Punching Above Their Weight – 1More SonoFlow SE HQ31

The 1More SonoFlow SE HQ31 is a compelling entry in the competitive world of budget-friendly wireless headphones, offering a surprising array of features for its modest price. With active noise cancellation (ANC), a well-thought-out app, and solid battery life, the SonoFlow SE tries to punch above its weight. After spending a decent amount of time with these headphones, it’s clear that while there are some compromises, 1More has delivered a respectable product for casual listeners and budget-conscious buyers. At $49.99 (currently on sale for $39.99 as of April 2025) they will not break the bank. But do they punch above their weight? Let’s discuss. 

SonoFlow SE HQ31 At A Glance

• 90 hours of playback (35 hours with ANC)
• ANC and transparent modes
• iOS/Android app with 12 EQ presets
• Hi-Res Wireless Audio/LDAC
• 40mm titanium-coated drivers with composite dome-shaped diaphragms

Build Quality 

Right out of the box, the build quality makes a decent first impression. The headphones are primarily plastic, but not in a way that feels overly cheap or flimsy. The matte finish helps resist fingerprints, and the headband offers enough flexibility without feeling brittle. The earcups have a simple yet sleek design and rotate to lie flat, which makes them more portable and comfortable to wear around the neck when not in use. While they completely cover my ears, they are by no means large. This leads to an imperfect seal, but it’s not terrible. I do have large ears, so YMMV.

The padding on the earcups is surprisingly soft, with decent clamping force that balances stability and comfort during long listening sessions. That said, they don’t feel as premium as more expensive offerings, but they don’t feel like toy headphones either. For the price, the SonoFlow SE is well put together.

I did find that the earcups didn’t breathe well, so I found myself pulling them off every once in a while to dissipate some heat. I do that with most headphones, so it’s probably a defect with my head.

The clamping force was Goldilocks. Just enough to keep them firmly on my head, but not so tight that it was uncomfortable. They did tend to slide off my bean when I was lying on the bench at the gym. Again, I think that’s my head shape. I have yet to find a set of headphones that don’t do that. If I angled them slightly forward towards my forehead to offset the slide.

Features

One of the biggest selling points of the HQ31 is its active noise cancellation. The ANC here isn’t going to challenge the likes of high-end flagship models, but it does a decent job of reducing low-frequency ambient noise like the hum of air conditioning or distant traffic. It’s less effective with higher-frequency sounds—keyboard clicks, chatter, or sudden noises still come through—but the ANC is better than nothing and a welcome addition at this price point. There’s also a transparency mode, allowing external sound to come in when needed, which is useful when walking around or needing to be aware of your surroundings.

1More’s app adds another layer of polish and control to the experience. Available on both Android and iOS, the app is easy to navigate and allows users to toggle ANC modes, update firmware, and, most importantly, access a range of EQ presets. There are 12 EQ options developed by Sonarworks, covering everything from bass boost to vocal clarity. While you can’t create custom EQs, the presets offer enough variety to suit different genres and preferences. The app isn’t bloated and connects to the headphones without fuss, which isn’t always the case at this price range.

Battery Life

Battery life is another area where the SonoFlow SE performs admirably. 1More claims up to 90 hours of playback with ANC off, and around 35 hours with ANC on, which aligns reasonably well with real-world usage. These numbers mean you can get through a full workweek or several long trips on a single charge. USB-C charging is also a plus, with a full charge taking about 80 minutes and a quick 5-minute top-up providing several hours of playback. The headphones also support a wired connection, which is handy if the battery dies or you want to conserve power. But you have to bring your own cord for that one. 

Sound Quality

The SonoFlow SE delivers a surprisingly balanced and listenable experience. The tuning leans toward a consumer-friendly V-shape, with elevated bass and a bit of boost in the treble, but it avoids the overwhelming boominess or harsh highs that plague many budget headphones. The bass has enough presence to make hip-hop, pop, and EDM enjoyable without completely swallowing the mids. Vocals and instruments remain clear and reasonably detailed for the price, although more critical listeners might find the midrange slightly meh. Still, considering the cost, the sound quality is far better than expected, especially when paired with the right EQ preset. A quick sweep showed me that I started to pick up bass around the 40hz area, which confirmed my suspicions that these cans were designed to be a bit more bass-forward.

One thing that I didn’t expect was spatial audio. It wasn’t advertised, and I found that option buried in the menus. Now, before you think we have stumbled on a hidden gem for Dolby Atmos music, temper your expectations. The Spatial Audio feature does make the sound much more robust and pleasant. But it is not Dolby Atmos. It essentially gives the audio a fuller stereo soundstage. It’s 100% worth turning on, and I was very pleasantly surprised by how good it is.

One area where the SonoFlow SE slightly underwhelms is in call quality. Microphone performance is average—sufficient for short calls in quiet environments but not great in noisy areas. The noise suppression can sometimes make your voice sound distant or robotic to the person on the other end. This isn’t unusual in this price range, but worth noting if you plan to use them frequently for work or calls.

I mentioned that the ANC was decent but not mind-blowing. I spent about two weeks using these as my daily drivers testing them in many environments and situations. The ANC is good enough most of the time. But what do you expect for $49.99? For that price, it’s more than adequate and will make your gym or bus ride infinitely more bearable!

Value For Price

When evaluating overall value, it’s hard to argue with what 1More has put together in the SonoFlow SE HQ31. For a relatively low cost, you’re getting active noise cancellation, respectable sound, good battery life, app integration, and a comfortable build. That combination is still rare at this price point. It’s not a product aimed at audiophiles or power users. But for casual listeners, commuters, or students on a budget, the SonoFlow SE represents a well-balanced, high-value option.

Our Take

In the end, the 1More SonoFlow SE HQ31 isn’t perfect, but it nails the essentials while throwing in a few welcome extras. It proves that good wireless headphones with ANC don’t have to break the bank and that thoughtful design, decent sound, and solid battery life can come together in a package that’s easy to recommend to the right audience.

Verdict: AV Gadgets Approved