Sonos' first headphones are a top-class addition to the lineup with superb sound and ANC. You also get very long battery life, but not everything meets my expectations at the high price.
The Sonos Ace is the best pair of Bluetooth headphones I have used in an extremely long time, if not ever. While there are absolutely some areas in which other pairs of headphones are better, the Sonos Ace is the better overall package (unless hands-free calls are important to you). These will be the headphones I travel with from now on, and the headphones I will use to watch TV while feeding my newborn.
It's tough to pin that success down to just one factor. There's the comfort and the construction, and the way the low-profile ear cups combine with the plumptious foam to leave Ace eminently wearable for extended periods. And there are near-intangible but nonetheless special things, like the press-action of the physical buttons, and the glossily machined smoothness of the stainless steel arms.
If your priority is noise cancellation, you will be better off buying the Bose QuietComfort Ultra because they block out more distractions than the Sonos Ace. They are still Digital Spy's top choice for ANC.
If you’ve already bought into Sonos, you’re used to spending above average on speakers and soundbars, and the good news is that Sonos Ace justify their price. The build quality, comfort, sound, noise cancelling, and attention to detail are second to none.
The Sonos Ace are best thought of as a home cinema upgrade first and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones second, because that's what makes them special. Truly, there are so many headphones these days that look smart, sound great and cost around £450. You're spoilt for choice, and can hardly go wrong no matter which brand's wares you opt for. That's why adding TV Link to an otherwise well-executed product is such a big deal. Now you’re choosing between the Sonos headphones and everything else, and that's a transformative hook for longtime Sonos owners. I came into testing the Ace as a sceptic, now I’m a believer.
But are they really worth your money? With their long-lasting runtime, sleek design and functionality, and immersive sound quality, the Sonos Aces are the only headphones you’ll ever need. Now, let the former speaker brand reintroduce itself: Sonos just became one of the best headphone makers in the game and dropped the hottest headphones of the summer.
A heck of a lot of thought has gone into these, and it shows.
I can’t justify the $699 for the average user, but if you own a Sonos soundbar (initially the Arc is supported, but more will come), then these are a game-changer.
Outstanding design, quality and performance befitting the Sonos name.
Of the three models I compared them to, I'd say the Sonos may have a slight edge, particularly if you're a Sonos user. The Bose are a very close second, while the Sony and AirPods Max are just a touch behind. The Sony XM5 may be due for an upgrade, and there's chatter that the AirPods Max 2 may be coming later this year, so that's partially why I'd go with the Sonos or Bose at this moment. And for Android users anyway, the AirPods Max just aren't a good option.
If you are currently in the market for a premium set of headphones, in my opinion, these are the new standard. They check every box I need, from sound quality to features to design and even within the ecosystem. I have been a Sonos customer for years, so I have always wanted a pair of Sonos headphones I can take anywhere. Now they are here, and they live up to the hype.
The first Sonos headphones are sonically impressive and the soundbar sync feature is easy to use. However, the Ace is expensive and it will be a while before it’s at its full potential.
The Sonos Ace are an astounding first-generation product. They combine Sonos’ strong reputation for great audio with a new-found knack for ambient noise control. They instantly leap to rank among the best ANC headphones out there, and their audio pass-through feature is even more impressive, feeling truly transparent. The price is hard to swallow, but it is probably worth the premium over Sony and Bose headphones for anyone already using Sonos home theater products. For everyone else, it may be just enough reason to stick with the old stalwarts of ANC excellence.
The Sonos Ace headphones are an excellent first attempt with stunning audio quality, sleek and stylish design with features that will only improve over time. If you’re a Sonos customer already these should be your next headphones – if you’re not these are a great introduction to the brand.
Lightweight design. Comfortable memory foam ear pads with gentle clamping force. Excellent transparency mode. Top-tier noise canceling. 30 hours of battery life. Clean looks. Included hard case. Flat, dynamic sound with great, but not too boomy, bass.
Only way that I feel like I can shoehorn in recommending this pair of Sonos headphones is, i guess one if you just really love the brand and you know got the money and you don't care fine. Two is if you want the best transparency mose that isn't airpods...but then three is if you switch between watching TV with your speakers and you headphones particularly often.
The Sonos Ace headphones look elegant, sound fantastic, and deliver high-quality noise cancellation, though they offer less compatibility with other Sonos products than you'd expect.
I think Sonos haven't just entered the headphone market with Sonos Ace, i think they're after the crown and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this ruffles feathers
Sonos purists will take issue with the isolated approach, but the Sonos Ace prove steady and consistent in how well they handle both the sound between your ears and what’s going on around you.
They sound lovely and clear, the noise-cancelling is highly effective, the awareness mode is good and the comfort is some of the best I’ve experienced.
The Ace are a contender in a crowded market, but they’re still in search of that magic bullet to truly let them stand out from the pack. As first as generation products go, however, Sonos delivers on their commitment to great-sounding products.
Sonos has made a brave first step into the headphone market with the Sonos Ace. These premium headphones are designed for people who want to bring the immersiveness of a home theater experience wherever they go. However, the Sonos Ace isn't immune from its own share of first-gen fumbles, with room for improvement in regards to sound quality and ANC performance.
Sonos' Bluetooth speakers and home audio equipment have always been highly regarded, but you've never been able to experience that sound as intimately as you can with the Ace. Closed-back Bluetooth headphones aren't known for reproducing a spacious, airy, and open sound. Yet, Sonos created headphones with a surprisingly wide soundstage, even without Dolby Atmos enabled, adding a level of immersion that gives the listener the perception that they're in the room with the artist(s).
The Sonos Ace will arrive to early customers as a pair of noise-canceling headphones that belong in the same conversation as the best from Apple, Bose, Sennheiser, and Sony. For a first effort, the company got more right than wrong and nailed the fundamentals. The Ace are wonderfully comfortable, they sound good, and they hold their own in regard to ANC.
The Sonos Ace is the company’s first pair of wireless over-ear noise-canceling headphones. For those who have a Sonos soundbar, you can quickly swap your TV’s audio to these headphones for a private listening session.
Sonos might have mastered soundbars and multi-room systems, but it’s a disappointing debut in the premium wireless headphones category. The competition at this level is head and shoulders above the Ace when it comes to sound quality
$450 is too high for what the Ace currently offers. One of the headphones' biggest selling points is its audio swap feature, which you can only use if you own the Sonos Arc, a $800 sound bar. According to the company, it will extend support for other sound bars "soon," but that's not a convincing enough reason for me to invest half a grand today.
Sonos' long-awaited headphones debut fully deliver on the hype. From the immense comfort and beautiful design to the active noise-cancelling (ANC) and battery life, irrelevant of whether you're a Sonos user or not, you'll find these highly appealing over-ears. Some day-one feature absences limit TrueCinema compatibility (Arc only and no Android – but that'll be rectified via updates). But overall Sonos really has brought the fight to Apple, Bose and Sony – and it's paid off.
But I can’t help but feel hope that Sonos will continue to refine the software a little. This isn’t me jumping on the bandwagon of disliking the new Sonos app — in general, I don’t mind it. But having reviewed all of the top noise-canceling headphones, from companies that have spent years refining the apps for their headphones, it does feel like there are some things missing.
The Sonos Ace are a superb set of over-ear headphones. They offer a lovely comfortable design, excellent sound performance, and a decent set of features that make them a really great buy for anyone in the market for over-ears, not just Sonos fans.
Jun 04, 2024 | Full Review…
Sonos' first headphones are a top-class addition to the lineup with superb sound and ANC. You also get very long battery life, but not everything meets my expectations at the high price.
Lee Dunkley
Jun 04, 2024 | Full Review…
The Sonos Ace is the best pair of Bluetooth headphones I have used in an extremely long time, if not ever. While there are absolutely some areas in which other pairs of headphones are better, the Sonos Ace is the better overall package (unless hands-free calls are important to you). These will be the headphones I travel with from now on, and the headphones I will use to watch TV while feeding my newborn.
ALICE CLARKE
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
It's tough to pin that success down to just one factor. There's the comfort and the construction, and the way the low-profile ear cups combine with the plumptious foam to leave Ace eminently wearable for extended periods. And there are near-intangible but nonetheless special things, like the press-action of the physical buttons, and the glossily machined smoothness of the stainless steel arms.
Chris Davies
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
If your priority is noise cancellation, you will be better off buying the Bose QuietComfort Ultra because they block out more distractions than the Sonos Ace. They are still Digital Spy's top choice for ANC.
Yasmine Crossland
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
If you’ve already bought into Sonos, you’re used to spending above average on speakers and soundbars, and the good news is that Sonos Ace justify their price. The build quality, comfort, sound, noise cancelling, and attention to detail are second to none.
Mark Ellis
Jun 04, 2024 | Full Review…
The Sonos Ace are best thought of as a home cinema upgrade first and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones second, because that's what makes them special. Truly, there are so many headphones these days that look smart, sound great and cost around £450. You're spoilt for choice, and can hardly go wrong no matter which brand's wares you opt for. That's why adding TV Link to an otherwise well-executed product is such a big deal. Now you’re choosing between the Sonos headphones and everything else, and that's a transformative hook for longtime Sonos owners. I came into testing the Ace as a sceptic, now I’m a believer.
Robert Leedham
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
This is a great first product in the headphone category from Sonos, so if you have the budget, I strongly recommend you check them out.
Jason Cartwright
Jun 10, 2024 | Full Review…
But are they really worth your money? With their long-lasting runtime, sleek design and functionality, and immersive sound quality, the Sonos Aces are the only headphones you’ll ever need. Now, let the former speaker brand reintroduce itself: Sonos just became one of the best headphone makers in the game and dropped the hottest headphones of the summer.
John Lonsdale
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
A heck of a lot of thought has gone into these, and it shows. I can’t justify the $699 for the average user, but if you own a Sonos soundbar (initially the Arc is supported, but more will come), then these are a game-changer. Outstanding design, quality and performance befitting the Sonos name.
Trevor Long
Jun 04, 2024 | Full Review…
Of the three models I compared them to, I'd say the Sonos may have a slight edge, particularly if you're a Sonos user. The Bose are a very close second, while the Sony and AirPods Max are just a touch behind. The Sony XM5 may be due for an upgrade, and there's chatter that the AirPods Max 2 may be coming later this year, so that's partially why I'd go with the Sonos or Bose at this moment. And for Android users anyway, the AirPods Max just aren't a good option.
David Carnoy
Jun 04, 2024 | Full Review…
If you are currently in the market for a premium set of headphones, in my opinion, these are the new standard. They check every box I need, from sound quality to features to design and even within the ecosystem. I have been a Sonos customer for years, so I have always wanted a pair of Sonos headphones I can take anywhere. Now they are here, and they live up to the hype.
Fernando Silva
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
The first Sonos headphones are sonically impressive and the soundbar sync feature is easy to use. However, the Ace is expensive and it will be a while before it’s at its full potential.
Billy Steele
Jun 04, 2024 | Full Review…
The Sonos Ace are an astounding first-generation product. They combine Sonos’ strong reputation for great audio with a new-found knack for ambient noise control. They instantly leap to rank among the best ANC headphones out there, and their audio pass-through feature is even more impressive, feeling truly transparent. The price is hard to swallow, but it is probably worth the premium over Sony and Bose headphones for anyone already using Sonos home theater products. For everyone else, it may be just enough reason to stick with the old stalwarts of ANC excellence.
Mark Knapp
Jun 04, 2024 | Full Review…
The Sonos Ace headphones are an excellent first attempt with stunning audio quality, sleek and stylish design with features that will only improve over time. If you’re a Sonos customer already these should be your next headphones – if you’re not these are a great introduction to the brand.
Stephen Fenech
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
Lightweight design. Comfortable memory foam ear pads with gentle clamping force. Excellent transparency mode. Top-tier noise canceling. 30 hours of battery life. Clean looks. Included hard case. Flat, dynamic sound with great, but not too boomy, bass.
Parker Hall
Jun 04, 2024 | Full Review…
Only way that I feel like I can shoehorn in recommending this pair of Sonos headphones is, i guess one if you just really love the brand and you know got the money and you don't care fine. Two is if you want the best transparency mose that isn't airpods...but then three is if you switch between watching TV with your speakers and you headphones particularly often.
Marques Brownlee
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
The Sonos Ace headphones look elegant, sound fantastic, and deliver high-quality noise cancellation, though they offer less compatibility with other Sonos products than you'd expect.
Tim Gideon
Jun 04, 2024 | Full Review…
I think Sonos haven't just entered the headphone market with Sonos Ace, i think they're after the crown and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this ruffles feathers
Smart Home Sounds
Jun 04, 2024 | Full Review…
Sonos purists will take issue with the isolated approach, but the Sonos Ace prove steady and consistent in how well they handle both the sound between your ears and what’s going on around you.
Ted Kristsonis
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
You want a well-specified and great sounding pair of headphones that's comfortable to wear and to listen to for long periods. And it looks right, too.
Simon Lucas
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
They sound lovely and clear, the noise-cancelling is highly effective, the awareness mode is good and the comfort is some of the best I’ve experienced.
Simon Cocks
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
The Ace are a contender in a crowded market, but they’re still in search of that magic bullet to truly let them stand out from the pack. As first as generation products go, however, Sonos delivers on their commitment to great-sounding products.
Brian Heater
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
Sonos has made a brave first step into the headphone market with the Sonos Ace. These premium headphones are designed for people who want to bring the immersiveness of a home theater experience wherever they go. However, the Sonos Ace isn't immune from its own share of first-gen fumbles, with room for improvement in regards to sound quality and ANC performance.
Harley Maranan
Jun 04, 2024 | Full Review…
Sonos' Bluetooth speakers and home audio equipment have always been highly regarded, but you've never been able to experience that sound as intimately as you can with the Ace. Closed-back Bluetooth headphones aren't known for reproducing a spacious, airy, and open sound. Yet, Sonos created headphones with a surprisingly wide soundstage, even without Dolby Atmos enabled, adding a level of immersion that gives the listener the perception that they're in the room with the artist(s).
Jada Jones
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
The Sonos Ace will arrive to early customers as a pair of noise-canceling headphones that belong in the same conversation as the best from Apple, Bose, Sennheiser, and Sony. For a first effort, the company got more right than wrong and nailed the fundamentals. The Ace are wonderfully comfortable, they sound good, and they hold their own in regard to ANC.
Chris Welch
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
The Sonos Ace is the company’s first pair of wireless over-ear noise-canceling headphones. For those who have a Sonos soundbar, you can quickly swap your TV’s audio to these headphones for a private listening session.
Tucker Bowe
Jun 04, 2024 | Full Review…
Sonos might have mastered soundbars and multi-room systems, but it’s a disappointing debut in the premium wireless headphones category. The competition at this level is head and shoulders above the Ace when it comes to sound quality
What Hi-Fi?
Jun 04, 2024 | Full Review…
$450 is too high for what the Ace currently offers. One of the headphones' biggest selling points is its audio swap feature, which you can only use if you own the Sonos Arc, a $800 sound bar. According to the company, it will extend support for other sound bars "soon," but that's not a convincing enough reason for me to invest half a grand today.
Dua Rashid
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
Sonos' long-awaited headphones debut fully deliver on the hype. From the immense comfort and beautiful design to the active noise-cancelling (ANC) and battery life, irrelevant of whether you're a Sonos user or not, you'll find these highly appealing over-ears. Some day-one feature absences limit TrueCinema compatibility (Arc only and no Android – but that'll be rectified via updates). But overall Sonos really has brought the fight to Apple, Bose and Sony – and it's paid off.
MIKE LOWE
Jun 03, 2024 | Full Review…
But I can’t help but feel hope that Sonos will continue to refine the software a little. This isn’t me jumping on the bandwagon of disliking the new Sonos app — in general, I don’t mind it. But having reviewed all of the top noise-canceling headphones, from companies that have spent years refining the apps for their headphones, it does feel like there are some things missing.
Christian De Looper
Jun 04, 2024 | Full Review…
The Sonos Ace are a superb set of over-ear headphones. They offer a lovely comfortable design, excellent sound performance, and a decent set of features that make them a really great buy for anyone in the market for over-ears, not just Sonos fans.
Britta O’Boyle