1more ComfoBuds Pro

Unlike the cheaper ComfoBuds, these are true in-ear headphones. The product is available in black and white and makes a pleasing, high-quality impression with a rounded design with red accents. The plastic used combines lightness with a stable-looking construction. Like their competitors from Apple or LG, these earpieces feature downward protuberance in which a multi-coloured status LED and the voice microphone are located. The elongated charging case also offers a multi-coloured status LED. It is decorative and provides a safe home for the two earpieces, even if I had to put them in crosswise. In the black version that we tested, a protective rubber cover for the case was also included.

As usual, the case extends the quite realistic runtime of six to eight hours (with and without ANC) with its own battery capacity of 450 mAh. Depending on the volume, this gives a practical total runtime of 20 hours with noise-cancelling switched on, which is quite enough for a long flight, for example. The charging time via USB-C is two hours, but a quick-charge function is also available.

Technically, the ComfoBuds Pro rely on Bluetooth 5.0 and the codecs SBC or AAC – HiRes is not included, but there is the aforementioned noise cancelling with five operating modes, including the possibility of feeding external noise into the ear (pass-thru). In fact, tree microphones are built into each earpiece.

Like the ComfoBuds, touch functions allow control via double and triple clicks. These are configurable via the free “1more Music” app for iOS and Android. Start/stop and track skips are available for the player, as is volume control or calling up a voice assistant. At the same time, calls can also be accepted and ended. A long press activates/deactivates the noise-cancelling function.

The ComfoBuds Pro also offer a configurable smart playback function. This automatically pauses the music playback when you take one earpiece out of your ear and resumes it again when necessary. This is handy when you want to have a short conversation, for example.

In practice

The wearing comfort is good due to the ergonomic design and the included silicone fitting pieces. In my case, they did not pinch even during longer listening sessions. The ear canal is securely closed so that there was also good passive attenuation (also to the outside). The earpieces remain securely in the ear even during movements and, thanks to IPX4 protection class certification, are protected against moisture and sweat. This makes the ComfoBuds Pro perfectly suitable for sports use.

Thanks to Bluetooth 5.0, the wireless link covers several rooms and works stably in practice. If necessary, the earpieces can also be used individually, for example, for phone calls. The voice quality is reasonably good and, thanks to ENC noise suppression, reduces annoying background noise.

The touch functions offer contemporary comfort and, due to the absence of single-click functions, are fortunately not triggered accidentally.

Noise cancelling packs a punch and creates a distinct quiet space that isolates you from the noises of everyday life in various gradations. External noises are efficiently shielded in the “Strong” setting, particularly in the low-frequency range. Impact noise, driving noise, as well as static ambient noise is pushed far back. A separate mode that is supposed to reduce wind noise works passable well.

Using the touch function, you can switch between the noise-cancelling mode selected in the app, inactive ANC or the aforementioned pass-thru mode – this is convenient.

The app is functional but rather simple. Besides updates and the aforementioned configuration of the touch functions, it offers a burn-in function for the drivers, but unfortunately, no equaliser.

Sound

The dynamic 13.4 mm drivers not only deliver a powerful level, but also surprised me with a punchy and, above all, bass-rich sound image. The ComfoBuds Pro are therefore clearly aiming at listening pleasure, but not at neutrality. The bass range definitely outshines the mid and treble range. Nevertheless, it does not sound muffled, but as if a bass EQ had been activated, but this is not the case and therefore it cannot be reduced. This frequency range is full-bodied but well defined. All frequencies are well reproduced, down to the low bass. At high levels, however, low bass freakouts like Rihanna’s “Pon de Replay” can put the drivers a little out of step. In the mid-range, the ComfoBuds Pro are secure and tend to be warmly tuned. Pop productions like Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” or Whitney Houston’s “My Love is Your Love” are reproduced just as coherently and powerfully as the guitar wall in “Check My Brain” by Alice in Chains, jazz or classical music. The unit we tested does not achieve the richness of detail of audiophile products, and this also applies to the treble range. I didn’t notice any annoying harshness here. Conversely, the openness and sparkle of more expensive products are lacking. Finally, 1more’s in-ears manage quite a broad panning with comprehensible dynamics (Yello with “Pan Blue”). In summary, the sound performance for mobile use is appealing when measured against the price, all the more so when you add the effective noise cancelling that creates a properly quiet room.