According to the source review from The Verge, the Sonos Ace Ultra improve upon the first-generation Ace headphones by addressing their connectivity limitations and adding advanced integration with the Sonos speaker system. The review highlights the headphones' comfort, build quality, and expanded ability to transfer audio across the Sonos ecosystem—features that were either absent or flawed in the original model.
- Improved Sonos system integration with headphone linking and TV audio swap
- Comfortable, durable design with user-replaceable battery and magnetic ear cups
- Wi-Fi based audio streaming for higher quality and better Sonos ecosystem compatibility
Product angle
The review from The Verge presents the Sonos Ace Ultra as a thoughtful evolution of the original Ace headphones, addressing many of their shortcomings. Significantly, the Ace Ultra enable audio transfer beyond just the TV soundbar to the entire Sonos system via Wi-Fi, allowing users to stream music from any Sonos speaker or source directly to the headphones. This provides a more cohesive and versatile multi-room audio experience than before, though the new linking feature remains in early access and may require occasional multiple attempts to transfer audio.
Despite a slight increase in weight compared to the original Ace, comfort remains a standout feature, with spacious, magnetic ear cups and physical buttons favored over capacitive controls for tactile feedback and ease of use. Battery replacement is supported, albeit requiring tools and patience, illustrating Sonos's intent for sustainability and longevity. The Ace Ultra's design keeps noise cancellation and sound quality competitive, while better aligning with Sonos’s broader ecosystem.
Best for / avoid if
The Sonos Ace Ultra are best suited for users deeply invested in the Sonos smart speaker ecosystem who want seamless wireless headphone integration for TV watching and music listening without disturbing others. Their Wi-Fi audio streaming is ideal for those valuing high-fidelity sound and the convenience of switching audio between headphones and speakers within a home setup. Users who appreciate physical buttons and durable, replaceable parts will also find the Ace Ultra appealing.
Conversely, buyers who require flawless connectivity with minimal setup time or those who desire simultaneous headphone and speaker playback may find the current implementation limiting, as audio transferred back to speakers defaults to the nearest speaker and headphones cannot be grouped with speaker sets. Users unfamiliar with or outside the Sonos ecosystem or those who prioritize Bluetooth headphones with broader compatibility should consider other options.
Pricing and alternatives to check
The Sonos Ace Ultra debut at $449, the same launch price as the original Ace headphones. Meanwhile, the first-generation Ace model has reduced its price to around $349. Replacement ear cups cost roughly $39 per pair, and a user-replaceable battery kit is available for $25. This pricing places the Ace Ultra in the premium headphone category, justified by their unique Wi-Fi-based smart home integration and sound quality.
Potential buyers might explore competitors such as Sony’s WH-1000XM series or Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for comparable physical comfort and noise-cancelling performance but note the Ace Ultra’s distinct advantage of seamless integration within the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room audio setups. Those prioritizing wireless connectivity beyond Sonos devices or Bluetooth versatility might prefer these alternatives.