Note: This article was first published on 21 May 2024. We have since tested it and you can read our review here.
11 June 2025 update: The headphones get several critical updates a year after their launch. More details below.
The Sonos Ace have a distinctive and modern look.
Sonos has just entered the high-end wireless headphone space with their Ace headphones.
Like most high-end wireless headphones, the Ace features active noise cancellation to block external noise, as well as an "Aware" mode (also known as transparency mode) that allows ambient sounds to be mixed in when desired. The sleek design of the headphones is reminiscent of the AirPods Max (read our review here) and uses premium materials like stainless steel for the headband, and memory foam wrapped in vegan leather for the ear cushions.
Weighing in at 312g, the ear cushions give a good seal around the ears, and the ear cups can pivot and rotate freely to fit the shape of the user’s head. However, like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the AirPods Max, the Sonos Ace does not fold. It comes with a carrying case made of 75% recycled felt from plastic bottles.
For on-device control, the right side features the "content key", which controls media playback and volume, as well as a button to toggle between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Aware mode. Use the left cup buttons to power on and pair the device.
The ear cushions are plush. They attach magnetically so they can be easily replaced.
The content key can also be used in conjunction with other Sonos speakers to switch audio output. For example, if you are playing sound through your Sonos Arc soundbar, you can quickly change the output to your Ace speakers by hitting the content key.
Driving the headphones are custom-designed 40mm dynamic drivers. Sonos claims that the Ace headphones support Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos and also said that they support lossless audio over Bluetooth with Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound.
The content key is a nice way to control volume and playback without adding too many buttons.
Battery life is rated at 30 hours, and these headphones feature a fast charging capability, where three minutes of charging provide up to three hours of battery life. The Ace charges via USB-C. The USB-C port can also be used for wired listening. With wired listening, the Ace supports lossless audio.
One interesting feature of the Ace headphones is something Sonos calls TrueCinema technology, which it says will precisely map your space to deliver a surround system experience that'll make you forget you're wearing headphones. However, this feature will not be available at launch, but it will be introduced later this year.
Other notable features include wear detection, Bluetooth 5.4, coloured inner earcups to distinguish right from left, and eight beam-forming microphones for noise control and voice targeting, so every word is crisp and clear.
The Sonos Ace comes in Black and Soft White.
Based on my brief period of listening to the Sonos Ace, the headphones aren’t too bassy and have a slight emphasis on the high frequencies. Female and male voices are clear, and there is good separation of instruments. I also tried the Ace's audio switching feature with the Sonos Arc soundbar and found that I could switch quickly in a matter of seconds.
11 June 2025 update: Sonos has introduced several software updates for its Sonos Ace headphones.
First is the aforementioned TrueCinema technology, which is finally ready and available to the device. It "reads" the dynamics of the environment you're in, and the Sonos Ace headphones would replicate that soundstage inside its two cups for a tuned 3D audio system effect.
Also updated is Audio Swap. This allows the Sonos Ace and a connected Sonos soundbar to receive the same TV audio in perfect audio sync.
Active Noise Cancellation now compensates for sound leakage by adapting to your hair, glasses, and hats in real-time.
Finally, the SideTone feature makes it possible to hear "a bit" of your own voice even with ANC turned on, which can be helpful for calls taken via the headphones.
Sonos said that these free features are rolled out as a software update, starting from today (11 June 2025).
Pricing and availability
The Sonos Ace is available in Singapore in both Black and Soft White, with a matte finish, starting 5 June 2024 for S$699.
Pre-orders were previously available on 22 May 2024 at the Sonos Flagship Store at Orchard Road, the TC Acoustic Store at The Adelphi, as well as tcacoustic.asia and trysonos.sg. Alternatively, you can purchase the Sonos Ace from the official Sonos storefronts on Amazon, Lazada, and Shopee.
Don't forget to read our review of the Sonos Ace here.
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