Sonos has just set in motion its first ever pair of over - ear headphone : Sonos Ace . Here ’s how they stack up against the AirPods Max from what we presently know .
While we have n’t yet had a chance to review the earphone , Sonos promises that the Sonos Ace “ build on Sonos ’ leading reputation for superior sound , sophisticated design , and category - disrupting invention to redefine personal hearing ” .
So how does the Sonos Ace compare to Apple ’s over - auricle headphone offer , theAirPods Max ? As the latter launched back in 2020 , we have spent a mint of time with the Apple ’s premium headphones and gave them a strong four - star paygrade .
We ’ve liken the eyeglasses of the Sonos Ace with the AirPods Max so you could see the key differences and any similarities between the two flagship headphones .
Both have Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)
Like most bounty headphone , both the Sonos Ace and AirPods Max haveActive Noise Cancellation ( ANC ) engineering . With ANC , microphone detect and actively counter external sounds to put up a more immersive listening experience .
To do this , both the Sonos Ace and AirPods Max use eight microphones to detect and foresee outside sound . The deviation here is that while the Sonos Ace has eight microphones in totality , for both ANC and for sound call , the AirPods Max has one additional microphone for voice pickup .
If you do n’t command total haphazardness cancellation then you’re able to trigger off Aware Mode by simply contract a button on your Sonos Ace , allowing you to hear and enlist with your surroundings . Similarly , AirPods Max also offers Transparency modal value , which can also be activated by iron a button on your headphone .
Sonos Ace has TrueCinema technology coming soon
Sonos has teased an upcoming Modern technology that is set to be introduced into the Sonos Ace headphones subsequently this year : TrueCinema . Sonos explain that TrueCinema is an all - new technology that “ on the nose maps your space then render a gross surround sound system for an interview of one ” .
Until the launch of this new feature , Sonos Ace users will have to make do with its spatial audio compatibility and chief traverse with Dolby Atmos , which promises an immersive listening experience .
While the AirPods Max do n’t have a dedicated engineering science like this , Apple does promise that its personalised spatial audio with dynamic head trailing offers a film - like sound that surrounds you .
Sonos Ace have a longer battery life
While the AirPods Max have 20 hours of bombardment lifetime with ANC and Spatial Audio turned on , the Sonos Ace boast up to 30 hours even with ANC enable .
In add-on , the Sonos Ace uses a USB - C connecter whereas the AirPods Max still expend Apple ’s Lightning adaptor . If you have an iPhone 14 or older then this should n’t be too much of an issue for you , but if you ’ve already grow to USB - hundred then this is an extra cable’s length to keep for appoint .
Just a three - minute bang of the Sonos Ace results in three hours of battery life-time which makes it perfect for last minute dashes out the business firm . The AirPods Max do offer a exchangeable rapid accusation option , with a five - minute guardianship proffer just 1.5 minute of bombardment .
AirPods Max is available in five colours
The AirPods Max boast a more colourful card and is available in five colouring : Silver , Space Grey , Sky Blue , Green and Pink . In comparison , the Sonos Ace are only available in Silver or Black .
talk of design , the Sonos Ace have a lightweight memory - froth - line headband with stainless steel arms that expatiate . The ear cushions are also wrapped in a vegan leather for unmanliness and lastingness .
The AirPods Max ’s headband is made from a breathable knitted meshing which dish out weight to concentrate on - head pressing . It is also durable , thanks to the unstained blade frame and aluminium cups which house the mesh material wrapped memory - froth ear cushion .
Sonos Ace is cheaper
The Sonos Ace will be available from the 5th June 2024 with an RRP of £ 449 / € 499 / $ 449 / AUD 699 .
Despite being the old poser of the two , the AirPods Max really has a eminent RRP of £ 499 / € 579 / $ 549 , however this does include a Smart Case .
