Sonos Ace New Wireless Headphones by Sonos
Sonos Ace: Game-Changer in Headphones?
Sonos has launched its first headphones, the Sonos Ace, marking its entry into the headphone market. These over-the-ear wireless headphones boast features like world-class noise cancellation, hi-resolution audio, and a unique spatial audio version. Designed with a sleek, modern look, they offer a 30-hour battery life and come with a lightweight travel case made from 75% recycled felt.
The Sonos Ace focuses on comfort and sustainability, featuring pillowy soft foam ear cups wrapped in vegan leather, which are fully replaceable. Set to release on June 5, the headphones will be available in Black and Soft White, priced at £449 GBP / $449 USD. Customers can pre-order them on the Sonos website.
How does the Sonos Ace compare to its competitors, such as Apple's AirPods Max, in terms of design and included accessories?
The Sonos Ace headphones and Apple's AirPods Max share several design similarities, yet there are notable differences, particularly in terms of the accessories included with each12. Both headphones have a modern, sleek appearance, but the Sonos Ace combines metal with matte plastics for a premium look and includes a flat-folding design for easy storage, similar to the AirPods Max456. However, Sonos stands out by offering a lightweight travel case, addressing a common oversight with the AirPods Max, which only comes with a minimal cover for the ear pads and lacks a full protective case1.
In terms of accessories, the Sonos Ace package is more comprehensive. It includes a USB-C charging cable and a USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable, facilitating a broader range of connectivity options right out of the box. In contrast, the AirPods Max does not include an audio cable, requiring users to purchase a separate Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter for wired listening, as it uses Apple's proprietary Lightning connector instead of the more universal USB-C.
Overall, while both headphones offer high-quality design features geared towards premium users, the Sonos Ace edges out in terms of practical accessories included, making it potentially more appealing for users looking for greater value and convenience in their purchase16.
How does Sonos describe the sound quality and user experience of the Sonos Ace headphones?
Sonos describes the sound quality of the Sonos Ace headphones as clear, precise, and immersive. The headphones are equipped with two 40mm custom-designed drivers that deliver high-fidelity sound and effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The Ace also supports lossless audio over both Bluetooth and wired listening, and features spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for an immersive listening experience6.
In terms of user experience, Sonos emphasizes comfort and convenience. The Ace headphones are designed with a comfortable fit in mind, using lightweight, premium materials and memory foam wrapped in vegan leather for the ear cups. The headphones also feature intuitive design elements, such as tactile buttons for easy control of playback, volume, and calls. The fold-flat design and included lightweight travel case make the Sonos Ace suitable for on-the-go lifestyles. Moreover, the headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours and an ultra-fast charging feature, ensuring minimal interruptions to the listening experience.