Sonos Ace Ultra Review: A True Sonos System Member
Upgraded headphones finally integrate seamlessly with Sonos ecosystem
1Redemption after rocky start
The original Sonos Ace headphones launched amidst the company's 2024 app crisis and CEO resignation. After overhauling its platform with Sonos 27, the company returns with Ace Ultra - a $449 follow-up that addresses key shortcomings. The new model finally delivers on the promise of headphones that truly integrate with Sonos' speaker ecosystem, something missing from the first version.
2Wi-Fi linking breakthrough
The Ace Ultra's standout feature is headphone linking via Wi-Fi, allowing them to function as full Sonos system members. Users can seamlessly transfer audio between speakers and headphones with a button press. This works for music, movies, or even turntable audio. Unlike the original Ace's limited TV Audio Swap, this creates bidirectional audio flow within the Sonos ecosystem.
3Audio quality upgrades
Sonos collaborated with Grammy/Oscar-winning engineers to tune the new 40mm drivers. Reviews note significantly deeper bass, finer detail, and zero distortion compared to the original Ace. Even older recordings showcase improved immersion, with distinct instrument separation. The headphones also feature an advanced 8-band EQ for precise sound customization.
4Enhanced ANC performance
The Ace Ultra doubles the microphone count to 10, enabling new Adaptive ANC that monitors surroundings in real-time. Testing shows excellent performance against constant noise sources like HVAC systems. While human voices still penetrate, the headphones now offer Sonos' most natural-sounding transparency mode (Aware), rivaling Apple's AirPods Max.
5Living room audio advantages
Beyond music, the Ace Ultra excels with TV content, emphasizing dialogue and capturing subtle audio textures better than soundbars. The upcoming TrueCinema feature will further optimize room acoustics. However, some users report occasional audio skips during TV Audio Swap, potentially related to Wi-Fi network conditions.
6Battery and usability improvements
Battery life increases to 35 hours (5 more than original Ace), with a user-replaceable battery option ($25). The app now shows estimated remaining time alongside percentage. Call quality surpasses average, with good voice pickup and background noise reduction. Sidetone feature lets users hear themselves during calls with ANC enabled.
7Design refinements
While maintaining a similar aesthetic to the original Ace, the Ultra model is slightly larger and heavier. Most changes are internal, including the Headphone Engine 2 processor. New color options like Agave refresh the look without a major redesign. All controls remain on the right earcup's multifunction Content Key.
8Ecosystem requirements
Full functionality requires initiating audio from the Sonos app - features don't work with AirPlay or other streaming methods. Users must have S2-compatible Sonos speakers to utilize headphone linking. This creates some lock-in, as the best features only work within the Sonos ecosystem.
9Limited competition
Sonos faces minimal direct competition in home theater headphones. Bose offers SimpleSync for soundbar pairing and Cinema Mode for spatial audio, but requires compatible Bose equipment. The Ace Ultra's deep Sonos integration and living room-focused features create a unique niche in the premium headphone market.
10A complete Sonos product
The Ace Ultra represents what the original should have been - headphones that feel like native Sonos devices rather than accessories. With ecosystem integration, audio upgrades, and quality-of-life improvements, Sonos has recovered from its 2024 missteps. The headphones finally deliver on the company's signature whole-home audio vision.