Did Sonos out-design the AirPods Max?

Sonos thinks it's ready to take on Bose, Sony, Apple, and other competitors with its first-ever pair of wireless headphones. The noise-canceling Sonos Ace have a premium design, impressive comfort, and a feature called TV Audio Swap that lets you privately listen to your TV shows and movies with the press of a button - as long as you also own a Sonos soundbar.
00:00 Sonos headphones are here
00:25 The design
01:39 Listening to music
02:16 Using with a Sonos Bar
03:45 Final thoughts
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[@TheVerge]

Has Sonos’ controversial app redesign put you off from getting these headphones?

[@BobbyStef]

Yes the app is a lost cause 😅

[@TimParker]

Yep, can't trust these guys anymore.

[@David-xt5ob]

Yes it has. I didn’t even have a problem with the S1 to S2 solution. Business got to do what they got to do. But the new app is so bad it’s not only put me off these but going to start ditching there gear altogether. My network basically doesn’t work now. Why on earth would I invest more with this company. Not only that but at this price point there are better looking and frankly better companies to be dealing with. Buyer beware

[@breezyashell]

yes, and I have 6 Sonos products. will not commit to new products until the app is fixed

[@steve-ey4ol]

Stick wiv Sony they never broke there app and to be honest Sony will last long

[@TheHanleyProject]

3:20 "And Sonos says any latency shouldn't be perceptible to most people" So it's perceptible, got it.

[@zabdielscoon3041]

Perhaps meaning not perceptible to non audiophiles, or not suitable for studio work?

[@fuzziestlumpkin]

It's a total non issue. It will only be perceptable to the kind of people who buy and use expensive, high end A/V gear. Oh, wait...

[@Christian-op1ss]

Nice production, but you covered everything except the sound quality impression. For a headphone...

[@Kairos_kcs]

They're not allowed to discuss it publicly yet.

[@architsengupta5926]

@Kairos_kcs why even make a video then .

[@Kairos_kcs]

@@architsengupta5926 because people are interested to know about the product in general. Why do companies release trailers and teasers for video games if they don’t tell me EXACTLY what the gameplay will be like? Same kind of idea.

[@easyluckable]

@@architsengupta5926because this is not a review but a preview?

[@Sydnxt]

@@architsengupta5926it’s an impressions video

[@SixFingeredAmish]

Old Sonos app died for this

[@GamesterTheBest7]

Worth

[@anishmahadikz]

“Courage”

[@bit2964]

And the damn app doesn’t work if your WiFi has no internet connection (downgraded the app because of that)

[@Fluera]

“It took courage”

[@thenextension9160]

Gotta move forward

[@johnmalone8790]

Just sort the app sonos ffs

[@twistajig]

Man the app is the biggest pain. I’d take an improved app over this any day

[@Beer_Dad1975]

They have released a fixes roadmap - but still haven't explained WTF they were thinking releasing such a half finished product to their customer base to begin with.

[@griponreality254]

Yesterday I went to update a speaker as required to use it… the app had an old pw stored in it, so it would tell me to logout, but auto log in on an account that didn’t have the speaker needing update… there is nothing like going to put on some music for company only to have to give up due to frustrating user hostile BS like their poor UX design. I have somewhere unsightly I’d like to put my sonos speakers if only the sonos decision makers of relevance would show themselves.

[@IDiggPattyMayonnaise]

Thank god someones making a premium headphone with physical controls.

[@Ashan360]

Forgot the /s

[@blaster915]

YES!! AGREE

[@iclonethefirst]

​@@Ashan360literally don't buy Sony because they only have touch controlls, so yeah, no "/s"

[@Ashan360]

@@iclonethefirst Sony might be the only premium headphone manufacturer that only has touch controls. B&W, B&O, Apple, Bose, Sennheiser, KEF…

[@tommeofficial]

@@iclonethefirst which work amazing, had my sony's 4 years now

[@roryradio]

Talk to them about the app - they really dropped the ball with this new hyped update.

[@lr7815]

Its what you get when you fire employees just because all you’re friends are doing it

[@GD2X]

You didn't tell us how good the active ANC is or the sound

[@GSAproductions]

It's not a review, it's a preview

[@cgnomazoid]

@@GSAproductions Still

[@concinnus]

Either it's under NDA since it's just a preview, or they just weren't able to listen in a standardized environment to compare.

[@10past12]

Did you see that room with all the guys sitting quietly testing the headphones? Not much N to AC

[@serrael-182]

Seems like a commercial. I dont know more than before

[@ckilburnuf]

When's the embargo on when the actual sound and features can be reviewed?

[@Icipher4]

Interested in hearing more. I wouldn't buy these unless they went on sale for $300 or less, though. On another note, where is the Arc 2?

[@nolanblew]

Wait. So you can't just hook it up to your existing sonos wifi setup in your house to say, move your music from my era 300 in the kitchen to my headphones when I want to walk around the house? It can only be used with the soundbar or bluetooth? Seems like a big missed opportunity for direct integration

[@bberding]

No, it works exactly like you would want it to. You can move music from the speakers to headphones or both at the same time. It is just like another Sonos speaker in the system and all over WiFi.

[@richarddunn369]

@@bberdingthat’s incorrect. The only speaker you can transfer music from currently is the Arc soundbar - plans for the same feature to work with Beam and Ray are in the work, but no other Sonos speaker will work in the same way. This isn’t a true WiFi headphone incorporated into the ecosystem like we hoped it would be.

[@JntnR]

@@richarddunn369 does this means that the only way to get full surround D Atmos is picking up the signal from their soundbar? can't I just pop in Netflix on my phone or tablet and get DA sound?

[@nickhooigray]

They look slick. But what gets me with the AirPods Max is that there’s no logos or writing on it. I think this separates them from the Sonos in terms of design

[@ellemarr7234]

I’m wondering if they needed to label it because people would think they’re Apple … they just look so similar

[@MNHS16]

​@@ellemarr7234 Exactly. They are zo distinctieve that the entire headphone is one big logo.

[@realsleepi]

i think the chill sonos logo is super clean and actually stands out imo

[@itiolaayodele4593]

The same critics will worship Apple if they adopt such a design decision.

[@dswill3709]

They would make no money on them if didn’t put a logo. They don’t have the kind of marketing that Apple has. People associate headphone with no logo with Apple as well, so they really had no choice even if they wanted to!

[@justlou717]

Can you use 2 pairs at once? Can you use one pair and have the soundbar still output ?

[@411hippieCO]

Ordered! I've been waiting for their take on headphones for years!

[@Ashan360]

It’s the exact same take as Apple, except Sonos ecosystem.

[@Halbmond]

Is the Dolby Atmos and head tracking stuff also compatible with Apple’s spatial audio? (I’m guessing no)

[@Ak-zm5iy]

Yes it is, but Dolby atmos only when you are watching Dolby content

[@Mikivli]

are they thin as or thinner than the beats studio pro cups

[@ambari12]

You had me at physical buttons ❤

[@emarticor]

Often Bowers & Wilkins isn't mentioned as a comparable, but I love my headphones in this category

[@koreyg8552]

B and W are some Of the best premium headphones . Always rated high

[@GabrielMirandaV0878]

I know it is subjective, but could you please advise about sound quality with and without cable using Apple Music lossless (cable). Is there a big difference? Also BT sound vs Senheiser, Sony, AirPod max . Thanks

[@Dan-lr4hm]

So I need a Sonos soundbar to have at is on the headphones? Am I understanding that correctly?

[@GauravMishra9200]

Yes They want to push you into their ecosystem.

[@GerryL116]

I believe thats correct if you want to play music from the Sonos home system to the headphones it has to come via the soundbar. The headphones are not a "room" that can be directly assigned like their speakers.

[@Jtx_Tools]

Physical Buttons!!!! Thank you Sonos!!! I’m excited

[@tommeofficial]

Sony tocuh pad works amazing

[@Jtx_Tools]

@@tommeofficial I’ve had a pair it does work well, just my preference to have physical buttons

[@marcuspapadopoulos2649]

I don't see any exposed screws when those ear pads are off. I wonder how well they are designed for battery replacement?

[@magoomba]

These go straight to the landfill when the battery dies😊

[@SpeedfrkOne]

People do not buy headphones for battery replacement - I’ve never had to replace a headphone battery in my life.

[@MrFiorano87]

will there will be spatial audio while watching from macbook ?

[@chasingstoke]

I am trying to buy a 2.1 era 300 and mini sub system and these headphones but the app dramas have me considering other options unfortunately. Any recommendations anyone?

[@Oldaker]

Lots to like here. Nice to see more premium contenders! I thought these were gonna be more like just another mid-range pair. Interesting product.

[@ke5943]

Can you use a pair of them watching tv at once? Thanks.

[@thenextension9160]

Love those physical controls

[@Kvsanal78]

Imagine being able to connect Sonos subwoofer along with this, A complete home theatre experience ?

[@Globalsouthie]

I have been looking forward to this the moment they acquired RHA.

[@jfigs]

This whole time I thought this guy was David Pierce on the Verge podcast

[@eloyreno]

Is this the reason I can’t connect my sonos roam to my app? Cause of an app update for just 1 product.

[@Tiltasauras]

Best video the verge has done in a long time

[@Npzsn83]

Clearly paid to advertise this product.

[@DiegoJaimes]

how do they work?

[@Kevdog1920]

Does it have to be a Sonos tv and sound bar to use those features?

[@SaschaB2B]

How do they charge?

[@bluewaves1137]

Sonos sound speakers is not connecting via Bluetooth with other speakers Is there a problem in the app ?

[@berdugosocials9854]

How good is it in Teams calls?

[@gatgolf]

can the headphones be picked as a 'speaker' on the app?

[@gtbr24]

Can they work standalone without signing into a Sonos account?

[@QuinnTeddy]

I had no idea dunkey was doing tech reviews now but I’m all for it

[@MrAndyisReal]

lmao i lowkey thought the same

[@adobeaner]

Wonder how Super Mario Bros 2 sounds like with these headphones

[@Colmets1]

I will definitely pick this up.

[@aliibn-muhammadal-sharif8568]

I am definitely buying these! Great review

[@siljalaine]

How does phone calls sound on both ends?

[@rajendrabiswas]

are these good for movies?

[@willvargas4477]

Hopefully they sync with Apple 8k tv 8k as in the new unit?

[@jonathanVA44]

Hi Chris, my thoughts on the design are, they look amazing! I actually think that on your head, they look better than the Apple ones.

[@EvanZamir]

Does this work with Apple Music?

Looks great!

[@Killyang]

You didn’t talk about sound quality!!! How do they sound? How’s the sound signature? Balance? Stereo imaging?

[@JamesBrowning]

Can multiple pairs of headphones connect to a soundbar? To me, that's the biggest difference between a regular Bluetooth roku connection and what Sonos could offer.

[@RandySpeer]

Does this mean no lossless over bluetooth for iPhone users, but yes for Android users? Or did I misunderstand?

[@fuzziestlumpkin]

If I understand the way Samsung handles codecs correctly, Their phones won't be able to have lossless audio over Bluetooth either.

[@jackywong4480]

A good headphone, undoubtedly; would be a great headphone w/ support for standalone playback like Sonos Roam / One.

[@BrazaBryan]

already pre-ordered mine!

[@MartinWilks1]

Feels like the main user story for these was “I’m a dad who wants to watch movies after the kids have gone to bed”

[@thridday]

Oh man these are slick.

[@eddieevangelista6014]

They only work with the sonos arc sound bar. That's straight from sonos themselves

[@RandySpeer]

Out of the box, yes. But support for both other Sonos Soundbars coming.

[@fuzziestlumpkin]

​@@RandySpeerBy definition the fact that "support is coming" means that the Ray and Beams are not supported. Never buy a product based on a promise of how good it will eventually be.

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

Until update that's straight from sonos nice try tho

[@hjshoon5244]

Would be a nice do it all headphone if it can also be used for gaming over wifi with a dongle

[@coyotestardust]

the gaming headset market is different, the serious headsets in *that* market often have their own dedicated transmitters/receivers dongles instead of using standard BT/wifi to support better latency and still offer a high-quality audio experience. So the Sony/Apple/Bose/etc. stuff is really aimed at a different set of use cases around content consumption and not interactivity with a mic with low latency.

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

This is supported wired tho

[@hjshoon5244]

@@audie-cashstack-uk4881 yes. Will wait for reviewers to test. Also I’m using Xbox for gaming which don’t allow any audio devices to be used when directly connected via usb port unless it’s a ‘licensed’ Xbox product (proprietary..). Only way to work is probably if the Xbox is connected to the TV, then tv connect to Sonos soundbar and then use the audio swap feature to connect the Ace to the soundbar. I do have Sonos home theatre set but unfortunately my Xbox is connected to my monitor in my room and not the tv

[@marlo-ji]

Ngl that looks sick

[@HelveticaBold1]

Will this work with Apple TV?

[@charlesdoesmore5488]

If you use Sonos soundbars, then yes it will work.

[@Itomi]

No jack?

[@SamuelHauptmannvanDam]

I think this is my next.

[@JonPride]

I think what all of those companies should focus on is a good mic and noice cancelling from the mic. Just imagine taking them to the office and doing your calls and cancelling out everything, so you can focus on tasks, then coming home to your home and just vibing with a good movie and using these as a good option for when the kids or partner are asleep. Thanks for the video, looking forward to the headphones. ,-)

[@thetechbeast]

I have no doubt the quality will be good, but when comparing to the AirPods Max I am just happy there is a proper carrying case

[@johnmccabe4665]

I know mics are not the focus of product of this sort - but I really hope the “beamforming mic” abilities for calls with little (none?) background noise is something they’re able to deliver….airpods pro or max don’t cut it.

[@sirgigolo]

Didn’t mention the noise cancelling so I am assuming that it’s not that great

[@Dan-cd6hm]

Can this company be trusted for long term support?

[@djtoshiba]

Can't wait to see the airpod max 2 😅

[@OwenCampbellMoore]

A moment of silence for the Sonos app

[@raychow5419]

Waiting for the Arc 2.

[@eddieevangelista6014]

Same

[@googleone5867]

First question: Do they touch the ears?

[@joshuarwhitehead]

Great ad

[@lachlanlau]

3:37 Don't forget TV headphones have existed for years

[@pickelkilla]

It’s almost like he just said that moments before the time you linked to

[@lachlanlau]

@@pickelkilla he only mentioned contemporary examples not the comparatively older "TV Headphones" with base stations and long tv-esque antennas

[@user-dj6uj7ty7v]

Yeah how about they fix the app because my alarm is going off but I can’t turn it off

[@danielzuniga88]

I don’t actually mind the app update

[@tomp66]

but but but. you cant edit or add to the fecking queue! (yet “that feature coming in a later version” its the single thing that i use everyday!

[@AntonvanderWulp1970]

How about accessoires ?

[@rutgerdezeeuw]

How about a microphone?

[@zabdielscoon3041]

If they sound as good as they look I think they are onto a winner. Pretty expensive but that seems the way all things are going, if they are great folks’ll buy them.

[@igorshingelevich7627]

Anc quality vs Sony? Mic quality?

[@maximiIiaan]

Does it support multipoint?

[@KarolyKrausz]

Bring back the old sonos app please.

[@matthewburno]

the thing I like about the AirPods Max they are mesh and breathable not sealed like this that makes me sweat!

[@Kids11111]

Exactly! My ears heat up and I can use the Max for hours on end because of the fabric pads

[@matthewburno]

@@Kids11111 I don’t get why don’t everyone offer both leather like and mesh options because that’s a deal breaker for many!

[@lexbraxman9270]

love the design but airpods pro 2 are always my choice for the ease

[@DavidONeillIrl]

2:20 It doesn't work with "any" of the company's soundbars. Only with certain ones.

[@PeterMoueza]

2:50 analyse room 3:18 Wifi

[@arturmakarov841]

how can you post a review without trying to call via headphones.

[@charlesdoesmore5488]

It's for listening.

[@mdccxv]

I guess it's not a review yet, just a first look. But would be interesting in that as well

[@brettdomenick]

I get the anger over the app update but overall they do seem pretty solid. I don’t think I can warrant $450 on them right now, but maybe they’ll go on sale at some point.

[@GGori_99]

Wow where u been Chris

[@AntoineThisdale]

omg if these have good ANC..

[@tazmaniandarcy]

Awesome! This is what happens when the Sony XM5's and the air pods max have a baby.

[@lukepranger6777]

AirPods Max and Sony WM series mashup.

[@oddmadgenius850]

I am wondering if the call quality in loud environments are good. At this price point they need to be amazing. Also I hate the leather as it gets sweety on warm days I prefer the apple max ones. Let's hope apple finally gets the heads out of their assets and actually make a good over ear headphone finally 😭

[@jackholt1265]

I'd have to see and hear them. They don't look that much more "premium" or even distinguishable than the whole pack of mid-tier headphones (Bose, Sony, Sennheiser) that dominate and have been doing it much longer. I'm not a Sonos guy, but seeing the comments on the latest version of the app, I think they will struggle to breakout of the pack.

[@Gumbii2]

You should set your script behind the camera. It’s super distracting if you’re just talking to the side to nothing

[@lavatr8322]

Now that is Posh

[@tomclaus8812]

Try looking into the camera next time

[@vincelongman3264]

Hopefully these don't have the condensation issue like the AirPods Max

[@noisetin]

Four and a half minute preview of a HEADPHONES and there's almost nothing about sound quality. "Listening to the music" chapter was about ANC and battery life. What a strange time to be alive that the most important features of any new product are connectivity, battery life and software functions and not the main feature of the product's purpose.

[@Mellowkin]

I appreciate the design, but if the passthrough sound quality doesn't match or surpass that of Apple's, they're not for me. The natural-sounding passthrough of Apple's AirPods and the Max's keeps drawing me back to them.

[@saitejakonjela]

So, these are like Airpods Max for apple ecosystem. I can't wait for Google to get on the Premium headphones trend.

[@SuperDuperProSkater]

Didn’t know Giles Martin was involved with Sonos. That’s huge.