The Ace Ultra: The Ideal Sonos Headphones Redefined
The Sonos Ace Ultra headphones are a significant upgrade in the brand’s foray into the headphone market, addressing many of the shortcomings of the original Ace model. While the original Ace headphones were well-constructed, offered good sound quality, and were comfortable, they fell short in terms of integration with the Sonos ecosystem. Their standout feature allowed audio rerouting from a Sonos soundbar to the headphones, enabling private TV listening, but it was plagued by glitches and limited compatibility at launch. Fortunately, those issues have been resolved, and now the Ace Ultra arrives at the same $449 price point as the original Ace, which has dropped to $349.
The Ace Ultra retains the sleek, minimalist design of its predecessor, and they remain incredibly comfortable for extended use, even for those who wear glasses. Although they are slightly heavier than the original Ace, the difference is negligible. The ear cups are plush and spacious, and they feature magnetic, easily replaceable covers, with additional pairs available for purchase. The battery is also user-replaceable, though swapping it out requires some tools and patience.
These headphones maintain the tactile buttons and Content Key volume slider from the original Ace, which is a welcome choice over the capacitive buttons found on competitors. The Content Key is responsive and easy to locate while wearing the headphones, allowing quick access to Sonos-specific features like TV audio swapping and headphone linking.
The Ace Ultra improves upon the original’s limited Sonos integration by introducing headphone linking, allowing the headphones to appear in your Sonos system. With a simple press of the slider button, you can transfer audio from any Sonos speaker or group to the headphones and back, including music from various sources. Both TV audio swapping and headphone linking utilize a Wi-Fi connection, although the experience isn’t flawless; sometimes multiple presses are needed to initiate the transfer, and returning audio to a speaker defaults to the nearest one.
Currently, the Ace Ultra supports lossless audio over Bluetooth with aptX Lossless and a compatible device, or via USB-C. However, the wired connection maxes out at 16-bit/48kHz, which means high-res audio isn’t available. While this may spark debate among audiophiles, most users likely won’t notice the difference.
The newly designed 40mm drivers deliver improved sound quality, and an adaptive EQ adjusts in real-time based on fit and obstructions like glasses. The bass is richer without overshadowing vocals, making tracks like Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” sound dynamic. However, midrange clarity could be better, especially on complex tracks. The 8-band EQ allows for some customization, helping to enhance the listening experience across genres.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) has also seen improvements, now featuring an adaptive mode. While it may not match the strength of competitors like the Sony XM6 or Bose Ultra Headphones, it performs well when paired with music. Call quality has improved too, effectively minimizing background noise during conversations.
Battery life has been extended from 30 hours on the original Ace to 35 hours with the Ace Ultra, and they come with a felt-covered case that includes a magnetic pouch for cables.
Overall, Sonos has made a commendable leap forward with the Ace Ultra, offering enhanced sound, better ANC, and features tailored for Sonos users. They are among the most comfortable headphones available. However, to fully utilize the Ace Ultra, you need to be part of the Sonos ecosystem, as the necessary soundbar and speakers can be quite an investment. For those already in the Sonos world, the Ace Ultra is a solid recommendation, especially over the original Ace. For others, options like the Sony WH-1000XM6 may provide better ANC and sound quality at a lower price.
