Sonos Ace

The Sonos Ace wireless headphones deliver outstanding sound and clever Sonos soundbar integration, but comfort is a sore spot in our testing. Prices range from $753 to $1,230, so hunt for a deal. They're ideal for Sonos owners who want private TV listening, but commuters and all-day wearers might want to look elsewhere.

The Sonos Ace is the company's first shot at a premium pair of wireless over-ear headphones, and it's clearly aimed at folks who already live in the Sonos ecosystem. If you've got a Sonos soundbar at home, the TV Audio Swap feature alone might put these on your radar. You press a button and the audio jumps from the soundbar to the headphones, which is a killer trick for late-night movie sessions. But even if you don't own other Sonos gear, there's plenty to like here. The 40mm dynamic drivers push out Hi-Res audio over Bluetooth 5.4 or USB-C, active noise cancellation is effective, and the eight-mic array makes calls sound crisp. They're not cheap, with prices bouncing between $753 and $1,230 across retailers, so you'll want to shop around.

Build quality is right up there with the best. The stainless steel band and memory foam ear cups feel premium, and we've seen these rank in the 96th percentile for build in our database. That's reassuring when you're spending this kind of money. The physical buttons are a welcome touch, too. No fiddly touch panels that misinterpret every swipe. Setup is dead simple, especially if you're pairing with an existing Sonos system.

Now, the elephant in the room: comfort. User reviews are all over the place. Some owners rave about how comfortable they are for hours, but our data tells a different story. The Sonos Ace lands in the 29th percentile for comfort, meaning most other headphones we test are easier on the head for long listening stretches. That disparity is worth digging into, and it might be a dealbreaker if you wear headphones all day.

Sound quality is where the Sonos Ace really shines. In our testing, it landed in the 97th percentile for audio performance. That's top-tier. The 40mm drivers deliver a detailed, balanced sound that works well across genres. Bass is punchy without muddying the mids, and the high end sparkles without getting harsh. Whether you're streaming lossless over USB-C or using Bluetooth, the Ace handles it with finesse.

Active noise cancellation sits at the 88th percentile. It's strong, able to hush office chatter and airplane hum, but it doesn't quite dethrone the class leaders from Bose. Transparency mode is effective when you need to stay aware. The mic system is a standout, ranking in the 98th percentile, so your voice comes through clearly on calls. Battery life is rated at 30 hours with ANC on, which puts it in the solidly above-average camp (73rd percentile). The quick-charge feature giving you 3 hours of playback from a 3-minute charge is a nice safety net. But connectivity is flawless, scoring in the 96th percentile, with stable multipoint support.

The Sonos Ace's value is hard to pin down because the price swings by nearly $500 depending on where you buy. At $753, it's a compelling option if you value excellent sound and the Sonos TV integration. At $1,230, you're in crazy territory, where you could grab a pair of Sony WH-1000XM6 and still have cash left over. If you spot a deal at the lower end, the Ace becomes a strong buy. Just be aware that alternatives like the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 offer comparable sound for less, and Bose's QuietComfort Ultra give you better ANC for a similar price when they're on sale. Shop around, and don't pay full retail.

Stacked against the Sony WH-1000XM6, the Sonos Ace wins on sound quality and mic performance, but Sony fights back with superior comfort and more versatile noise cancellation. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 is a closer rival in audio fidelity, often at a lower price, though it lacks the TV Audio Swap trick. If ANC is your top priority, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra still holds the crown and feels lighter on your head for long flights. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is a direct competitor in build and sound, but expect to pay a premium there too. For commuters, the Technics EAH-A800 might be a smarter pick because of its lighter design and better isolation on the go.

Commuters and anyone who prioritizes all-day comfort should probably skip the Sonos Ace. Our data shows they're less comfortable than most peers, and the commute score is painfully low. If you don't own any Sonos gear, the TV Audio Swap feature is irrelevant, so you'd be paying a premium for a feature you can't use. For similar or less money, the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 deliver a more comfortable experience with equally great sound.

If you're already invested in the Sonos ecosystem and the TV Audio Swap feature solves a real problem for you, the Ace is a no-brainer. The sound quality is genuinely excellent, and the build and mic performance are top-notch. But if comfort is a big deal to you, you'll want to try these on before committing. Our data suggests they're not as cozy as many other headphones in this price bracket, and that matters if you're wearing them all day. For commuters, the weak 59.3 rating in that category might steer you toward other options. Overall, the Sonos Ace is a strong first attempt, but it's not the slam dunk some owners claim.