Sonos, known for its home speaker systems, has recently ventured into the headphone market with the Sonos Ace. These over-ear headphones boast features like noise-cancellation, aware mode, spatial audio dynamic head tracking and a sleek design. But how do they stack up against the competition? Let’s take a closer look.
Sound Quality
The Sonos Ace delivers a crisp, clear listening experience. Bass is present but not overpowering, and the overall sound profile is well-balanced. Users can adjust the EQ settings through the Sonos app to personalize the sound to their preferences. Custom-designed 40mm dynamic drivers are used.
Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The ANC on the Sonos Ace is good, effectively blocking out a significant amount of ambient noise. no adjustability. However, some reviewers note that it doesn’t quite reach the level of industry leaders like Bose.
Aware Mode
This lets you hear some of the ambient noise around you, which can be helpful for safety reasons or when you need to be aware of your surroundings.
Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking
This feature works with spatial audio content to create a dynamic listening experience. As you move your head, the sound adjusts to make it seem like it’s coming from specific locations in space.
TV Swap
Sonos Ace headphones offer a seamless way to switch from watching TV with your Sonos Arc soundbar to private listening on your headphones. With a simple button press on the headphones, you can enjoy your entertainment in a personalized 3D audio format, even Dolby Atmos content. This innovative feature creates a truly captivating listening experience, making you feel like you’re in the center of the action.
Comfort and Design
The Sonos Ace is lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended listening sessions. The memory foam ear cups and adjustable headband provide a secure fit that keeps them in place without applying excessive pressure. This ensures a comfortable listening experience even for users who wear glasses. The design is clean and stylish, with a focus on premium materials.
Dimensions of ear cups: 103 x 84 mm
Dimensions of the headphone: 200 x 190 x 40 mm
Weight: 0.312 kg
Battery Life
The Sonos Ace offers 30 hours of battery life with ANC turned off. With ANC on, you can expect around 22 hours. With Rapid Charging feature you can get up to 3 hours of playback with just 3 minutes of charging. The case does not offer wireless charging, which some users may find inconvenient.
Connectivity
Sonos Ace headphones connect via Bluetooth 5.3 for a strong, stable connection.
Hi-Res Audio over USB-C, 3.5mm or aptX/Snapdragon Sound
Here are some additional factors to consider:
Price: The Sonos Ace falls into the high-end headphone category as it comes with a price tag of $449.
App: You’ll need to use the Sonos app to control the headphones and access certain features. The app has experienced some bugginess in recent updates.
Inside the box you will get Sonos Ace headphones, Travel case with cable pouch, USB-C to USB-C cable, USB-C to 3.5 mm cable
Overall, the Sonos Ace is a strong contender in the noise-cancelling headphone market. It offers excellent sound quality, a comfortable design, and a good ANC experience.
Who are these headphones for?
Audiophiles who prioritize sound quality and comfort will appreciate the Sonos Ace. Those who travel frequently or need a good ANC solution for commutes may find better options with industry leaders.