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1More Sonoflow Pro: The New Budget ANC Headphones to Beat?

The 1More Sonoflow Pro ANC headphones improve on its predecessor, and it’s cheaper, but is it worth buying? Let’s find out!


1More Sonoflow Pro ANC Headphones


Design & Comfort

Right out of the box, the Sonoflow Pro feels familiar. The hard-shell case closely resembles the one from Sonyโ€™s XM4 series, which is a welcome design choice. Inside, youโ€™ll find the headphones, a USB-C charging cable, and an audio cable for wired listening.

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In terms of looks, not much has changed from the original Sonoflow. The biggest visual difference is the 1More logo, which now sports a new color. The headband remains sturdy and comfortable, offering just the right amount of clamping force without feeling too tight. The earpads, lined with memory foam and soft leatherette, provide a comfortable fit, though they might feel a bit small for those with larger ears.

One standout feature is the metal-reinforced headband, making these headphones flexible and durable. With a good range of adjustability, they should comfortably fit most users.

Connectivity & Features

The Sonoflow Pro now comes with Bluetooth 5.4, which offers a stronger connection and multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This is a major plus for those switching between a laptop and a phone.

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Another notable upgrade is the new 1More app. The previous Sonoflow relied on the clunky 1More Music app, but the new 1More app is significantly improved, with a snappier interface and a 10-band custom EQ for fine-tuning your audio preferences.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) & Transparency Mode

The ANC on the Sonoflow Pro is decent, especially for a budget headset. While it effectively cancels out lower-frequency noises like engine hums, it struggles with higher-frequency sounds, such as voices in a crowded cafรฉ. Thereโ€™s no variable ANC or transparency modeโ€”itโ€™s either on or off.

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Transparency mode is passable but far from natural. While it allows external sound in, voices donโ€™t sound as clear as they would on higher-end ANC models. Still, itโ€™s a useful addition for quick conversations or situational awareness.

Call Quality & Microphone Performance

For calls, the Sonoflow Proโ€™s microphone does a solid job in quiet environments. However, in noisier settings, background noise can creep in, making conversations slightly less clear. While it’s not industry-leading, it’s functional for everyday use.

Sound Quality

The Sonoflow Pro features 40mm dynamic drivers with support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC hi-res audio. Out of the box, the sound leans toward a V-shaped tuning, with prominent bass and bright treble, though mids feel slightly recessed. This makes it great for genres like pop and rock.

Thankfully, the custom EQ in the app allows for adjustments. Tweaking the mids and taming the bass and treble significantly improves the balance, making for a more enjoyable listening experience.

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One thing to note: ANC affects the sound profile. With ANC on, bass response increases, while turning ANC off results in a noticeable drop in bass.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life is where the Sonoflow Pro truly shines. These headphones deliver up to 100 hours of playback with ANC off and 65 hours with ANC onโ€”an impressive jump over the original Sonoflowโ€™s 50-hour performance.

They also support fast charging with double the playtime of the previous Sonoflow headphones. A 5-minute charge now provides 10 hours of playtime rather than 5. A full charge still takes 80 minutes though, which is the same as the previous model.

Comparison to the Original Sonoflow

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The Sonoflow Pro isnโ€™t a revolutionary upgrade, but it does bring some key refinements:

  • Better battery life (100 hours vs. 50 hours)
  • Bluetooth 5.4 for improved connectivity and multipoint pairing
  • A more polished mobile app with a better EQ experience
  • Slightly improved sound signature, with better midrange presence

However, the hard case no longer has a mesh pocket for storing cables, which is a minor but annoying omission.

Verdict: Should You Buy the 1More Sonoflow Pro?

Priced around $75, the 1More Sonoflow Pro delivers impressive battery life, solid ANC, good sound quality, and a comfortable fit. While not a game-changing upgrade over the original, it still stands out as one of the best budget ANC headphones available.

If you already own the original Sonoflow, upgrading isnโ€™t necessary unless you want longer battery life and better connectivity. However, if youโ€™re looking for a new pair of budget-friendly ANC headphones, the Sonoflow Pro is an excellent choice.

Available in blue, black, and silver, these headphones are a steal for the price.

Rating:

Rating: 4 out of 5.