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1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51: two-minute evaluate
The 1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51 are a pair of budget-friendly over-ear headphones that got down to do all of it. They goal to serve up adept audio, noise-crushing ANC and an attention-grabbing design – all for lower than $100 / £100. I need to confess, that’s fairly the tall job, and I did have my reservations at first. However after two weeks of testing, I’m happy to report that these 1More cans do all of these issues… and extra.
Earlier than we actually drill into issues, let’s take a look on the 1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51’s headline data. These headphones are available with a modest record value of $89 / £99 / AU$130 and provide ANC and transparency mode, LDAC for ‘hi-res’ Bluetooth streaming and as much as 100 hours – sure 100 hours – of battery life.
Let’s zoom in on the realm that issues most – sound. Now, you’re not going to get audio high quality that competes with the extra premium choices in our information to the best headphones, nor certainly the extra aspirational fashions in our best noise-cancelling headphones roundup, however they nonetheless carry out commendably for the cash. You get clear audio that’s freed from tinniness, even at larger volumes. Additionally, these cans actually have a extra bass-heavy sound signature, which is good for followers of dance music, for instance, however you may mood low-end output with the 1More Music app’s EQ settings when you so please.
You additionally get a reasonably detailed pay attention, particularly when utilizing the aforementioned LDAC possibility (in case your supply gadget helps it) – or wired connectivity. And sound high quality is strong with ANC turned on or off – although I most well-liked to maintain this on for essentially the most half. That ANC is fairly efficient too – chatter on public transport, keyboards clacking away and vehicles zooming previous have been severely dulled – if not muted when listening to my favourite tracks.
I discussed that glorious 100 hour battery life, however that’s solely when you have LDAC and ANC turned off. However nonetheless, even with ANC on, you get 65 hours out of those cans – that’s greater than sufficient for the cash! These over-ears are additionally tremendous comfy because of their beneficiant use of padding on the scarf and earcups. So relaxation assured, the Sonoflow Professional have the battery and design for high-comfort, long-lasting listening classes.
As well as, these headphones are awesome-looking when in-use. They’re angled ahead barely, giving them a curved, modern look. Additionally they have a tidy matte end – there’s model and substance on faucet right here. The one actual draw back is that the button controls are just a little plasticky and the scarf feels a contact feeble – however that’s maybe to be anticipated for cans on this value vary.
There aren’t too many different downsides to notice, fortunately. One small factor: the app scenario is just a little unclear. I may solely join these headphones to the 1More Music platform, relatively than the standard 1More app, which was just a little irritating. 1More Music is just a little dated, with sure options reminiscent of multi-point connectivity (why would you not need this?) hidden in a sub-menu, which made for a less-than-ideal person expertise.
However all in all, I’d actually advocate the 1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51. They nail the fundamentals: spectacular audio, loads of playtime and a ruthless method to exterior noise. And to do all of that at such a low price is absolutely value shouting about. In order for you really premium sound and have a extra beneficiant funds to spend on headphones, they won’t be the most suitable choice on the earth – maybe take into account some headphones just like the Sony WH-1000XM4, however the high quality on provide from 1More’s Professional cans is greater than adequate for anybody on a tighter funds.
1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51 evaluate: value & launch date
- $89 / £99 / AU$130
- Launched in 2024
The 1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51 – typically simply listed because the 1More Sonoflow HQ51 – have a listing value of $89 / £99 / AU$130. They launched in 2024 in three colorways: Black; Blue; and Silver.
Value can differ barely by colour variant, however usually, these are in the identical sort of ballpark. And excellent news – I’ve already noticed the Sonoflow Professional on sale with retailers like Amazon US and UK, the place they’ve dropped to round $70 / £70 previously.
1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51 evaluate: Specs
|
Drivers |
40mm dynamic |
|
Lively noise cancellation |
Sure |
|
Battery life |
65 hours ANC on; 100 hours ANC off |
|
Weight |
246g |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.4, 3.5mm |
|
Frequency vary |
20Hz-40kHz |
|
Waterproofing |
None |
1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51 evaluate: options
- Up-to-scratch ANC
- Phenomenal battery life
- Companion app may use some work
The Sonoflow Professional come by with all of the options you’d hope to search out from some modern-day Bluetooth headphones – after which some. You get Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, multi-point and a helpful companion app too.
A fast notice on that companion app, although. I downloaded the 1More app – as marketed on the webpage for this mannequin – however had no pleasure on my Samsung cellphone. As a substitute, I discovered that I wanted to make use of the 1More Music app, which appears a bit extra old school and clunky to navigate, however works high-quality.
Anyway, once I lastly acquired issues working, I needed to discover the ANC choices. You get three settings: ANC off; ANC on; or passthrough. Now firstly, I’ve to say that I used to be shocked by how profitable the ANC was right here. That’s meant to be one of many key areas of enchancment over the unique Sonoflow, and 1More pulled it off. After I was within the workplace, I may barely hear something apart from my music when listening at 50% quantity. Even when out and about or on public transport, exterior noises have been pleasingly saved to a minimal.
Certain, you’re not going to get the best-in-class ANC you’d anticipate from the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, as an illustration, however that’s to be anticipated given these are a fraction of the value. And the passthrough mode works properly too – you’ll hear a couple of extra sounds out of your environment, which will be helpful for while you’re strolling in a busy space and need to preserve your whits about you.
In addition to toggling between ANC, you may activate hi-res music streaming and modify EQ – there’s a tidy choice of genre-specific presets in addition to a customized possibility. There’s additionally an indicator to indicate battery ranges. Talking of, these cans are significantly lengthy lasting – you’ll get days, if not weeks of use from one single cost. They boast a playtime of 65 hours with ANC on or 100 hours with it off. That can differ when you have hi-res streaming energetic and pay attention at prime volumes – however nonetheless that’s an distinctive quantity of listening time.
On prime of all of this, there are a couple of much less widespread options that I unearthed within the 1More Music app. The primary is wise burn-in, which is basically meant to ‘break in’ the drivers and optimize sound high quality. I didn’t decide up on any actual distinction and the entire burn-in deal is a controversial one within the audiophile group, so its inclusion was neither right here nor there for me. The second is Soothing Sounds, which performs noises like ‘Waterfall’, ‘Volcano’ and ‘Medium Fireplace’. This one’s a dud. Sound high quality is poor and the audio information cease fairly abruptly, then replay – however you may at all times simply depart it alone.
1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51 evaluate: sound high quality
- Clear high quality with wealthy bass
- Stable element ranges with wired and LDAC listening
- Customizable sound because of EQ choices
I’ll be trustworthy, reader, I wasn’t anticipating a lot from these 1More headphones within the sound division. However they solely went and blew my expectations out of the water! OK, you’re not going to get that premium, superbly balanced, neatly separated and layered sound that some extra premium cans can ship, however what’s on provide right here is fairly tasty for the standard outlay.
Like loads of budget-friendly headphones on the market, the Sonoflow Professional actually lean right into a extra bass-heavy signature – perfect when you’re a lover of dance music or hip-hop as an illustration. In order for you a extra balanced sound, simply head into the 1More Music app and modify EQ with the five-band equalizer or included presets – good and simple.
So, let’s begin with bass. In contrast to loads of funds choices, the massive bass doesn’t sound overly cluttered or torpid right here. For example, once I tuned into Black Eye by Allie X, the punch of the drum machine was speedy and didn’t overstay its welcome. And there’s spectacular depth on provide too. When tuning into tracks with imposing sub bass – like The Boys Are Again In City by Yung Gravy – the low-end increase rumbling by the observe hit with large affect, however was nonetheless clear and managed.
However booming bass output doesn’t have to return on the expense of high quality. In I Need You by Moloko – a busy, layered observe – breathy, grand vocals keep admirable presence and readability, even alongside the punchy bass and flurry of strings, keys, percussive components and extra.
Even when listening to extra mellow tracks like I Bear in mind You by Masayoshi Takanaka, rhythmic guitar was tonally correct, candy harp trills by no means sounded tinny and easy bass, although outstanding, by no means overstepped its remit. Instrument separation isn’t dangerous at this value level, however I did really feel a few of the string and guitar components may’ve sounded just a little extra spaced out, for a extra ethereal, nuanced pay attention.
Having mentioned that, you’re going to get to pick some neat particulars with the Sonoflow Professional – that’s because of the inclusion of each a 3.5mm headphone slot for wired listening and higher-resolution Bluetooth audio through LDAC. Delicate synths that progressively construct are audible early in Kolter’s Overflow and lightweight samba drums in SAMBA DO MARCOS by Sadao Watanabe add some added seasoning to an already groovy tune.
All in all, you get surprisingly good sound from these budget-friendly 1More headphones. Basic audio isn’t as crisp as I’ve heard from cans just like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and also you gained’t get gorgeous spatial audio just like the Sonos Ace. However if you’d like clear, decently detailed sound, the Sonoflow Professional have you ever lined.
1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51 evaluate: design
- Smooth on-ear look
- Snug match for lengthy listening classes
- A bit flimsy
One thing I actually recognize concerning the 1More Sonoflow Professional is their curved on-ear look. They’re angled barely, which supplies a extra outlined, sharp look to them in use – one thing I already preferred concerning the unique Sonoflow mannequin. On prime of that, the Black mannequin I examined had a lovely matte end, making for a really engaging pair of over-ears.
However they’re greater than only a fairly face. The Sonoflow Professional are additionally fairly comfy to put on – even for longer listening classes. They won’t fairly have the cushion-like consolation of the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro, however there’s nonetheless loads of padding on the scarf and plump earcups and so I used to be comfortable to pay attention with these for hours on finish. They’re additionally foldable, making them a compact possibility for on-the-go use.
The one factor I didn’t actually love design-wise is that these cans don’t really feel essentially the most sturdy. The scarf is fairly skinny and the buttons look and feel fairly plasticky. There’s additionally no waterproofing or dustproofing right here – however that’s fairly widespread for over-ears. That is no dealbreaker, simply don’t anticipate premium construct high quality.
Again to the positives although: I liked the laborious carry case which is included within the field. It should preserve your headphones injury free if you wish to throw them in a bag when touring – that’s an attractive bonus. There’s additionally a USB-C charging wire and a couple of.5mm to three.5mm cable with an hooked up mic, which presents comparatively clear, albeit not ultra-crisp high quality for cellphone calls.
1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51 evaluate: worth
- Superior all-round funds package deal
- Included case makes for staggering total worth
- Comparable value to unique Sonoflow, however some key enhancements
It should come as no shock that the class these cans carry out greatest in is worth. Their record value of $89 / £99 / AU$130 is already nice, however once more, these can be found on sale semi-regularly, that means you’re getting loads of bang on your buck. Stable sound, modern design and even a carry case – not dangerous in any respect!
Not solely that, however these are priced exceptionally carefully to the unique 1More Sonoflow cans, whereas nonetheless providing some important enhancements. You get enhanced ANC, longer battery life and quicker charging – particularly, the Professional provide you with ten hours of playtime with a 5 minute cost, double as quick as the usual mannequin.
There are some wonderful cheap headphones on the market, just like the Earfun Wave Professional, as an illustration. However these 1More cans have higher battery life, a extra distinct on-ear look and colour choices. It is a case of a number of smaller enhancements including as much as one massive uptick in worth. You actually can’t ask for rather more from some sub-$100 headphones.
Ought to I purchase the 1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51?
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Ranking |
|---|---|---|
|
Options |
Sturdy ANC, stellar battery life, LDAC, app could possibly be higher. |
4/5 |
|
Sound high quality |
Not fairly premium, however clear audio with massive bass and commendable element. |
4/5 |
|
Design |
Fashionable and comfy, although construct high quality gained’t blow you away. |
4/5 |
|
Worth |
Good sound, modern design, competent ANC, wonderful battery life at a low value. |
5/5 |
Purchase them if…
Don’t purchase them if…
1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51 evaluate: additionally take into account
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51 |
Earfun Wave Professional |
Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Value |
$89 / £99 / AU$130 |
$79.99 / £79.99 (about AU$13) |
$149 / £99 / AU$259 |
|
Drivers |
40mm dynamic |
40mm dynamic |
30mm dynamic |
|
Lively noise cancellation |
Sure |
Sure |
Sure |
|
Battery life |
65 hours ANC on; 100 hours ANC off |
55 hours ANC on; 80 hours ANC off |
35 hours ANC on; 50 hours ANC off |
|
Weight |
246g |
268g |
192g |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.4, 3.5mm |
Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm |
Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5mm |
|
Frequency vary |
20Hz-40kHz |
20Hz-40kHz |
7Hz-20kHz |
|
Waterproofing |
None |
None |
None |
1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51 evaluate: How I examined
- Examined for 2 weeks
- Used at residence and on public transport
- Predominantly examined utilizing Tidal
I examined the 1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51 over the course of two weeks. I used the over-ears in a wide range of environments, together with at residence, on walks close to built-up roads and on public transport. Sometimes, I related the headphones to Tidal on my Samsung Galaxy 24 FE with the LDAC codec enabled for the very best quality audio.
When listening to music, I went by the TechRadar testing playlist, which incorporates tracks from plenty of genres, earlier than increasing to a wider music choice. I additionally examined the headphones with my Home windows laptop computer to check out high quality utilizing a wired connection. When acceptable, I additionally in contrast the Sonoflow Professional on to the Soundcore Area One Professional.