Compare SonoFlow SE HQ31 Wireless Headphones vs Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE 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.

ANC is generally rated as strong for the price and improved versus the original P100 in several comparisons, but most reviewers still stop short of calling it class-leading versus Sony or Bose. Reviewers note multiple ANC strength levels plus quick switching via button/app, making it easy to tailor noise reduction to the environment.

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.

The Melomania app is typically described as clean and functional for firmware, battery, ANC and EQ; the SE adds DynamEQ, and most find it easy to navigate.

aptX support (including Adaptive/Lossless where source devices allow) is consistently mentioned as a key differentiator at this price.

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.

Low-latency or gaming mode is mentioned as helpful for video and gaming, reducing perceived lip-sync issues to a generally acceptable level.

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 commonly described as impactful and powerful, especially with DynamEQ, but a few reviewers find it can get boomy or overpowering on the stock SE tuning and can vary by track.

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.

Across reviews, battery life is repeatedly described as class-leading and is often verified in real use: around 60 hours with ANC on and up to 100 hours with ANC off. The user-replaceable battery is repeatedly singled out as a big longevity and sustainability win, uncommon among mainstream ANC headphones.

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

Bluetooth connectivity is generally stable in daily use, though a few reports mention pairing friction when switching between the original P100 and the SE model.

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 repeatedly described as premium and sturdy for the price, with only occasional mentions of minor creaking.

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.

Physical button controls are consistently praised for being responsive and reliable, with clear mappings for playback, volume, ANC modes and assistant access.

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

Included cables are generally described as good quality and part of a well-considered accessory bundle.

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

The hard travel case is frequently described as sturdy and premium, with helpful cable storage, but it can be larger than rivals because the headphones do not fold especially small.

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

Fast charging is consistently highlighted as useful, with claims of a brief charge (around 5 minutes) delivering multiple hours of playback depending on ANC use.

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.

Clamping force is commonly described as well-judged or slightly reduced on the SE, though a few listeners still find the fit snug.

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

Codec support is repeatedly cited as a strength, with broad compatibility including aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless alongside standard Bluetooth codecs.

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 generally good and improved with the SE headband updates for some users, but weight and a sometimes-stiff headband cushion can create pressure over long sessions.

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 usually described as clean and upscale with a new blue option, but at least one reviewer finds the headband look wide or goofy when worn.

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.

Included wired options (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm) are viewed as convenient for travel and hi-res playback without relying on Bluetooth.

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

Earpads are described as plush and spacious with a good seal; a recurring minor note is that they can get warm during long listening.

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

Earcup rotation is frequently praised as flexible enough to lie flat and to fit a range of head shapes comfortably.

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.

EQ control is repeatedly called effective and highly responsive, enabling meaningful tuning changes; a minor recurring gripe is limited granularity/labeling of EQ steps.

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.

Tonal balance is often described as slightly warm rather than strictly neutral; DynamEQ and the SE retune can shift bass/treble balance, so accuracy depends on settings.

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

Adjustability is reported as sufficient for a range of head sizes, but comfort outcomes depend more on headband cushioning and weight distribution than on range.

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

Hinges and moving parts are generally viewed as robust, though a small number of users report slight creaks when moving around.

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

Included accessories are routinely noted as generous for the price, especially the hard case plus multiple cables and documentation.

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 layering are highlighted as strong, contributing to a more hi-fi style presentation and easy-to-follow mixes.

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.

Multiple reviewers explicitly note there is no LDAC support, which may matter to users invested in that ecosystem.

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.

At higher volumes, clarity is generally reported as holding up well with strong dynamics and little audible strain or distortion.

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.

Background noise reduction for calls is described as decent but behind top rivals, with some reviewers noting more noise leaks through in loud settings.

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.

Call quality is usually rated as good in quiet environments and acceptable overall, though not typically viewed as best-in-class.

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 widely described as clear and well-rounded, keeping vocals present and intelligible even with elevated bass.

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

Multi-device use across iOS, Android and computers is reported as smooth overall, helped by Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint and app support on both mobile platforms.

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

Multipoint is widely reported to work, but switching behavior is sometimes manual (for example, pausing on one device before playing on another) and auto-switching is not always present.

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.

Passive isolation is frequently praised thanks to the seal and pads, with some reviewers saying it blocks a lot even before ANC is enabled.

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

Portability is a mixed point: the headphones can travel fine in the included case, but limited foldability and case size make them less packable than some competitors.

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

Preset EQ profiles are seen as useful starting points, though some reviewers say differences can be subtle and custom EQ is where the headphones shine.

Replaceable earpads are called out as easy to swap, supporting long-term comfort and maintenance.

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

Wear detection/sensors are generally convenient and responsive, but a few users report occasional pause/resume glitches.

Sidetone/voice passthrough during calls is mentioned as an area for improvement, with at least one reviewer wanting clearer amplification of their own voice.

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.

Setup and software are usually described as straightforward, but there are a few reports of pairing or sensor quirks that may require firmware updates or re-pairing.

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.

Sound quality is a standout theme: detailed, engaging, and competitive with more expensive headphones; however, several note the SE stock tuning can lean bass-forward and benefits from EQ to taste. Wired listening via USB-C (and via included USB-C to 3.5mm cable) is described as a strong option, often sounding excellent and sometimes driving higher volume than Bluetooth.

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.

Many reviews describe a wide, immersive stage, though a minority characterize the presentation as more intimate than the widest options in the category.

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.

Spatial audio is commonly noted as absent, but several reviewers say the natural soundstage is wide enough that many listeners may not miss it.

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

Sustainability is a recurring positive: recyclable packaging, recycled materials, and end-user replaceable battery/earpads are emphasized.

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.

Transparency mode is considered usable and sometimes very natural, but multiple reviewers say it is not as airy/clear as top competitors and can suffer from wind noise.

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

Treble performance is repeatedly praised for clarity and detail, with some noting extra sparkle/brilliance when DynamEQ is enabled.

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 is the core port for charging and wired audio; reviews generally like the flexibility, though some note it means there is no traditional analog 3.5mm jack on the headphone itself.

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

Voice assistant integration is available via button shortcuts and is generally reported to work as expected.

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.

Overall loudness is usually sufficient and can get very loud, but some reviewers still wish for a bit more headroom over Bluetooth compared to wired use.

At least one reviewer notes there is no water/sweat resistance rating, so these are not ideal for workouts or wet conditions.

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

Weight is repeatedly cited around 330g, which is heavier than many peers and can impact comfort for those sensitive to top-of-head pressure.