Jada Jones/ZDNET
Editor's note: This article was first published on June 6, 2025, and updated on June 10, 2025, when Sonos announced the Ace's latest software updates.
It's been one year since Sonos released its first pair of consumer headphones, and although they made waves when they first dropped, how have they fared after the hype has died down? You can often find the Ace discounted for up to $120 off their original price, and if you're interested in them, that's the best time to buy them.
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I've worn the Sonos Ace often since their June 2024 release, and there are a few things I've grown to love more about them since then, along with a few things I've become more annoyed by. Sonos gifted the Ace a major software update for their first birthday, addressing the biggest complaints I had with the headphones. With the new updates in mind, here's the best advice I can give you to help you make a buying decision.
Aesthetics and thoughtful design choices
Jada Jones/ZDNET
The Ace are a good-looking pair of consumer headphones; they're more elegant than the Sony XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra, defined by clean lines and slimmer earcups. Upon looking at them, they abide by Sonos' design ethos of modern and simple, and there are subtle but meaningful choices that make them easier to wear and listen to.
Also: Sony XM6 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra: How to choose the best noise-canceling headphone
One of my favorite design elements is fitting the Ace with the new Content Key, a multifunction button that you can press or slide to complete a series of commands. I prefer it to Apple's Digital Crown because it's placed in the middle of the back of the right earcup, making it easier to reach.
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