The first-generation noise-canceling headphones make an impressive debut, especially for those who own the company’s soundbars.
Amazon’s third annual Big Spring Sale is an excellent chance to grab a color ebook reader or an RGB-equipped table lamp, though options for noise-canceling headphones are limited. While the Sony WH-1000XM6 are slightly over $60 off, the Sonos Ace proves to be a better deal, currently sold at Amazon, Best Buy, and Sonos’ online store for $299 ($100 off).
The Sonos Ace had a rocky start amid the company’s app issues in 2024. Yet, they are a stylish, over-ear headphone model with strong sound quality and a design that accommodates easy ear pad swaps. Their audio performance rivals that of Bose or Apple, with a transparency mode similar to the original AirPods Max.
One downside is that the Ace can’t play music over Wi-Fi or pair with the company’s in-home speakers, although they do allow wired audio through USB-C. The standout feature is the Sonos TV Audio Swap, allowing instant transfer of sound from a Sonos soundbar to the Ace headphones by pressing a button or using the Sonos app. This enables spatial audio and head tracking for an immersive experience.
TV Audio Swap is mainly for current Sonos ecosystem users, and it’s especially handy for listening to movies and games without disturbing others. Sonos’ newer TrueCinema mode enhances this experience with virtual surround sound customization, akin to their TruePlay feature, ensuring the headphones suit your space’s acoustics.
Other Sonos deals include the second-gen Sonos Beam, a compact soundbar supporting Dolby Atmos. The Sonos Roam 2 is also available, a portable Bluetooth speaker that connects via Wi-Fi to Sonos’ home audio setup, offering subtle improvements like a distinct Bluetooth button.