1MORE Sonoflow ANC Bluetooth Wireless Headphones: A Deep Dive Review
In a world saturated with wireless headphones, finding a pair that truly stands out requires a delicate balance of performance, features and value. The 1MORE Sonoflow ANC Bluetooth Wireless Headphones aim to strike that balance, promising high-resolution audio, effective noise cancellation and impressive battery life.
Sleek Design:
The 1MORE Sonoflow headphones boast a sleek, minimalist design. These headphones came in black, which offers a sophisticated and understated look. The ear-cups and headband are constructed from a combination of matte plastic and protein leather, giving them a comfortable and relatively premium feel. The headband is adjustable and features a good amount of padding, ensuring a snug and secure fit. The ear-cups swivel 90 degrees, allowing them to lay flat for easy storage.
The physical controls are located on the right ear-cup and include a power/pairing button, volume controls that also double as track skipping buttons, and a dedicated ANC button. The buttons are tactile and responsive, making them easy to use even without looking. The left ear-cup houses the USB-C charging port and a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired listening, a welcome addition for those who prefer a direct connection or want to use the headphones with devices that don't have Bluetooth.
Comfort and Fit:
Comfort is paramount for headphones designed for extended listening sessions, and the 1MORE Sonoflow performs admirably in this area. The protein leather ear-cups are soft and plush, conforming comfortably to the ears without excessive pressure. The headband is also well-padded, distributing weight evenly across the head.
I wore the 1MORE Sonoflow headphones for several hours at a time and experienced minimal discomfort. The over-ear design provides a good seal, contributing to both noise isolation and sound quality. The clamping force is just right – secure enough to keep the headphones in place during moderate activity but not so tight as to cause headaches or ear fatigue.
Sound Quality:
The true test of any headphone lies in its audio performance, and the 1MORE Sonoflow delivers a surprisingly impressive experience, especially considering its price point. The headphones feature 40mm drivers with a Diamond-Like-Carbon (DLC) diaphragm, which is known for its rigidity and ability to reproduce sound with accuracy and clarity.
The Sonoflow supports the LDAC codec, a high-resolution Bluetooth audio technology that allows for a significantly higher data transfer rate compared to standard Bluetooth codecs like SBC and AAC. This translates to richer, more detailed audio reproduction, especially when listening to high-quality audio files.
The sound of the Sonoflow is generally balanced, with a slight emphasis on the bass frequencies. The bass is punchy and well-defined, without being overly boomy or muddy. The mids are clear and present, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through. The treble is crisp and detailed, without being harsh or fatiguing.
The overall sound is engaging and immersive, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres. Whether you're listening to classical music, electronic dance music, or rock, the 1MORE Sonoflow headphones deliver a satisfying and enjoyable listening experience.
The 1MORE Music app offers 12 studio-grade EQ presets, allowing you to tailor the sound to your personal preferences. These presets cover a variety of listening styles, including Rock, Classical, Electronic, and Pop. While these presets provide a good starting point, I found myself preferring the default sound signature for most genres. The app also allows for custom EQ adjustments, giving you even more control over the audio.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC):
The 1MORE Sonoflow features QuietMax™ Intelligent Noise Cancellation, 1MORE's proprietary ANC technology. This technology uses hybrid active noise cancellation, which combines feedforward and feedback microphones to effectively block out external noise.
In my testing, the ANC performance of the Sonoflow was quite impressive. It effectively reduced a wide range of ambient noises, including office chatter, traffic sounds, and airplane engine hum. While it doesn't quite reach the level of flagship ANC headphones from Sony or Bose, it performs admirably for its price range.
The Sonoflow also features a Transparency Mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. This is particularly useful when you need to be aware of your environment, such as when walking in a busy area or listening for announcements. The Transparency Mode sounds natural and clear, allowing you to easily hear conversations and other important sounds.
Battery Life:
One of the standout features of the 1MORE Sonoflow is its exceptional battery life. With ANC turned off, these headphones can deliver up to 70 hours of playtime. With ANC turned on, the battery life is still a respectable 50 hours.
In my testing, I found the battery life to be consistent with 1MORE's claims. I was able to use the headphones for several days on a single charge, even with ANC enabled. The fast charging feature is also a welcome addition. A 5-minute charge provides up to 5 hours of playtime, which is perfect for quick power-ups when you're in a hurry.
Microphone Quality:
The 1MORE Sonoflow also features a built-in microphone for making calls and using voice assistants. The microphone quality is decent, but not exceptional. In quiet environments, my voice sounded clear and natural. However, in noisy environments, the microphone struggled to block out background noise.
Overall, the microphone is adequate for making calls and attending online meetings, but it's not ideal for recording high-quality audio.
Pros:
- Excellent Sound Quality: Offers balanced and detailed audio with LDAC support.
- Effective Active Noise Cancellation: Reduces a wide range of ambient noises.
- Impressive Battery Life: Up to 70 hours of playtime with ANC off.
- Comfortable Fit: Soft ear-cups and padded headband provide long-lasting comfort.
- Studio-Grade EQ Presets: Customisable sound via the 1MORE Music app.
- Fast Charging: 5 minutes of charging provides 5 hours of playtime.
- Wired Listening Option: Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Decent Value: Offers a great combination of features and performance for the price.
Cons:
- Microphone Quality Could Be Better: Struggles in noisy environments.
- Build Quality Not the Most Premium: Uses a significant amount of plastic.
- ANC Not Quite Flagship Level: Doesn't completely eliminate all noise.
- Carrying Pouch Instead of Hard Case: Offers less protection for travel.
Are the 1MORE Sonoflow ANC Bluetooth Wireless Headphones a Must-Have?
The answer to this question depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're a serious music lover looking for the absolute best sound quality and noise cancellation, you might be better off investing in a pair of flagship headphones from Sony or Bose. However, if you're looking for a set of wireless headphones that offers a great balance of features, performance, and value, the 1MORE Sonoflow ANC Bluetooth Wireless Headphones are definitely worth considering.
They offer excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, impressive battery life, and a comfortable fit, all at a price point that's significantly lower than their flagship competitors. The inclusion of LDAC support, EQ presets, and a wired listening option further enhances their versatility.
For everyday listeners, commuters, students and anyone who wants to enjoy their music in peace without breaking the bank, the 1MORE Sonoflow headphones present a compelling option. They are a solid all-around performer that won't disappoint.
Final Verdict:
The 1MORE Sonoflow ANC Bluetooth Wireless Headphones are a highly capable and versatile pair of headphones that offer a premium listening experience without the premium price tag. While they may not be perfect, their strengths far outweigh their weaknesses. They are a great choice for anyone looking for a well-rounded set of wireless headphones that delivers excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and long-lasting battery life. I highly recommend giving them a try.
