Editor’s note: this article was published on August 1, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Sonos Ace compared to the Bose QuietComfort Headphones?

The headphones share similar ear pads and headbands.

The Sonos Ace and Bose QuietComfort Ultra share a very similar design. In terms of style, I’d give the edge to the Sonos Ace, thanks to its metal accents on the headband and buttons. While the headband of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones may look metallic, it is an all-plastic design. At this price, that’s underwhelming.

On the other hand, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have the edge in comfort. Thanks to its plastic construction, the Bose headphones are lighter at only 253g, compared to the Sonos Ace at 320g. The ear pads on the Bose headphones are also slightly softer. While I can still wear the Sonos Ace for multiple hours at a time, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have all-day comfort.

Both headphones come with a nice carrying case along with cables for charging and wired listening. Neither have any water or sweat resistance, so you should think twice before buying the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for the gym.

Should you use the apps of either the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?

It’s important to download the companion app to get the most out of either set of headphones. For the Sonos Ace, that’s the Sonos app. For the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, it’s the Bose app. Both apps let you install the latest firmware updates, adjust noise canceling, and have basic equalizer functionality to adjust the bass and treble.

Each app also has some spatial audio features. Within the Bose app, you can activate Still Immersive Audio mode, which simulates the effect of your music coming from a speaker in front of you. Alternatively, there is a Motion Immersive Audio mode which keeps the music centered as you move your head around. Similarly, the Sonos app lets you toggle Dolby Atmos and head tracking modes.

If you have a compatible Sonos soundbar, you can set up TV Audio Swap within the Sonos app. This allows you to seamlessly transfer audio from your soundbar to your Sonos Ace headphones.

How do the Sonos Ace and Bose QuietComfort Ultra connect?

Both headphones support wired and wireless listening.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have Bluetooth 5.3 with support for LE audio. If you have a newer flagship Android phone, you may enjoy near-CD quality via aptX Lossless. Another way to get lossless listening is to simply use the included 2.5 to 3.5mm TRS cable.

Not to be outdone, the Sonos Ace have Bluetooth 5.4 and also bring support for aptX Lossless. You can listen wired with the Sonos Ace with the included USB-C to C and USB-C to 3.5mm cables.

I didn’t experience connection issues with either the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones when paired to my iPhone. Both headphones have Bluetooth Multipoint support so you can seamlessly switch from your phone to laptop.

Is battery life better on the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?

In our standardized battery test, the Sonos Ace survived 32 hours and 13 minutes while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones only lasted for 27 hours and 37 minutes of continuous playback. While Sonos has the edge here, both last long enough to survive any plane trip or a week of normal use.

When it comes to fast charging, Sono also takes the crown. Three minutes of charging from empty gets you three hours of listening time with the Sonos Ace. On the other hand, 15 minutes of charging the Bose headphones only gets you two and half hours of listening time.

Do the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Headphones block noise better?

Bose has been making noise canceling headphones a lot longer than Sonos, and it shows. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones easily best the Sonos Ace when it comes to blocking out ambient noise. With ANC enabled, our testing shows that the Bose headphones block out an average of 85% of ambient noise, whereas the Sonos Ace only blocks out 74%.

As you can see in the noise attenuation charts above, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones block out more low, mid, and high-frequency noise than the Sonos Ace. That said, the Sonos Ace still have good enough noise canceling for most people. I found that either headphone drowns out most of the noise around me on my commute to work.

Do the Sonos Ace sound better than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?

Both the Sonos Ace and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have good sound quality. Whichever headphones you buy, you’ll probably be satisfied, though each have strengths and weaknesses. The Bose headphones have a default sound that more people will enjoy, but the Sonos Ace have much better spatial audio performance.

Both headphones have very basic equalizer functionality in their companion apps. You can broadly adjust the bass or treble, but you can’t fine-tune the frequency response to your liking with either. The Bose app has EQ presets, whereas the Sonos app does not.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

The chart below shows how the sound of the Sonos Ace and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have a slight edge thanks to their higher Timbre score.

On a scale from 1-5, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones get an Overall score of 4.6, whereas the Sonos Ace have an Overall score of 4.3. You’ll notice they each receive the same score in Distortion and Immersiveness. The difference in Overall score is due to the fact the algorithm puts the most weight on Timbre. In practice, the difference in scores here are non-significant.

Objective Measurements

The default frequency response of the Sonos Ace isn’t very different from that of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Both roughly follow our headphone preference curve, so there’s a good chance most people will enjoy the sound quality of either set of headphones. The Sonos headphones emphasize high frequencies from 2-8kHz more than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which brings out more details in vocals and guitars. Disabling noise canceling on the Sonos Ace has a significant impact on its sound quality, resulting in a roll-off in the lows below 100Hz.

Do the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have a better microphone?

The Sonos Ace and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones both have quality microphones for taking phone calls. That said, the Bose microphones are much better at blocking out background noise. You can hear the difference in our microphone demos below.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sonos Ace microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones microphone demo (Street conditions):

Sonos Ace microphone demo (Street conditions):

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Sonos Ace vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: Price and availability

The Sonos Ace have a slightly higher starting price than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. The Bose headphones are also a year older, which means you have a better chance of finding them on sale. You should be able to find either at most major tech retailers.

Should you get the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?

Most people are better off buying the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones instead of the Sonos Ace. They have slightly better noise canceling, sound quality, and comfort. You will also typically find the Bose headphones on sale for much less money than the Sonos Ace.

The Sonos Ace are a valiant first effort from the speaker brand but are simply overpriced for what you get. Unless you already have a Sonos soundbar or really value Dolby Atmos, these aren’t worth the money.

Should you get the Sonos Ace or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones instead of the Apple AirPods Max?

The Sonos Ace and AirPods Max look very similar in white.

In our Sonos Ace vs Apple AirPods Max comparison, we determined that the AirPods Max are the better option for most people integrated into the Apple ecosystem. Similarly, in our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Apple AirPods Max breakdown, we found the AirPods Max are a good option for Apple device owners. However, the AirPods Max do have a much higher price tag than the Bose headphones, which may have some Apple fans leaning towards Bose.

Frequently asked questions

Editor’s note: this article was published on July 18, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Sonos Ace compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5?

The Sonos Ace have a similar design to the Sony WH-1000XM5, especially when comparing the ear cups and headbands side by side. The ear cups and headband are wrapped in a soft matte coating that looks and feels similar to the finish on Sony’s headphones. Both come with a case for storing your headphones and charging cable.

We can award some style and durability points to the Sonos Ace thanks to its stainless steel frame and accents around the microphones and vents. At the same time, those accents come at the cost of some added weight. The Sonos Ace weighs 320g, whereas the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a lighter 250g. That said, we didn’t have major comfort issues with either set of headphones.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 use capacitive touch controls, whereas the Sonos Ace use tactile buttons and sliders. Both allow you to adjust music playback and activate ANC without needing to reach for your phone. While touch controls may have more wow factor, tactile controls are more reliable, especially if you are wearing gloves.

Should you use the apps of either the Sonos Ace or Sony WH-1000XM5?

If you want to get the most out of the Sonos Ace, you need to download the Sonos app. Similarly, the Sony WH-1000XM5 utilize the Sony Headphones Connect app. You get most of the same features and functionality with either companion app.

While the Sonos app has an equalizer to adjust sound quality, it is very limited. You only get simple bass and treble controls. If you like tinkering with how your headphones sound, you will definitely prefer the Sony offering.

Remember, you must accept the end user license agreement to access the Sony Headphones Connect app.

The Sony app takes photos of your ears to implement 360 Reality Audio. On the other hand, you can enable head tracking from within the Sonos app, a feature not found on the Sony headphones.

If you have a compatible Sonos soundbar, you can use the Sonos app to enable the TV Audio Swap feature. This unique Sonos feature allows you to transfer the audio from your soundbar to your Ace headphones with the touch of a button. While this feature is currently only available on iOS, Sonos plans to add support for Android devices soon.

How do the Sonos Ace and Sony WH-1000XM5 connect?

The Sonos Ace and Sony WH-1000XM5 both support wireless and wired playback, but differ in their approach to the latter. While the Sonos Ace support wired listening via USB-C, the Sony WH-1000XM5 have a 3.5mm aux input. For wireless listening, the Sonos Ace have Bluetooth 5.4 with support for SBC, AAC, and aptX Lossless via Snapdragon Sound. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5 support Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, and LDAC.

Despite Sonos being well known for its Wifi-enabled speakers, the Sonos Ace do not support Wifi playback. We didn’t experience connection issues with either the Sonos Ace or Sony WH-1000XM5 in day-to-day use.

Is battery life better on the Sonos Ace or Sony WH-1000XM5?

Battery life is a close tie. According to our standardized battery testing, the Sony Ace last 32 hours and 13 minutes, whereas the Sony WH-1000XM5 last 31 hours, 53 minutes. Fast charging either headphones will get you 3 hours of playback from only 3 minutes of charging.

Do the Sony Ace or Sony WH-1000XM5 block noise better?

The Sony Ace and Sony WH-1000XM5 each do a great job of blocking out noise. That said, the Sony WH-1000XM5 take the win here. On average, the Sony WH-1000XM5 reduce the loudness of ambient sounds by 84%, whereas the Sonos Ace reduce the loudness of ambient sounds by an average of 74%.

While the Sony cans block out noise, I still find the Sonos Ace block out most distractions. Both headphones are able to block out my noisy coworkers without a problem.

If you are interested in staying aware of your surroundings, both headphones have a good pass-through transparency mode. Sony lets you adjust the amount of outside noise heard through the headphones, whereas Sonos does not.

Do the Sonos Ace sound better than the Sony WH-1000XM5?

The Sonos Ace and Sony WH-1000XM5 have very similar sound quality performance. Any differences here will come down to personal preference.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

The chart below shows how the sound of the Sonos Ace and Sony WH-1000XM5 was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.

This battle is a toss-up.

While the Sonos Ace score slightly higher in Timbre, the Sony WH-1000XM5 score better when it comes to Distortion. They have a very close Overall score, so there’s a good chance most people will appreciate the sound quality of these headphones equally.

Reviewer’s notes

The Sonos Ace and Sony WH-1000XM5 each have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to sound quality. The Sonos Ace have a very poor app equalizer, which makes it difficult to fine-tune the sound. Out of the box, we found the headphones under-emphasize mids, and there’s no way to rectify this within the app. On the flip side, we found the Sonos Ace do an excellent job with stereo imaging. In an orchestral track like “Can You Hear The Music” by Ludwig Göransson, the strings and synths are easy to distinguish within the orchestra.

Dolby Atmos content also sounds very good on the Sonos Ace, making for a very immersive listening experience. The head tracking is fun for both listening to music and watching movies. This contrasts with the spatial audio features of the Sony WH-1000XM, which use Sony 360 audio. While 360 audio performs well, it is very hard to find supported content compared to Dolby Atmos.

We tested the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sonos Ace in the lab using state-of-the-art equipment, including our B&K 5128 artificial head.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 have a bass emphasis out of the box, but it is fairly easy to equalize this away within the companion app. After some equalization, we enjoy the sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM5. Keep in mind that the sound quality of both headphones is impacted when listening wired vs wireless, as well as listening with ANC on vs ANC off.

Objective Measurements

In a direct comparison, we can see a lot of similarities between the default frequency response of the Sonos Ace and that of the Sony WH-1000XM5. Both amplify lows and highs more than our headphone preference curve. That said, there are a lot of irregularities in the Sonos Ace frequency response, and you can’t equalize these using the very simple EQ found inside the Sonos app.

Do the Sonos Ace or the Sony WH-1000XM5 have a better microphone?

The Sonos Ace and Sony WH-1000XM5 each have eight onboard microphones. Based on our tests, both are able to reproduce voices clearly. The Sony microphones seem slightly better at reducing background noise such as keyboard clatter, which might them the better choice for taking Zoom calls in a noisy office.

Sonos Ace microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sony WH-1000XM5 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sonos Ace microphone demo (Office conditions):

Sony WH-1000XM5 microphone demo (Office conditions):

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Sonos Ace vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Price and availability

If it’s been close to equal so far in our comparison, this is where the Sony WH-1000XM5 gain an advantage. The Sonos Ace have a starting price of $449, whereas the Sony WH-1000XM5 have a starting price of $399. Moreover, the Sony headphones are a few years older, so you’re more likely to find them on sale.

Should you get the Sonos Ace or Sony WH-1000XM5?

Sonos have made a very admirable effort with their first headphones. That said, it’s not quite enough to warrant our recommendation over the Sony WH-1000XM5. The Sony headphones have better noise canceling, a more refined app experience, and a cheaper starting price tag.

If you are already deeply integrated to the Sonos ecosystem, or you can find the Sonos Ace on sale, they are still very worthy headphones. That said, it’s also worthwhile to check out some alternatives on our list of the best headphones before making your decision.

How do the Sonos Ace and Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to the Apple AirPods Max?

The Sonos Ace and AirPods Max look very similar in white.

Time to talk about the elephant in the room, the Apple AirPods Max, . If you have an iPhone and are already deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, you’d be remiss to not consider the AirPods Max. That said, the Apple AirPods Max are extremely expensive, so you better be sure the Apple integrations are worth it to you. We have detailed breakdowns of the Apple AirPods Max vs Sonos Ace as well as the Apple AirPods vs Sony WH-1000XM5 that go over every feature in depth.

In terms of pure performance, the Apple AirPods Max are on par with the Sonos Ace and Sony WH-1000XM5. The AirPods Max deliver great sound quality with spatial audio and head tracking, but you don’t get native equalizer support to tweak the sound to your liking. There’s also no easy way to use the AirPods Max with a wired connection, which should concern content creators who need low-latency listening. On the other hand, the AirPods Max have exceptional noise canceling and transparency modes.

What should you get instead of the Sonos Ace or Sony WH-1000XM5?

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are very comfortable for hours on end.

The Sonos Ace and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both very expensive, and you may not need to spend that much money to meet your headphone needs. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are a slightly cheaper alternative that deliver excellent sound quality, . At the ultra-budget end of the spectrum are the JLab JBuds Lux ANC, . Despite their budget price, you still get noise canceling and good sound quality.

On the other hand, you can’t discuss premium noise-canceling headphones without mentioning Bose – they created the category in the first place. Their latest offering the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones cost a pretty penny, . With aptX Lossless and Snapdragon Sound support, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra deliver exceptional sound quality to supported Android devices. As expected, you also get great noise canceling with these cans.

Frequently asked questions

While the AirPods Max excels in noise cancelation and transparency mode, the Sonos Ace offers more flexibility in terms of wired and wireless connections, as well as codec support. Both headphones deliver good sound quality but with distinct tuning preferences, making the choice between them largely dependent on the user’s ecosystem, preferred audio experience, and specific requirements.

Editor’s note: this article was updated on June 28, 2024, with a video about the differences in sound quality between the Sonos Ace and Apple AirPods Max. 

What’s it like to use the Sonos Ace compared to the Apple AirPods Max?

The AirPods Max have a sleek all-metal design that looks and feels premium but is also quite heavy at 385g. The Sonos Ace opt for a lighter plastic and steel construction that still feels durable yet is more comfortable for extended wear. Both have well-padded ear cups, though the Sonos isn’t as deep, which could be an issue for those with larger ears.

In terms of controls, Apple keeps things minimal with the digital crown for volume/playback and a single button for ANC/transparency. Sonos has a more comprehensive button/slider layout with separate controls for volume, playback, ANC, and even a slider to swap audio to Sonos soundbars.

Which ecosystem do you want to invest in?

The AirPods Max auto-pause audio when removed from your head and resumes when you put them back on—a convenient touch missing from Sonos. However, the lack of a power button means the AirPods Max is always on when not in its case, needlessly draining the battery.

Connectivity differs vastly, too. The AirPods Max lacks a 3.5mm jack and requires pricey adapters for wired use. The Sonos Ace includes USB-C and 3.5mm cables in the box, but the AirPods Max integrates seamlessly into Apple’s ecosystem over wireless.

So, in essence, the AirPods Max offers a more streamlined but Apple-centric experience. At the same time, the Sonos Ace opts for greater flexibility at the cost of slightly busier controls and design.

Should you use the apps of either Sonos Ace or Apple AirPods Max?

Both the Sonos and Apple apps offer additional features and customization options for their respective headphones.

The Sonos app provides access to an equalizer, head-tracking settings, and Bluetooth multipoint configuration. It also allows you to enable TV Audio Swap with compatible Sonos soundbars, enhancing the home theater experience. The Sonos app is available on iOS and Android.

The Apple app doesn’t offer an equalizer for the AirPods Max, but it does enable features like Spatial Audio and seamless device switching within the Apple ecosystem. While you can connect the AirPods Max to Android phones, Android users will miss out on all the additional features, such as proximity sensors or virtual assistants.

If you’re deeply invested in either ecosystem or want to take advantage of the unique features each app offers, using the respective app is recommended. However, if you’re primarily concerned with basic playback controls, the apps may not be essential.

How do the Sonos Ace and Apple AirPods Max connect?

Both headphones offer wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, but the Sonos Ace has an advantage in terms of wired options and codec support.

The Sonos Ace support Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC, AAC, and aptX Lossless via Snapdragon Sound. It also includes USB-C to C and USB-C to 3.5mm cables in the box, allowing for wired use with various devices.

The Apple AirPods Max, on the other hand, use Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and SBC codecs. It lacks a headphone jack, requiring a separate Lightning-to-3.5mm cable (sold separately) for wired use. It also doesn’t support high-quality codecs like aptX or LDAC.

While the AirPods Max offer seamless connectivity within Apple’s ecosystem, the Sonos Ace provide more flexibility for wired and wireless connections across different devices and platforms.

Is battery life better on the Sonos Ace or Apple AirPods Max?

The Sonos Ace offer slightly better battery life than the Apple AirPods Max. In our standardized testing, the Sonos Ace lasted for 32 hours and 13 minutes with ANC enabled, while the AirPods Max lasted around 21 hours with ANC on.

Both headphones offer decent battery life, but the Sonos Ace have an edge, providing enough listening time for a couple of days’ worth of commutes or even a transatlantic flight.

It’s worth noting that the AirPods Max lack a physical power button and remains on for a few hours after being removed from the case, potentially draining the battery faster if not used regularly.

Do the Sonos Ace or Apple AirPods Max block noise better?

Both the Sonos Ace and Apple AirPods Max offer excellent noise canceling performance, but the AirPods Max have a slight edge in overall noise reduction.

According to isolation testing, the Sonos Ace can reduce the loudness of external noises like buses, trains, and airplane engines by about 74% with ANC enabled. This is impressive, but the AirPods Max outperform it, achieving noise reduction of up to 83%.

The AirPods Max consistently cancel low and midrange frequencies more effectively than the Sonos Ace, making for a quieter commute or plane ride. However, both headphones provide good isolation and noise canceling capabilities, making them suitable for noisy environments.

Do the Sonos Ace sound better than the Apple AirPods Max?

Both the Sonos Ace and Apple AirPods Max offer good sound quality, but they have different sound signatures that cater to different preferences.

The AirPods Max have a more neutral and balanced sound profile, with a slightly reduced emphasis in the upper midrange and a minimal boost in the sub-bass region. This results in clear vocals and a modest but controlled low-end response.

In comparison, the Sonos Ace have a more pronounced bass emphasis, especially in the sub-bass and mid-bass regions. This can add warmth and depth to the sound but may also cause fatigue during prolonged listening sessions, particularly with bass-heavy music.

Do the Sonos Ace or Apple AirPods Max have a better microphone?

For microphone quality, the Ace and AirPods Max appear to be on par at the most basic level. Neither was an initial standout as a headphone mic, though their general capabilities should be enough to retain vocal quality under varied use cases.

Sonos Ace microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Apple AirPods Max microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sonos Ace microphone demo (Office conditions):

Apple AirPods Max microphone demo (Office conditions):

Sonos Ace vs Apple AirPods Max: Price and availability

The Apple AirPods Max was originally released in 2020 and still goes for today. We do expect Apple to release a second-generation version sometime soon, which could mean the original see a price drop. The Sonos Ace launched in 2024 and goes for and is the first and only headphones from Sonos.

Should you get the Sonos Ace or Apple AirPods Max?

Deciding between the Sonos Ace and Apple AirPods Max depends on how invested you are in their respective ecosystems and what features matter most to you.

The Sonos Ace and AirPods Max look very similar in white.

If you’re deeply entrenched in Apple’s world of devices and services, the AirPods Max is the more logical choice. Its seamless integration with iOS, Spatial Audio support, auto-pause sensors, and superior noise cancelation make it the ultimate wireless headphones for Apple users. However, the lack of a 3.5mm jack and the need for adapters is frustrating.

On the other hand, the Sonos Ace are an excellent option for those who want an immersive, home theater-like experience on the go with Dolby Atmos and head-tracking. Its versatile wired and wireless connectivity also makes it more platform-agnostic. But it can’t quite match the AirPods Max’s noise cancelation prowess. For users deeply invested in the Sonos speaker ecosystem already, the Ace provides cool features like swapping audio to your Sonos soundbar.

Ultimately, if you prioritize a tightly integrated, clean experience centered around Apple’s ecosystem, the AirPods Max is superb, albeit expensive. But if audio versatility, unique sound tuning, and home theatre capabilities are paramount, the Sonos Ace stands out as the more flexible, if still pricey, option among the best headphones.

Frequently asked questions

https://youtu.be/bgvCcblHNEs

Editor’s note: this is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use Sonos Ace?

The design of the Sonos Ace looks very familiar. In fact, these headphones seem to answer the question: “What if the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Max had a baby?” The answer: you get a comfortable, well-built pair of headphones.

The combination of memory foam padding, plastic ear cup housing, and stainless steel frame contribute to a design that is both stylish and durable.

The ear cups and headband are made of plastic, but they’re wrapped in a soft matte coating that looks and feels similar to the finish on Sony’s headphones. As for the interior, the ear cups and headband feature a soft memory foam wrapped in vegan leather. The stainless steel frame provides added durability, while allowing for easy adjustment of the headband to suit the user. There are also stainless steel accents around the microphones and vents, which is a nice visual touch. The headphones come in black and white.

Given the high price tag of the Sonos Ace, I was expecting an all-metal construction à la AirPods Max. However, after wearing the headphones for over a week, I’m very satisfied with Sonos’ design approach. The use of plastic for the ear cups allow the headphones to feel much lighter than the AirPods Max, making them easier to wear during longer listening sessions. Also, the memory foam padding feels very plush and gentle on my head. There’s also enough clamping force to keep the headphones still, but not so much that the ear pads are pressing into the arms of my glasses.

The Sonos Ace is comfortable to wear, so long as you don’t have big ears.

It’s worth noting that the ear cups on the Sonos Ace aren’t as deep as what you’d find from Sony and Apple’s headphones. Coupled with the thick padding, people with larger ears may have a difficult time ensuring a proper seal and a comfortable fit. As someone with average-sized ears, I haven’t face any issues with fit, though your results may vary.

The Sonos Ace has no ingress protection rating, so I’d highly recommend choosing a different pair of headphones to work out with. Similarly, you should not wear the headphones in the rain or snow without a hood.

The Sonos Ace comes with a carrying case, cable pouch, USB-C to C cable, and USB-C to 3.5mm cable.

For travelers and commuters, the Sonos Ace comes with a carrying case made of recyclable materials. While the eco-friendly approach to design is a nice gesture, it does result in a carrying case that feels a lot more fragile than what you’d get with other flagship over-ears. The case feels like it’s made out of paper and cardboard, which isn’t very durable. Still, it gets the job done. Inside the case you’ll find a magnetically detachable cable pouch where you can store the included USB-C to C cable and USB-C to 3.5mm cable.

While it’s nice of Sonos to include cables for wired listening, I find the USB-C to C cable too short — as there’s not enough slack for me to use the cable comfortably when plugged into my laptop. The cable also pulls tightly if I’m listening while standing with my phone in my pocket. Then again, you could always use any longer or spare USB-C cables you have lying around. Thank goodness for a universal standard, right?

How do you control the Sonos Ace?

Most functions on the Sonos Ace can be controlled using a tactile slider on the right ear cup, also known as the “Content Key.”

You can control playback and volume using the Content Key (slider). The button underneath toggles through listening modes.

You can move the slider up or down to adjust volume or press it to control playback. A button underneath the slider lets you toggle through listening modes or summon your voice assistant. There is also a button under the left ear cup that controls power and Bluetooth pairing.

Tactile buttons and sliders on the Sonos Ace make controlling the headphones a fuss-free affair. It feels much more responsive than the touch sensor-based controls found on headphones like the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless and Sony WH-1000XM5. I only wish that the slider and control key were positioned a little lower on the ear cup, similar to the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, though this is more of a want than a need, really.

Should you use the Sonos app for the Sonos Ace?

You do not need to download the Sonos app to set up the Sonos Ace. However, if you want to get the most out of your headphones, I recommend doing so. The app is available on both iOS and Android.

Besides downloading firmware updates, the Sonos app lets you enable Bluetooth multipoint and head tracking. You can also use the app to customize the Noise Control and Wear Detection settings on your headphones.

The Sonos app includes an equalizer to help tune the headphones to your liking, though its functionality is rather limited. All you get are two sliders to control bass and treble, and no clear visual indication as to how your sound is being affected. This is a far cry from the EQ tools provided by Shure, Nothing, or even Sony. In fact, I really, really wished that Sonos included a slider to adjust the mids, but I’ll get more into that in the sound quality section. To Sonos’ credit, this is still more customization than you get with the AirPods Max.

It’s worth noting that the app only works with the Sonos Ace via Bluetooth. The app won’t recognize the headphones when connected to your phone using the USB-C cable. This can be mildly frustrating when you want to quickly toggle head tracking or make a quick EQ adjustment. That being said, remember to dial in your settings before switching over to wired listening.

How does the Sonos Ace connect?

The Sonos Ace offers a wide range of connection options. You can connect the Sonos Ace wirelessly to your source device over Bluetooth 5.4, and the headphones support SBC, AAC, and aptX Lossless via Snapdragon Sound. These headphones don’t support any audio-over-WiFi technologies, which is a little ironic considering that Sonos is known for its WiFi-enabled speakers. The Sonos Ace also features Bluetooth multipoint, with support for up to two simultaneous connections, though you’ll need to enable this in the app.

You can connect to the Sonos Ace via Bluetooth or USB-C cable.

I had no major connection issues while using the Sonos Ace, for the most part. From congested city streets to the comfort of my own home, I rarely experienced connection dropouts or stutters when paired to my MacBook Pro or iPhone. The only time I encountered any problems was when using the TV Audio Swap feature with my Sonos Arc soundbar.

The connection range between the Sonos Arc and Sonos Ace seems to be quite limited. If I try to walk from my TV and down the hall, the connection would drop-off at about 4 meters (~14 feet) away. Granted, walls and interference from other devices may affect the connection strength, though I never have this issue when paired to my iPhone.

If your source device doesn’t support Snapdragon Sound, you can still enjoy Lossless audio the old-fashioned way: a wired connection. Sonos even includes a USB-C to C cable and a USB-C to 3.5mm in the box. Using the Sonos Ace headphones wired is a treat — especially when paired with a streaming service that supports high-quality music files, such as Tidal. No connection stutters, no drop-outs, no nonsense.

How long does the Sonos Ace’s battery last?

When connected to a source device with a USB-C to C cable, the Sonos Ace can charge the battery and stream audio simultaneously.

The Sonos Ace lasted for 32 hours and 13 minutes in our standardized battery test, with ANC enabled. For reference, that’s a longer battery life than what you’ll get with the Apple AirPods Max, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, and Sony WH-1000XM5. Rest assured, the Sonos Ace will provide enough listening time for a couple of days’ worth of commutes or even a roundtrip flight across the Atlantic.

How well does the Sonos Ace cancel noise?

The Sonos Ace does a very good job of canceling outside noise. The headphone’s dense ear pads do a good job sealing to your head, leading to isolation performance comparable to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones. With ANC enabled the Sonos Ace is able to reduce the loudness of buses, trains, and airplane engines by about 74%. It doesn’t outperform flagship ANC headphones like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (85%) or the Apple AirPods Max (83%). Still, it’s a valiant effort, considering that this is Sonos’ first go at the over-ear market. Rest assured, the Sonos Ace can quiet your next commute at home or abroad.

How do the Sonos Ace sound?

Sonos is no stranger to making good-sounding speakers, but can they make good-sounding headphones? The Sonos Ace doesn’t sound bad, but there’s room for improvement.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

The chart below shows how the sound of the Sonos Ace was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.

According to our virtual panel of listeners, you’re most likely to enjoy the default sound of these headphones.

The Sonos Ace scores very well. According to our virtual panel of listeners, most people will enjoy the default sound of these headphones — even before taking advantage of features like Dolby Atmos and the in-app EQ.

Reviewer’s notes

Editor’s note: this review uses a hover-enabled glossary to describe sound quality based on a consensus vocabulary. You can read about it here.

Objective Measurements

The chart below outlines the frequency response of the Sonos Ace to our headphone preference curve, which is a measurement of what we think will sound good to most people.

In the low frequencies, there is a significant over-emphasis in the bass and sub-bass frequencies, especially between 20-30Hz, and between 50-175Hz. This low-end bump helps recreate the deep bass you might feel while watching a movie in a theater; a product of Sonos’ home-theater roots. While this might be fine for momentary sounds like an explosion, brass stab, or bass drop, this low-end emphasis can be fatiguing during long listening periods — especially while listening to bass-heavy music.

There is also an under-emphasis between 1,250-2,000Hz, which can reduce the clarity of sounds like higher-pitched vocals, high-octave keys and synths, and stringed instruments. Moving up the frequency chart, there is a noticeable over-emphasis between  5,000-8,000Hz. While this tuning can help accentuate room effects like reverb to heighten your sense of immersiveness, it can also cause sounds like cymbals, hi-hats, or any metallic hits to sound too shrill.

Based on our measurements, it seems that Sonos tried to tune the 40mm dynamic drivers of its headphones to mimc the characteristics of watching a movie in a theater. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, tuning choices like the over-emphasized sub-bass and treble can lead to a fatiguing listening experience over time. I’d highly recommend going into the Sonos app and adjusting the treble and bass sliders until you find a setting that’s most comfortable for you.

Can you use the Sonos Ace for phone calls?

The Sonos Ace features eight beamforming microphones for taking calls on the go. Based on our tests, the microphones on the Sonos Ace are able to reproduce voices clearly. They won’t replace a condenser mic, but rest assured you’ll be heard loud and clear on the other end of a call.

Sonos Ace microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

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Should you buy the Sonos Ace?

The Sonos Ace is expensive but could be worth the price for the budding cinephile.

The Sonos Ace is definitely worth considering if you can justify the high price tag. After all, these headphones cost a whopping $449. If you’re someone who enjoys immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos, or if you already own a soundbar from Sonos, then the Sonos Ace could be a natural extension of your existing home theater setup.

However, if you’re looking for over-ear headphones with the best noise canceling performance possible, or you just want more control over your sound, then I’d suggest looking at alternatives from Apple, Bose, Sony, or Sennheiser before setting your sights on the Sonos Ace.

How do the Sonos Ace compare to the Apple AirPods Max?

The AirPods Max are a great choice for Apple device owners who want a pair of premium over-ears.

Given the price point, a lot of people are likely to compare the Sonos Ace to the Apple AirPods Max. Both headphones offer a lot of features for their price, so which you choose will ultimately come down to what you value the most.

One of the biggest differences between the two headphones has to do with device ecosystem integration. The Apple AirPods Max is the better choice for iPhone owners who are heavily invested in Apple’s walled garden. Moreover, the AirPods Max boasts better noise-canceling performance than the Sonos Ace. Its default sound also has less bass emphasis, though Apple doesn’t provide any EQ tools. On the other hand, the Sonos Ace is a better investment for people who already own a compatible Sonos soundbar, or for those who simply prefer Dolby Atmos for consuming immersive audio content.

How do the Sonos Ace compare to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer comparable specs to the Sonos Ace.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones boast a slightly lower price tag than the Sonos Ace and offer comparable specs, including aptX Lossless via Snapdragon Sound, similar default sound, and comfortable design. Furthermore, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones boast better noise-canceling performance and a slightly better in-app EQ tool.

Bose also offers spatial audio, which they call “Bose Immersive Audio”. However, this implementation of spatial audio pales in comparison to the Sonos Ace’s use of Dolby Atmos for virtual surround sound. The head tracking on the Sonos Ace is also more responsive than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.

How do the Sonos Ace compare to the Sony WH-1000XM5?

The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers great sound quality and noise-canceling performance for the price.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is great for people who want a premium pair of noise-canceling headphones, without having to shell out over $400. These headphones offer better sound quality and noise-canceling than the Sonos Ace, and the Sony Headphones Connect app offers more customization options compared to what’s available in the Sonos app.

These headphones also support spatial audio via Sony 360 Reality Audio, however there is far more content available in Dolby Atmos compared to Sony’s format. If virtual surround sound is a priority for you, the Sonos Ace is still a better option. For everything else, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is worth serious consideration.

What should you get instead of the Sonos Ace?

The Sonos Ace is not cheap by any means, so it’s worth taking a look at some alternatives that may better suit your needs. For example, the AirPods Max () offers tight integration with Apple devices, offering exclusive features like Apple Spatial Audio and automatic device switching.

Android users should take a look at the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which also support aptX Lossless for high-quality streaming over Bluetooth. If you don’t care for spatial audio, or you value a great in-app equalizer, the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 () should be on your radar.

If you want to save some cash, the Sony WH-1000XM5 () boasts a comfortable design, very good sound quality, and great noise-canceling performance.  There’s also the Sennheiser MOMENTUM Wireless 4 (), which offers great sound quality and an impressive 56+ hour battery life.

Frequently asked questions