Sonos Ace Headphones: Redefining Immersive Audio on the Go

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Sonos has made a name for itself in the world of wireless speakers, delivering exceptional sound quality and seamless multi-room audio experiences. Now, the company has ventured into the over-ear headphones market with the introduction of the Sonos Ace ($449 via Sonos). These premium noise-canceling headphones promise to bring Sonos’ signature sound and innovative features to a portable and personal listening experience. But can they truly ace the competition? And are they worth the price tag? I put them to the test. Let’s find out.

Design and Comfort

The Sonos Ace has a very sleek and modern aesthetic that aligns with the brand’s design philosophy. Available in matte black and soft white finishes, these headphones definitely have a premium look and feel. The oval-shaped earcups are connected to the headband via a slim metal connector, giving the Ace a minimalist yet stylish appearance. The design is clean and simple, but I think they look really nice.

One standout feature is the flexible hinge hidden within the earcups, designed to prevent hair from getting caught in the mechanism. The earcups are also rotation-friendly, making them easier to wear around the neck when not in use.

Comfort is a crucial aspect of any pair of headphones, and the Sonos Ace delivers on this front for many users. The earcups feature soft memory foam cushions that can be replaced, ensuring long-lasting comfort. I own a few different pairs of headphones, and I was really impressed with how comfortable the Sonos Ace feels, especially after long periods of use. Some of my other headphones start to feel really heavy on my ears. I didn’t have that issue with the Ace headphones.

However, it’s worth noting that some users who wear glasses reported discomfort after extended use, as the earcups exerted pressure on their frames. So, if you were glasses, might want to take them off when listening to these headphones (if you can).

Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation

At the heart of the Sonos Ace lies a 40mm dynamic driver in each earcup, promising exceptional sound quality. The headphones support lossless audio over Bluetooth (aptX Adaptive) and wired USB-C connections, ensuring high-fidelity audio reproduction. The headphones excel at providing a cinematic audio experience, with clear dialogue, punchy bass, and seamless surround effects.

One of the best features of the Sonos Ace is its support for Dolby Atmos spatial audio with head tracking. Headphones are location aware, and can adjust the sound as you move. It’s pretty cool.

However, when it comes to music playback, the reviews are more mixed. While the Sonos Ace delivers a powerful and engaging sound, some audiophiles have noted a lack of expansiveness and naturalistic reproduction compared to competitors like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Apple AirPods Max. Personally, I didn’t have the same issues, but that will be up to you and your level of audio sophistication.

The active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Sonos Ace is awesome, rivaling some of the best in the market. The headphones use multiple microphones to neutralize external sounds, providing a peaceful listening environment. The transparency mode, which Sonos calls “Aware mode,” also performs well, allowing users to hear their surroundings when needed. I haven’t tested the Ace on an airplane yet, but I am looking forward to doing so soon.

Sonos Ace Integration with the Arc Soundbar

One of the standout features of the Sonos Ace is its seamless connectivity with the Sonos Arc soundbar. With a single button press, users can instantly swap the TV audio from the soundbar to the headphones, enabling private listening without disturbing others. This feature supports Dolby Atmos and surround sound, further enhancing the immersive audio experience.

So if you already own an expensive Sonos Arc, then adding an Ace to your setup makes sense and is probably within your budget.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Sonos Ace supports Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Adaptive, and Snapdragon Sound. It also features a USB-C port for wired connections and charging. However, it’s worth noting that the headphones do not integrate with the Sonos multi-room ecosystem over Wi-Fi, which may be a disappointment for some users.

Battery Life

The Sonos Ace boasts an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours with active noise cancellation enabled, making it a reliable companion for long listening sessions or travel.

Immersive Sound Meets Portability: The Sonos Ace Headphones

The Sonos Ace is a compelling addition to the company’s lineup, offering stunning sound quality, superb noise-canceling capabilities, and innovative features like seamless connectivity with Sonos soundbars. While its performance with music playback may not be exceptional compared to some competitors, the Sonos Ace truly shines when it comes to spatial audio and movie-watching experiences.

At a price point of $449/£449/AU$699, the Sonos Ace is a premium offering that competes with the likes of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones ($429 via Amazon) and Apple AirPods Max ($449 via Amazon). For Sonos enthusiasts or those seeking an immersive home theater experience, the Sonos Ace is an excellent choice. However, for casual music listening, budget audiophiles may want to consider alternatives at a lower price point.

Overall, the Sonos Ace is a strong debut in the over-ear headphone market, showcasing Sonos’ expertise in audio engineering and innovative features. While it may not be a perfect all-rounder, it sets a solid foundation for Sonos to continue refining and improving its headphone offerings in the future.

Diving into the world of spatial audio with the #SonosAce headphones. Mind-blowing Dolby Atmos support and seamless integration with Sonos speakers! A must-have for home theater enthusiasts... if you can afford it. #AudioTech #music… Share on X