Compare SonoFlow SE HQ31 Wireless Headphones vs Meze Audio 105 Silva Headphones

ANC is a real strength for the price. Most reviewers said it handles low-frequency noise very well and beats expectations for a budget model, even if it does not match Bose or Sony flagships. Mode control is flexible. Reviews repeatedly mention easy switching between ANC, transparency, and normal modes through the app or hardware button.

Android support looks strong. Reviewers specifically cited the Android app experience and LDAC activation on Android devices as working as expected.

The app is feature-rich but divisive. Several reviewers liked the EQ, firmware, and mode controls, while others complained about crashes, lag, ads, and rough translation.

Low-latency performance is generally solid. Reviewers who tested gaming or video playback reported little to no obvious lag, though one review found the mode made little audible difference.

Bass is usually described as punchy, warm, and enjoyable. It has enough emphasis for pop, hip-hop, and EDM, but it can also sound a bit overboosted depending on tuning and preset.

Bass is generally controlled and textured, with some listeners hearing a fuller, pillowy low end and others calling it restrained or dry compared with bassier alternatives. Sub-bass is present but not the main emphasis, so slam-heads may want more weight.

Battery life is one of the biggest reasons to buy these headphones. Nearly every review praised the 60 to 90 hour endurance as exceptional for the class.

Bluetooth performance is consistently reliable. Reviews noted fast pairing, stable connections, and good range with few complaints about dropouts.

Build quality lands above average for the price but not premium. Most reviewers found the plastic shell solid enough, while a few called the frame or hinges wobbly or plainly budget-grade.

Build quality is consistently described as excellent, with premium materials, tight assembly, and a refined feel. Several reviews highlight serviceability and long-term durability as part of the value proposition.

Hi-res playback support is a plus here. LDAC and high-res audio claims were repeatedly highlighted, though reviewers focused more on wireless playback than any dedicated DAC behavior.

Physical controls work, but they are not especially intuitive. The biggest complaint is the reversed track-skip behavior on the volume rocker, even though button feel itself is usually decent.

The included cable is a weak point. Reviews that mentioned it called the USB cable very short and more utilitarian than convenient.

Cable impressions are mixed: many find the stock cable sturdy and functional, but some report microphonics or less-than-ideal ergonomics, and several note the lack of a balanced stock option.

Accessory protection is minimal. Multiple reviews specifically noted that no carrying case or pouch is included.

The included hard/semi-hard case is widely praised as well-made and protective, with room for cables/adapters and a secure zipper. It supports storage and occasional transport effectively.

Charging performance is very good. USB-C, fast-charge support, and short top-ups that return hours of listening time were all praised.

Clamp force is one of the main comfort complaints. Some users liked the secure fit, but several found the pressure too tight for longer sessions.

Clamp force is generally described as moderate and well-distributed, supporting stability without obvious pain. A handful of impressions mention the clamp feeling a bit tight out of the box, with minor adjustment/break-in helping.

Codec support is excellent for the price. LDAC is widely mentioned, and one review also listed SBC and AAC alongside it.

Long-session comfort is mixed. Some reviewers wore them for hours without issue, while others reported fatigue from clamp, heat buildup, or overall heft.

Comfort is a consistent strength: the self-adjusting suspension design and soft pads enable long listening sessions for most people. A few note fit quirks (small cups for some ears or clamp that starts slightly tight).

The design is simple and modern but not especially luxurious. Color options and clean styling help, though several reviews still described the look as plainly budget-oriented.

Design is a standout, with walnut accents and Meze’s mid-century styling repeatedly called premium-looking and distinctive. Even critics of the tuning tend to praise the aesthetics and finish quality.

Wired use adds some flexibility, but convenience is limited. Reviews mention USB-C wired mode rather than a normal 3.5mm setup, and the cable situation is not ideal.

The detachable dual 3.5mm system is convenient for replacement, yet recessed/narrow connector sizing can limit third-party cable compatibility compared with more universal designs. Connection security itself is generally praised.

The included USB-C DAC dongle/adapter is viewed as a nice convenience for modern devices, generally adequate for casual listening. Enthusiast reviewers still expect better performance from dedicated DAC/amps.

Padding quality is mostly a plus. Reviewers frequently described the ear pads as soft and pleasant, even when other fit-related comfort issues remained.

Velour/suede pads are commonly described as plush, breathable, and comfortable, helping distribute pressure and avoid hotspots. Some users wish for a touch more ear room, but pad comfort is still rated highly.

The earcups rotate or lie flat, which helps both neck comfort and storage. Reviewers who mentioned it saw this as a useful portability feature.

Cup articulation is generally sufficient for a good seal/fit, with tilt helping the pads conform, though some describe movement as limited compared with more freely articulating designs.

EQ control is a strong feature. The app offers multiple presets and, in several reviews, a custom EQ that makes it easier to tune the sound to taste.

Frequency balance is not especially accurate. Reviewers often heard boosted bass, dipped mids, or sharp or rolled-off treble, although a few still found the overall tuning enjoyable.

Tonality is often described as balanced or smooth rather than strictly neutral, with a coherent frequency integration that avoids obvious bloat. Some characterize it as tastefully colored (warm-bright/W-shaped) rather than reference-flat.

Headband adjustment appears adequate. Reviews that mentioned sizing said the extenders allow a workable fit for larger heads.

The auto/self-adjusting headband system is repeatedly singled out as one of the best parts of the design, requiring little to no fiddling while spreading pressure evenly. It also helps with consistent fit and comfort over time.

Hinge confidence is limited. The only detailed hinge-related comment described the cups and hinge area as too wobbly.

Build discussions suggest robust hinges and a durable chassis, with spring-steel structures and solid joints expected to hold up well over years of use.

The box contents are basic. Most reviews mention only the headphones, a short USB cable, and documentation, with no premium extras.

Accessories are generally seen as generous for the price: a protective case, cables, and adapters (often including USB-C). The main recurring complaint is the absence of a balanced cable in the box.

Instrument separation is decent rather than standout. One detailed review noted that the headphones can organize detail well enough to keep recordings coherent and not overly congested.

Instrument separation and imaging are widely regarded as excellent for the price, helping complex mixes stay organized and making positional cues easy to track. Even reviewers who nitpick tuning tend to credit the Silva’s placement and delineation.

The built-in mic is usable and often better than expected for the price. Call performance ranges from merely okay in quieter spaces to impressively clear in stronger reviews.

LDAC support is one of the model’s biggest spec advantages. It is repeatedly cited as a rare feature at this price.

Maximum loudness is not a strength. The few reviews that addressed it described limited headroom or some distortion concerns rather than effortless clarity at high volume.

When pushed louder, reviewers who mention it report the presentation staying composed, with bass and treble control holding together without obvious strain.

Noise reduction for calls is mixed but often effective. Some reviewers praised the dual-mic ENC for cutting traffic and wind, while others said voices could still sound distant in noise.

Call quality is better than expected overall. The strongest reviews praised clear, loud voice pickup, but a few others found performance only acceptable in quiet environments.

Midrange clarity is uneven. Vocals can sound forward and engaging, yet several reviewers also heard recessed or coarse mids depending on tuning and preset.

Midrange is a highlight for many, with clear, forward vocals/instruments and an overall transparent character. A few note that certain vocal ranges can sound a bit thin, scooped, or pushed depending on recording and pairing.

Cross-platform use appears strong. One review specifically praised smooth switching between iOS, macOS, and Android devices.

Reviewers frequently describe good compatibility across sources (phones with dongles, laptops, DAPs, and desktop amps), helped by easy drivability. Some note it scales with source quality and can reveal harshness from poor gear.

Multipoint works well when used. Reviewers who tested dual-device pairing generally described switching as fast and seamless.

Passive isolation is respectable but not perfect. The seal is good enough for everyday use, though fit and cup size can limit isolation for some listeners.

As open-backs, passive isolation is low and sound leakage is expected; a couple of reviewers note mild attenuation compared to very open designs, but these are still best for quiet rooms.

Portability is a plus. Several reviews highlighted folding or flat-laying earcups that make the headphones easier to carry around.

Portability is mixed: they’re easy to drive and include a protective case, but the open-back design and size make them better suited to home or quiet environments than true travel/commute use.

The preset EQs are mostly useful. Reviewers liked having many options, though some felt only a subset of the presets were genuinely worthwhile.

Where discussed, earpads are replaceable and intended for long-term ownership, with guides or documentation supporting pad swaps and maintenance.

Sensor extras are very limited. One review explicitly noted the lack of wear detection or similar smart convenience features.

The matte finish appears to resist fingerprints well. Smudge resistance was only mentioned once, but it was a positive note.

Setup and software experience depend heavily on the reviewer. Some found pairing and app navigation easy, while others ran into buggy behavior and needed restarts.

Overall sound quality is good for the money, not for purists. Most reviewers found the tuning enjoyable and competitive at the price, but several also wanted more refinement and realism.

Across reviews, the 105 Silva is described as an engaging open-back with a premium “Meze” presentation: natural timbre, strong technicalities for the price, and a tuning that favors musical enjoyment over strict neutrality. A minority find the voicing less competitive on pure sound-per-dollar versus cheaper rivals without EQ.

Soundstage is better than expected for a cheap ANC headphone, especially with spatial audio on. Still, some reviewers found it only average or even narrow.

Soundstage impressions vary: some describe it as expansive, airy, and three-dimensional, while others find it only moderately wide or a touch narrow with limited depth/layering. Imaging is commonly cited as more consistent than sheer stage size.

Spatial audio is a pleasant bonus rather than a headline feature. Most reviews found it adds width or fullness, but it is not treated as a true premium immersive implementation.

Fit stability is acceptable but not perfect. A secure clamp helps for normal use, though one review noted slipping during gym bench work.

Fit stability is usually strong thanks to moderate clamp and the suspension design, with reports of little slippage and secure positioning. One review flags potential fit issues for smaller heads due to the frame geometry.

Sustainability is repeatedly tied to Meze’s serviceable approach: parts can be replaced rather than discarding the headphone, supporting longevity and repairability over time.

Transparency mode is a standout feature. Many reviewers said it sounds unusually natural and useful for conversations, outdoor awareness, and quick check-ins with the environment.

Treble performance is mixed. Some reviews heard decent clarity, while others called the top end rolled off, sharp, or less refined than competitors.

Treble is typically praised for clarity and refinement, but several reviews note peaks/extra air that can sound a little spicy, sizzly, or less forgiving on bright or compressed tracks. Others hear it as smooth and well-balanced for long sessions.

USB-C support is a clear convenience win. It is consistently mentioned for charging, and several reviews also tie it to wired operation.

USB-C support comes via an included adapter/dongle, enabling plug-and-play use with phones and computers lacking a headphone jack. It’s positioned as convenience rather than a high-end solution.

Voice assistant support is solid where tested. Siri and Google Assistant were reported to respond accurately through the hardware controls.

Volume output is merely adequate. Reviews that mentioned loudness either wanted more headroom or said the headphones can get reasonably loud, but it is not a standout strength.

Multiple reviews call the 105 Silva very easy to drive (high sensitivity, modest impedance) and capable of reaching loud listening levels from phones, dongles, laptops, and DAPs. Higher-quality sources can still improve refinement and control.

Weight comfort is mixed. Some reviewers found them light enough for long wear, while others noticed the mass quickly and preferred lighter alternatives.

At roughly mid-300g, the Silva isn’t ultra-light, but reviewers frequently say it feels lighter on-head due to excellent weight distribution. Most report minimal fatigue from weight during extended sessions.