Sonos Ace Headphones Review

The Sonos Ace Arrives: A Brilliant Headphone with a Catch

For years, the question wasn’t if Sonos would release a pair of headphones, but when—and what they would do to stand apart in a market dominated by giants like Sony, Bose, and Apple. The Sonos Ace is the long-awaited answer, a product that arrives with the full weight of the company’s premium audio reputation behind it. It’s an impeccably built, fantastic-sounding pair of over-ear headphones. Yet, its most magical feature is also its most significant limitation, making the Ace a brilliant debut that appeals most to a very specific user.

Design and Comfort: Understated Elegance

Pulling the Ace from its slim, felt-lined case, you’re greeted with a masterclass in minimalist design. The headphones eschew flashy logos and complex lines for a clean, sophisticated aesthetic. Constructed from premium matte plastics, vegan leather, and exposed stainless steel yokes, they feel both lightweight and durable. At 312 grams, they are lighter than Apple’s AirPods Max and wear their weight exceptionally well, with a gentle clamping force and plush memory foam earcups that create a comfortable, secure seal for hours of listening.

Sonos nailed the small details. The earcups attach magnetically, making them easily replaceable. The physical controls—a multi-function “Content Key” for playback and TV audio swap, a power/pairing button, and a noise-control toggle—are tactile and intuitive, a welcome departure from the often-finicky touch controls found on competitors. The design isn’t revolutionary, bearing a passing resemblance to both the AirPods Max and Sony’s WH-1000XM5, but its execution is nearly flawless.

Performance: Superb Sound and Solid Noise Cancellation

Sonos is a sound company first, and the Ace proudly upholds that legacy. The custom-designed 40mm dynamic drivers deliver a remarkably clear, balanced, and spacious sound profile. Bass is tight and present without being overwhelming, mids are rich and detailed, and highs are crisp without a hint of sibilance. This is a headphone tuned for accuracy, not for artificial bass-thumping. It sounds fantastic across music, podcasts, and movies right out of the box, with a robust EQ available in the Sonos app for those who prefer to tinker.

Support for high-fidelity audio is a major win. The Ace handles lossless audio over both a USB-C connection and wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.4 with Snapdragon Sound AptX Lossless on compatible Android devices. This commitment to quality will be a significant draw for audiophiles.

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is very, very good, but it doesn’t quite dethrone the reigning champions from Bose and Sony. It effectively silences low-frequency drones like airplane engines and office HVAC systems. However, it allows a bit more mid-range chatter and sharp, unpredictable sounds to bleed through than its top-tier rivals. The “Aware Mode” is equally competent, providing a natural-sounding transparency that lets you stay connected to your surroundings without removing the headphones.

The Ecosystem Feature: TV Audio Swap

The true magic of the Sonos Ace is TV Audio Swap. With the press of a button, you can instantly move the audio from a compatible Sonos soundbar (at launch, only the flagship Sonos Arc) to the headphones, complete with Dolby Atmos spatial audio and dynamic head tracking. The effect is seamless and impressive, enveloping you in a private cinematic soundscape that mirrors the experience of your full home theater setup. When you’re done, another press sends the audio right back to the soundbar.

This is the killer app, the feature that justifies the “Sonos” name. The problem? Its reliance on the Arc severely limits its audience. If you don’t own that specific, premium soundbar, the Ace’s most unique feature is entirely inaccessible, though Sonos has promised to expand compatibility in the future. Without it, the Ace functions as a standard, albeit excellent, pair of Bluetooth headphones.

Verdict: Who is the Sonos Ace For?

The Sonos Ace is a phenomenal first-generation product. It boasts a premium build, exceptional comfort, and a wonderfully balanced sound profile that will please discerning listeners. However, its $449 price tag places it in direct competition with the best in the business.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to one thing: your existing Sonos setup. If you are a Sonos user who already owns a Sonos Arc, the Ace is an almost irresistible purchase. The TV Audio Swap feature is a game-changer for late-night movies and immersive private listening. For everyone else, the value proposition is more complex. You’re paying a premium for a marquee feature you can’t use, making rivals from Sony and Bose potentially smarter, more cost-effective choices. The Ace is a fantastic headphone, but its true genius is currently locked behind a very specific ecosystem wall.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon