Compare SonoFlow SE HQ31 Wireless Headphones vs Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC

The lack of a headphone jack was a clear drawback in the one review that evaluated analog input availability.

The 3.5mm input adds useful fallback listening and continues to work when the battery is dead. Sensory bass and other powered processing are unavailable in passive mode.

Treble was a recurring weakness in the critical reviews, described as blunt or over-exaggerated and sharp.

High-frequency detail stays cleaner than expected for a bass-focused headphone. Hands-on testing found that the highs remain present instead of disappearing beneath the Crusher effect.

Codec support was praised mainly because LDAC appeared in such a low-priced headphone.

The wireless stack includes SBC, AAC, LE Audio, and Auracast, but premium codecs such as LDAC and aptX are not confirmed. That makes the feature set modern but not especially strong for codec-focused buyers.

Discreet/aesthetic appeal was weak in Tom's Guide, which said the headphones paled next to other sub-$50 designs.

Branding is restrained and the black version looks discreet on the head. The low-key profile appealed to reviewers, although one thought the shape felt unintentionally dated.

Headband adjustment received limited but positive evidence for helping achieve a good fit.

Length adjustment is available, but there is little ability to tighten the inward fit. One tester with a larger head still found the headset looser than desired.

Included accessories were a weakness because reviewers noted the bare-bones box, no case and limited included cable.

The package includes a padded travel bag plus 3.5mm and USB-C cables. The bag is a welcome addition, but the cable quality feels below the rest of the product.

Immersive audio quality was mixed, as one reviewer liked vocal heightening but disliked artificial movie effects.

The combination of haptic bass, wide staging, and head tracking creates a highly immersive presentation. Testers described music as surrounding or following them and compared the sensation to a club or concert.

Midrange impressions were mixed, with clear mids in one review but dipped, coarse, meh or shouty vocals in several others.

Mids come through with more energy and presence than on older Crushers. Reviewers especially liked that vocals, percussion, and other midrange details remain audible even when the sensory bass is active.

Button controls were a repeated concern, with reversed or counterintuitive mappings offset by a few comments that basic controls worked.

Physical buttons and the joystick are easy to locate and satisfying to use. The main drawback is that the ANC switch sits close enough to the bass dial to cause occasional accidental presses.

Volume output was split, with one reviewer saying it lacked maximum volume and another calling the volume good.

Volume output is very strong, with enough headroom for older or quieter masters. At maximum settings, the headphones can become extremely loud.

Passive isolation was decent overall, but one reviewer noted an imperfect seal while another praised low leakage and passive isolation.

The large, well-sealed earcups provide strong passive isolation before ANC is even switched on. One reviewer said the outside world already became noticeably quieter from the fit alone.

Voice feedback was present and usable, but the reviewer described learning the non-verbal audio cues rather than clear voice prompts.

The spoken status prompts are clear and memorable, including the playful “see you” shutdown message. Reviewers found the feedback useful and more personable than generic tones.

The app was polarizing: reviewers liked its controls and simplicity, but others found it buggy, laggy, crash-prone or poorly translated.

The Skullcandy app was repeatedly described as clean, smooth, and comprehensive. It centralizes bass level, ANC, spatial audio, EQ, sidetone, personalization, and control remapping.

Comfort was highly split: some reviewers wore them comfortably for long sessions, while others found clamp, weight or pressure tiring.

Most reviewers found the plush earcups and padded headband comfortable for long sessions. The weight can become noticeable, but it did not cause discomfort for every tester.

Soundstage evidence was mixed: spatial processing and some tuning added width, but other reviewers found the stage narrow or unimpressive.

The Bose-influenced tuning creates a noticeably wider and more open soundstage than previous Crusher models. TrueSpatial can expand it further, especially for movies and stationary listening.

Call microphone quality was inconsistent but often positive, ranging from average or weak in cars/noise to excellent in several reviews.

Call quality is a clear strength, with voices described as crisp, natural, and easy to understand. Outdoor and roadside calls remained intelligible in hands-on testing.

ANC background noise was present in one review, but it was not considered disturbing once music played.

Several testers found ANC made steady fans, engines, and background hum dramatically quieter. One reviewer heard a smaller reduction than with certain competing headphones, suggesting fit and expectations matter.

Stability was mostly good and snug, though one reviewer reported sliding during gym bench use.

The relaxed fit is comfortable for sitting and walking but can shift during jogging or vigorous movement. Active users may find the headset less secure than tighter-clamping alternatives.

Reviewers split on sound: several called it warm, balanced or very good for casual listening, while others found it dull, average or uneven.

Reviewers consistently describe a major step up in sound, with clearer, more balanced tuning that no longer relies on bass alone. Hands-on listeners call the overall presentation crisp, powerful, and genuinely premium.

Premium feel was divided, from clearly not premium to surprisingly premium depending on the reviewer.

Metal accents, plush padding, and the substantial build create a convincingly premium impression. The materials do not always match flagship rivals, but the overall feel exceeds Skullcandy’s budget reputation.

Android compatibility evidence was positive through LDAC use, which a reviewer said could reveal more clarity.

Android pairing is straightforward through Google Fast Pair. The app and multipoint features also worked smoothly in direct Android testing.

Connectivity options were useful where reviewed, especially wired fallback and simple USB-C plug-and-play use.

Connectivity is flexible, covering Bluetooth multipoint, USB audio, and 3.5mm analog playback. The analog mode even works with the headphones powered off, though powered features are then unavailable.

Multi-platform compatibility was positive in the review that tested switching between iOS/macOS and Android devices.

The headphones work across Android and iPhone and can keep both connected simultaneously. This makes switching between mobile ecosystems or a phone and computer painless.

Wind handling was mixed, with one reviewer praising wind resistance and another saying wind noise could still be an issue.

Wind handling is mixed. Call microphones suppressed wind well for one outdoor test, but another reviewer heard air moving around the large earcups during a gust.

Bass was often praised as punchy, warm and adjustable, though one reviewer felt the low-end emphasis contributed to an unbalanced sound.

The adjustable haptic bass is the defining strength: it can feel like a subwoofer or live venue without necessarily burying the rest of the mix. Most testers loved it, though several stressed that moderation gives the best balance.

Microphone noise reduction was praised by some reviewers for cutting background noise, but one review noted robotic or distant voice artifacts.

The microphone system handled real-world background noise well, including wind and roadside traffic. Callers reported clear speech with little obvious wind interference.

Spatial audio was mostly seen as a pleasant width or immersion booster, with caveats that it is not flagship-level or can sound artificial.

TrueSpatial is more than a novelty: reviewers heard a wider, speaker-like presentation and convincing head tracking. It works especially well for movies, stationary listening, and immersive music playback.

Audio-video sync was mostly strong, with several reviewers reporting no lag, while one reviewer heard no meaningful low-latency difference.

Video synchronization was excellent in testing, with no visible lip-sync delay even before low-latency mode was enabled. Gaming mode adds further reassurance for interactive use.

The rotating earcups were useful because they helped the headphones lie flat and improve portability.

The earcups rotate smoothly and the frame folds properly for storage. Reviewers appreciated that the mechanism produces a genuinely compact folded shape rather than only laying flat.

Headband padding evidence was mixed, with one reviewer finding it too soft and another liking the padded feel.

Headband padding is soft and comfortable, but thinner than the plush ear cushions. Heavier users may wish it had slightly more foam for better pressure distribution.

Multipoint and dual-device switching were judged reliable and seamless where tested.

Multipoint switching worked flawlessly in direct testing between an Android phone and an iPhone. Playback handed off cleanly without needing to reconnect devices.

Setup simplicity was positive overall, with reviewers describing the app or setup flow as simple, easy or seamless.

Pairing and app setup are simple, with quick device discovery and clear controls. Firmware and feature settings are easy to access once connected.

Design opinions leaned positive for a simple, modern or premium look, though one review found the aesthetics weak versus budget rivals.

The industrial Skullcandy styling earned generally positive reactions, especially in the subtler black finish. Critics noted that the silhouette looks bulkier and less polished than current Sony or Bose designs.

Ear cup padding was consistently positive, with reviewers describing the pads as soft, cushiony or well covered.

The memory-foam earcups received near-universal praise for their soft, plush feel. They fully surround the ears and rebound well after use.

Cable impressions were weak because reviewers repeatedly criticized the included USB-C cable as very short or stubby.

The included cables are functional but feel thin and inexpensive. The short USB-C lead was singled out as less practical than the otherwise premium package.

Smudge resistance had limited but positive evidence from the matte finish resisting fingerprints.

The finish resisted fingerprints, dust, and visible grime during early use. The black model stayed cleaner-looking than its large matte surfaces might suggest.

Overall recommendations leaned positive for budget buyers, though one critical review advised saving money for another option.

Most hands-on reviewers strongly recommend the headphones to bass lovers and call them Skullcandy’s most complete model yet. More cautious sources advise waiting for independent testing if ANC neutrality or reference tuning matters most.

EQ customization was a strength, with reviewers valuing custom EQ and preset controls despite one review noting no custom EQ option.

A customizable five-band EQ gives more control than many competing apps. Reviewers liked being able to combine custom tuning with Crusher bass, personal sound, and spatial modes.

Travel friendliness was positive, with reviewers tying the headphones to commuting, on-the-go use and long battery life.

Long battery life, effective ANC, folding earcups, and a clip-on bag make the headphones well suited to commuting and flights. Their weight and bulk keep them from being the easiest travel set to carry.

Feature set at launch impressed the reviewer because the specification looked unusually strong for the price.

The launch feature set is unusually complete, combining Bose ANC and spatial processing with long battery life, multipoint, wear detection, Auracast, and a deep app. Several sources called it competitive or premium for the price.

Portability was strong thanks to folding or flat-rotating earcups and compact storage.

The headset folds and collapses more effectively than many premium rivals, but it remains physically large. Some reviewers found it easy to pack, while another still considered it less portable than smaller alternatives.

Value was one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers repeatedly calling the headphones high-value or a strong deal for the price.

Value is generally favorable because the headphones deliver Bose-derived features, exceptional battery life, and unique haptic bass below many current flagships. The price becomes less compelling beside discounted older Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, or Soundcore models.

Weight comfort was mixed, with some reviewers calling the headphones light enough and others finding the weight noticeable or heavy.

Weight impressions were mixed: some testers called the headphones light in use, while others noticed the bulky 374-gram build during longer sessions. Comfort depends heavily on fit and activity.

Build quality was mixed: many found it solid for the price, while others criticized plastic feel, wobble or budget materials.

The frame generally feels solid and well assembled despite its plastic construction and hefty size. One sample developed a noticeable creak in the left earcup, which tempers confidence in consistency.

Bluetooth 5.4 was praised for range, efficiency and current-generation capability.

Bluetooth 5.3 keeps the wireless platform current and supports modern features such as LE Audio and Auracast. Pairing and multipoint performance were strong in hands-on testing.

Charging was praised for useful fast-charge behavior, especially five-minute top-ups that add hours of listening.

Rapid charging is genuinely useful, adding several hours from a brief top-up. Hands-on reviewers found charging faster than expected in everyday use.

Clamp force divided reviewers, ranging from secure and well balanced to tight enough to cause discomfort.

Clamping pressure is gentle enough to avoid soreness, but one reviewer found the fit slightly too loose. The relaxed clamp favors comfort over a locked-in feel.

Transparency mode was generally useful and sometimes excellent, though one reviewer heard some distortion in ambient sound.

Stay-Aware mode generally sounds natural and makes quick conversations or outdoor use practical. Most reviewers liked it, though one found it a step behind the best transparency systems until sidetone was adjusted.

Battery life had the strongest agreement, with reviewers repeatedly calling 60-90 hour playback excellent, outstanding or top-tier.

Battery life is one of the strongest practical advantages, with up to 50 hours using ANC and 60 without it. Reviewers called the endurance exceptional and had difficulty draining it during testing.

ANC was one of the strongest points, repeatedly judged effective for the price, especially against low, steady ambient noise.

ANC drew strong praise from several reviewers and clearly surpasses older Skullcandy efforts, especially against steady background noise. One hands-on tester found it less effective than Sonos Ace and some earbuds, so performance may vary by fit and environment.

Frequency balance varied by reviewer, from a pleasant non-harsh V-shape to unbalanced, dull overall tonality.

The tuning is more balanced than past Crushers but still not reference-flat. Listeners seeking studio neutrality may find the elevated bass and upper-mid energy too colored.

Advanced features were praised as unusually generous for the low price.

ANC's effect on the sound signature was favorable where tested because the tonal balance stayed essentially unchanged.

ANC did not meaningfully harm audio in the reviews that evaluated it, with sound staying consistent across ANC modes.

Auracast adds a forward-looking sharing feature that few buyers may need immediately but improves long-term wireless readiness. Reviewers grouped it with LE Audio as part of a future-proof connectivity package.

Bluetooth behavior was praised for strong range, solid connection and fast pairing across multiple reviews.

The soft-lined rolltop bag is roomy, padded, and easy to clip onto another bag. It protects against scratches, though travelers wanting crush protection may prefer a hard case.

Long-term durability had limited but positive evidence from one reviewer who expected the construction to last normally.

Hinge durability evidence was negative in the one review that judged the hinged earcups too wobbly.

Improved separation makes smaller instrumental details easier to pick out. Reviewers heard a cleaner, less congested presentation than on earlier Skullcandy headphones.

The integrated microphone received positive limited evidence from one reviewer who found the captured voice good enough for calls.

LDAC was treated as a strong perk, improving perceived clarity or adding high-resolution capability for supported devices.

LE Audio support helps future-proof the wireless platform. Reviewers viewed it as a meaningful modern addition alongside Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast.

Clarity remains impressive even at high volume and with heavy bass engaged. Multiple listeners reported that the mix stayed crisp rather than turning muddy or distorted.

Hands-on reviewers were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the sound, bass, comfort, and feature mix. Satisfaction is highest among listeners who want excitement and physical impact rather than strict neutrality.

Preset EQ quality was generally useful, although Tom's Guide found only about half worth selecting.

Sidetone can be adjusted enough to make the wearer’s own voice much easier to hear on calls. Increasing the setting noticeably improved a reviewer’s transparency experience.

Sound leakage evidence was limited but positive, with one review noting minimal leakage.

USB-C was viewed positively for charging and plug-and-play wired use, though cable length remained a separate complaint.

Voice assistant use was positive where evaluated, with reliable speech recognition and swift interactions.