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Sonos Ace Headphones: You Had One Job!

— June 4, 2024 40 comments




Reviewing the new $450 Sonos headphones Get $350 off the Pod 4 Ultra or $200 off the Pod 4 with code MKBHD at …

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About the Author: Marques Brownlee

40 Comments

  8. Why would you pay $450? My Anker sound core headphones were less than $150 and have all these features. I had 2 different $300- $350 Bose headphones in the past and they never lasted more than a year. The thing I care most about is they fold up, have a good case, and last for a year or two. I listen on the train to work and sometimes at work. Durability (can be folded and put in and out of case hundreds of times) is one of the most important features.

  12. I'll be sticking with my Dyson Zone. (Great headphones, plus for people like me who get migraines from other people's perfume, they're an absolute life saver.) Still, if I weren't abundantly happy with my Dysons, who would buy these? Like if you're spending stupid amounts of money on headphones, having them be heavier actually is more in line with making the customer feel like they're 'premium' also I hear the app only works on iPhones… like most iPhone owners who feel like spending huge money on headphones are going to pick the AirPods Max and if not those then probably the Bose. Sony has them beat on price.

    It really feels like the market for these are people who already just love Sonos. And are there really that many iPhone users who like Sonos more than Apple? I feel like making sure these could have launched alongside an Android app was pretty well mandatory for early success. Like Apple is already competing with Sonos with the big HomePods.
    Also for people who want to make sure they're not irritating other people in the home, if you want to use headphones while you watch TV just get an Apple TV. For years my Dad who's legally deaf (he can hear just only certain frequencies mostly bass) has used a variety of Bluetooth headphones with his Apple TV to keep my mom sane. For the cost of these you could probably get a pair of Sony headphones and an Apple TV 4K. Or if you want spatial audio do an Apple TV 4K with a set of AirPods 3.

    Don't get me wrong, I'm sure they sound good. But how many expensive headphones sound bad?

    Like, I got the Dyson headphones because this way I can go out into the world without having everyone poison me. It feels like the major market for these would be people who want to show that they spent a bunch of money on headphones but don't want to buy AirPods Max. (Also I imagine that same market is going to be very annoyed when people see them and ask "Oh, did Apple make new headphones? I haven't seen those yet.")

    That said, I'd be 100% okay if Apple made a set of plastic and metal over the ear AirPods. I'm honestly still shocked that they haven't made a cheaper version of the Max.

  15. To emphasize what Marques said, and add some additional details…it's not that these are bad headphones, it's that they offer nothing new to justify a whole new brand entering this competitive market at such a high price. The scenario of using these with your tv is already pointless if you have an Apple TV. Sonos only made this feature compatible with their $900 premium Arc soundbar and NOT their $300/$500 cheaper alternatives. So the price of connecting your headphones to your TV with Apple is a $129 Apple TV, whereas with Sonos it's a $900 soundbar. And frankly, most people I know who own an Arc already use an Apple TV.

    Add onto all of this the fact that Sonos has just proven how much they can't be trusted with their new app update. For those not in the loop, there's been massive outrage from even the most loyal Sonos users because their recent major app update completely removed half of every useful feature in the last version that many people relied on, and literally crippled thousands of user's systems rendering them entirely useless. As in many people can't even connect the speakers and play music anymore because of the bugs. Sonos' response to this outcry has been arrogance, neglect and borderline illegal behavior. So my personal PSA: do NOT invest in this company, I have never seen a brand this greedy and careless about its users.

    Either way, the Ace's are a more expensive version of the Sony XM4's, or a lesser product to the AirPods maxes, whichever way you spin it. The Sony's are on sale for $250, and the Maxes are regularly going for $450. Just get either of those.

  23. On the one hand, having a pair of headphones that are addressable like a speaker would be kinda weird. On the other hand, that's Sonos' whole thing, and it seems like that's really the only good reason someone would want Sonos headphones, especially given the price.
    Also being able to leave your phone (or better yet, a TV or desktop) somewhere and roam all around the house without worrying about BT range would be sick. I swear, I try to have a video going on the desktop while I work on something across the room and it drops out every few minutes. Good ol' Windows BT support.

  24. For these kind of prices on wireless headphones there should be zero complaints. Absolutely none, the second there is one its not a valid product imo.

  27. I just don't think these really big brand high priced BT – ANC Bluetooth earphones are worth it. The Apple Airpods Max, Sony WH 1000-series and now these, I think they're all way overpriced in the name of features that aren't really that big, all at the cost of sound quality.

  30. Sonos products are overrated and overpriced. Don’t know they how keep selling. For cheaper end go Sony or JBL. For higher end Bose or Apple.

  33. Im not really in the market for new headphones but i was interested. Im more so commenting because im SO GLAD you mentioned how they nerfed their app so fucking hard. It used to be so nice why they changed it is beyond me.

  35. Unfortunately, I have to say that I prefer any Anker Bluetooth speaker to a Sonos speaker. Fewer problems, lower price and similar sound quality. I would be happy to hear about the experiences of audiophiles.

  38. You’re a hero for bringing up the Sonos app several times! 🙏🏾 I hope they work on it. I was happy it got a refresh but the cost.. 😢

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