Sonos Ace vs AirPods Max
Sonos Ace vs AirPods Max: Which Reigns Supreme?
Sonos has introduced its first headphones, the Sonos Ace, positioning them as direct competitors to Apple's AirPods Max. Both models feature 40 mm dynamic drivers, strong active noise cancellation, and various listening modes. However, Sonos Ace supports full Lossless audio, while AirPods Max only offers partial support. Additionally, Sonos Ace boasts better battery life and updated connectivity options like Bluetooth 5.4.
Design-wise, Sonos Ace uses a mix of vegan leather, fabric, foam, and metal, and is available in two colors. In contrast, AirPods Max uses more metal and comes in five colors. The Sonos Ace is priced $100 less than the AirPods Max, though Apple has temporarily matched the $449 price tag of the Sonos Ace. The choice between the two may depend on user preference for integration within the Apple ecosystem versus newer features and better value offered by Sonos.
What are the key audio specifications of both Sonos Ace and AirPods Max, and how do they compare in terms of drivers and noise cancellation features?
The Sonos Ace and AirPods Max share several key audio specifications. Both models boast high-fidelity, rich audio due to their custom 40 mm dynamic drivers for each ear, along with strong active noise cancellation and transparency modes2. The two over-ear headphones also combine custom hardware and software to deliver the best possible sound.
In terms of noise cancellation, both the Sonos Ace and AirPods Max utilize eight microphones to detect and counter external sounds actively. However, the AirPods Max has one additional microphone for voice pickup.
When it comes to drivers, both headphones feature 40 mm dynamic drivers2. The Sonos Ace has eight microphones, while the AirPods Max has nine. Both models support Dolby Atmos/Spatial audio and dynamic head tracking.
One notable difference is that the Sonos Ace offers Lossless support, while the AirPods Max only provide partial Lossless support5. The Sonos Ace allows for lossless audio when connected via USB-C or Bluetooth with an Android phone that supports Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound AptX Lossless5.
In summary, both the Sonos Ace and AirPods Max offer high-quality audio with advanced noise cancellation features. While they share many similarities, the Sonos Ace stands out with its Lossless support and USB-C connectivity option5.
What are the dynamic driver sizes for both Sonos Ace and AirPods Max headphones?
Both the Sonos Ace and AirPods Max headphones feature custom 40mm dynamic drivers for each ear. These drivers contribute to the high-fidelity, rich audio experience that both companies highlight as a key aspect of their over-ear headphones.