Sonos Ace Review (2025) – Premium Sound, Comfort & Noise Cancellation Tested

The Sonos Ace became one of the most hyped premium headphones of 2025 for a simple reason: it promised to blend Sonos’s legendary home audio expertise with the go-anywhere convenience of high-end wireless headphones.

After years of dominating the multi-room speaker market, the company finally stepped into the personal audio ring. The question on everyone’s mind was whether they could challenge the titans—Sony, Bose, and Apple.

These headphones are crafted for a specific user: the discerning listener who values premium build, exceptional sound quality, and seamless integration. They target audiophiles who demand clarity, travelers who need top-tier noise cancellation, and tech-savvy users who appreciate a polished ecosystem.

After weeks of testing, the verdict is in: the Sonos Ace Review is a remarkable first entry that excels in sound and comfort, offering a compelling, if pricey, alternative to the established leaders.

Key Features at a Glance

• High-Fidelity Audio: Custom-designed drivers deliver rich, clear, and balanced sound.
• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) & Aware Mode: World-class ANC to block out distractions and a transparency mode to hear your surroundings.
• Spatial Audio & Dolby Atmos: Immersive, dynamic head-tracking for a 3D sound experience with supported content.
• Lossless Streaming: Listen via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for higher-fidelity audio.
• Impressive Battery Life: Up to 30 hours of listening time with ANC enabled.
• Premium Comfort: Ultra-soft memory foam ear cups and a lightweight, durable build for all-day wear.
• Seamless TV Audio Swap: Instantly switch TV audio from a Sonos soundbar to the Ace headphones.
• Fast Pairing: Quick and easy connection for both iOS and Android devices.

Design & Comfort

From the moment you unbox them, the Sonos Ace headphones feel distinctly premium. The build quality is exceptional, featuring a mix of matte-finished stainless steel and soft-touch composites that feel both luxurious and durable. The ear cups are lined with incredibly soft vegan leather over plush memory foam, creating a gentle yet secure seal around the ears.

Weighing in at 312 grams, they are slightly heavier than the Sony WH-1000XM5 but lighter than the Apple AirPods Max. The weight is distributed perfectly thanks to the well-padded headband, which applies just enough pressure to feel secure without causing discomfort.

During testing, we wore them for multiple long listening sessions, including a cross-country flight, and experienced no significant ear fatigue or clamping force issues. The design is elegant and minimalist, making them a worthy competitor to the most stylish headphones on the market.

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Sound Quality

Sonos built its reputation on sound, and the Ace headphones proudly continue that legacy. The audio is tuned for clarity and balance, delivering a studio-grade performance that will satisfy most audiophiles.

Bass Performance

The bass is deep, tight, and controlled. Unlike some competitors that can over-emphasize low frequencies, the Sonos Ace keeps the bass clean and non-muddied. On tracks with heavy sub-bass, the headphones provide a satisfying rumble without overwhelming the rest of the mix. This precise tuning ensures that basslines are punchy and defined, not boomy.

Mids & Vocals

This is where the Sonos Ace truly shines. The midrange is beautifully rendered, making vocals and instruments sound natural, present, and full of detail. Whether listening to acoustic folk or complex rock anthems, voices cut through with exceptional clarity. The studio-grade tuning is evident here, presenting music as the artist likely intended.

Highs & Details

The high frequencies are crisp and airy, revealing subtle details in recordings without ever becoming harsh or sibilant. Cymbals shimmer, strings resonate, and the overall soundstage feels wide and open. This balanced treble contributes to a non-fatiguing listening experience, even at higher volumes.

Spatial Audio Experience

The spatial audio implementation is excellent. With dynamic head tracking, the soundstage feels expansive and three-dimensional, making movies and Dolby Atmos-mixed music incredibly immersive. While gaming, the positional audio helps pinpoint in-game sounds with accuracy. It’s a feature that genuinely enhances the listening experience, especially when watching content on a supported device.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

Sonos entered a market dominated by ANC giants, and the Ace holds its own impressively. During real-world testing on an airplane, the headphones effectively muted the low-frequency drone of the engines, creating a peaceful bubble for music and podcasts. In a busy office, they filtered out conversations and keyboard clicks, allowing for deep focus.

Compared to the competition:

• Sony WH-1000XM5: The Sony might have a slight edge in blocking the most extreme low-frequency noises, but the Sonos Ace is very close and performs exceptionally well across the board.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Bose remains a top contender for overall noise cancellation, but the Ace is competitive, particularly in how it neutralizes mid-range sounds like voices.
• AirPods Max: The ANC performance is comparable, with both headphones delivering a powerful and effective noise-canceling experience.

The ‘Aware Mode’ (transparency) is also well-executed, allowing you to hear your surroundings naturally without the artificial, processed sound some other headphones produce.

Battery Life & Charging

The Sonos Ace delivers on its promise of long-lasting battery life. We consistently achieved close to the advertised 30 hours of playback with ANC on, which is more than enough for several days of commuting or a long international flight.

Charging is handled via USB-C, and the fast-charging feature is a lifesaver. A quick 3-minute charge provides up to 3 hours of playback, ensuring you’re never without music for long. This performance puts the Sonos Ace right at the top of the premium headphone category, matching or slightly exceeding its main competitors.

Connectivity & Features

Sonos has packed the Ace with modern connectivity options and user-friendly features that create a seamless experience.

Bluetooth Quality

The headphones support high-quality Bluetooth codecs, including aptX Lossless for compatible Android devices, ensuring a stable, zero-lag stream for both music and video. Pairing is fast and reliable across both iOS and Android platforms. The ability to stream via Wi-Fi for lossless audio when connected to the Sonos ecosystem is a unique and welcome feature for audiophiles.

App Controls

The Sonos app is where you unlock the full potential of the Ace. It offers robust customization options, including a full EQ to tailor the sound to your preference. You can easily switch between ANC and Aware Mode, enable spatial audio, and manage multi-device connections.

Multi-Device Pairing

The Sonos Ace supports seamless multi-device pairing, allowing you to connect to your phone and laptop simultaneously. You can be watching a video on your computer and, when a call comes in on your phone, the headphones will switch over automatically. It’s a smooth and intuitive process that works flawlessly.

Sonos Ecosystem Integration

For those already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, this is the Ace’s killer feature. The TV Audio Swap function lets you instantly transfer sound from a compatible Sonos soundbar (like the Arc or Beam) to your headphones with the press of a button.

This is perfect for late-night movie watching without disturbing others. The transition is seamless and demonstrates a level of ecosystem integration that competitors simply cannot offer.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

• Incredible sound clarity and balanced, high-fidelity audio
• Powerful and effective Active Noise Cancellation
• Premium, durable build with luxurious materials
• Exceptional all-day comfort
• Best-in-class integration for homes with Sonos soundbars

Cons

• Premium price tag puts it at the high end of the market
• Slightly heavier than the Sony WH-1000XM5
• The included case is slim, but the headphones do not fold for maximum portability

Best Alternatives in 2025

• Sony WH-1000XM5: Still a leader in ANC and overall performance, offering a lighter build.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: The top choice for those who prioritize noise cancellation above all else.
• Apple AirPods Max: The best option for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, offering seamless device switching.
• Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: A strong contender known for its outstanding battery life and superb sound quality.

Who Should Buy the Sonos Ace?

• Audiophiles: Listeners who want a balanced, high-fidelity sound profile will love the Ace’s tuning.
• Frequent Travelers: The combination of excellent ANC and all-day comfort makes them a perfect travel companion.
• Sonos Ecosystem Users: If you own a Sonos soundbar, the TV Audio Swap feature is a game-changer.
• Users Wanting Premium Spatial Audio: The immersive 3D audio experience is a major highlight.

Price & Value in 2025

With a U.S. price tag of $449, the Sonos Ace is positioned as a direct competitor to the AirPods Max and Bose QC Ultra. While not inexpensive, the value is justified by the premium build, exceptional sound quality, and unique ecosystem features.

These headphones are built to last, making them a solid long-term investment for the right user. Compared to competitors, they offer a compelling package that stands on its own merits, especially for those who prioritize audio fidelity and comfort.

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FAQ

Is the Sonos Ace better than the Sony XM5?

It depends on your priorities. The Sony XM5 is slightly lighter and may have a marginal edge in ANC. However, the Sonos Ace offers a more premium build, arguably more balanced audio, and unbeatable integration with the Sonos home ecosystem.

Does the Sonos Ace support Dolby Atmos?

Yes, the Sonos Ace features spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and dynamic head tracking, providing an immersive sound experience for compatible movies, music, and games.

Can you use the Sonos Ace for gaming?

Yes. You can use them for gaming via a wired USB-C connection or Bluetooth. The spatial audio feature can enhance the immersive experience in many games.

Are they comfortable for long flights?

Absolutely. The combination of plush memory foam ear cups, a well-padded headband, and moderate clamping force makes them extremely comfortable for long-duration wear.

Final Verdict

The Sonos Ace is an outstanding debut in the premium headphone market. It successfully translates the brand’s home audio DNA into a personal, portable package. The sound quality is simply superb—clear, balanced, and engaging. The comfort is top-tier, the ANC is highly effective, and the build quality feels every bit as premium as its price tag suggests.

Is it worth it in 2025? If you are a Sonos user, the answer is a resounding yes. The seamless TV Audio Swap feature alone makes it a must-have. For everyone else, the Sonos Ace stands as a formidable competitor to the best noise-canceling headphones from Sony, Bose, and Apple, winning on sound fidelity and comfort. If you value pristine audio and premium craftsmanship, the Sonos Ace is worth every penny.