9 Cons of Sonos Ace Headphones (Review 2024)

Ah, so the Sonos Ace headphones have piqued your interest, have they? Sleek design, promising sound, and that reliable Sonos branding—all tempting, no doubt.

But before you toss $450 into the headphone void, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and uncover some lurking imperfections. Spoiler alert: these aren’t the flawless gems you might think.

If after reading all these cons, you still want to buy the product, congratulations! You’re making a well-informed decision, and you won’t regret your purchase!

Weight and Design: A Premium Mirage

Yes, the Sonos Ace is lighter than the AirPods Max, but don’t be fooled by the featherweight allure.

• Plastic Overload: High-end headphones often boast luxurious materials like metal, but the Sonos Ace goes heavy on the plastic. This gives them a decidedly less opulent feel, both in your hands and on your head.
• Lint and Hair Magnet: The case starts off looking slick but soon becomes a magnet for every stray lint and pet hair particle in your home. A minor gripe, sure, but for those who prize pristine gear, it’s a constant battle.

Audio Quality: Almost There, But Not Quite

Sonos is known for solid sound quality, and the Ace doesn’t disappoint—mostly. But at this price point, you want more than just “good.”

• Less Immersive Sound Stage: Compared to other high-end headphones, the Ace’s sound stage can feel flat and less immersive. Audiophiles might find this a deal-breaker, longing for a richer, more enveloping audio experience.
• Bass Popping: Some users have noticed an annoying popping sound at high bass levels, suggesting the headphones struggle with certain frequencies. Disappointing, especially when you’re paying top dollar.

Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode: Almost, But Not Quite

Critical for urbanites and office dwellers alike, these features are essential.

• Transparency Mode: It’s decent, but falls short of the AirPods Max’s gold standard. You might find yourself wishing for a bit more clarity when switching between music and the outside world.
• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Good, but not groundbreaking. The ANC doesn’t surpass leaders like Sony and Bose, which could be a letdown for those accustomed to top-tier noise cancellation.

Software Features: Not Quite Cutting-Edge

Sonos integrates their headphones into their ecosystem well, but some features are conspicuously absent.

• No Advanced Features: Forget about adaptive EQ or personalized spatial audio. These might seem like small omissions, but they can significantly enhance the listening experience, and their absence is felt.
• Basic EQ Settings: The Sonos app offers only basic EQ adjustments—bass and treble. Sound profile tweakers will find this limiting, yearning for more control.

Limited Compatibility: Tethered to Sonos

The Ace’s reliance on the Sonos ecosystem can feel restrictive.

• Tied to Sonos Soundbar: Features like the TV audio swap require the Sonos Arc soundbar. Without it, you’re missing out on some key capabilities.
• No Seamless Apple Integration: Unlike some competitors, the Ace doesn’t integrate seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem. No automatic device switching, no hands-free voice assistant, which might frustrate Apple aficionados.

Comfort Issues: Marathon Sessions Might Suffer

Comfort is subjective, but the Ace has a few quirks.

• Warm Ear Cups: The ear cups can get warm during long listening sessions, which can be uncomfortable.
• Shallow Ear Cups: Shallower than some competitors, these might cause discomfort for users with larger ears.

Connectivity and Compatibility: A Few Bumps in the Road

Connectivity issues can be a nuisance with the Sonos Ace.

• Limited TV Audio Swap: This feature is restricted to the Sonos Arc soundbar and requires an iPhone or iPad for setup, limiting its usefulness.
• Inconsistent Wear Detection: The wear detection feature, which pauses and resumes playback when you remove and replace the headphones, is inconsistent and buggy.

Battery Life: Decent, But Not Dazzling

Battery life is a key factor, and the Sonos Ace performs adequately but doesn’t wow. With 30 hours of battery life, the Ace holds its own, but doesn’t outperform cheaper alternatives. More might be expected for the price.

Price and Value: A Steep Ask

In a crowded market, price matters.

• High Price Tag: At $450, the Sonos Ace is a significant investment. When they don’t clearly outshine cheaper alternatives in sound quality or features, the value becomes questionable.
• Build Quality Concerns: Despite the premium price, the build quality doesn’t exude luxury. The plastic construction and issues like a sticky case zipper are disappointing.

Summary

The Sonos Ace headphones have their merits—good sound, comfort, decent battery life. But they come with a laundry list of drawbacks.

Ultimately, while the Sonos Ace integrates smoothly within the Sonos ecosystem, particularly for users with the Arc soundbar, it may not offer enough value or unique features to stand out in the crowded high-end headphone market. If you’re already deep into the Sonos ecosystem and can overlook these cons, they might be worth considering. For others, there are likely better options that deliver more bang for your buck.

However, if after reading all these cons, you still want to buy the product, congratulations! You’re making a well-informed decision, and you won’t regret your purchase.

Reference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55frjPFWh18&pp=ygUbc29ub3MgYWNlIGhlYWRwaG9uZXMgcmV2aWV3
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