1More Sonoflow Pro Review — Sonoflow Pro

Full review

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Post updated: 18th of June

I first reviewed the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 back in 2024, and I've been using them ever since. Not every day — I test a lot of headphones — but regularly enough to know how they hold up over time. Nearly two years later, they're still going strong.

The original Sonoflow impressed me with its build quality and sound. The Pro version adds better ANC, LDAC support, and a few refinements. Here's my updated review after long-term use.

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 — Scorecard

Sound Quality	9 / 10
Active Noise Cancellation	8 / 10
Battery Life	10 / 10
Comfort	8.5 / 10
Build Quality	8 / 10
Value for Money	9.5 / 10

The 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 is still one of the best budget ANC headphones you can buy. Warm, well-balanced sound, impressive battery life, and solid noise cancellation — all at a price that doesn't make you wince. Nearly two years on, mine are still going strong.

How I Tested

Duration: Nearly two years of regular use — originally tested in 2024, still in rotation today.
Devices: iPhone and Android — tested AAC and LDAC.
Content: Music, YouTube, Netflix, and calls.
Compared against: The original 1More Sonoflow, TOZO HT3, and other budget ANC headphones.

I spent over 20 years working in sound and lighting within the entertainment industry. I know when a pair of headphones sounds genuinely good — and when it's just marketing.

Design and Build Quality

The original Sonoflow impressed me with its excellent build quality and minimalist design, and 1More followed the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy. The Sonoflow Pro looks almost identical to its predecessor — matte black finish, subtle logos, sleek and understated.

The ear cushions feel softer and more comfortable than the previous model, and the padding on the headband makes for a snug fit. At 246g, it's actually 4g lighter than the original, and comfortable enough for extended listening sessions.

If you're familiar with the original Sonoflow, you might wish for a few design upgrades given the "Pro" label. But if this is your first time with the series, you'll likely be impressed by the overall premium feel. After nearly two years, mine still look good — the matte finish holds up well.

Battery Life

Battery life on the Sonoflow Pro is genuinely outstanding. You can enjoy up to 100 hours of playback, depending on your settings. The USB-C fast charging is the real game changer — just 5 minutes of charging gives you 10 hours of listening time. In nearly two years of use, I've never been caught with a dead battery. This is still one of the best-performing headphones I've tested for pure endurance.

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51

Where to Buy

Check price on Amazon →

Inside the Box

1More's packaging is simple, informative, and straightforward. You might notice the box doesn't specifically say "Pro" — only the reference number HQ51 — which can be a bit confusing at first.

Inside, you'll find a carrying case similar to the one included with the standard Sonoflow, but this time with a flimsy piece of foam inside rather than a proper compartment. It's a bit disappointing — the case on the standard Sonoflow is actually better. Still, having a case included at all is a plus at this price.

You also get a USB-A to USB-C charging cable and a jack-to-jack cable for wired listening. The jack cable includes a basic controller limited to play/pause functions.

Specs Overview

Here's what the Sonoflow Pro HQ51 offers on paper:

Active Noise Cancellation: QuietMax technology with 42dB reduction — a 12% improvement over the original Sonoflow
Drivers: 40mm DLC Dynamic driver
Bluetooth: Version 5.4
Spatial Audio: Available for immersive listening
Ultra-Low Latency Gaming Mode: Great for gamers
Audio Codecs: AAC (Apple) and Hi-Res Wireless Audio with LDAC (Android)

The specs are impressive for a headphone at this price. But what do they mean in everyday use? It largely depends on your phone.

For iPhone Users: iPhones don't support LDAC, so you'll be using AAC. That's fine — AAC is still a step up from standard MP3, and the Sonoflow Pro sounds great on iPhone. Don't let the lack of LDAC put you off.

For Android Users: The Sonoflow Pro shines on Android with LDAC support. If your streaming service offers it — Tidal, Amazon Music Unlimited, Deezer, Qobuz, and Apple Music on Android all do — you'll get noticeably higher quality wireless audio.

Spatial Audio: Works with both iPhone and Android if your streaming service supports it. Personally, I'm not the biggest fan — some remixes don't always sound right — but it's there if you want it.

Sound Quality

This is where the 1More Sonoflow Pro really delivers. The sound quality is fantastic — warm and well-balanced, enjoyable across a wide range of genres. It may not quite reach the level of Sony or Bose, but it's not far behind. For the price, that's genuinely impressive.

The Active Noise Cancellation is effective — a clear step up from the original Sonoflow. The transparency mode is equally good, letting you hear your surroundings when needed. Sound remains clear with no noticeable distortion even at higher volumes. Watching YouTube or Netflix, there's no noticeable delay.

Using the 1More app, you can choose from 12 studio-grade equalizer profiles or manually adjust the EQ to your taste. I've tested the Sonoflow Pro side-by-side with the standard Sonoflow, and the Pro model definitely sounds clearer with improved noise cancellation.

Nearly two years later, the sound quality hasn't degraded. These have held up remarkably well.

How They Compare: 1More Sonoflow Pro vs TOZO HT3

I've also tested the TOZO HT3 extensively — another budget ANC headphone that competes in the same price range.

The TOZO HT3 has a slight edge on comfort — those earpads are exceptionally soft. The 1More Sonoflow Pro counters with better sound refinement, longer battery life, and a more mature tuning. The TOZO feels like a very good budget headphone. The 1More feels closer to a mid-range headphone at a budget price.

Both support LDAC on Android. Both have solid ANC. The 1More wins on overall audio quality and battery endurance. The TOZO wins on long-wear comfort. If sound is your priority, go 1More. If comfort matters most, the TOZO is the more forgiving fit.

Pros and Cons

The Good

•Warm, well-balanced sound with excellent clarity
•Outstanding battery life — up to 100 hours
•USB-C fast charging — 5 minutes for 10 hours
•Solid ANC — a clear improvement over the original
•LDAC support for Android users
•Still going strong after nearly two years

The Not So Good

•Almost identical design to the standard Sonoflow
•Carrying case is actually worse than the original
•No LDAC on iPhone — limited to AAC

Final Thoughts

The 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 is still a winner, nearly two years after I first tested it. It looks great, sounds fantastic, and offers excellent battery life. The sleek design, comfortable fit, and impressive list of features make it a standout choice for anyone on a budget — or for those who don't want to spend over $250 on a pair of headphones.

The case is a minor downgrade from the original, and the design barely changed. But the improvements to sound quality and ANC are real. After all this time, mine are still going strong — and that says more than any first impression ever could.

If you're looking for budget ANC headphones that punch well above their weight, the Sonoflow Pro is still one of the best choices out there.

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51

Where to Buy

Check price on Amazon →

Why You Can Trust This Review

I spent over 20 years working in sound and lighting within the entertainment industry. I've been reviewing headphones, earbuds, and audio gear for over 12 years on Dapper & Groomed — always focusing on real-world use, not spec sheets.

I've been using the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 for nearly two years. This review is based on long-term daily use — music, streaming, calls — across both iPhone and Android. I bought the original Sonoflow myself. 1More sent me the Pro version for review, but all opinions are my own.

FAQ: 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51

No. iPhones don't support LDAC — you'll be using AAC. The good news is that AAC still sounds very good, and the Sonoflow Pro performs well on iPhone. But if you want the full high-resolution wireless experience, you'll need an Android phone with LDAC support.
After nearly two years of regular use, I haven't noticed any significant battery degradation. The 100-hour claimed battery life was always impressive, and even now I rarely think about charging them. The fast charging — 5 minutes for 10 hours — still works perfectly.
No — and at this price, it doesn't need to be. The ANC is very good for budget headphones, and it's a clear improvement over the original Sonoflow. It noticeably reduces background hum and chatter. But flagship Sony WH-1000XM series or Bose QuietComfort headphones are still in a different league for pure ANC performance.
The Pro has better ANC, slightly clearer sound, and LDAC support. The design is almost identical — which is a bit of a missed opportunity. The original's carrying case is actually better. If you own the original and you're happy with it, the upgrade isn't urgent. If you're buying new, the Pro is worth the small price difference.
Yes. At 246g, they're lightweight, and the ear cushions are softer than the original model. I've worn them for hours without discomfort. The padding on the headband helps distribute weight evenly.

My Youtube Video Review

About the author: I'm Jerome, founder of Dapper & Groomed. I've spent the past 13 years testing and reviewing fragrances, grooming products, and men's lifestyle gear on this blog and on my YouTube channel. My reviews are never approved or previewed by brands — just honest, real-world testing from a dad who's been at this since 2013.

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