Sonos has made a notable entry into the premium headphone market with the launch of the Sonos Ace, their inaugural over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. This new offering brings Sonos into direct competition with established brands like Bose and Sony.
The headphones are currently available for pre-order, with a full release scheduled for June 5th. Featuring custom 40mm drivers, the Ace promises rich and detailed audio. It is equipped with eight microphones that collaboratively work to actively cancel unwanted noise. Additionally, an ambient sound mode helps users stay attuned to their surroundings when necessary. The Ace supports immersive listening experiences with spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, making it perfect for movies, music, and gaming. For lossless audio playback, both Bluetooth and wired USB-C connections are supported.
Impressive Battery Life
The battery life of the Sonos Ace is noteworthy, lasting up to 30 hours with noise cancellation or ambient sound mode active. A quick 3-minute charge can provide 3 hours of playback, ideal for those needing a quick power boost. Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity ensures a stable and reliable connection, while physical buttons allow intuitive control over volume, playback, and noise cancellation settings.
Design and Comfort
A reviewer from 9to5Mac commends the balance between weight and comfort achieved by Sonos with the Ace. At 312 grams, it is lighter than the AirPods Max while still incorporating high-quality materials such as stainless steel for a premium feel. The headphones feature memory foam earcups and an over-ear design to prioritize comfort during extended listening sessions. The modular design of the Ace allows for easy replacement of earcups when needed.
Connectivity and Accessories
Unlike most Sonos products, the Ace uses Bluetooth for connectivity rather than Wi-Fi. Each pair comes with a matching carrying case, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and a 3.5mm jack adapter.
The Sonos Ace is now available for pre-order at a price of $449 and will be generally released on June 5th.
