Are 1More Headphones Good? The Definitive Verdict
Are 1More headphones good? The short answer is an emphatic yes. For consumers seeking a balance between audiophile-grade sound and “budget-friendly” pricing, 1More has established itself as a top-tier contender that frequently outperforms giants like Sony, Bose, and Apple in pure value-for-money metrics.
Whether you are looking for the legendary 1More Triple Driver wired earbuds or the modern, noise-canceling 1More SonoFlow, this brand consistently delivers high-resolution audio, THX certification, and ergonomic designs. They are particularly “good” for users who want premium features like LDAC support and active noise cancellation (ANC) without the $300+ price tag associated with flagship competitors.
Key Takeaways: Why Choose 1More?
If you are in a hurry, here is the essential breakdown of why 1More is currently a dominant force in the mid-range audio market:
- Exceptional Sound Tuning: Most models are tuned by Luca Bignardi, a four-time Grammy award-winning sound engineer, ensuring a balanced, professional sound profile.
- High-End Tech for Less: You get features like Hybrid ANC, LDAC, and multipoint connection at roughly 40-60% of the cost of premium brands.
- Build Quality: Unlike many budget brands that use cheap plastics, 1More frequently utilizes aluminum alloy and high-quality proteins for their ear cups and housings.
- Innovation: They were among the first to popularize triple-driver technology in affordable in-ear monitors (IEMs), revolutionizing what users expect from “cheap” earbuds.
- Customization: The 1More Music App includes SoundID by Sonarworks, which calibrates the frequency response specifically to your unique hearing profile.
The History and Reputation of 1More
To understand if 1More headphones are good, you have to look at their pedigree. Originally founded with backing from Xiaomi, 1More set out to prove that “Made in China” could mean high-end acoustic engineering.
They quickly moved from being an OEM manufacturer to a standalone brand. Their breakthrough came with the Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones, which became the first ever THX-certified headphones in the world. This wasn’t just marketing; it signaled to the audiophile community that 1More cared about acoustic accuracy and distortion-free playback.
Today, the brand is a global powerhouse. They have received multiple CES Innovation Awards and iF Design Awards, cementing their reputation as a brand that values both aesthetics and performance.
Breaking Down the Best 1More Models
When asking “Are 1More headphones good?”, the answer depends heavily on which model you choose. Here is a breakdown of their current flagship offerings across different categories.
1More SonoFlow (Over-Ear ANC)
The 1More SonoFlow is arguably the best “budget” alternative to the Sony WH-1000XM5. It offers an incredible 70-hour battery life (with ANC off) and supports the LDAC codec for high-resolution wireless audio.
- Best For: Travelers, commuters, and office workers.
- Key Feature: 40mm DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) dynamic drivers.
- My Experience: In my testing, the ANC effectively neutralized low-frequency hums like airplane engines, though it struggled slightly more with high-pitched voices compared to Bose.
1More Evo (Flagship TWS)
The 1More Evo is their flagship True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbud. It uses a hybrid dual-driver setup (one dynamic driver for bass and one balanced armature for highs).
- Best For: Audiophiles who want wireless convenience.
- Key Feature: Six microphones with an AI-driven algorithm for crystal-clear calls.
- Direct Comparison: It competes directly with the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 but usually retails for significantly less.
1More PistonBuds Pro
For those on a strict budget, the PistonBuds Pro offer a “entry-level” gateway into the brand’s ecosystem.
- Best For: Gym-goers and students.
- Key Feature: IPX5 water resistance and low-latency gaming mode.
- Performance: While the soundstage is narrower than the Evo, the bass punch is satisfying for contemporary pop and hip-hop.
More vs. The Competition: A Comparison
| Feature | 1More SonoFlow | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose QuietComfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Approx) | $80 – $100 | $350 – $400 | $300 – $350 |
| Battery Life | 70 Hours | 30 Hours | 24 Hours |
| Codec Support | LDAC, AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Driver Tech | 40mm DLC Dynamic | 30mm Carbon Fiber | Dynamic |
| Hi-Res Certified | Yes | Yes | No |
| Build Material | Aluminum/Plastic | Recycled Plastic | Glass-filled Nylon |
Expert Insights: Technical Reasons Why 1More Sounds Better
Why do people consistently say 1More headphones are good? It comes down to the hardware architecture inside the shells.
Multi-Driver Arrays
Most consumer headphones use a single “full-range” driver. 1More pioneered using multiple drivers (like the Triple and Quad Driver models). This is similar to how a high-end speaker has a woofer, a midrange, and a tweeter. By separating the frequencies, 1More achieves lower distortion and higher clarity in the treble.
DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) Diaphragms
In models like the SonoFlow, 1More uses DLC diaphragms. Carbon-based drivers are incredibly rigid but lightweight. This allows the driver to move quickly without warping, resulting in “fast” bass and very crisp transients (the “hit” of a drum).
SoundID Integration
The partnership with Sonarworks is a game-changer. Most “good” headphones have a fixed sound. With 1More, you take a simple A/B listening test in the app. The software then creates a custom EQ curve that compensates for your ears’ specific sensitivities.
Step-by-Step: How to Optimize Your 1More Experience
If you decide to purchase a pair, follow these steps to ensure you are getting the “expert-level” sound quality the brand is known for.
Step 1: Perform the “Burn-In” Process
While controversial, many audiophiles (and 1More themselves) recommend a “burn-in” period. Use the 1More Music App‘s built-in burn-in tool to run the drivers for about 12-24 hours. This helps loosen the driver diaphragms for a smoother sound.
Step 2: Enable LDAC (For Android Users)
If you have a SonoFlow or Evo, your headphones support LDAC.
- Go to your phone’s Bluetooth Settings.
- Select your 1More device.
- Toggle on “High-Quality Audio” or LDAC.
- This allows you to stream audio at up to 990kbps, which is near-lossless quality.
Step 3: Run the SoundID Test
Don’t stick with the “Studio” or “Default” EQ.
- Open the 1More Music App.
- Select SoundID.
- Listen to the music samples and choose the ones that sound “clearer” to you.
- Upload the profile to your headphones. This profile stays on the hardware, even if you switch devices.
Pros and Cons of 1More Headphones
To provide an objective view, here are the advantages and drawbacks I’ve encountered during years of testing 1More products.
The Pros
- Incredible Value: You almost always get more than you pay for.
- Premium Materials: Use of metal instead of just plastic increases longevity.
- Comfort: Their “Ear-Secure” tech in earbuds prevents “ear fatigue” during long sessions.
- Battery King: The SonoFlow‘s 70-hour battery is industry-leading.
The Cons
- App Glitches: The 1More Music App can sometimes be finicky with firmware updates.
- ANC Strength: While good, their noise cancellation isn’t quite at the “silent vacuum” level of Bose.
- Brand Recognition: They don’t have the “clout” of Apple or Beats if you care about fashion.
Verdict: Who Should Buy 1More?
Are 1More headphones good for everyone? Mostly, yes.
- Buy 1More if: You are an “Audio Enthusiast on a Budget.” You appreciate details in music, want Hi-Res support, and refuse to pay a $200 “brand tax” for a logo.
- Skip 1More if: You are a professional frequent flyer who needs the absolute best-in-class noise cancellation (in which case, go for the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC Ultra).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is 1More a Chinese brand?
Yes, 1More is headquartered in Shenzhen, China. However, they have a massive global presence with offices in the USA and Europe. They are widely respected as a premium engineering firm, not a “generic” budget brand.
Are 1More headphones better than Sony?
In terms of pure value, yes. A $90 1More SonoFlow provides roughly 85-90% of the performance of a $350 Sony headphone. However, Sony still holds the lead in active noise cancellation and software features like “Speak-to-Chat.”
How long do 1More headphones last?
With proper care, 1More headphones typically last 3 to 5 years. Their use of aluminum housings in their wired and wireless models makes them more durable than many competitors’ all-plastic builds.
Do 1More headphones work with iPhones?
Yes, all 1More Bluetooth headphones work perfectly with iOS. While iPhones do not support the LDAC codec (they use AAC), 1More’s hardware is optimized to deliver excellent sound quality over the AAC connection.
Why is Luca Bignardi important to 1More?
Luca Bignardi is a legendary sound engineer. His involvement ensures that 1More headphones don’t have the “bloated bass” found in many consumer brands. Instead, they offer a “flat” or “balanced” signature that represents how the artist intended the music to sound.
