Sonos Ace Headphones review - HAS SONOS DONE IT?!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Hands up if you’re about to buy your first pair of Sonos headphones!

[@AntonMuller]

🙌

[@wilsonsantos5562]

What about comparing these sonos with the focal bathys? Should I get the sonos or keep my focal? Have you compared?

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Holding off until they fix the new app - it's garbage now. Also really disingenuous that Sonos are selling these in sets of 2 on their website, but you can't actually use 2 of them at the same time with the Arc.

[@RustyGusset]

Just ordered! Do they sound good with apple devices or did you test with Android only? Thanks

[@jacquesgude]

Actually, have had the Ace in black the last few days and love it. Picking up a second one in a few minutes, in white this time, so I can matchy-matchy with my PS Portal, PS5 and other lighter colored gear.

[@lewis02mc]

Very important question for many users, myself included. Are the inner earcups particularly deep, as found on the AirPods Max/ Bose QC line? One complaint many over-ear noise cancellers get (e.g. the XM5’s, Beats Studio Pros) is that their earcups are too shallow, meaning some can face problems with their ears pressing rather uncomfortably against the plastic covering the drivers. Great review!

[@techinrl9869]

I don’t have one so I can only relay what others have said. Watch MKBHD’s review on this and he specifically says he wishes the ear cups were deeper. You can judge from the size of his ears and compare yours.

[@TrumpWinner]

I was testing these and other side by side in the shop today and these have deep ear cups, I would say you’ll have no problem with comfort.

[@Amit_l92]

Was waiting for these and looks like they don’t disappoint. I’ll be ordering these for sure

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Enjoy!

[@TemujinScott80]

@@MarkEllisReviewsI’m waiting on mine to come

[@michaelkagan6910]

Thank you, Mark, for this review. I pre-ordered mine and hopefully will have them by the end of the week !

[@vinotronviplounge1791]

Yep! I'm done waiting for AirPods Max 2 lol. Sorry Apple. What's amazing is that these cans look like a marriage between Sony and Apple headphones, soft/light with exceptional sound.

[@ratchabhols.9518]

It would be great to see how it compares to Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e

[@Jsreviews88]

I don’t have the Ace yet, but did preorder them. I can only imagine them not sounding as clear as the B&Ws but literally anything will have better soundstage than the Px7s. They have the smallest soundstage I’ve ever heard on any BT over ear.

[@musicalman1995]

Can we get an update on your thoughts of these? I’m choosing between these and the Bose Ultra to replace my XM4s. Like you I don’t like the XM5s.

[@ing.antoniosa5466]

Best review I’ve seen on these. Congrats! Greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Wow, thanks!

[@iMarco1]

Hi Mark, your review is one of the best one I have ever seen! Well done! Just received today my Sonos Ace in white colour, I love it considering I am using the AirPods Max too! ❤

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you!

[@mbs7994]

What about comparing them to the Bose Quietcomfort ultra headphones!

[@benedicam]

I agree!

[@Lee-tt9fe]

Agreed. I use the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Over-Ear Wireless Headphones which are good.

[@411hippieCO]

Great review. I’ve been eagerly awaiting headphones from Sonos as I’m very happy with the other products I own from them. Also, I was wanting something to rival the AirPods Max as I don’t like how heavy they are, no power button, and usb-c.

[@holsteincowboy]

The most important question about these headphones - Did you buy them with your own money or did Sonus send you a pair FOC ?

[@89ayobami]

About time for this video. The Sonos are obviously more solid compared to the Airpods. I believe they sound better too. Apple can claim the ANC/transparency title as usual. Music continuity/transfer should definitely be a feature included on the headphones. Software needs to be well made. Great work Mark.

[@Richard_Bullwinkle]

Great review! In further explorations, I’d love to hear about the included DAC, and the lossless audio from usb-c, and also can you listen to wired audio from the stereo mini cable without a charge or power? I currently have Px8, P5, AirPod Max, and USB-C AirPod Pros, and while I’m clearly an aficionado of headphones (like you!), I’m not sure where the Ace fits in. Thanks again!

[@loria.berentsen8467]

Hi Mark, I bought these and honestly they do not compare to the AirPods Max. I feel like I will go and return them. The sound is good, but if I’m not going to use the AirPods Max, I prefer using the Bose quite comfort.. The earcup’s are particularly uncomfortable and I have very small ears! I love the form factor and the case, aesthetically they are very good looking, but the sound and the comfort just don’t add up to the price tag. As always, thank you for your review. 😊

[@AlexFromTheNorth]

A really good and comprehensive review for a very anticipated product!! Thank you for the review, we are looking forward to the follow up videos about ace you mentioned ✨🙂🛫

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@spottycrocs8270]

How would you rate them next to higher-end headphones like the Focal Bathys or B&W PX8s?

[@jadegamerz3662]

Curious as well, in terms of sound quality

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Yet to compare, but I will!

[@steadfast78]

Compare Ace to Bose QC Ultra?

[@keithpalacios9417]

Sennheiser 4's or Sony 5's? Which is better? I already had a pair of Sony 4's. Should I change brand?

[@DavidMauerMusic]

I was just about to buy the Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2e, should I spend the extra and get these instead? Sound quality is my biggest factor. Great review as always!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

I’d get these.

[@TheIrishMedievalArcher]

Thanks for this video Mark!!! I really waited for this only cause you’re the best! Two questions, in terms of sound quality which one has the best: Bowers and Wilkins PX8 or Sonos Ace? And Bose QC Ultra Headphones or Sonos Ace? 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Lovely to hear - thank you! I’m yet to compare them I’m afraid, but will!

[@alexwaynemiller]

Great review! Appreciate the perspective from a Sonos user. Looking at pulling the trigger to pair with my Arc (and hopefully eventually the Beam Gen 2 in my bedroom).

[@lcortier]

It's tempting, but is it worth replacing my 2 months old AirPods Max that I haven't finished paying ? Will they integrate as seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem ? (I have no other Sonos gear... yet)

[@warrenmartin8309]

Hi Mark, your vlogs are excellent. None of the reports on the Sonos Ace, ever mention ‘noise suppression’ outward bound. Meaning when you are doing something noisy, wearing the Aces and speaking to someone on your mobile, can they hear the background noise. I have realised that my Airpod Max are appalling at ‘outbound noise’, friends always complaining! Carry on with the great vlogs.

[@giacintorenta7579]

I agree that we need better integration in the wider Sonos WiFi ecosystem, especially for lossless audio. But also be able to use Sonos Ace for improved TruePlay.

[@Dylan-hf3bs]

really debating getting these or waiting till the airpods max 2’s, i had the xm5’s and the first gen maxes for the gym both didn’t work too well. Didn’t really like how loud the xm5’s got, and not at all impressed by the anc. With the maxes on the other hand, i loved them. The only issue was the water getting in from the metal casing. Hopefully this is fixed on the 2nd gen’s!

[@Lee-tt9fe]

Do these suffer from the pops and crackling, etc, when travelling on a bus, for example, and hit a bump or pot hole etc 🤔

[@deonh9303]

Great review Mark, thanks. Making the ACE a destination with your Sonos ecosystem, although a great feature, would seriously impact battery life. I believe the ACE ticks the right boxes and I will get them for audio swap to watch my content while the rest of the family is asleep. All the other features are great and I can't wait to try my gaming on these 🤗

[@essence6868]

Which would you conclude to have superior audio? The Sonos Ace's or the Sennheiser Momentum 5's?

[@AttilaPatakiJr]

What’s your opinion of the app update?

[@Vikkyiccy]

Im this old, i had a play 1 in my apartment and omg i fell in love

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

Also how do they compare to the Bose qc ultra?

[@5_i_v_e]

You loved the sound of the Momentum 4, how do these sound compared to those? Great as always!

[@rajendrabiswas]

can this give spatial audio in movies when paired with tv Netflix? even without the soundbar?

[@CharpentierFrederic]

Yeah same question ,never see a clear answer as they all test it with sonos only soundbar

[@maxism5454]

Hi, Mr Ellis, I'm a big fan of your videos, would you mind doing an antutu benchmark for the Matepad 11.5 S? I think it has a Kirin 9000WL, but I'm not sure where it stands in terms of power.

[@vivoviv]

I tried this in my local JBHifi for almost 15 minutes while comparing it to my Bose QC Ultra, which you convinced me to buy. I must say my Bose sounds and appeals better to me. Thanks for your excellent review yet again. ❤

[@johankarlsson1324]

How do they sound compared to Sennheiser Momentum 4?

[@xdarshan]

How do they compare to the B&W PX8s?

[@prisol]

Can you stream Sonos Radio onto the Sonos Ace?

[@louisefindlay23]

What's the case on the iPad at the beginning? Looks really nice 😃

[@ajackson-ross7295]

Are they better than Bose q35 also where did u get ur headphone stand from very nice

[@wilsonsantos5562]

Mark already have the Bathys… and looking for spare ones Should I go for the sonos or for the momentum 4 thinking just about sound quality

[@rcvillapando]

Lol the zipper critique is the same from MKBHD 😂

[@jackholt1265]

I'm not in the Sonos biosphere but I have a HUGE headphone, earbud collecting problem. The build quality and premium look got me. There are already a couple of reviews on KZbin with good binaural mics and they sound great to my ears. Ordered mine today.

[@ericrousseau8079]

Mark, are the earcups smaller or wider than the px8? Px8 is the perfect size for my large ears, but no bigger. Dealbreaker for me, want to buy - Thanks!!

[@B777ULR]

Thankyou, fir the review. I was contemplating buying, And no proper review, You just nailed it, detailed. I am Sonos Freak since inception. Thrice I went to Virgin stores. And blimey all sold out.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Appreciate it - thanks!

[@anthonyarthur6607]

Just got my sonos ace in black and absolutely love them and give my sony xm5’s to my son just hope sonos keep their word and update the headphones to work with the beam.

[@mayday6880]

for about 70 bucks more, I get Bowers & Wilkins Px8 (street prices). There is no doubt about that for music the Px8 is better. So the question is, when you use it with you're TV (bluetooth) and wachting movies (Atmos, DTS..), how good sounds a Px8 compared with the ACE with and without ARC?

[@Hughesy69]

Hi .Great reviews are you going to g to review Sonos v Air Pod Max. Thanks

[@Hughesy69]

…and Sonos v Bowers . Cheers

[@Sergey.design]

What is better sound Sony xm4 adjusted in EQ or Momentum 4? There is a promo for 230$ Sony, Momentum unfortunately only for 275. Or maybe you can recommend some other in the price range of about 275 dollars. In priority that were comfortable, did not hurt my ears / head, you can listen to 2-3 hours and was the best sound. All the trimmings and noise canceling features are not important.

[@arthurwatts1680]

Thanks for the review, Muggins.

[@thebrycerodgers]

So relieved to hear this 🙌🏼 Can’t wait for them to come in. Great review - excited for direct comparison videos

[@faiz-zouaoui]

Are this better sound quality than the focal bathys?

[@MarkEllisReviews]

I’m yet to compare.

[@vimalpatel9995]

@@MarkEllisReviews can you please compare it soon .. My decision depend on this comparison

[@stephenwest673]

Quite happy with my Mark Levinson 5909 and Dali IO 12’s Mark cheers 😀👍

[@MrLancy44]

Hi using an android phone so using the Ace can I connect to my Arc as I've read a comment that you have to use an ISO device?

[@rileyoffline]

do they run warmer than the airpods max because of the leather ear cups?

[@TrumpWinner]

If these can take Dolby atmos audio from my Denon AV then I would buy these immediately. I agree that Sonos need to open that part up to more than just their own arc soundbar. I don’t own any other Sonos products.

[@KingKikikoi]

I cant choose between black or white. I usually prefer black because they look quiet but the black Sonos look cheap compared to white idk why 😂

[@nelsonfale7335]

Have the same feeling

[@nafismridha997]

These r gorgeous on the eyes, timeless design

[@ryanhong2581]

How does the Sonos ace compared to Bose QC ultra headphones?

[@asan1050]

Thanks for posting this video

[@nigelturner3251]

They will hopefully work as a pair with the new Arc2. I was very disappointed my wife and I couldn’t watch a movie together using the 2 headphones, which Sonos sell as a pair. Fix it Sonos.

[@TrumpWinner]

I tried a number of headphones in store today and these the Bose ultra and skull candy ANC crusher 2 were the standout ones. In terms of quality I really couldn’t choose between either these or the Bose ultra. I think the Bose ultra had slightly better body and bass, but these Sonos did very well in the own right, it has a Sonos signature sound I would say, wider soundstage that Bose but less bass (slightly) but better in other areas so was a really hard choice, in terms of style the Sonos hands down; it’s basically a slimmer air pod max (which I also listens to and hated!). The other option is the skullcandy crusher ANC 2, which were just a joy and put a smile on my face, obvs not in the same league is sound separation and ANC, but just fun and has some really user friendly features, cheaper too, so definite bang for buck.

[@KateKehoe-on6cf]

Watching on my new iPad Pro 13 inch love the videos

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

How do thy stack up against an audiophile headphone?

[@JaedoTae]

So many mixed reviews. Some hifi sites are absolutely trashing these cans against Sony's. I will have to get them myself and judge these. Thank you for your efforts nevertheless!

[@rajendrabiswas]

I hope sonos will release a budget product to beam the true dolby atmos thing to ace

[@techinrl9869]

Hopefully these don’t suffer from the same annoying issue my Sonos Beam has. After a firmware update or a power failure/power cycle, the volume on my Beam goes to zero and I have to do weird things in my Sonos app to fix the problem of the volume going to zero every time i turn on my TV.

[@TylerBR97]

My take with the Ace not having WiFi streaming capabilities is that it’s completely unnecessary. In what scenario would anyone be playing music on speakers while also wearing headphones? I could see the case of swapping from a speaker to headphones, but you’d have to use your phone anyway, so it’d just be on Bluetooth. I don’t think it’s a big deal that it’s not there

[@henrylocke3356]

I still use my Bose qc35 and they have been amazing. I prefer the Bose qc35 over the xm5

[@lam009]

BX8 VS SONOS ACE , which one is better?

[@Heavenamk]

I own both Sonos ace and sennheiser momentum 4, I choose sennheiser momentum 4 over my Sonos. Sennheiser sound quality is unmatched. Sonos ace also cracks a lot on certain audios on KZbin. Sonos ace noice cancellation is superb but i don’t base my choice on anc. Sound quality is the most important feature and that is where sennheiser shows off its prowl.

[@RustyGusset]

Bit dissapointed to the point of sending these back. I received mine today and can’t for the life of me get the services to show up on the Sonos app on either my iphone or ipad pro😢

[@jmgrayii]

I do wish they would at least allow the Sonos app to stream via Bluetooth your library or services via tablet phone or PC. And yes I would like the Ace to be a speaker on the network just like my 2 beams (a Gen 2 in LR and Gen 1 in BR) to transfer content. Out of box the Ace paired with my PC phone, tablet and phone forced an upgrade of the Sonos App. However, until I rebooted my S22 phone the Ace would not register itself add to my Sonos system, and accept a firmware update

[@KingKikikoi]

Would this be good to use for workout? I feel like the ears would burn under those ear pads

[@metalmanexetreme]

Yeah not really designed for that, and ifnthose cups don't come off, your gonn hVe some soggy headphones lol

[@kingwillbisthebest]

Shouldn't "white" mean "right"?

[@flowstatelabs]

So many mixed reviews on this. People say Muddy Bass and nothing special on sound. Really torn on this or better to wait for SONY XM6s on august …. Decisions

[@UrHainanBoy]

How is the call quality?

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Great.

[@joetraina6844]

I'm no genius, but wouldn't "white means" right make more sense from a mnemonic device standpoint? Great review as always.

[@johnjones8572]

So I went to PC World today and tried on the Bose Ultra but; they have this stupid demo running and you cant try out the noise cancelation. Are we saying in order or merit then its Sonos, Bose Ultra and AirPods Max in last place?

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

How much better is the sound quality in the Sonos headphones compared to the Sony xm5??

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Significant.

[@rep3e4]

Great review but just far too expensive

[@susieroberts8175]

Are these mde in china? Anyone looked at the box?

[@daftysnake7019]

Question that is not related to that video in any way shape or form but,I have a dilemma,I can't wait to get new headphones and by the time most people read this I will have a new pair.I am picking between xm4 and xm5,the thing is that xm5 is only 30 euros more than xm4

[@nafismridha997]

Hows the build quality of sonos products stand up over time?

[@KateKehoe-on6cf]

I have the Audeze maxwells how do these compare to the Sonos

[@metalmanexetreme]

Well for one they don't have ANC or transparency, but audio wise the maxwells will blownthem out of the water, hard to compete with planar magnetic drivers in audio reproduction or clarity, Soundstage might be similar, are the ace headphones worth the extra price, that's up to you, but honestly if your main focus is music, od say the maxwells arenprobably better

[@terriersforever23]

I heard there not so comfortable to someone who wears glasses like myself so I’m waiting for Guinea pigs lol before I purchase,I do have the Sonos arc though.

[@causeydawg]

Thanks…good stuff!

[@marymadigan9707]

Nice comparison great job , but again the price I know you have to pay for quality but every product these days are costing a fortune. Thanks Mark 😊

[@raul.gallegos]

Love these headphones. I got them as an early Father's Day gift. The wife could not keep it a secret. About the only thing I don't like is the fabric of the case.

[@ErnPrivado]

How its compared to the xm5 and bose?

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Better sound on both accounts (for the Sonos).

[@andy7owen7]

They missed a trick not calling them the Sonos Eara though. They could've had a line matching the Eras, Eara 100, Eara 300...

[@HLB2512]

I don't really think the ace needs to connect to your other sonos speakers in my eyes.

[@DaiPad881]

To my ears the Focal Bathys are the gold standard in ANC over ears, If these can get anywhere in the ball park compared to the Bathys (Heavily suspect they wont) then hats off to Sonos

[@flowstatelabs]

100% had these and they were awesome just too heavy for me.

[@DaiPad881]

That’s a shame because as you say they’re awesome, For what it’s worth and you don’t mind wired headphones you should check out the Focal Azurys closed back, I’ve had them for a week and they’re just brilliant, Focal always seem to nail it, As for the Sonos i have a feeling the audiophile sites will slate these as they did with the B&W PX8

[@flowstatelabs]

@@DaiPad881 didnt know they dropped yet. What dac/amp are u pairing with?

[@DaiPad881]

I’m using a FIIO BTR15 half the time as it can bluetooth to my phone and for use with my laptop i use and Astell and Kern HC3 usb dac, Both drive the Azurys really well

[@flowstatelabs]

@@DaiPad881 good looking out. Have u tried them on a plane tho? Any noice cancelation or no?

[@George-vy4zn]

How to they perform with your killer track?

[@robsawalker]

There are many problems with Sonos, but you can't knock their sound quality. But new Apple cans must be on their way soon....

[@samcoast]

Why do whathifi not really like them strange there review are really strange at times. i love your review. 👍

[@oliverstemp9132]

Different people can have different opinions.

[@mr.amontar7098]

Just too expensive for some niche features. I still use my Bose QC35 II which holds up very well even against newer models and competitors.

[@airborneinferno]

Great to know that they work well as headphones but the Sonos integration seems rather bizarre. Not being able to select them as a separate Sonos zone is odd. The fact that only one pair of Ace can be used on the Arc is a disaster. I can think of tonnes of clients who would want to run an Arc soundbar at a normal comfortable volume and then have their deafer partner be able to wear the Ace headphones at a higher volume. That way both people are comfortable and can watch together. I understand that when running the Ace headphones, the Arc output is knocked out. Can you confirm? Equally only being able to run one pair of Ace headphones at a time is bonkers. It's not like the whole Sonos platform isn't predicated on being able to run the same sound feed to multiple devices at the same time!!! Talk about limiting your audience. 🤯

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Correct - the Arc output is silenced when you switch to the headphones.

[@airborneinferno]

@@MarkEllisReviews That's helpful thanks. What a bunch of eejits is my first thought, but having just watched MKBHD's vid (yes I watched your's first!) he said that the Ace don't connect over Wifi so that explains the limited scope entirely. Quite a miss for Sonos I feel.

[@AnthonyRocha]

Yes this is a feature I would love to have. Multiple Ace use ( I have kiddos and can’t hear because they like to chat during the movie and of course volume levels). I would have loved an addition to my Sonos system.

[@VitiateTheImmortal]

Do look interesting but since ive got my dali Io-12 that i love and which are probably even better, no point in getting them

[@VinnyUnion]

I actually thought these were cheaper headphones because the name sounded familiar. Sonoflow? Idk. Either way I'm not paying any amount beyond fifty bucks. I've bought cheap grocery store headphones for fun once and their sound was significantly more pleasant than a 120 bucks Philips Fidelio X2HR which sounded sibilant in comparison and ear piercing regardless of being a rather bassy set for open backs. Either way i personally do not feel like investing a lot of money into audio gear for marginal differences.

[@VinnyUnion]

Oh remembered... 1more sonoflow