When shopping for budget-friendly over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC), the 1More SonoFlow SE and the Soundcore Q20i are two popular options.
Both offer impressive features at affordable price points, but which one is the better choice for you?
Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of these two headphones to help you make an informed decision.
Also see: 1MORE SonoFlow Vs Soundcore Space Q45: Which Should You Buy?
1More SonoFlow SE vs Soundcore Q20i: Specs Comparison
| Specification | 1More SonoFlow SE | Soundcore Q20i |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54.99 | $49.99 |
| Battery Life | 70 hours (ANC off) 50 hours (ANC on) | 40 hours (ANC on) |
| Fast Charging | 5 min charge = 5 hours playback | 5 min charge = 4 hours playback |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Hi-Res Audio | No | Yes (wired mode) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | No | Yes |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 16 ohms |
| Foldable Design | Yes | Yes |
| App Support | Yes | Yes |
| Custom EQ | Yes (10-band) | Yes (8-band) |
| Dual Device Connection | Yes | No |
| Carrying Case | No | Yes |
1More SonoFlow SE vs Soundcore Q20i: Detailed Comparison
Design and Build Quality
The 1More SonoFlow SE sports a sleek and minimalist design. The headphones feature a metal headband with the 1More logo embossed on top. The ear cups rotate and fold inwards for compact storage, though they don’t come with a carrying case. The build quality feels solid, with stiff hinges that inspire confidence in their durability.
The Soundcore Q20i has a slightly bulkier design compared to the SonoFlow SE. It features larger ear cups and a thicker headband. The Q20i also folds for storage, but the mechanism feels a bit looser than the SonoFlow SE. Soundcore has placed their logo prominently on both the headband and ear cups.
Winner: 1More SonoFlow SE – Its sleeker design and tighter folding mechanism give it a slight edge in this category.
Comfort and Fit
The SonoFlow SE offers decent comfort with soft ear cushions, though some users might find them a touch firmer than ideal. The headband has good padding, and the overall weight distribution is well-balanced. One potential drawback is the limited range of adjustment in the headband, which could be an issue for those with larger heads.
The Q20i excels in the comfort department. It features plush ear cushions and a well-padded headband. The larger ear cups provide a more encompassing fit that many users find comfortable for extended listening sessions. Additionally, the headband offers a wider range of adjustment to accommodate various head sizes.
Winner: Soundcore Q20i – The more generous padding and greater adjustability make it the more comfortable option for most users.
Sound Quality
The SonoFlow SE delivers a well-balanced sound signature out of the box. Bass is present but not overpowering, mids are clear, and highs are crisp without being harsh. The soundstage is reasonably wide for closed-back headphones. While it doesn’t offer Hi-Res audio certification, the overall sound quality is impressive for its price range.
The Q20i leans towards a more bass-heavy sound profile, which may appeal to fans of genres like hip-hop and EDM. Mids and highs are still well-represented, but the emphasis is definitely on the low end. One advantage of the Q20i is its support for Hi-Res Audio when used with the included 3.5mm cable.
Winner: Tie – This largely comes down to personal preference. The SonoFlow SE offers a more balanced sound, while the Q20i caters to bass lovers and offers Hi-Res Audio support.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Both headphones offer ANC functionality, which is impressive at this price point. In testing, the performance was quite similar between the two models. They both do a good job of reducing low-frequency ambient noise, such as the hum of air conditioning or the rumble of transportation. However, neither can compete with the ANC performance of more premium headphones.
Winner: Tie – Both offer comparable ANC performance for their price range.
Battery Life
The SonoFlow SE boasts an impressive battery life of up to 70 hours without ANC, or 50 hours with ANC enabled. It also features fast charging, providing 5 hours of playback from just a 5-minute charge.
The Q20i offers up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, which is still very good but falls short of the SonoFlow SE’s endurance.
Winner: 1More SonoFlow SE – Its significantly longer battery life gives it a clear advantage in this category.
Additional Features
1More SonoFlow SE
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Dual device connection
- Customizable EQ via companion app
- No 3.5mm audio jack
Soundcore Q20i
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- 3.5mm audio jack for wired listening
- Hi-Res Audio support (wired mode)
- Customizable EQ via companion app
Winner: Soundcore Q20i – The inclusion of a 3.5mm jack and Hi-Res Audio support give it more versatility.
Price and Availability
As of the time of writing, both headphones are priced very competitively, with the 1More SonoFlow SE typically retailing for around $54.99 and the Soundcore Q20i often found for $49.99. Both represent excellent value for the features they offer.
Winner: Tie – Both headphones offer a great set of features for their price point.
Best Deal:
SonoFlow SE: Check here
Soundcore Q20i: Check here
1More SonoFlow SE vs Soundcore Q20i: Which Should You Buy?
Choosing between the 1More SonoFlow SE and the Soundcore Q20i ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities:
Choose the 1More SonoFlow SE if:
- You prefer a more balanced sound signature
- Battery life is a top priority for you
- You value a sleeker, more minimalist design
Choose the Soundcore Q20i if:
- You enjoy bass-heavy sound
- Comfort for long listening sessions is crucial
- You want the option of wired listening and Hi-Res Audio support
Both headphones offer impressive value for their price points, delivering good sound quality, effective ANC, and useful features. Consider your specific needs and preferences when making your choice, and you’re likely to be satisfied with either option.
Remember to keep an eye out for sales, as both models frequently see discounts that can make them even more attractive purchases.
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
