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Some debuts can changed everything.
After decades of reinventing the home audio landscape with its pair of speakers, Sonos has done something it's never done before: Enter the headphone space with the Acethe audio brand's first pair of bluetooth boxes.
But what about the news? Sonos Ace headphones hold on and do you really need to spend $449 on a pair of new noise canceling pods? After hours — and hours — of testing and listening, here is my honest review.
John Lonsdale for Rolling Stone
in this article
- What are Sonos Ace headphones?
- Sonos Ace Headphones Review
- Unboxing & Design
- How do they sound?
- Sonos Ace Headphones: Pros and Cons
- How do the Sonos Ace headphones compare to others?
- Sonos Ace Headphones: Final Verdict
What are Sonos Ace headphones?
Released in June 2024, the Sonos Ace headphones are the brand's first pair of over-ear noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones, priced at $449.
Sonos Ace Headphones Review
John Lonsdale for Rolling Stone
Unboxing & Design
When I first unboxed it Sonos Ace headphones, I didn't expect anything out of the ordinary. I've been testing a lot of headphones and they're all a relatively similar experience. But I immediately realized that, like the packaging of the Sonos speakers, the brand once again did not use plastic. It's a small touch, but it sets the tone and shows that the brand pays attention to every last detail. The headphones come in a zippered felt travel case, which Sonos explains features a majority of recycled materials made from plastic bottles.
I just activated it Sonos Ace headphones, the Bluetooth pods quickly paired with my phone — no need to mess with the Sonos app to get started, other than a quick software update. Wearing the headphones, I noticed that the left and right earcups have different colors on the inside, meant to eliminate the need to look for “L” or “R” when moving around, although that's still there if you need it.
Sonos
The Sonos Assos The boxes look – and feel – luxurious, sleek and sophisticated, with a modern design that mimics the style of the audio brand's speakers. They also feel comfortable on your head, thanks to the ultra-light frame, soft ear cushions and adjustable headband. Sonos kept the Ace's design simple and minimal, with a single, one-touch slider to control volume (scroll up or down) and tap to play, pause, or answer a call. They're super functional right out of the box, getting you to the most important part: rocking on the go.
How do they sound?
Taking it Sonos Ace headphones out for a walk on a busy street with lots of traffic noise, I put on Billie Eilish's “Birds of a Feather”, a song I've been listening to non-stop for the past few weeks. With active noise cancellation activated by pressing the button on the right earcup, I noticed intimate details I hadn't heard before, like the birds chirping in the background of the track beneath Billie's vocals. Outside noise, from passing cars to the wind, was blocked out, fully immersing me in my tunes, just the way I like them.
Next I threw on Cleo Sol's laid-back 'Go Baby', an intimate track that sounded more realistic than ever, with the singer's vocals as clear as I've ever heard them. The microphone felt like it was right next to my ears, even though I was in the middle of Los Angeles next to passing cars and barking dogs. The same goes for Cat Power's “New York,” the song's first blast of percussion and instrumentation coming through the headphones in full, detailed clarity without too much mud.
Sonos
Sonos also designed its new Ace headphones to go with them Arc sound bar, essentially creating a more immersive surround sound setup for watching action-packed movies or shows at home, thanks to built-in surround sound and dynamic head-tracking technology. While it sets the headphones apart from the competition, you don't need to have other Sonos products to get the most out of these boxes. That said, you can customize how they sound within the Sonos app by customizing their EQ settings by boosting the bass or treble on tracks, as well as turning on active noise cancellation and Aware — all within the app on your phone. They are also equipped for lossless audio and surround sound.
Overall, the Sonos Ace headphones to deliver expressive, rich and warm sound, track after track. As a music lover, it's impossible not to love Ace headphones. As their name suggests, Sonos debuted with these headphones. Overall, the Sonos Aces stand alone as some of the best-sounding headphones we've ever tested.
Sonos Ace Headphones: Pros & Cons
From their easy-to-control buttons to their flawless audio experience, here are some of our favorite parts about the Aces.
Sonos Ace Pro:
- Handy: The Sonos Ace headphones were instantly easy to use thanks to the easy-to-use touch controls on the left and right memory foam earcups, as well as their quick connectivity.
- Clear, well-balanced sound: Regardless of the track we listened to, the Sonos Ace headphones offered excellent sound quality while streaming music, especially when we turned on the active noise cancellation feature.
- Long battery life: Sonos claims the Ace headphones have a 30-hour battery life. For comparison, the Apple AirPods Max aim to last up to 20 hours per charge.
Sonos Ace Cons:
- They are not workout friendly: Now, they're not marketed as workout cans, but if you're looking for over-the-ear headphones for working up a sweat or doing a lot of movement, you might want to consider other options. While the Sonos Aces are among the lightest on-ear headphones I've worn, they're not what I'd prefer to wear for workouts or hiking in hot weather (we like Bose's QuietComfort Ultra headphones for that). After wearing them in the heat on a walk, they didn't feel comfortable after I sweated and moved around a lot and had to take them off more often than I would have liked. It's a gimmick, but something to keep in mind when paying $449. Then again, it's only a matter of time before Sonos unveils a pair of sweat-friendly headphones.
- Their price: They are not as cheap as headphones or other over-ear headphones. If you have the budget to afford them, they're a good choice, and they're cheaper than their most direct competitor, the Apple AirPods Max, which usually retail for $549.
Sonos
How do the Sonos Ace headphones compare to others?
When it comes to comparing the Aces to other cans on the market, they outperform other competing headphones in a few ways, including battery life. For example, the great-sounding Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones boast a 24-hour battery life versus the Aces' 30-hour battery life, while Apple's AirPods Max last 20 hours on a charge.
The Sonos Ace headphones are significantly more expensive than, say, a pair of Beats Studio Pro ($179.95), which also boast spatial and lossless audio capabilities, along with an impressive 40-hour battery life. However, they're still more affordable than Apple's top-of-the-line headphones, which cost $549 when not discounted.
Sonos Ace Headphones: Final Verdict
Does the world really need another new pair of headphones? This also depends on what you're looking for — there's enough gear out there that it often ends up being replaced quickly with new updates and new technology at every turn. So it makes sense that Sonos took its time with the Acesand you can feel and, more importantly, hear that these are essential headphones built for the long haul.
But is it really worth your money? With their long-lasting operation, elegant design and functionality, and immersive sound quality, the Sonos Aces they're 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.
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