Sonos Ace vs. Sonos Ace Ultra: Comparing Sonos Headphones
Meet Sonos 27
At the heart of the Sonos Ace Ultra is the overhauled Sonos 27 software system, with a designed setup for superior connectivity between all your Sonos devices. This system is where you see a real upgrade between the Ace and Ace Ultra. Sonos 27 lets the Ace Ultra act as a Wi-Fi endpoint, which enables new features like headphone linking; with headphone linking, you can move whatever audio is playing on your Sonos system to your headphones with the press of a button. We can imagine this feature being useful for so many users, whether you live with roommates or have a baby sleeping in the other room.
Ultra Audio Upgrades
As the "Ultra" name implies, Sonos Ace Ultra elevates the audio quality of its predecessor. Improvements start from the inside, with a new driver design for better bass, clearer sound and improved ANC. The EQ is also upgraded: a customizable 3-band and 8-band EQ to give you greater control compared to the 2-band EQ on the original Sonos Ace. The next generation of headphones also features Adaptive EQ to adjust the sound based on the fit of each ear cup to maintain balanced, natural sound.
Outfitted With Superior ANC
Another upgrade on the Sonos Ace Ultra comes in the form of improved Active Noise Canceling. It features 10 microphones as opposed to 8 on the Ace, so outside noise is filtered more effectively and calls are quieter. Ace Ultra also introduces Sidetone, which solves the problem of not being able to hear yourself when you take a call with ANC on. Aware Mode also returns on the Ace Ultra, but with upgraded features like Voice Boost that enhances voices even when Aware Mode is on.
Enhanced Integration with Sonos Ace Ultra
Arguably the most important update on Sonos Ace Ultra is its integration with the Sonos home audio ecosystem. It's the feature that many users wanted the most, and Sonos delivered. As we mentioned, with the press of the Content Key button, you can send whatever is playing on your Sonos speakers to your headphones. Compatible models include the Arc, Arc Ultra, Beam, Beam Ultra, Ra, Roam, Move and more, so if you already have a Sonos system at home, chances are you can use this new feature. There are so many use cases for this great feature, whether it's giving your roommate peace and quiet after a long day at work or enjoying your favorite show while your baby sleeps in the other room. Please note: you do have to opt in to this feature. Similarly, TV Audio Swap returns on the Ace Ultra, which enables easy swapping between your Sonos soundbar and headphones.
Design Highlights: Color Options, Comfort & More
Both the Sonos Ace and Ace Ultra are great-looking headphones; they're each available in black and white and easily coordinate with other Sonos audio devices. Ace Ultra also introduces two new colors: Agave and Sand. They're muted yet stylish, and the different colors make Ace Ultra great for gifting ahead of the holiday season. When the Ace headphones first released, their comfort was a major plus; the Ace Ultra features a very similar build that offers comfortable long-term wear, which really comes in handy on flights or during long commutes. As with the Sonos Ace, the Ace Ultra features replaceable ear cushions. However, Ace Ultra gets an upgrade with the Rebound memory foam cushions that hug the ear with plush comfort. We also noticed the cushions stay cool, which is nice if you're wearing them for a long time.
Battery Life & Replaceability
If you're the kind of person who forgets to charge their headphones, these headphones are a good fit for you: Sonos Ace offers up to 30 hours of listening with ANC on, and Sonos Ace Ultra has an upgraded battery with up to 35 hours of listening with ANC on. They also both support fast charging via USB-C, providing up to 3 hours of playback after only 3 minutes of charging; the battery charges completely in 3 hours. We also love that both models have replaceable batteries; it lets you enjoy your headphones for longer and also aligns with Abt's green values.
Shop Sonos Ace Ultra at Abt Today
We're excited about the newest headphone launch from Sonos. Sonos Ace Ultra offers a meaningful upgrade from its predecessor with user-focused features that we love. They sound better, are more comfortable and fit more seamlessly into existing Sonos systems. You can find both the Sonos Ace and Sonos Ace Ultra online and in-store at Abt. We also have a breakdown of their other new release, the Beam Ultra. And if you're new to the Sonos ecosystem, check out our comparison of the wireless speakers Sonos offers.
