Sonos, renowned for its home audio systems, has ventured into the headphone market with the introduction of its first model, the Sonos Ace. These headphones, priced at US$450, are set to compete with popular active noise cancellation (ANC) models from brands like Apple, Sony, and Bose. The Ace will be available starting 5 June in select markets, including the US.
“Obsessively crafted and masterfully tuned, these headphones make you feel at one with the sounds that matter most to you,” said Sonos. Available in Black and Soft White, the Sonos Ace promises 30 hours of battery life and exceptional comfort. Users can seamlessly switch audio from a Sonos Arc soundbar to the headphones and fine-tune settings via the Sonos app on Android and iOS.
Key features of the Ace include Spatial audio, Lossless audio via a 3.5mm headphone jack and USB-C port, Dolby Atmos, and Dynamic head-tracking support. The headphones also offer wear detection, ANC, aware mode, and fast charging. The Ace is constructed from plastic, leather, and metal, giving it a lightweight yet sturdy premium feel. Beamforming microphones help suppress background noise and enhance voice clarity.
The Ace’s “Bespoke fit” features a stainless steel headband that smoothly adjusts and stays securely in place. The ear cups, made of plush memory foam and soft vegan leather, magnetically attach to the headphones for easy replacement, akin to Apple’s AirPods Max. Unlike many modern headphones with touch controls, the Ace includes physical controls, such as a Content Key for pausing/playing music, adjusting volume, and handling calls, along with a dedicated button for ANC.
The Sonos Ace is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, supporting seamless switching between devices. With just three minutes of charging, users can enjoy three hours of music playback. The headphones come with a carry case, USB-C to USB-C, and a 3.5mm to USB-C cable, making them a robust addition to Sonos’s product lineup.