1More SonoFlow Pro Review

Our 1More Sono Flow Pro Headphones Experience

Budget seekers celebrate! These are the headphones you've been looking for. With a list price under $90 and sales often inching closer to $80, it is hard to complain about any feature or function on the SonoFlow Pro.

The calls using the SonoFlow are clear enough. We prefer them in quieter spaces with less competing background noise, but even on a busy subway platform, they work well enough, though we wouldn't want to talk for long. Voices start out strong, but as the background gets cluttered, especially with announcements, the headphones struggle to differentiate what should be heard.

We really loved the sound quality on this pair of headphones. While it isn't perfect or the best thing around, for the price, it is lovely and pleasant to listen to. Across the entire range and genres, we felt the mix was good and enjoyable, but the soundstage, while layered, lacks some detail. It doesn't sound wide, but there is enough space to avoid muddiness.

Our only complaint is that the app is nothing special and relatively lackluster. While it has a few customizable features, it lacks bells and whistles some users might be looking for. If you don't really use the apps that come with tech, we don't see this as a deal-breaker. We also had some trouble with the on-set controls not working well, and the on/off button must be held down for a millennium before responding. More than once, we thought we'd turned them off, only to find the battery had been draining while we weren't using them, or they paired with a device when we weren't wearing them, taking us out of meetings unexpectedly.

There are many similarities between the non-Pro Sonoflow (silver) and the Pro (black).   Credit: Matt Lighthart

It is nearly impossible to tell the original SonoFlow (silver) from the Pro version (blue/black) just by looking at them.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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Sound Quality

For cheaper headphones, the 1More packs a crazy punch with an enjoyable mix for most genres and a better soundstage than we expected for the price. While it can't stand with the big dogs, it can ride the wave behind them with a result that is better than average.

The 1More's soundstage has separation between layers, allowing us to differentiate the color and texture of the individual instruments, even if much of the detail was lost. The locations are fairly accurate; we could place them without strain, but not with pinpoint accuracy. It isn't particularly vast or give the sense of openness, but there is enough space for the layers to breathe. There is enough attention to location that a casual listener can enjoy most genres without feeling underserved.

The lows are somewhat boosted and better balanced than those of the bass-forward market. It captured our attention right away and never made us feel uncomfortable. The lows feel held back somewhat and mindful, never growing boomy or blown out. We can tell they gave attention to the mix, keeping it dramatic and exciting without becoming grossly disproportionate.

The mid ranges hold their own with the lows, and the vocals and instrumental leads sound fully present and developed with warm vibrancy. The vocals are natural and realistic across every genre we listened to, from hip-hop to classical. It manages to sound clear with distinctive separation between the voices. It can get cluttered when listening to dense tracks, but it does a good job of mostly avoiding this pitfall. Overall, they are open, warm, and vibrant.

The treble range avoids sounding tinny or keening. The highs are crisp and do not sound artificial or disorientingly fake like many budget contenders. While they aren't gloriously detailed, the highs hold their own against the mids and lows. It feels balanced and neutral. We didn't develop fatigue while listening. For the price, they sound marvelously elegant and refined. The level of detail and clarity we see in top performers is missing, but we enjoyed the smooth balance of the mix.

Comfort and Fit

The 1More are among the most comfortable headphones we've tested, with only a handful ranking higher.

We were able to wear them for up to 8 hours without discomfort. Even with glasses, we didn't notice any pressure points or pain from the clamping force on the glasses' arms.

The foam on the Pro is cushiony yet dense, and it feels good for up to 8 hours of consistent wear.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Pro (left) has slightly larger inner ear cups than the non-Pro SonoFlow (right), though the originals have a slightly larger ear cup overall.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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We liked how plush and soft the earpads were. While our ears touched the interior of the earcup, the fabric was soft enough that it wasn't annoying, but it can make ears feel warm over time. The comfort level is similar to the non-Pro version, but the foam here feels denser in a supportive way, and the material is softer and smoother.

Noise Cancellation

The 1More doesn't offer life-altering noise cancellation, but it does block enough noise to help limit distractions and keep the outside world at bay.

The Pro is a step above the non-Pro option, and in its price range, nothing else comes close. It even outperforms a few higher-end models that focus more on sound quality than noise cancellation.

Overall, the 1More blocks about 26 decibels on average. Most of its power is in the higher ranges, but there is still an equal balance between the mids and bass. Human voices are significantly muffled, and typing sounds are almost non-existent. Higher-pitched microwave beeps still come through, but the drone of the treadmill disappears. While it doesn't match those of the big dogs in the group, it is still pretty impressive and noteworthy.

Ease of Use

Controls

The buttons on the headphones control everything, which is nice, so you don't need your device for general control. The buttons all feel similar, making it more challenging to tell them apart without significant practice, but we suspect that if you use them daily, it will feel less like trial and error. The power button is the real drag as it requires a prolonged depression to work. While we understand that extended pressing helps prevent accidental on/off situations, the length of time spent pressing down feels protracted in a way that feels unnecessary, and sometimes we thought we'd achieved it when we hadn't. Extra care needs to be taken to ensure you do it correctly to conserve battery life.

Customization

The app allows you to switch between active noise cancellation modes, offers several equalization (EQ) maps, including the ability to customize your own, and a dual-device mode that 1More is still calling experimental after at least 3 years on the app. While we'd like to see features like a locator or an ANC slide adjustment, the basic needs are met, and the app is straightforward and uncluttered. Hearthrough mode is a little loud and artificial, and any nearby white-noise maker (air filter or heater) ends up giving it a constant whir.

Battery

The 1More battery life is 65, which is one of the longest in the group. We suspect most listeners will be pleased with this length, and it will keep downtime to a minimum.

They do not have passive playback, SO you can't plug them in to keep listening when the battery dies. We don't think this is necessarily a deal breaker, given the long battery life, but it could matter to some.

Call Quality

Making calls with the 1More Pro is about the same as the non-Pro version; it is better than average, but wouldn't be our choice if that is a primary reason you are getting wireless headphones. However, they do offer some of the best call clarity for the price.

In a busy office, voices are crisp and project well. While we can hear typing, the voices are center stage without bleeding into background sounds. Occasionally, we heard what sounded like rubbing or buzzing, but it wasn't enough to disrupt the call and was not consistent.