1MORE Q21 REVIEW

>>I am brazilian and I speak portuguese, so forgive my english, I’ll use translation tools to help<<

INTRO:

1MORE are a well-known company in the wireless earphone world, but this is my first time reviewing one of their products. When the Q21 launched, I was intrigued by the LDAC Bluetooth codec. Few TWS earphones offer this codec in this price range.

Price: $23.99 USD
Colors: Black or White

1MORE LINKS:

https://amzn.to/46fL7AR

https://amzn.to/4pkdq9X

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_okYSNPn

SPECIFICATIONS:

Single DD:

• (1) 12mm Dynamic Driver (DD) titanium coated

– Effective frequency: 20Hz – 20kHz
– Impedance: 32Ω
– THD: ≤1%
– Touch Controls
– Bluetooth 5.4
– Profile: A2DP / AVRCP / HFP
– Codecs: LDAC/AAC/ SBC
– Signal range: 10 meters
– ANC and Ambient sound
– Certification IPX5
– 1MORE APP
– Low Latency Mode
– Dual Mic AI ENC
– Battery life of earphone (ANC OFF): 5.5h
– Total battery time (ANC OFF): 22h
– Battery life of earphone (ANC OFF): 4h
– Total battery time (ANC OFF): 16h
– Charging case battery: 600mAh
– Charging by USB-C port
– Earphone charging time: about 1.5h
– Charging time of the charging case: about 2h
– Earphones material: plastic
– Case material: plastic
– Case size: 4.7cm [H] × 6cm [W] × 2.3cm [D]
– Weight: 4g (one side)(without tips)
– Case weight: 32.2g (without earphones)
– Total weight (box, earphones, etc): 146g
– Packaging size 11cm [H] x 11cm [W] x 3.5cm [D]

UNBOXING:

PHYSICAL ASPECTS:

Construction:

• Shell – body – all plastic.
• Simple quality plastic.
• Oval nozzle.
• LED above the 1MORE logo (underneath the plastic).
• Design: Not very discreet (large rods).
• Compact and lightweight charging case.
• Good battery life.
• The oval nozzle isn’t the best form (in my opinion).
• No USB-C cable for charging.

Eartips:

• Only one type of eartip, in sizes S/M/L.
• Simple but good-quality eartips.
• I usually use M, but with the Q21 I needed to use L.
• Those with larger ears may need larger eartips.
• A possible need for an eartip upgrade (subjective).
• I tested the sound with the L size.

Connectivity:

• Pairing occurs when the case lid is opened.
• Good range (reaches the recommended 10m).
• Good signal stability.
• No latency (in both modes).
• Responsive gestures, no delays.
• Multipoint connection works perfectly (enable in the app).
• Can be used on only one side (mono).

APP:

• Download it from the Google Play Store.
• The app is very simple.
• It’s only available in English.
• It’s not possible to enable Low Latency and LDAC at the same time (or one or the other).

ANC and Transparent mode:

• ANC: Reduces sounds, somewhat like softening, but some sounds are still audible.
• Transparent mode: The mics open, allowing us to hear surrounding sounds (it’s not too loud).
• You can switch between modes directly through the earbuds.
• The audible alert for switching between modes it’s like a “beep.”
• The “beep” is confusing when identifying the current mode; a voice would be better.

Microphone:

• Good quality in quiet environments.
• Poor quality in windy situations.

Fit and comfort:

• Good fit.
• Recommended for casual use.
• Comfortable, good ergonomics.
• Good for long listening sessions.
• Shallow insertion.
• Isolation OK.
• Very light earbuds, only 4g.
• Not so good for intense exercise.
• Walking/weight training: OK. Cycling/running: Not so good.

Earphone kit (accessories):

• Q21 earphones.
• 3 pairs eartips sizes S/M/L.
• Charging case.
• Manual.

SOUND ASPECTS:

Sound:

• Mild V-shape Tuning.
• Emphasized bass, recessed mids, smooth treble.
• Commercial sound: Will please casual listeners.
• I tested the earphone with the “Studio” preset.
• The EQ presets don’t produce much results.
• The best presets are “Studio” and “Classical” (subjective).
• It could have more detail and airy.
• Honestly, it’s not for audiophiles.
• The sound quality didn’t impress me, but it’s not bad.
• Good for those new in the earphones world (not for veterans).
• If you’re looking for more quality: Moondrop Ultrasonic or Roseselsa i5 or i3.

Bass:

– Quantitative:

• Moderate to high.
• Not for bassheads (but will please bass lovers).
• Sub-bass slightly more prominent than mid-bass.
• Mid-bass is also present, but the main focus is on the subs.

– Qualitative:

• They’re fun, full-bodied bass with plenty of mass, weight, and volume.
• They have power, impact, texture, good physicality, and great extension.
• Definition is good/okay.
• They don’t invade the midrange.
• They’re not bloated, boomy, or muddy.
• Good for more commercial genres: EDM, POP, Hip-Hop, Rock, etc.

Mids:

– Quantitative and qualitative:

• Recessed mids.
• Slightly forward upper-mids.
• These mids are soft and warm.
• They don’t cause fatigue or harshness.
• Definition and transparency are good/okay (not impressive).
• The sense of detail and airy is average (could be better).
• Not the best for those looking for technical mids.
• Ideal for those who want to avoid harsh mids.
• Drums have a smoother beats.
• Guitars have a warmer/lower timbre.

Voices:

• Male/low-pitched voices performed better.
• Texture and warmth for lower-pitched voices.
• Better for low and baritones.
• Female/high-pitched voices suffer from the lack of airiness.
• Female voices don’t deliver much energy.

Treble:

– Quantitative:

• Recessed treble.
• They don’t stand out in the presentation.
• Not for trebleheads (those seeking more treble).
• Recommended for those sensitive to treble.
• Comfortable (doesn’t cause fatigue).

– Qualitative:

• Smooth, soft, comfortable, and discreet treble.
• Roll-off in the upper treble.
• Definition is good/OK.
• Subdued sparkle.
• A sense of low details and airy.
• Not shrill, sharp, or harsh.
• I didn’t notice any sibilance, peaks, or coloration.
• High-pitched instruments don’t stand out in the presentation.
• Mandolin fingerpicking sounds “softened.”

Soundstage:

• Medium to large soundstage.
• Recessed midrange gives a more sense of depth.
• This is a positive point for the Q21, but it’s not something to be overstated.
• For the price range, it’s good.

Imaging:

• Mid-to-low instrumental separation.
• The Q21 don’t really stand out here.
• All instruments can be heard, though there’s no sense of layering.
• Earphones with multiple drivers achieve better performance (not a rule).

Driver flex test:

• I didn’t experience any driver flex when inserting the earphone into my ears.

Amplification:

• Just a quick note about the volume.
• The volume gets louder from 80% to 100% (from 12 to 15).
• I consider the maximum volume to be high – for me – but it’s possible to use it at the max.
• The ideal volume for me was 13, out of the 15 available on Android (86%).

PROS AND CONS:

Thank you so much for being here!

Follow us on Instagram to get all the news!

We are on Reddit too.

• Instagram
• Telegram
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Reddit