Sonos, the renowned wireless home audio company, has finally thrown its hat into the crowded wireless headphone market with the Sonos Ace. Announced in May 2024, the Ace promises an audio experience that lives up to Sonos' reputation for premium sound. But can it compete with established leaders like Sony and Bose? Let's delve into the details.
Specs and Features:
- Drivers: Custom-designed 40mm dynamic drivers for powerful, detailed sound.
- Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with eight microphones for effective noise blocking.
- Spatial Audio: Supports Dolby Atmos for an immersive listening experience with compatible content.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless pairing and low latency. Wi-Fi connectivity allows integration with the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room listening.
- Battery Life: Up to 30 hours with ANC off, 24 hours with ANC on.
- Other Features: Automatic switching between devices, adjustable EQ, voice assistant support, USB-C charging, comfortable ear cups with memory foam.
Comparisons to the Competition:
- Sony WH-1000XM5: Sony's flagship headphones offer excellent noise cancellation, superior comfort, and a slightly longer battery life (30 hours with ANC). However, the Sonos Ace boasts spatial audio capabilities and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem, which the XM5 lacks.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Bose's latest offering features industry-leading ANC and a comfortable design. It also includes a unique calibration feature that optimizes noise cancellation for your ears. However, the Bose headphones lack spatial audio and don't integrate with a multi-room system like Sonos.
- Apple AirPods Max: Apple's premium headphones excel in seamless integration with Apple devices and offer excellent sound quality with computational audio. However, the ANC isn't quite on par with the Sony or Sonos offerings, and the on-ear design might not be suitable for everyone.
Sonos Ace: Strengths and Potential Drawbacks
The Sonos Ace stands out with its focus on high-fidelity audio, spatial audio support, and integration with the Sonos ecosystem. Users who already own Sonos products will find the ability to seamlessly switch between headphones and speakers appealing. The 30-hour battery life is also a plus for long listening sessions.
However, the Sonos Ace comes at a premium price ($699 AUD) compared to some competitors. Additionally, the design might not be as universally comfortable as some competitors, and the focus on the Sonos ecosystem might not be a selling point for everyone.
The Verdict:
The Sonos Ace is a strong first entry into the wireless headphone market. It delivers on Sonos' promise of excellent sound quality, boasts innovative features like spatial audio, and integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem. However, the high price tag and potentially less comfortable design might deter some buyers. If you're a Sonos user looking for high-fidelity headphones that integrate with your existing system, the Ace is a compelling choice. However, if you prioritize comfort or pure noise cancellation prowess, established leaders from Sony and Bose might be better options.
