Sonos Ace Ultra adds system linking, but its headline feature remains in early access
The Verge’s review finds improvements in sound, battery life and noise cancellation, while noting limits to Wi-Fi audio and weaker cancellation than leading rivals.
Sonos has priced its Ace Ultra headphones at $449, the same release price as the original Ace, now listed at $349. The Verge’s review says the new model improves on its predecessor and adds a way to move audio between the headphones and Sonos speakers.
That Wi-Fi linking feature is in early access. It can transfer music from a Sonos speaker or group to the headphones and back, but the review reports occasional transfer problems and says audio currently streams in lossy quality. Sonos has not said how long the early-access period will last.
The headphones are rated for up to 35 hours of battery life, against up to 30 hours for the original Ace. The Verge reviewer also describes them as comfortable and says their redesigned drivers improve the sound, while noting that midrange clarity can suffer on busier tracks.
Noise cancellation is improved and now includes an adaptive mode, but the reviewer judges it weaker than that of the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose Ultra Headphones and Apple AirPods Max 2. The Verge says those alternatives may suit buyers who put the greatest weight on blocking ambient noise.
The Ace Ultra’s Sonos features are most relevant to people who already own the company’s speakers. TV audio swap requires a compatible Sonos soundbar, while headphone linking depends on Sonos speakers; returning audio to a speaker group requires using the Sonos app.
