Sonos is known for its premium home audio systems. With the release of the Sonos Ace headphones, the company is stepping into personal audio for the first time. These over-ear wireless headphones promise high-end sound, excellent comfort, and a few features aimed at Sonos users. But do they live up to the hype? Let’s take a closer look.
Build Quality and Design
The first thing you notice about the Sonos Ace is how clean and minimal they look. No flashy branding. No unnecessary buttons. Just a sleek design that feels as premium as it looks. The earcups are oval-shaped with a matte finish and soft vegan leather padding. They are available in black or white and both look elegant.
They feel solid without being too heavy. At just over 11 ounces, they are light enough for all-day wear. The headband is sturdy but flexible. The adjustable sliders move smoothly, and everything about the hardware feels deliberate. This does not feel like a rushed first attempt.
Comfort That Lasts
Some headphones look good but hurt after an hour. Not these. The Sonos Ace are designed for long listening sessions. The ear cushions are deep and plush, and the clamping force is just right. You get a secure fit without feeling squeezed. Even people who wear glasses or have larger heads report that the Ace remains comfortable.
It is the kind of headphone you can forget you are wearing. Whether you are working from home, watching a movie, or on a flight, the Ace holds up in terms of comfort.
Sound Quality
The sound profile on the Ace is warm and full. Bass is present but not overpowering. It gives music some punch without drowning out vocals or instruments. Mids are smooth, and highs are detailed. However, if you are used to more neutral studio headphones, you may notice the midrange sounds a little relaxed.
The real showstopper is spatial audio. With support for Dolby Atmos and dynamic head tracking, the Ace gives you an immersive experience with compatible content. Watching a movie or listening to an Atmos-enabled album feels like stepping into a room full of sound. The audio moves naturally with your head, which adds to the realism.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
Sonos put serious work into active noise cancellation. The Ace blocks out most low-frequency sounds like engine noise and background chatter. It may not beat the very best in this area, but it comes close. You can listen in a noisy coffee shop or during a commute and still feel wrapped in your own audio bubble.
Transparency mode also works well. It lets in enough outside sound so you can hear your surroundings without taking off the headphones. It is useful for walking around or having a quick conversation.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is impressive. You get up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancellation on. That is enough to get you through several days of use without worrying about a charge. A quick three-minute charge gives you about three hours of playback. This is perfect for people who forget to plug in their gear until the last minute.
You can listen wired too. Sonos includes both a USB-C and a 3.5mm cable in the box. However, the headphones still need power even in wired mode, so battery life still matters.
Call Quality and Microphones
The microphone setup is solid. Voice calls are clear, and background noise is reduced in most settings. It handles wind and chatter decently, but it is not quite on par with industry leaders in call quality. You will have no problem taking work calls or chatting with friends, but the microphone does not break new ground.
Smart Features and Ecosystem Integration
If you already own Sonos products, the Ace has some unique features. One of the standout options is TV Audio Swap. If you own a Sonos Arc soundbar, you can wirelessly transfer your TV audio to the headphones. This is great for late-night viewing when you do not want to disturb others. It feels seamless once it is set up.
However, this feature only works with certain Sonos soundbars. And it only works if you are using iOS. Android users are left out for now, which is a frustrating limitation.
Controls and App Experience
Controls on the headphones are simple. A physical button switches between noise modes. A content key handles playback and calls. The rest is managed through the Sonos app. The app is clean, but it still lacks depth. You only get basic EQ options, such as adjusting bass and treble. There is no full equalizer for detailed tuning.
The app also feels like it was designed for speakers first and headphones second. Some users report occasional glitches or connection drops. While these are not dealbreakers, they show that the software still needs polish.
Bluetooth and Audio Quality
The Sonos Ace supports Bluetooth 5.4. It works with most modern devices and supports high-quality codecs, including AAC and aptX Lossless. That is good news for both iPhone and Android users. Pairing is quick, and multipoint support lets you switch between two devices without much fuss.
Still, lossless audio only works over wired connections. And even then, the headphones need to be powered on. This may disappoint audiophiles hoping for true wired passive mode.
Where It Shines and Where It Struggles
The Sonos Ace shines in several key areas. Sound quality is rich and full. The design is refined. Comfort is top-tier. Spatial audio adds a cinematic layer that makes listening more fun. And for people who already use Sonos gear, TV Audio Swap is a clever touch.
But there are areas that could be better. The app lacks customization. Android users do not get full feature access. And while noise cancellation is strong, it is not best in class. The headphones also need power even for wired use, which limits their flexibility.
Final Verdict
The Sonos Ace is a strong debut in a crowded headphone market. It does not try to do everything, but it nails the essentials. It sounds great, feels good, and offers a premium experience. If you are a Sonos fan or want a new way to enjoy spatial audio, this headphone delivers.
At the same time, it is not for everyone. If you want detailed tuning control or top-tier call performance, you might find better options elsewhere. But if comfort, sound, and ecosystem features are your priorities, the Sonos Ace deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Sonos took its time entering this space. The Ace proves that the wait was worth it.
