Sonos Ace Ultra Review: The Upgrade You Didn't Know You Needed

Michael Bennett · 2026-09-25

### Key Features - **Price:** $499 (converted from £399) - **Headphone Linking:** Connect directly to any Sonos speaker in your home - **Battery Life:** Up to 35 hours on a single charge - **Wired Listening:** Up to 16-bit/44.1kHz over cable ### Introduction When Sonos released their first headphones, they were a solid effort. For a company not known for headphones, it was a good start. But good is the enemy of great. Fast forward a couple of years, and we have the Ace Ultra. The noise cancellation is beefed up, sound quality improved, battery life extended, and the same lovely ergonomics that worked so well the first time. There was room for improvement, and Sonos has learned a few lessons. Spoiler alert: this is a pretty terrific pair of wireless headphones. ### Design - Very comfortable - Replaceable battery - Physical buttons If there's a difference between the Ace and the Ace Ultra in terms of design, I can't see it. Unless something structurally inside has changed, these appear to be the same headphones with a slim profile that feel as if they're vacuum-formed to my head. Like the original, they fit like a pair of slippers. While the sense of comfort is not as plush as others, they are very comfortable to wear, even for a glasses wearer like myself. There's plenty of space for my large ears to fit, and while the clamping force is on the tighter side, the pressure isn't uncomfortable. The fit is secure, with a stepless slider to adjust things. I've worn these headphones for hours straight and the only problem I've had is a bit of pinching from not placing the headphones on properly. They're not collapsible, though, and left from right is easily figured out thanks to the contrasting colors inside the earcups. The earcups remain detachable, and you can replace the battery with a Replacement Battery Kit for $31 (converted from £25). There's no change in the way the Ace Ultra operate either, using physical controls over touch. The Content Key is where most of the action happens, controlling playback and volume. It's intuitive and responsive. ### Sound Quality The Ace Ultra truly shines when it comes to audio. The sound is rich, detailed, and well-balanced. The bass is punchy without overpowering, mids are clear, and highs are crisp. The noise cancellation is significantly improved, effectively blocking out ambient noise whether you're on a plane or in a busy office. > "The Ace Ultra delivers a listening experience that rivals headphones costing hundreds more." ### Battery Life and Connectivity With up to 35 hours of battery life, you can go days without charging. And when you do need to charge, a quick 10-minute charge gives you hours of playback. The headphone linking feature is a standout, allowing you to connect directly to any Sonos speaker in your home. It's seamless and works flawlessly. ### Conclusion The Sonos Ace Ultra is a significant upgrade over the original. It addresses the shortcomings and delivers exceptional sound, comfort, and features. At $499, it's an investment, but one that's well worth it for audiophiles and Sonos enthusiasts alike. If you're in the market for premium wireless headphones, the Ace Ultra should be at the top of your list.