# 1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51 Review: Exceptional Performance at an Affordable Price
**Android Central Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars**
1More has established itself as a brand that provides high-quality audio devices at reasonable prices, and the **SonoFlow Pro HQ51** headphones exemplify this. Emphasizing outstanding sound quality, reliable active noise cancellation (ANC), and remarkable battery longevity, these headphones represent a fantastic value. While they may not rival the flagship offerings from companies like Sony or Bose, they present a persuasive choice for budget-conscious consumers.
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## Pros:
– **Excellent sound performance**
– **Reliable ANC capabilities**
– **Incredibly comfortable for prolonged use**
– **Useful app support with customizable EQ**
– **Phenomenal battery life (up to 100 hours)**
– **Includes a protective case**
## Cons:
– **Wired playback disables all features**
– **Mediocre spatial audio experience**
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## Overview
The **1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51** headphones serve as a successor to the original SonoFlow, which were already recognized as top-tier noise-canceling options under $100. With the Pro HQ51, 1More has optimized the design and enhanced the audio quality while maintaining an affordable price. These over-ear headphones provide a comfortable fit, impressive battery performance, and a feature set that exceeds expectations for their price.
### Design and Comfort
The SonoFlow Pro HQ51 largely retains the design of its predecessor. With plush leather ear cushions and a memory foam headband, they are tremendously comfortable for extended listening. Their lightweight construction and thoughtfully designed hinges allow for a snug fit without discomfort, even during long sessions.
Though the design is not extravagant, the **black and blue color options** offer an understated aesthetic charm. The inner ear fabric, reminiscent of Louboutin’s iconic red, introduces a hint of style. However, the headphones do not possess an IP rating, indicating limited water resistance, making them less suitable for workouts or outdoor activities where sweat or rain might be a concern.
### Controls and Usability
The SonoFlow Pro HQ51 features physical buttons for all crucial controls. You can easily switch between ANC, transparency mode, and turning both off with the NC button. The volume controls are user-friendly, and the power button also functions as play/pause and call control. A double-press of the power button summons your phone’s voice assistant.
One drawback is that **wired playback disables all features**, including ANC and transparency mode. This is a disappointment, particularly since some other budget headphones retain partial functionality in wired mode.
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## Sound Quality
### Punching Above Their Weight
1More made ambitious claims about the SonoFlow Pro HQ51’s sound quality, especially regarding **total harmonic distortion (THD)**. While the company asserts that these headphones achieve lower THD than even Sony’s WH-1000XM5, the difference may be imperceptible to most listeners. However, the **40mm diamond-like carbon drivers** and **LDAC support** for high-resolution audio contribute to a commendable sound profile for the price.
The sound quality surpasses that of the original SonoFlow, offering a more balanced midrange that pairs well with robust bass and clear highs. Whether you’re enjoying high-res tracks from platforms like **Tidal** or **Amazon Music**, or more compressed audio from **Spotify**, the SonoFlow Pro HQ51 guarantees an enjoyable listening experience.
### Customizable EQ
The **1More app** provides a 10-band EQ with 12 presets, letting you adjust the sound to your preferences. The default “Studio” preset yields a flat curve, but you can explore customization options to enhance particular frequencies.
### ANC and Transparency
The active noise cancellation on the SonoFlow Pro HQ51 is commendable, especially for lower frequency noise. While it may not match the performance of premium models from Sony or Bose, it performs admirably within its price bracket. The snug fit of the ear cups also ensures excellent passive noise isolation, bolstering the overall ANC effectiveness.
Transparency mode functions adequately, although it might not stand out compared to its competitors. Nonetheless, it remains a practical option for hearing your environment without needing to remove the headphones.
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## Battery Life
One of the most remarkable features of the SonoFlow Pro HQ51 is its **incredible battery life**. With ANC turned off, the headphones can achieve up to **100 hours** on a single charge. Even with ANC activated, users can expect around **65 hours** of playback, which greatly surpasses most rivals.
In actual usage, the battery performance remains just as impressive. After several weeks of testing, I only needed to charge the headphones once. Even if you find yourself running low
