About the Sonos Ace Ultra
The Ace Ultra is Sonos's second over-ear headphone. Sonos says its adaptive noise canceling gives up to twice the cancellation of the first Ace at frequencies up to 65 Hz. Ten microphones handle noise control, calls, Aware mode and TrueCinema room tuning. Engadget describes the ANC as strong on steady sound such as dryers and HVAC, and weaker on voices and TV dialogue. SlashGear saw modest gains over the first Ace and says Sony, Bose and Sennheiser still have the edge for demanding ANC users.
It uses Bluetooth 6.0. Sonos says Qualcomm aptX gives lossless audio over Bluetooth with a supported device, and lossless audio also works over a USB-C connection. Sonos lists up to 35 hours of battery with ANC or Aware mode on, and a 3-minute charge at 0% gives up to 3 hours of listening. A full charge takes up to 3 hours. Engadget reports the battery is user-replaceable.
Pressing the Content Key sends sound from a compatible Sonos soundbar to the headphones, Dolby Atmos included. Sonos labels the Content Key's push and pull of music between Sonos products as Early Access. Both reviews say playback has to start in the Sonos app, so music from other apps, including AirPlay, does not transfer. Spatial audio with head tracking runs through the Sonos app.
The Ace Ultra comes in Black, Soft White, Agave and Sand, all matte. The box holds the headphones, a travel case, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to 3.5 mm cable and a setup guide. SlashGear notes that they do not fold and are not waterproof.
What owners report about the Sonos Ace Ultra
We found little owner feedback for this exact model, since it launched recently. The Sonos community threads we read were about the first Ace, and a staff reply in one of them could not confirm whether the Ultra differs.
Without enough owner reports to show a pattern, treat the points under the specs as reviewer findings. We have no long-term data on durability or on how the Sonos features hold up over months.
Who the Sonos Ace Ultra suits
Buy the Ace Ultra if you own a Sonos soundbar or speakers. Watching TV late at night with sound sent to the headphones is the clearest reason to pick it. It also suits anyone who wants lossless audio over USB-C and a long battery life.
Look elsewhere if you have no Sonos gear. At 0.71 lb it is heavier than the Sony and Bose models in this guide, and reviewers put its ANC behind the best of them. The Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are the better fit for frequent flyers who want the strongest noise canceling. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless is the one for battery life.
