Sonos has recently introduced its latest product, the Sonos Ace, which marks the company’s entry into the wearable device market. Known worldwide for its wireless home audio devices, Sonos has now ventured into the realm of high-end headphones, directly competing with Apple’s AirPod Max and Sony’s WH-1000XM5.
The Sonos Ace boasts a sleek and minimalist design, staying true to the company’s signature aesthetics. What sets these headphones apart from others in the market are their advanced functionalities. Crafted from top-notch materials, Sonos’ headphones are equipped with Active Noise Cancellation, Dolby Head Tracking spatial audio, and beam-forming microphones, ensuring crystal clear calls.
These headphones connect to audio sources via Bluetooth, and users can access additional features through the Sonos app. However, it is important to note that they do not connect to pre-existing Sonos systems via Wi-Fi, except for one notable exception. Individuals who already own an Arc-compatible soundbar can seamlessly switch audio from the soundbar to the headphones with a simple long press of the control button. Furthermore, Sonos plans to introduce a new TrueCinema feature later this year, which will map the audio space within users’ home cinema systems and adapt the headphones’ surround sound accordingly.
The control interface of the Sonos Ace is designed to be minimalistic yet functional. The right cup button features a multi-function “Content Key” that serves as a volume control slider and a regular press key for playback control. Additionally, the Noise Control button, also located on the right cup, allows users to toggle between the ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) and Aware mode settings. On the left cup, the Power/Bluetooth key can be used to power the Sonos Ace on or off and pair it with Bluetooth devices.
Sonos has incorporated clever design touches into the simple and minimalistic design of the Sonos Ace. For instance, instead of using prominent markings, the designers have differentiated the right cup mesh by using a different color, which matches the interior of the headphones’ pouch.
The Sonos Ace will be available for purchase starting from June 5, with a retail price of $449.