The Sonos Ace is set to compete with Apple’s AirPods Max as the brand’s inaugural premium headphones. Here’s our breakdown of how these two headsets will stack up against each other.
Despite having multiple audio products in its lineup, Apple exclusively sells the AirPods Max as its branded headphones.
Since their release, these premium headphones have been highly coveted and stand out from the competition. However, Sonos is also preparing to introduce its inaugural headphones, which are anticipated to compete with the AirPods Max upon their launch.
Sonos Ace vs Apple AirPods Max: Price and Availability
The Apple AirPods Max is offered in five different color options and has a retail price of $549. It can be purchased at multiple retail locations for a price lower than the official MSRP.
The Sonos Ace headphones are rumored to be priced lower than its Apple competitor, with an estimated launch price of $430. It is expected to initially come in Black, with potential releases in White and Grey at a later date. The anticipated launch for the Sonos Ace is in May or June of 2024.
Apple AirPods Max: Design & Features
The design of the AirPods Max is highly distinctive, setting them apart from other headphones. Apple has incorporated a mesh cover on the headband and the cans have a rectangular shape with curved corners.
The Aluminum cans have a matte finish and feature replaceable ear cups that are magnetically connected. The design of the Apple AirPods Max incorporates Apple’s knowledge from creating their other devices. Instead of traditional touch-sensitive or physical buttons on the bottom of the headphones, the AirPods Max has a digital crown at the top, inspired by the Apple Watch.
The physical button serves multiple purposes, allowing you to adjust the volume, answer or decline calls, and toggle ANC or transparency mode. Additionally, it provides users with a range of options to manage these functions.
Apple offers an app for personalizing a range of settings, downloading firmware, and adjusting audio performance to suit your preferences. Unfortunately, this app is exclusively accessible on Apple devices such as iPads and iPhones. Therefore, if you own an Android device, you will not have access to all the features of AirPods Max.
The battery life of the AirPods Max is just over 20 hours, and it includes features such as Active Noise Cancellation, transparency mode, and more. Additionally, it boasts a spatial audio mode that provides a truly immersive listening experience.
Although there are some unique features, the AirPods Max also have some drawbacks. One example is their tendency to over-complicate simple tasks. Turning off the headphones is not a straightforward process and they will remain in low-power mode for hours before automatically shutting off, unnecessarily draining the battery. Additionally, the strange design of the protective case for the AirPods Max offers minimal protection for the headphones.
Sonos Ace: Design and Features
Recent leaks and rumors indicate that the Ace may rival top contenders such as Apple AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultras, offering top-of-the-line Active Noise Cancellation, transparency mode, and spatial audio.
According to reports, the Sonos Ace may allow users to stream music over Wi-Fi, providing high-quality lossless music streaming.
The most recent leaks have unveiled the design of the Sonos Ace, and the matte black headphones bear a striking resemblance to the AirPods Max from all angles. However, unlike Apple’s design, the Ace may not have a mesh headband and instead may feature a soft plastic for added support.
The headphones are also anticipated to feature a comparable design and may include replaceable ear cups for users. Quick pairing with other Sonos devices is expected to be a highlight, and the company may even expand the multiroom audio capability to these headphones.
The Sonos Ace is also possibly equipped with a mobile app for adjusting audio settings, which could potentially be accessible on both Android and iOS devices.
Sonos Ace vs Apple AirPods Max: Which One to Choose?
The AirPods Max are undoubtedly one of the top wireless headphones currently on the market. While their appearance may differ slightly and they may have a higher price point compared to other headphones, their audio quality, ability to produce spatial music, and active noise cancellation capabilities are unmatched.
These headphones are perfect for individuals who own multiple Apple products, such as the iPad, iPhone, and MacBook. It is worth paying a slightly higher price for the convenience and seamless integration with other devices in the Apple ecosystem.
Alternatively, the Sonos Ace could be an excellent choice for individuals seeking top-of-the-line sound performance that Sonos is renowned for, along with a set of headphones compatible with multiple platforms. Additionally, the Sonos Ace is anticipated to have a slightly lower price point than the AirPods Max, making it a more cost-effective option.
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