Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones Review

Introduction

Sonos has been a strong contender in the audio market for years, known for its high-quality speakers and sound systems. The Sonos Ace wireless headphones are a new addition to their lineup, promising top-notch sound quality, advanced features, and exceptional comfort.

These headphones are designed for those who appreciate high-fidelity sound and a sleek design. But do they live up to the hype? In this review, we’ll dive deep into every aspect of the Sonos Ace wireless headphones to help you decide if they are the right choice for you.

Design and Features

The Sonos Ace wireless headphones boast a minimalist design that stands out in a market filled with flashy options. They come in a matte finish with two color options: classic black and white. The headphones are lightweight, making them comfortable for extended use. The ear cups are made with soft, breathable fabric that allows for good airflow, reducing ear fatigue during long listening sessions. The adjustable headband is made of durable, high-quality materials and fits snugly without causing discomfort.

The overall design of the Sonos Ace is clean and simple, with no unnecessary embellishments. The buttons are discreetly placed, allowing easy access to essential controls such as volume, play/pause, and track skipping. The headphones also feature touch controls on the ear cups, which make it easy to manage your music and calls. The touch sensitivity is well-calibrated, responding accurately to swipes and taps without accidental triggers.

One standout feature is the foldable design, which makes these headphones easy to carry around. The ear cups rotate to lie flat, and the headphones fold inwards to fit into a compact carrying case. This design element is especially useful for travelers or those who like to listen to music on the go. The Sonos Ace wireless headphones also come with a detachable audio cable, allowing you to use them in wired mode when the battery is low or for better sound quality.

In terms of connectivity, these headphones support Bluetooth 5.2, which ensures a stable connection with minimal latency. Pairing the headphones with your devices is straightforward, thanks to the built-in NFC feature. The headphones also support multiple Bluetooth codecs, including aptX, AAC, and SBC, providing compatibility with various devices and ensuring high-quality audio transmission.

Specification

Key Features

The Sonos Ace wireless headphones come packed with features that cater to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. One of the most notable features is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The ANC technology in these headphones effectively reduces ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your music or podcasts without distractions. Whether you’re on a noisy commute or in a busy office, the ANC works well to create a peaceful listening environment.

Another great feature is the battery life. The Sonos Ace wireless headphones offer up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge with ANC enabled. This is a significant advantage for users who need headphones that can last through long flights, road trips, or busy workdays. The headphones also support fast charging; a 10-minute charge provides up to 5 hours of playback time, which is perfect for those moments when you need a quick top-up before heading out.

The headphones are also equipped with a high-quality built-in microphone with noise suppression technology. This makes them ideal for taking calls, whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the move. The voice quality is clear, and the noise suppression ensures that the person on the other end of the call hears you without any background noise.

For fitness enthusiasts, the Sonos Ace offers IPX4 water resistance. This means they can withstand light rain or sweat, making them a good choice for workouts or outdoor activities. However, it’s important to note that they are not fully waterproof, so submerging them in water is not recommended.

Lastly, the Sonos app integration allows you to personalize your sound experience. You can adjust the equalizer settings, manage firmware updates, and even locate your headphones if they are misplaced. The app is user-friendly and adds significant value to the overall experience.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Sonos Ace wireless headphones excel in delivering high-quality sound. The audio is crisp and clear, with a well-balanced frequency response. The bass is deep and punchy without overwhelming the mids and highs, which remain detailed and vibrant. Whether you’re listening to bass-heavy tracks or classical music, these headphones offer a dynamic soundstage that makes every genre enjoyable.

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performs impressively well. It effectively blocks out low-frequency noises like engine hums and background chatter. While it may not match the level of ANC found in premium brands like Bose or Sony, it is more than adequate for most users. The transparency mode is another useful feature that allows you to hear ambient sounds when needed, such as during conversations or when crossing the street.

In terms of connectivity, the Bluetooth 5.2 support ensures a stable connection with minimal dropouts. The headphones can maintain a strong connection within a range of 30 feet, even in environments with multiple wireless devices. The aptX and AAC codecs provide high-quality audio streaming, making them ideal for use with both Android and iOS devices.

Call quality is excellent, thanks to the noise-suppressing microphone. Even in noisy environments, the person on the other end can hear you clearly. This makes the Sonos Ace wireless headphones a great choice for remote workers or anyone who frequently takes calls on the go.

Battery life is another strong point. With ANC enabled, the headphones last up to 30 hours on a single charge, which is impressive compared to many competitors. The fast charging feature is also handy, allowing you to get several hours of playback from just a short charge. Overall, the performance of the Sonos Ace wireless headphones is top-notch, making them a reliable choice for daily use.

Pros and Cons

Latest Deals

If you’re considering purchasing the Sonos Ace wireless headphones, it’s a good idea to check for the latest deals on Amazon. Prices often fluctuate, and you may find discounts or bundle deals that offer additional value. Currently, the Sonos Ace wireless headphones are available on Amazon with a price range starting from $299.99. Keep an eye out for special promotions, seasonal discounts, or flash sales that can help you save money on your purchase.

Should You Buy It?

The Sonos Ace wireless headphones are an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality sound, comfort, and advanced features. They are particularly well-suited for users who value noise cancellation, long battery life, and a comfortable fit. If you are someone who travels frequently or works in noisy environments, these headphones will serve you well with their effective ANC and strong build quality.

However, if you’re looking for the absolute best in noise cancellation or need headphones that are fully waterproof, you might want to consider other options. The slightly higher price point may also be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Nonetheless, the overall package offered by the Sonos Ace wireless headphones makes them a compelling option in their price range.

Final Thoughts

The Sonos Ace wireless headphones are a solid entry into the market, offering great sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable design. They cater to a wide range of users, from audiophiles to casual listeners, and are versatile enough to be used in various situations. While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the limited color options and slightly higher price, these do not outweigh the numerous benefits. If you are in the market for a pair of wireless headphones that deliver on performance, comfort, and style, the Sonos Ace is worth considering.

How We Test

Our testing process involves evaluating the headphones across several key factors: sound quality, comfort, noise cancellation, connectivity, and battery life. We test the headphones under various conditions, such as quiet environments, noisy streets, and during workouts, to assess their performance. We also test the battery life by playing continuous audio at moderate volume levels and use different devices to evaluate Bluetooth connectivity and codec compatibility.

The sound quality is tested with a range of music genres, including classical, rock, pop, and electronic, to understand the headphones’ performance across different frequencies. We conduct calls to evaluate the microphone quality and test the noise cancellation feature in various noisy settings, such as coffee shops and public transport. Lastly, we explore the headphones’ additional features, such as app integration and touch controls, to determine their ease of use and added value.

FAQs