Sonos Ace Ultra is the second-generation premium headphone from Sonos, launched in September 2026 at US$449.
It keeps the original Ace design idea but adds a new driver, stronger adaptive noise cancellation, longer battery life, more microphones and a deeper connection to Sonos home speakers.
Sonos Ace Ultra key specifications
- US price: US$449.
- UK price: £399.
- Battery: up to 35 hours with ANC or Aware Mode active.
- Driver: custom 40mm driver in each ear cup.
- Noise control: adaptive active noise cancellation and Aware Mode.
- Wireless: Bluetooth 6.0 plus Wi-Fi features for Sonos linking.
- Wired audio: USB-C and 3.5mm cable support.
- Audio: lossless audio, Dolby Atmos and spatial audio.
- Charging: three minutes of fast charging can provide up to three hours of listening.
- Repairability: replaceable ear cushions and battery.
What changed from the first Sonos Ace?
Sonos says Ace Ultra has a next-generation driver and up to twice the active noise cancellation of the original Ace at some low frequencies.
Battery life increases from around 30 hours on the original model to up to 35 hours with noise control enabled.
The Ultra also increases the microphone count from eight to ten and introduces more advanced equaliser options.
What is headphone linking?
Ace Ultra can connect more directly with compatible Sonos speakers through Wi-Fi.
This is broader than normal Bluetooth pairing. Sonos is building an experience where the headphones become part of the same system used around the home.
Some linking capabilities are still labelled early access, so exact compatibility can change.
Can you listen to TV audio?
Yes, with compatible Sonos soundbars and the required setup.
Sonos has built TV Audio Swap into its headphone ecosystem so a user can move television sound from a supported soundbar to the headphones without disturbing other people in the room.
How good is the battery?
Sonos rates Ace Ultra for up to 35 hours of listening with Active Noise Cancellation or Aware Mode turned on.
A full charge can take up to three hours. Rapid charging from an empty battery can provide around three hours of use after three minutes.
Can the battery be replaced?
Yes. This is one of the more interesting hardware changes.
Sonos sells a replacement battery kit for Ace Ultra. The ear cushions are also replaceable.
That can extend the useful life of an expensive pair of headphones because battery degradation no longer automatically means replacing the whole device.
Does it support lossless audio?
Yes. Sonos advertises lossless audio support alongside spatial audio and Dolby Atmos.
Actual lossless playback depends on the source, connection and service being used.
Can you use Ace Ultra with an iPhone or Android phone?
Yes. They work as Bluetooth headphones with compatible Apple and Android devices.
The deeper Sonos-system features require the Sonos app and compatible Sonos hardware.
What colours are available?
Sonos currently sells Ace Ultra in Black, Soft White, Agave and Sand.
Accessories including replacement cushions are offered in matching colours.
Sonos Ace Ultra versus Sony and Bose
The premium headphone market is crowded. Sony and Bose have long histories in active noise cancellation, while Apple targets iPhone users with AirPods Max.
Ace Ultra’s clearest differentiator is the Sonos ecosystem. It is most compelling if you already use Sonos soundbars or speakers and value the system-level handoff features.
Is Sonos Ace Ultra worth US$449?
For someone who only wants Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones, there are many alternatives and some cost less.
The strongest reason to choose Ace Ultra is the combination of long battery life, repairable parts and direct Sonos-system integration.
If you do not own Sonos home audio, compare comfort, ANC, microphone quality and street pricing carefully before buying.
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