dual device mode as experimental. So, you may need to pick one feature over the other.

Some testers also noticed the headphones auto connecting to devices unexpectedly. In one case, they paired with a laptop during a meeting and pulled the user out. This is a minor quirk, but it can be annoying.

For wired use, you get a 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm cable. The cable is a bit short and uses a non standard plug on the headphone side. Replacements are cheap, but you’ll need the right type.

Call Quality and Microphones

The SonoFlow Pro has AI enhanced microphones with environmental noise cancellation. These mics try to focus on your voice and cut background noise during calls.

In quiet spaces, calls sound clear and crisp. TechGearLab tested them in a busy office. Voices came through well, and the background typing stayed in the back. They work great for Zoom calls and online meetings at home.

Busy places are a different story. On a loud subway platform, the mics struggled. Voices started strong, but the headphones had trouble separating speech from loud announcements. Some words came through choppy.

TechGearLab scored the call quality at 6.7 out of 10. That’s above average for budget headphones. Interestingly, the original SonoFlow scored slightly higher at 6.9. So, call quality didn’t improve much with the Pro version.

Here’s a simple guide to call performance:

• Home office: Excellent and clear
• Quiet cafe: Good, with light background noise
• Busy street or train station: Fair, with some choppy moments

If you take lots of calls in noisy places, consider a headphone made for calls. But for most people, the SonoFlow Pro handles calls just fine. It offers some of the best call clarity you can get at this price.

App and Controls

The SonoFlow Pro works with the 1More Music app. It’s free on Android and iOS. The app is simple, clean, and easy to use.

In the app, you can:

• Switch between ANC, HearThrough, and off modes
• Pick from several EQ presets
• Create your own custom EQ
• Turn on dual device mode
• Update the firmware

The custom EQ is a nice bonus, as it lets you tweak the sound to your taste. If you find the bass too strong, you can tone it down easily.

The app still lacks some features found on pricier headphones. There’s no “find my headphones” tool. You also can’t adjust ANC strength with a slider. Serious Insights did note that the app has improved over older versions.

The physical buttons sit on the ear cups. They control power, volume, playback, and ANC modes. You don’t need your phone to control the basics, which is convenient.

The downside is that the buttons all feel alike. It takes practice to tell them apart without looking. The power button also needs a very long press, which can be frustrating.

The headphones use sound tones for most alerts instead of voice prompts. Only the battery status uses a voice. Some users find the tones confusing at first.

Overall, the controls work fine once you learn them. They aren’t the best part of the headphone, but they won’t ruin your experience.

SonoFlow Pro vs Original SonoFlow

Many buyers wonder if the Pro is worth it over the original SonoFlow. Both look almost identical. So, what’s actually different?

Here are the key upgrades in the Pro version:

• Better sound: The Pro has a slightly broader soundstage and cleaner tuning. TechGearLab scored it 6.8 versus 6.2 for the original.
• Stronger ANC: Noise cancelling improved from 6.2 to 6.9 in tests.
• Longer battery: The Pro offers up to 100 hours, versus about 70 hours on the original.
• Newer Bluetooth: The Pro moves up to Bluetooth 5.4.
• More comfort: The foam is denser and the ear cup interior is a bit larger.

There are a few areas where the original wins. The original SonoFlow came with a nicer carrying case. It also supports passive wired playback when the battery dies. Call quality was slightly better on the original, too.

Prices are close between the two. The original lists around $90 but often goes on sale for less. The Pro lists at $88.

So, which should you buy? If both cost the same, choose the Pro. It’s better in almost every important way. If you find the original on a big sale, it’s still a great deal. Most casual listeners won’t notice a huge difference.

TechGearLab summed it up well. They said they would choose the Pro, but people could save money with the original on sale and still be happy.

Pros and Cons

Every headphone has strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a clear look at what the SonoFlow Pro does well and where it falls short.

Pros

• Amazing value: You get premium features like LDAC and hybrid ANC for under $90. Few rivals match this package.
• Huge battery life: Up to 100 hours with ANC off and about 65 hours with ANC on. You’ll rarely need to charge it.
• Very comfortable: Soft memory foam pads and gentle clamping let you wear them for 8 hours. They work well with glasses.
• Warm, engaging sound: Punchy bass, natural vocals, and smooth treble make music fun to hear across many genres.
• Strong ANC for the price: It blocks more noise than most budget rivals and works in wired mode, too.
• LDAC and multipoint: You get Hi Res wireless audio and the option to pair two devices.

Cons

• Basic app: It lacks a find feature and an adjustable ANC slider. The dual device mode is still labeled experimental.
• Slow power button: You must hold it for a long time. This can lead to accidental battery drain.
• No IP rating: The headphones have no water or dust protection, so avoid rain and heavy sweat.
• Cheaper case: The carrying case feels less premium than the one with the original SonoFlow.
• No passive playback: You can’t listen through the cable once the battery dies.
• Weaker in very loud places: ANC and call quality struggle on planes and busy train platforms.

Who Should Buy the 1More SonoFlow Pro

The SonoFlow Pro fits a wide range of people. But it suits some users better than others. Let’s break it down.

Budget buyers will love it most. If you want the best headphones under $100, this is a top pick. It delivers features from headphones that cost three or four times more.

Android users get the biggest benefit. LDAC works best on Android phones. You’ll enjoy richer, more detailed wireless sound that iPhone users can’t access.

Students and remote workers will find it a great fit. The comfort lets you wear it all day. The ANC blocks out roommates, coffee shop chatter, and office noise.

Commuters will enjoy the long battery life. You can ride buses and trains for weeks without charging. The ANC handles city noise well.

Glasses wearers should take note, too. The gentle clamp doesn’t press your frames into your head.

However, some people should look elsewhere:

• Frequent flyers may need stronger ANC, like the Sony WH 1000XM series or Bose QuietComfort.
• Gym users should pick headphones with an IP rating.
• Heavy callers in noisy areas may want a headphone with better mics.

If you’re an audiophile wanting perfect detail, you’ll need to spend much more. But for casual and everyday listeners, the SonoFlow Pro offers excellent sound. Most people will be very happy with it.

Final Verdict

The 1More SonoFlow Pro is one of the best budget headphones you can buy right now. It mixes great sound, solid ANC, and amazing battery life into a low priced package.

The sound is warm and fun. The bass hits hard without getting messy. Vocals sound natural, and the treble stays smooth. With LDAC on Android, it sounds even better.

The noise cancelling beats most rivals at this price. It handles offices, cafes, and commutes with ease. It struggles a bit on planes, but that’s expected for an $88 headphone.

The battery life is truly impressive. Up to 100 hours means you’ll almost forget where the charger is. And the comfort makes long listening sessions easy.

There are a few flaws. The app is basic, the power button is slow, and the case feels cheap. There’s also no IP rating. Still, none of these issues are deal breakers for most buyers.

TechGearLab gave it their Best Headphones on a Budget award with an overall score of 70. Many YouTube reviewers also call it the best headphone under $100. Our research agrees with them.

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

If you want premium features without a premium price, buy the SonoFlow Pro. It’s a smart, safe choice that gives you great value for every dollar.

FAQs

Is the 1More SonoFlow Pro worth buying?

Yes, it is worth buying for most people. It offers LDAC, hybrid ANC, and up to 100 hours of battery for under $90. Few headphones match that value.

Does the 1More SonoFlow Pro support LDAC?

Yes, it supports LDAC, along with SBC and AAC. You need an Android phone that supports LDAC to use it. iPhones will connect using AAC instead.

How long does the SonoFlow Pro battery last?

The battery lasts up to 100 hours with ANC off. With ANC on, you get around 65 to 70 hours. A 5 minute charge adds about 5 hours of playback.

Is the SonoFlow Pro good for iPhone users?

Yes, it works well with iPhones through AAC. You won’t get LDAC quality, but the sound still beats most budget headphones. The ANC, comfort, and battery stay the same.

Is the SonoFlow Pro waterproof?

No, it has no official IP rating for water or dust. Light sweat is usually fine, but avoid rain and intense workouts.

Can I use the SonoFlow Pro with a wired cable?

Yes, it comes with a 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm audio cable. ANC still works in wired mode. However, the headphones need battery power to play sound through the cable.

What is the difference between the SonoFlow and the SonoFlow Pro?

The Pro has better sound, stronger ANC, longer battery life, and Bluetooth 5.4. The original has a nicer case and supports passive wired playback.

Can the SonoFlow Pro connect to two devices at once?

Yes, it supports multipoint pairing with two devices. The app lists this feature as experimental, so it may not work perfectly every time.

Is the SonoFlow Pro good for gaming?

It works well for casual gaming due to its comfort and long battery life. For competitive gaming, use the wired cable to reduce audio lag.

Which is better, the SonoFlow Pro or the Soundcore Space One?

The SonoFlow Pro has much longer battery life and is often cheaper. The Space One has a more advanced app and adaptive ANC. Choose based on which features matter most to you.