New Sonos Ace Headphones : A Review

The Sonos Ace headphones offer easy-to-use on-ear controls, with a power/pairing button and USB-C charging port on the left earcup, and a multi-functional Content Key and volume control on the right earcup. They include a sleek hard-shell case and support both USB-C-to-USB-C and USB-C-to-3.5mm cables for wired audio playback, though the headphones must be powered on for this feature.

The headphones boast a 30-hour battery life with active Noise Cancellation or Aware Mode, with quick charging capabilities. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.4, supporting AAC, AptX Lossless, and SBC codecs, but they lack Wi-Fi connectivity, which limits certain features like streaming Sonos Radio.

The Sonos app, used for managing the Ace headphones, is generally straightforward but has some organizational issues. It allows users to control noise settings, EQ adjustments, and head-tracking features for spatial audio. However, the app and the headphones’ Bluetooth multipoint function can be unreliable at times.

The noise cancellation on the Ace is effective, significantly reducing low-frequency sounds and performing well against ambient noise. The Aware Mode emphasizes conversational clarity, though it lacks adjustable levels. Sound quality is well-balanced, with powerful bass response and clear mids and highs across various music genres. The headphones also support spatial audio content, enhancing the listening experience.

Despite their strengths, the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity and limited interaction with other Sonos products are notable drawbacks. The audio handoff feature with compatible Sonos speakers is useful but occasionally clunky. Overall, while the Sonos Ace headphones deliver high-quality sound and effective noise cancellation, their absence of Wi-Fi and certain Sonos ecosystem features make them less compelling compared to competitors like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which offer superior noise cancellation at a slightly lower price.