Sonos Ace headphones launch to challenge Bose and Sony

Sonos, the well-known name in home audio systems, has finally made its much-anticipated foray into the headphone market with the launch of Sonos Ace.

With the headphones market worldwide projected to grow to a market volume of $19.8 billion in 2028, Sonos is betting on its new venture to secure a piece of that pie. These premium wireless over-ear headphones boast active noise cancellation (ANC) taking aim at established players like Bose and Sony.

Early impressions from the live launch suggest the Sonos Ace might just be the wave audiophiles and casual listeners alike have been waiting for. Here is a look at some of those first impressions.

Design

The Sonos Ace offers a sleek and slim design available in black or a soft white matte finish. Weighing just 312 grams, the headphones prioritize comfort with memory foam ear cushions, vegan leather, and a carefully designed clamping force. Subtle branding adds a touch of class, avoiding the loud design of some competitors.

Audio and Connectivity

Sonos promises an exceptional audio experience with the Ace. The headphones utilize a ported acoustic architecture to deliver deep, rich bass and a wide soundstage of near-CD quality.

Wireless connectivity is via Bluetooth 5.4 with support for SBC, AAC codecs, and high-fidelity options like Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) and Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound aptX Lossless. It also boasts custom-designed 40mm drivers

For an immersive experience, Sonos Ace boasts support for both Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio, creating a truly immersive listening experience. Additionally, Sonos' Intelligent Motion Processing with Dolby Head Tracking tracks your head movements to further enhance the audio experience.

Ecosystem Integration

One unique feature, capitalizing on Sonos' established home audio dominance in many homes, is the seamless integration with the Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos soundbar. With a simple button press on the headphones, you can switch the TV sound between the soundbar and the headphones. Compatibility with other Sonos soundbars (Beam, Beam Gen 2, and Ray) is promised soon, alongside a new TrueCinema technology that tailors the audio experience to your specific listening space.

Battery life

Battery life is expected to deliver up to 30 hours of playback with ANC enabled. Even better news for heavy listeners, a quick 10-minute charge reportedly delivers a substantial 4-hour top-up. The headphones are charged via the ubiquitous USB-C port.

Price and Availability

The Sonos Ace is set for a global launch on June 5, 2024, with a wider reach than initially announced. The headphones will be available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and a long list of other countries, with South Africa and Chile to follow shortly after. 

Conclusion

Overall, the Sonos Ace headphones enter the market with a lot to offer. The combination of design, comfort, audio quality, unique features, and long battery life positions it as a serious contender for audiophiles and casual listeners looking for a premium listening experience.