Review: 1More SonoFlow Headphones - Exceptional Value for Money in 2024
Hi there.
Recently, 1More contacted me and sent me the SonoFlow Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Headphones for review purposes. Listening to music is a big part of my daily life. I have the Google Pixel Buds Pro and the Sony 1000MX2, so I'm familiar with high-quality audio devices. At home, we use a Spotify family plan because the kids love it, but for my personal listening, I prefer Hi-Res music on Qobuz or Amazon Music Unlimited. Sorry, I don't have Apple Music as I really dislike the app!
What's in the Box and Build Quality
The 1More SonoFlow comes in a sturdy box featuring a picture of the headphones and detailed information about them. Inside the box, you will find a carry case, which is a bonus at this price point, alongside the headphones. The package includes a USB-C charging cable and a jack adapter.
Upon first look, the headphones appear and feel great. While they are primarily made of plastic, the quality is impressive. The top of the headband has a faux leather finish with the 1More logo, adding a touch of elegance. Both sides of the headphones feature the 1More logo, enhancing their aesthetic appeal.
The right ear cup houses all the controls: power, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), volume up and down, and the jack port. The left ear cup contains the USB charging port. The padding on the ear cups is soft and comfortable, ensuring a pleasant listening experience over long periods. The black and grey color scheme is stylish, and the overall build quality leaves a fantastic impression. Additionally, the headphones are not too heavy, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods.
The buttons on the headphones feel tactile and responsive, adding to the overall user experience. The included carry case is also high quality, reminiscent of the case for my Sony 1000MX2, providing excellent protection for the headphones during travel.
Hi-Res Audio Wireless and LDAC Codec Explained
The SonoFlow by 1More promises Hi-Res Audio Wireless with support for the LDAC codec, a feature that sets it apart from many other headphones. Hi-Res Audio, short for High-Resolution Audio, refers to audio files that offer higher sampling rates and bit depth than CD quality, resulting in richer and more detailed sound.
Hi-Res Audio and CD Quality
CD quality audio, often referred to as "lossless," means that the audio data is compressed without any loss of information, maintaining the original quality of the recording. Hi-Res Audio takes this a step further by providing even greater detail and clarity. This is achieved through higher sampling rates (e.g., 96 kHz or 192 kHz) and bit depths (e.g., 24-bit), compared to CD quality, which is 44.1 kHz and 16-bit.
LDAC Codec
LDAC is a proprietary codec developed by Sony, allowing the transmission of Hi-Res Audio over Bluetooth connections. It supports data transfer rates up to 990 kbps, significantly higher than standard Bluetooth codecs like SBC (Subband Coding) and AAC (Advanced Audio Codec). This higher bitrate enables LDAC to deliver near-lossless audio quality, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles.
Compatibility and Performance
It's important to note that LDAC codec support is primarily available on Android devices, as Apple currently does not support LDAC. This means that while the SonoFlow headphones will still sound excellent on an iPhone, the full potential of Hi-Res Audio Wireless can only be experienced on Android phones.
Listening Experience on Different Devices
Despite the limitation on iPhones, the SonoFlow headphones still deliver an incredible audio experience on all devices. However, for those seeking the highest quality audio, Android phones paired with LDAC-enabled headphones like the SonoFlow provide a superior listening experience due to the enhanced bitrate and reduced audio compression. This makes them a great choice for those who value top-notch audio performance.
Wired Connection and macOS Compatibility
If you have a newer Mac from 2022 onwards, you can enjoy up to 96,000 Hz Hi-Res Audio using the jack connector from the SonoFlow to your Mac's audio jack. To achieve this, check the Audio MIDI Setup on your Mac and change the sample rate to 96,000 Hz. Then, use Chrome (not Safari) to connect to Amazon Music Unlimited, for example. The quality is significantly better, allowing you to enjoy Ultra HD audio. However, you need to connect through a wired connection and use Chrome for the best experience. Oh Apple...
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency Mode
Difference Between ANC and Transparency Mode
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency Mode are two key features that enhance the listening experience in different ways. ANC uses microphones and speakers to reduce ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your music or calls without external distractions. It is particularly effective in noisy environments like airports, public transport, or busy streets.
Transparency Mode, on the other hand, allows you to hear external sounds without removing your headphones. This feature is useful when you need to stay aware of your surroundings, such as when crossing the street or having a quick conversation.
Activating ANC and Transparency Mode
The SonoFlow headphones make it easy to switch between ANC and Transparency Mode. You can activate these modes directly on the headphones using the dedicated ANC button on the right ear cup. A simple press of the button toggles between ANC, Transparency Mode, and standard listening mode.
Additionally, these modes can be activated and customized through the 1More app. The app offers a convenient way to manage these features, allowing you to tailor the noise-cancelling levels and Transparency Mode settings to your preference.
Performance of ANC on SonoFlow
Personally, I find the ANC performance on the SonoFlow headphones to be outstanding, especially at this price point. While premium brands like Sony or Bose may offer slightly better noise-cancelling experiences, the SonoFlow holds its own remarkably well. It effectively reduces background noise, making it a great choice for budget-conscious consumers who still want high-quality ANC.
In conclusion, the ANC and Transparency Mode on the SonoFlow headphones are impressive features that significantly enhance the overall user experience. The ability to easily switch between these modes on both the headphones and the app adds to their convenience and usability
Battery Life
1More's Promises
1More promises impressive battery life for the SonoFlow headphones. According to their specifications, the headphones can last up to 50 hours on a single charge with ANC turned off, and up to 20 hours with ANC activated. This extended battery life ensures you can enjoy your music for prolonged periods without the need for frequent recharging.
Charging with USB-C
Charging the SonoFlow headphones is straightforward and convenient with the included USB-C cable. USB-C is a modern standard that offers faster charging times and a more reliable connection. Simply plug the cable into the USB-C port on the left ear cup, and you'll have the headphones ready to go in no time.
Personal Experience with Battery Life
In my experience, the battery life of the SonoFlow headphones almost matches 1More's promises. I've found that the headphones consistently provide long listening times, even with ANC turned on. The convenience of quick and efficient charging with the USB-C cable further enhances the overall user experience. Whether I'm using them for daily commutes, long work sessions, or extended travel, the battery life has proven to be reliable and satisfactory.
Overall, the combination of long battery life and easy charging makes the SonoFlow headphones a practical choice for anyone seeking dependable wireless headphones.
App Experience
Often, apps designed to control headphones can be clunky and frustrating to use, as seen with some recent issues with SONOS. However, I am very impressed with the 1More app. The app features a clean design, making it easy to control your SonoFlow headphones.
User-Friendly Interface
The app allows you to easily choose between listening modes: ANC, Transparent, or simply Off. The interface is intuitive, making it straightforward to navigate and adjust settings.
Equalizer Settings
One of the standout features of the app is the great selection of equalizer presets. You can also customize your own EQ settings to match your personal audio preferences.
Software Updates and Quick Guide
Updating the headphones' software is seamless, as it can be done directly through the app. Additionally, the Quick Guide Product feature is very useful, providing easy-to-follow instructions for various functionalities.
Soothing Sounds
The 1More music app also offers a selection of soothing sounds, which is a nice touch for relaxation or focus.
Overall Experience
To be honest, I am really impressed with the app quality. It's a refreshing change from other brands that often offer subpar apps with poor design. The 1More app enhances the overall user experience, making the SonoFlow headphones even more enjoyable to use.
User Controls
The SonoFlow headphones feature intuitive touch controls for easy navigation. To go to the previous track, touch and hold the volume up button. For the next track, touch and hold the volume down button. You can answer and hang up calls with a single tap on the power button. These controls are responsive and make managing your music and calls straightforward.
Personal Experience
Having a great pair of headphones is important to me—they need to be comfortable and offer excellent sound quality. The SonoFlow from 1More has met all my expectations. They've even replaced my Sony 1000MX2 because I find the SonoFlow more comfortable. There are many things to love about these headphones, and the most surprising is that they cost less than £100 or $100. This proves that great technology doesn't have to be expensive.
Honestly, I am really happy with them and highly recommend them. If you want a great pair of headphones at an unbeatable price, go for the SonoFlow. You won't be disappointed.
Streaming Services for High-Quality Music
To fully appreciate the Hi-Res Audio capabilities of the SonoFlow headphones, it's important to use high-quality streaming services. Spotify, while popular, does not offer the best audio quality. For superior sound, consider using services like Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, Tidal, Deezer, or Qobuz. Qobuz, in particular, is known for its excellent Hi-Res music library.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 1More SonoFlow Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Headphones are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for high-quality audio at an affordable price. They offer impressive features like Hi-Res Audio Wireless with LDAC, effective ANC, a comfortable design, and long battery life. While iPhone users may not fully benefit from the LDAC codec, Android users will find these headphones to be a great addition to their audio arsenal. Overall, I highly recommend the SonoFlow headphones, and I'm extremely satisfied with their performance.
Jerome.
(Disclaimer: I received these headphones for review purposes, but my opinions are solely my own.)
