Sonos Ace Over-Ear Headphones Hands-On & First Listen! 

Reminds me of the demo I had of the Bose noise cancelling headphones years ago. In the store I was trying them on, listening to music, then it tells you to take them off and it turns out it's been blasting airplane noise at you the whole time. A brilliant demo design, especially for an airport electronics store, I ended up buying them immediately.

Maybe off-topic, but huge kudos to the thumbnail designer, is absolutely perfect!

Will it connect to the device Im using instantly, or all at the same time?

Please review the strength of the headphone hinge.

I am really, really, really, really glad I saw this video before purchasing the Airpods Max again. I was seriously considering going backwards.

Noticed you're wearing the Toledano & Chan during the "commercial break". Cracking watch!

As someone who owns a Sonos Arc I’m really interested in these. Love the idea of being able to switch the audio to my headphones. With AirPods Max it would only work with my AppleTV, with this set up it would work with every device connected to my TV. I’ll wait for Dan’s full review but I can see me buying these later in the year 😊 Will be my first premium headphones and primarily for watching streaming content.

Any transparency? Compare to Airpods max?

lighting setup looks good buddy.

How big and deep are the earcups compared to the Airpods Max? Are they good for big ears?

I’ve been asking for these for the last 10 years!

I hope they support Sonos Amp at some point. I have an outdoor speaker setup in my backyard. These headphones would fit well in that ecosystem.

Best design on a pair of wireless headphones I’ve seen so far!

They look CLEAN AND GORGEOUS. I'm so used to touch controls tho, but these could change things.

Damn these things are beautiful 😍

Thinking of the white pair. What make model of stand is that?

I wish, from a Mac source, how does it pairs with apple ecosystem, past the “it pairs well with your iphone”. A lot of these doesn’t handle multiple devices or can’t handle videocalls (looking at you senheiser) on mac, even pairing well with the iphone. Should be interesting, as it compares with air pods pro, to know if its hassle free as well

I love line and I love how to do it very well I went to Apple is kind of missing half the mark on it. That’s the time but little bit better and I do like how it fall flat better than the old ones that used to have a pain sometimes.

Currently they do not explicitly mention anywhere that allows 2 Ace headphones to swap sound from a single soundbar (despite Sonos selling a pair of Ace for a discounted price) but the assumption based on the fact the Ace cannot be grouped or set as a separate room, is enough proof for now that the Ace cannot share a connection with another Ace to the same soundbar. This product is perfect for those already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, especially if you already own the Arc, living alone or for someone who likes to keep watching TV late into the night living in close proximity to others such as family or neighbors in a thin-walled apartment.

Last time I recall true lossless is only via DAC or a traditional wired connection no? Has the technology changed where you can get lossless wirelessly?

I love to see a comparison with the B&W PX8

not waiting for airpods max 2 anymore. this looks sleek!

Does this support Spatial Audio for Movies and TV? That’s the major reason I use AirPods Pro

Can 2 of these simultaneously pull audio from a single SONOS Arc... like 2 AirPods Max can with Apple TV? So the wife and I can watch a movie at different sound levels.

Does this connect to an Apple TV?

Look good. However, do they have automatic switching for different devices and auto head detection and the h2 chip?

Does the Home Theater feature/button work with other ARC soundbars like Samsung

Does it work with Apple Music app or do I need to use the Sonos app (which I hate)?

Is there a pairing button on this? How do you pair it with your iPhone or your Apple TV?

Now the app issues are finally sorted I cannot wait

I have waited for these headphones for over a year now. Since it was only just a rumor. I have Bose QC2 from 2018 and havent upgraded. If i was going to upgrade it would be for these. Thats why i have been waiting. Im still going to wait after the release, see how it compares to Sony and Bose. If they are at least on par with them, im getting these!

Nice!❤

Do you need a soundbar to experience atmos/spatial audio?

These look nice

Kind of ridiculous that the Sonos App gives an adjustable EQ to the headphones but not for there speakers. Unless adjustable EQ means just bass and treble

Is there any information on if you could run two aces from your arc or are you limited to just one at a time?

Did I see Dan bumping some classics Protest the Hero? That was unexpected and made me like him that much more 😂

If the latency really is low, these could be very interesting gaming headphones, at least for single player.

Curious if they sound better than the Sennhieser Momentum 4

Quick question. Can you use Sonos Ace with Sonos app away from home wifi?

I like how slim it is

The only advantage of these over all others is the Ace to Arc that’s what all of them should strive for

Tried Sonos Ace in a store in Stockholm today 🎉. I love the feel of them on my head BUT was so disappointed that the ANC did not block out any of the vocals or guitarr from a song playing on a stereo in the background of the store!!! All other noise disappered with the ANC on but the total clarity on those mid-to high notes actually made it impossible to hear the lyrics of the music I played in the Ace from my iphone. I even had to ask the store assistant to turn the other music off, because it was not possible to tell anything about the Ace’s audio. The store assistant was so surprised!! They then tested their other pair of Ace and came back to me and admitted that they too had this malfunction. I had planned to preorder these but went out of the store in confusion. I cannot buy headphones that makes it harder to hear my music than with any other brand pair. Has someone else exoeriensed this? Is this a kniven problem with the ones Sonos sent out for try-out’s today?

Now the Sonos App works on the road?

They look really good, I hope the price isn't too crazy.

Thank you Sonos for physical buttons!

Homie gets a like for playing protest the hero through these amazing headphones

Can I listen to lossless via Apple Music with my iPhone on these via Bluetooth?

Looks absolutely amazing. Great design by Sonos. Looks astronomically better than the Apple ones.

Is everyone assuming this or is it so obvious that no one is mentioning it? The Ace will also work as a separate entry on the Sonos app correct? If one wants to be walking around a house, apt or any Sonos enabled wifi (Sonos net et al) one will be able to choose Ace as a different speaker or room, is that correct? or is this exclusively a device to headphone situation and one of the reasons why he compares it so much to Apple;s product? Different users, different needs.

While I do think the Air Pods Max are the best looking out of all these headphones. This one is a close second and if its that much more comfortable, I may have to get these. Hopefully Apple makes some adjustments for their 2nd gen Air Pods Max.

I want to know why you only got 10 minutes at an audio listening event?

Looks nice 👌🏻 I’m looking forward to hearing them 😅👍🏻

It’ll be this or the new sony xm6

I hope this is good for movies

I was thinking about changing my pair of B&O H95 for Airpods Max 2 (when they arrive). But! My whole home is filled with Sonos - well, well, what do we have here?! (Voice of a man from Texas 😂)

These are pretty enticing and they don’t look like a first gen model. I’d probably buy them over the Sony and AirPods Max once I try them out

And how much does that soundbar cost? An Apple TV + AirPods Max is less than €1000. (just checked € 748 for both on the official Apple store)

I wish I could give this video-reviewer an extra like just for listening "Protest The Hero - Sequoia" Throne

While Sony seems to be doing big things with their successor to the HT-A9, I'm not aware of any Sony headphone that will interact with their soundbars the way the Ace is designed to work with the Arc. Looking forward to the full review.

any idea how these things will work with consoles -will i need a sound bar to get any joy?

My biggest complaint about the AirPods Max is connectivity. Random disconnections when I'm "too far away for too long" despite being within a reasonable range with no obstructions; no ability to simply handle a phone call while listening to RU-vid on my connected computer; random disconnections for no reason, which requires disconnecting the Bluetooth connection entirely... Of all the headsets that should work SEAMLESSLY, it should be the airpods...but actually my Sony over the ear headphones to a much better job (hate the touch controls and poorer sound quality though). What a missed opportunity for Apple.

Best looking headphones on the market. I always thought the AirPods Max looked odd and too fixated on using aluminum just to check off using metal even if it goes against user comfort. Plastic when used right does NOT mean it’s less premium. Sorry but does the plastic Sonos Arc mean it’s not premium? No

bring it back to airpods max as much as you want. thats a main competitor. probably the sony ones too that everyone seems to love

I can’t speak to these out of experience, obviously, but the use of leather instead of fabric is a problem, sweaty ears aren’t fun. I also don’t like how small the cups look, the one big reason the Max are some of the most comfortable headphones I have ever worn is the depth of the ear cups. Almost every headset I have owned has pressed on my right ear (which is admittedly rather flappy) and this definitely looks like one of those.

In my opinion, the assumption that metal is inherently superior to plastic in terms of quality overlooks the practical considerations behind the use of durable yet lightweight materials in most headphones. While there may be a perceived association between metal and premium quality, this does not always translate into practical advantages. Weight is another factor often associated with perceived quality, but it is important to consider that headphones are items that are worn and carried, sometimes for extended periods, making excessive weight less desirable. In addition, metal is susceptible to dings, scuffs, and general wear and tear over time. This, combined with a colored finish, will not withstand everyday use and abuse as well as plastic, which is more resilient. Furthermore, the flawed storage method of the AirPods Max increases the risk of wear, while the lack of forethought for cables (or their inclusion) presents another issue entirely within the apple ethos. The AirPods Max continues to face criticism for its high price point, which is difficult to justify for those outside the Apple ecosystem who may miss out on certain features. While Sonos' 3D audio offering may be subject to criticism in term of "gated festures", this still pales in comparison to Apples approach and may well be moot if you aren't in the Sonos ecosystem. Whike the jury is still out on sound quakity, it provides excellent value for premium ANC headphones that retain most of their features regardless of the connected phone. Additionally, Sonos' expertise in audio technology makes this a strong first attempt in a segment that has received more attention and care than the AirPods Max and its frankly idiotic travel case. The lack of a competitive price point from Apple or any significant price reduction, coupled with other notable drawbacks, positions the AirPods Max as a less appealing choice for many consumers at its current price of nearly 600 USD. In conclusion: I'm very eager to see verdicts on sound quality from the Ace series and if they play their cards right (pun unintended) Apple, Bose, and Sony should be rightly on the guard with this product.

❤❤❤

just get the momentum 4s

They look great like a mid range AirPod max

Good time to say that they should better focus their attention on the app and not on creating new products.

Can it be connected directly to your Samsung TV instead of a buying a master bedroom home theater just invest into these.

I think Apple should have went with a traditional cans and should have went carbon fiber than the heavy aluminum whoever comes to this will definitely win a lot of consumers over for sure. We’ll see if anybody connects the dots what consumers want

I love sonos’s sound quality but the app and software sucks. Bug fixes through App update is also very late. With Apple, i can safely assume any bugs or glitches i would encounter will immediately be resolved in next week update. But with sonos, its not the case😞

Listening music in Spotify that has a low quality audio in this kind of good heaphones is like ear bleeding for me

Sony Ult

Leatherettes and not leather. That’s a very important distinction.

I have tons of Apple and Sonos products. For casual music listening In prefer Sonos (I have a hifi system for more analytical listening) but like others have mentioned the experience at the moment is garbage with the new app. I get constant music stops after 1-2 tracks. Until this is fixed I will avoid any new Sonos purchases.

I don’t like the sound of APM, let’s see if Dino’s does better. Otherwise I’ll have to get the B&W

Can you watch movies/TV shows with Atmos/Spatial Audio on iPhone/iPad using Sonos Ace? Otherwise AirPods will always win

No Lossless audio for Iphone tho. Deal breaker.

They support LDAC? Maybe another🎉

I was insanely disappointed in the air pod maxs for the price I think they’re terrible. I have a full Sonos system in my house these might make sense

Released only days after their worst controller app update ever - howls of protest from loyal fans - and they don't have WiFi so you can't stream your music collection to them. It's a NO from me and I suspect, many others... Share price is falling.

M&D's MW75 are better tbh, especially the Bugatti Edition.

I’ve had to send my AirPods Max back 5 times in 1.5 years, and the latest replacement unit is already starting to fail. It has been the worst apple product I’ve ever owned. I do not wear them outside, or for long periods of time. I will be getting the Sonos headset.

So did they just rip off the Max design then? Lol

"Lossless audio over bluetooth" is not a thing

Well I think these are very good headphones $450 is a big ask. I think $350 is more reasonable for these headphones

Clone wars

I would still stick with AirPods Max. I would be more interested in these if they worked with a soundbar, were open-backed to let in sound, and added the surround channel with the headphones. They would be more interesting as a companion device.

Hell no!! The AirPod max looks way better and it’s obvious where Sonos got its inspiration from 🙈

I wish people who wear glasses would review these. Glasses often ruin the seal of the ear cups and so degrade the quality of the ANC

sonos pays more.

They should focus on getting the stupid app to work or this is all useless. If you do want to compare them to Apple then that is probably the most important parameter

Leather!? Oh, no! Apple just unfollowed. Hahahahah

Vegan leather ear cups make this a no go for me.

No headphone bra?

i will not buy any more sonos products after this last forced update that all but bricked the system. the company has lost the plot. they should focus on their current customers rather than ditching them because they are focused only on new customers.

If you have Sonos at home, they make sense. If you do not, I suspect they will never work as flawlessly as the AirPods Max. As previous comment indicated; Sonos' software and apps are TERRIBLE.

apple/SONY child.