Sonos Ace Headphones Review | Almost Perfect

Introduction

Introduction

Sonos Ace headphones have been the subject of speculation and hype for years, and now they're finally here. In the spring of 2024, despite a rocky software platform upgrade, Sonos launched these highly anticipated headphones. And guess what? The Sonos Ace headphones are pretty amazing.

In this detailed review, we’ll dive deep into all aspects of these headphones, so by the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Design and Build Quality

First Impressions

Open the box, and you’re greeted with a familiar Sonos elegance. The packaging is slick and clean. The case is notably thin, although still on the larger side, making it somewhat challenging to fit in a gear bag. A fun fact: being a palindrome, you can open the case either left or right-handed.

What's Inside?

Inside the box, you get the headphones and a small pouch containing a USB-C charging cable and a USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable, allowing for lossless audio when wired.

Comfort

The Sonos Ace headphones are lightweight and extremely comfortable, even for extended periods. The cushioning on the headband and ear cups contribute significantly to this comfort. Ear cups are magnetically attached, making replacements a breeze. Color customization is possible too—white ear cups on black headphones or vice versa.

Controls and Features

Button Layout

Left Side

• Power and Bluetooth: Press and hold for a couple of seconds to turn on or pair.

Right Side

• Content Key:

  • Press once for play/pause or to accept a call.
  • Double press to skip tracks.
  • Triple press to go back.
  • Slide up/down to adjust volume.

• Noise Control Button:

  • Toggle between active noise cancellation and transparency mode (Sonos calls it "aware mode").
  • Long press to activate your voice assistant.

Additional Design Features

• Directional Ear Cups: The ear cups only turn one way, ensuring you wear them correctly. They turn outward if positioned correctly.
• Color Codes Inside Ear Cups: Black is on the left, and grey is on the right.

Performance

Bluetooth & App Functionality

These are Bluetooth headphones. There’s no Wi-Fi functionality here, so you’ll be dealing with standard Bluetooth audio quality. The Sonos app, although not necessary, provides firmware updates, noise cancellation toggles, and a basic EQ among other features.

Sound Quality

The Sonos Ace headphones sound fantastic. The audio is balanced, avoiding the pitfalls of over-processed, spatial audio. However, the head tracking feature is somewhat lacking and better left off.

Comparing to Competitors

While the Sonos Ace might not be superior to Sony, Bose, or Apple, they are very close in terms of sound quality and performance. Brand preference and price will likely guide your decision here.

TV Audio Swap Feature

A unique feature, TV Audio Swap, enables you to stream audio from your Sonos Arc Soundbar to the headphones. Currently, it only works with the Arc, but Sonos plans to support other models in the future.

Conclusion

Do you need to be in the Sonos ecosystem to enjoy these headphones? Absolutely not. These stand on their own as high-quality Bluetooth headphones. Whether you've already invested in Sonos products or not, the Sonos Ace headphones are a compelling choice.

Acknowledgment

Special thanks to Rio Link for sponsoring part of this review.

Keywords

• Sonos Ace
• Bluetooth headphones
• Noise cancellation
• Sonos app
• TV Audio Swap

FAQ

Q: Are the Sonos Ace headphones Wi-Fi enabled?
A: No, these are strictly Bluetooth headphones for now.

Q: What is the TV Audio Swap feature?
A: It allows streaming audio from a Sonos Arc Soundbar to the headphones. Support for other models is coming.

Q: Can I replace the ear cushions?
A: Yes, they are magnetically attached and easy to replace.

Q: Are the Sonos Ace headphones comfortable for long periods?
A: Yes, they are lightweight and have excellent cushioning.

Q: How do the Sonos Ace headphones compare to competitors like Sony and Bose?
A: They are very close in terms of performance and sound quality. Price and brand preference will likely influence your choice.