Sonos Ace Ultra vs Ace: Is the Upgrade Really Worth It?

Michael Bennett · 2026-09-08

Sonos just dropped its latest headphones, the Sonos Ace Ultra. And if you're wondering whether it's worth upgrading from the original Sonos Ace, you're not alone. We gave the Ace a solid four-star rating, so the bar is already high. But the Ultra promises some serious improvements. Let's break down the key differences to help you decide. ### Price and Availability The Sonos Ace Ultra is available for pre-order now and will officially launch at the end of September. As Sonos' most premium pair, it comes with a higher price tag: $499. Meanwhile, the original Sonos Ace, launched in 2024, can often be found at a discount—especially during sales events like Prime Day or Black Friday. Its retail price is $449, but you can sometimes snag it for less. ### Noise Cancellation: Twice as Good? Both headphones feature active noise cancelling (ANC) to block out external sounds, plus an Aware mode for when you want to hear your surroundings. We found the Ace's ANC to be strong, effectively suppressing public transport noise and wind. It struggled a bit on flights compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5, but still held its own. So, what about the Ultra? Sonos claims it has twice the ANC power of the Ace. The Ultra uses new drivers that produce noise-cancelling frequencies faster and more effectively. It also has a 10-mic array (two more than the Ace) to detect and cancel sounds like subway rumble or airplane cabins. We'll need to test it to confirm, but it sounds promising. ### Sound Quality: Adaptive EQ and Custom EQ The Ace Ultra introduces Adaptive EQ, which measures the seal and fit of each ear cup and adjusts the sound accordingly. According to Sonos, this ensures balanced, natural audio as you move. The original Ace already had a secure, comfortable fit, so this is a nice addition. For tinkerers, the Ultra offers a customizable 3- and 8-band EQ, while the Ace only has a 2-band EQ. Both work with the Sonos app, where you can adjust EQ, ANC settings, enable Audio Swap (to switch sound to a compatible Sonos soundbar), and set up Head Tracking. ### Battery Life: Going the Distance Battery life is crucial for wireless headphones, and the Ace Ultra promises up to 35 hours with ANC on. That's a significant jump from the original Ace's 30 hours. If you're someone who forgets to charge, this could be a game-changer. ### The Verdict: Should You Upgrade? If you already own the Sonos Ace, the Ultra offers better ANC, adaptive EQ, more customizable sound, and longer battery life. But is it worth the extra $50? That depends on how much you value those upgrades. If you're due for an upgrade or want the best Sonos has to offer, the Ultra is tempting. If you're on a budget, the original Ace is still a fantastic pair—especially when discounted. We'll have our full review soon, so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out our roundups of the best headphones and best noise-cancelling headphones for more options.