The short version
Key points
- The Sonos Ace costs $699 in Australia and competes with premium headphones from Bose, Sony, Apple and Bowers & Wilkins.
- Its active noise cancellation is described as very good, approaching Bose’s premium range.
- The headphones were comfortable during four to five-hour listening sessions.
- Call quality was highly praised by people speaking with the reviewer.
- Spatial audio and head tracking worked best with compatible content, but could be disorientating on standard tracks.
Design, comfort and controls
The Sonos Ace uses a refined over-ear design with custom 40 mm dynamic drivers, eight microphones and a stainless steel skeleton. The review found the build quality premium and sturdy, with a soft headband that made the 312 gram weight less noticeable during extended use.
The vegan leather ear cushions were comfortable, soft and breathable during humid conditions. The white model looked clean during testing, although the review raised concerns about how light-coloured padding might age over time. The black version may be a safer choice for buyers worried about visible dirt.
Physical buttons control playback, volume and noise-control modes. This was considered a positive alternative to touch controls. However, the chrome volume and action rocker did not feel as premium as the rest of the headphones and was identified as a possible long-term durability concern. The case includes magnetic spaces for the earcups, but replacement cushions were not included.
Features and battery life
The Ace supports active noise cancellation, Aware mode, Bluetooth 5.4 and connections to two devices at once. Multipoint switching worked well when the headphones were connected to a MacBook and phone, allowing audio to move between the devices without manually reconnecting.
Supported devices can provide lossless audio, including through USB-C, with the review also mentioning Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound aptX Lossless, Apple lossless audio and SBC codec support. The Sonos app is not essential for basic use, but it provides firmware updates, EQ adjustments and head-tracking controls. The EQ is limited to bass, treble and loudness.
Battery life is rated at up to 30 hours with noise cancellation enabled. The included USB-C cable can recharge the headphones fully in around three hours.
Noise cancellation, calls and sound
Noise cancellation performed strongly in testing, almost matching the reviewer’s experience with Bose’s premium range. Aware mode allowed environmental sounds through while continuing to play music, making it useful for maintaining awareness or taking calls without feeling isolated.
The Ace was used for four to five hours at a time and remained comfortable. Call quality was a particular strength. People on the other end reportedly heard the reviewer clearly, including one caller who described the voice as sounding as though the reviewer was sitting nearby.
Music sounded polished and spacious across progressive rock, electronic music, new wave and other genres. The review found the headphones enjoyable with noise cancellation enabled and said they encouraged revisiting older favourite tracks. They were not described as studio-reference headphones, and the limited EQ means there is less adjustment available than with some competing products.
Spatial audio and value
The headphones can stream spatial audio from services such as Apple Music, with head tracking and Dolby Atmos support on compatible content. With suitable tracks, the review found the effect immersive, with instruments appearing in different positions around the listener. On standard tracks, however, head tracking could be disorientating, so turning it off was recommended in those situations.
Sonos also promotes integration with the Sonos Arc soundbar, allowing spatial sound and head tracking for films. This feature was not tested because the reviewer did not own an Arc, so no direct conclusion was made about its performance.
At $699, the Ace sits above the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Beats Pro mentioned in the review, while competing with products such as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Apple AirPods Max and Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e. The review considered the price steep and suggested that $599 would make the Ace more attractive to Sony and Bose buyers.
TechManPat’s conclusion
I think the Sonos Ace is a strong first-generation entry with excellent comfort, sound, call quality and noise cancellation. I would place it among the top three options for someone shopping in this category, although I think the $699 price is high and Bose still leads for noise cancellation. I ultimately chose the Ace as a personal purchase over the AirPods Max, but I also expect competition could lead to lower pricing.
This knowledge-centre summary is based on the linked TechManPat video and reflects the information available when it was published. Check current pricing, availability and policies before acting.
