[REVIEW] Sonos Ace Headphones Is Solid But There's Room For Growth
The Sonos Ace is instantly recognisable as a premium product.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 26 Sep 2024, 05:03 PM
When Sonos announced its Ace headphones, expectations were sky-high
A brand synonymous with high-quality audio, the anticipation for Sonos to release its own headphones had been building for years.
Now, in the middle of 2024, the Ace is finally here, positioning itself among heavyweights like Sony, Bose, and Apple.
After weeks of testing, it's safe to say that the Ace mostly delivers on its promise of exceptional audio quality, but falls short in a few crucial areas.
The Sonos Ace is instantly recognisable as a premium product thanks to its sleek, unassuming minimalist design that feels sophisticated rather than flashy
It comes in just two colours — black and white — keeping things simple, but for those who like a bit of customisation, interchangeable ear cups (sold separately) offer the option for a subtle aesthetic twist.
One of the first things you'll notice is how light these headphones are. Despite being relatively large, the Ace feels remarkably weightless when worn for long periods, with plush cushioning on both the headband and ear cups. This makes them an excellent choice for extended listening sessions. Whether you're watching a film or diving into an album, the comfort level is top-notch, keeping fatigue at bay.
The magnetic ear cups are also a thoughtful touch. Easily replaceable, they add a layer of convenience that will surely appeal to long-term users, especially given how quickly ear cups can wear down. In terms of the user interface, the button layout is straightforward, with just enough controls to feel intuitive without being overwhelming.
As with any Sonos product, the audio quality of the Ace is the star of the show
Sonos has managed to avoid over-processing the sound, unlike some competitors that overdo spatial effects. Music, videos, and podcasts sound clear and warm, free from the artificial crunch that plagues much of today's audio gear. It’s a treat for the ears, especially if you’re already a fan of Sonos' signature sound.
However, for a pair of headphones priced at RM2,299, I expected more in terms of immersive audio features.
One area where the Ace falters is its head-tracking functionality. While some brands have mastered this feature, Sonos' implementation feels lacklustre.
When you move your head, the sound loses its richness, collapsing into a flat, mono effect that breaks the immersive experience. Sonos could certainly improve on this by refining the head-tracking algorithm in future updates or providing an option to recalibrate the feature for a more natural soundscape.
Another limitation is the Ace's dependence on Bluetooth. While this may be acceptable in 2024, some audiophiles may lament the absence of Wi-Fi audio streaming, which offers higher-quality sound compared to Bluetooth.
There's plenty to like when it comes to ease of use with the Sonos Ace
The headphones pair effortlessly via Bluetooth, and the dedicated Sonos app provides added functionality, such as access to firmware updates and customisable settings like EQ and noise cancellation. The noise cancellation itself is solid, cutting out most ambient sounds effectively, although it falls slightly short of industry leaders like Bose.
One standout feature is the "TV Audio Swap", which lets you pipe audio from a Sonos Arc Soundbar into the Ace headphones — though it's only compatible with that particular soundbar at the moment.
One standout feature is the "TV Audio Swap", which lets you pipe audio from a Sonos Arc Soundbar into the Ace headphones —though it's only compatible with that particular soundbar at the moment.
It's a clever feature, but its limited compatibility makes it more niche than revolutionary. Expanding this functionality to other Sonos soundbars in future updates would make the Ace an even more compelling buy for users already invested in the Sonos ecosystem.
In many ways, the Sonos Ace headphones are an impressive first-effort
They sound excellent, are incredibly comfortable for long-term wear, and offer intuitive controls. The design and user experience are as polished as we've come to expect from Sonos, and for many users, these headphones will more than meet their needs.
That said, for a premium price point, there are a few areas where Sonos could push the envelope further — namely, in refining its head-tracking feature and eventually incorporating Wi-Fi streaming.
For those already embedded in the Sonos ecosystem, the Ace presents an exciting new product that fits seamlessly into the rest of your home audio setup. And if you're not? Well, they’re still a solid choice for anyone in the market for high-end Bluetooth headphones.
