Monster Children Review: Sonos Ace Headphones
I’ve had the new Sonos Ace headphones for just over a week now.
In that time, I’ve blocked out unwanted banter in the workplace, flown a flight or two without the disturbance of infant screams, and spent eight hours of a rainy weekend binging a Netflix series. In between these moments, I’ve also managed to play about ten records from front to back, ranging from Ænima by Tool to Dusty in Memphis by Dusty Springfield. And what did I think? Well, I took notes. While you won’t see any one-handed reveal posts, the packaging was considerate and eco-conscious, and everything needed for the headphones was thoughtfully placed for travel.
First glance: The Sonos Ace headphones are sleek, subtle, and solid. Minimal branding and considered finishes separate these headphones from most others on the market. They strike a balance between understated elegance and robust construction, making them immediately appealing.
On the lobes: Comfort is paramount when it comes to headphones, especially for extended listening sessions. The ear cups, or ‘ear parts,’ are exceptionally soft and provide a snug fit around the ears. I have a theory that headphones where the top bar links to the cups from the outside tend to pull the headphones into the head, making them uncomfortable after a long period. Again, it’s a theory. But with these coming in from the top—seems like the pressure isn’t as intense. Win.
Le sound: For me, well, headphones are mostly about how good the music sounds, right? Now I’m not a crazy audiophile, but I like my music to sound good. When I listen to a podcast and they talk about how there’s that time in the recording that you can hear Miles Davis bust a lip while playing, I want these headphones to pick up that little detail, and they did—every blistering second of it. I found the sound to be crisp and well-defined across different genres, allowing nuances to be delivered without sacrificing anything in the bass. I will note here that the headphones’ noise-cancelling setting is, as I said previously, child-screaming-proof. There is also a setting to allow more atmospheric noise into the headphones, which I didn’t mess around with much, to be honest. (I have included a playlist of music I listened to—just in case you care.)
Tech gadgetry: I read that Sonos die-hards were a bit bummed that the Wi-Fi connection wasn’t available on these. This didn’t bother me as my home isn’t a Sonos wonderland. The Bluetooth connection was easy and didn’t falter the whole week. There is also a headphone jack if you feel so inclined to plug straight into your device as I usually do. Apparently, there’s 40 hours of battery life as well, and after one charge at the beginning of the week, I didn’t need a top-up.
On the move: While not the lightest headphones on the market, the Sonos Ace strikes a good balance between weight and durability. They feel sturdy enough to handle everyday use and travel, yet light and compact enough to be comfortably packed for trips without adding unnecessary bulk.
This is the end: In conclusion, the Sonos Ace headphones have impressed fussy, OCD me with their thoughtful design, comfortable fit, and excellent sound quality. Whether you’re a Taylor Swift fan or a dedicated Radiohead aficionado, these headphones offer a blend of style and substance. From the eco-friendly packaging to the Bluetooth connectivity not glitching out, Sonos has clearly prioritised both the user experience and environmental impact. If you’re in the market for headphones that deliver on comfort, sound, and usability, the Sonos Ace headphones are definitely worth shelling out a few dollars for.
