Many Sonos enthusiasts have had to wait a long time for it, but earlier this month the speaker manufacturer launched their own headphones. The Sonos Ace is a premium headset that competes with, among others, the AirPods Max.
That was the reason for us to list the differences between the Sonos Ace and AirPods Max. Sonos is known for its seamless integration with Apple products and it is a good alternative to the now more than three years old AirPods Max.
Similarities between Sonos Ace and AirPods Max
Before we list the differences between the two headphones, it may be interesting to know what the similarities are between the two models. The overview below lists the functions and capabilities of both headphones.
- Active noise cancellation (blocks out external sounds)
- Transparency mode (allows external sound to pass through clearly)
- Spatial audio (Dolby Atmos) with dynamic head tracking
- Automatically pause when removed
- 40 mm dynamic drivers designed in-house by both manufacturers
Differences between the Sonos Ace and AirPods Max
Although they are two similar headphones, there are some differences to report. For that reason, we will discuss some components so that you get a good idea of the differences between the Sonos Ace and AirPods Max.
Design and storage
A headset is a headset, but the choice of materials defines the headset. Both the Ace and Max have a premium design where you can rotate the ear cups for storage.
The AirPods Max are made of a stainless steel frame, aluminum ear cups with custom-designed mesh ear pads, and a floating headband with ventilating mesh. Sonos opted for a stainless steel frame with slightly more recycled plastic and PU-covered (vegan leather) ear cups. Both headphones use memory foam ear pads.
The Sonos Ace comes with a sturdy, flat hard case with a cable box inside that attaches magnetically. The AirPods Max has a smart case which still leaves many parts of the headphones unprotected. However, this case does allow you to place the AirPods Max in an ultra-energy-saving mode.
Sound quality
Both headphones have active noise cancellation that blocks out external noise, a transparency mode (called Aware mode in Sonos) that lets external sound through clearly and spatial audio (Dolby Atmos) with dynamic head tracking. The sound quality of these is excellent for both headphones and you can switch between the different modes directly from the headset.
Both manufacturers use a self-designed 40mm dynamic drivers that reproduce every frequency with utmost precision and clarity. For both the Ace and Max, the sound quality is premium and good. It does not matter which headphones you choose, other factors play a bigger role here such as ease of use.
The AirPods Max benefit from this Adaptive EQ that automatically adjusts the music to your liking. With Sonos you have more or less the same freedom with equalizer in the application.
To connect
The Sonos Ace connects you using bluetooth 5.4 to your devices. In the Sonos app, you can personalize your headphones and tune them to your personal use. AirPods Max connects using bluetooth 5.0but thanks to smart integration, you can operate the AirPods more easily, for example via the control panel.
In most cases, the Sonos headphones will automatically connect to the nearest known device. The AirPods Max automatically knows all your Apple devices and can switch them more easily, including Mac and Apple TV.
Battery life and fast charging
The Sonos Ace has a battery life of up to 30 hours when listening to music with active noise cancellation, this is the case with the AirPods Max 20 hours.
You can charge the Sonos headphones indoors using the included USB-C cable. 3 minutes for 3 hours of battery life. The AirPods Max has a Lightning connector and can increase the battery by 1.5 hours in 5 minutes.
Unique to Sonos Ace
TrueCinema technology: Later this year, Sonos Ace will let you enjoy a surround sound home theater experience while others in your home can enjoy peace and quiet. Switch TV audio from a compatible Sonos soundbar to Sonos Ace with the touch of a button. Spatial audio with Dolby Atmos surrounds you with spectacularly detailed sound from every direction, and dynamic head tracking keeps you in the middle of the action – even when you need to grab a blanket or snacks. The completely new one planned for later this year TrueCinema technology from Sonos accurately maps your space, then produces a complete surround sound system for a listening experience so realistic you’ll forget you’re wearing headphones. AirPods Max also connect to Apple TV for a similar experience.
Lossless audio: Sonos Ace supports lossless audio via Bluetooth when connected to an Android device that supports Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound AptX for Lossless. Lossless audio is not available when Sonos Ace is connected to an iOS device via Bluetooth. Sonos headphones support lossless audio when connected to a device via USB-C. Both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm connections are supported. Both cables are supplied as standard. The AirPods Max has no Lossless supportnot even via cable.
Unique to AirPods Max
One-tap setup: AirPods Max connect directly to your Apple devices. Simply hold your AirPods Max near your device and connect them with one tap on your screen.
Automatic switching: Switching between your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch is effortless.2 Are you listening to music on your Mac and receiving a call on your iPhone? Then AirPods Max switches immediately.
Share audio: Easily share an audio stream between different AirPods with your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Apple TV. Simply hold the AirPods or AirPods Max near the device you’re listening to and connect with one tap.
Siri is always on: Get directions, check the weather, plan a meeting and much more. All you have to do is say “Hey Siri”.
Which headphones to choose?
Are you hesitating between the Sonos Ace or the AirPods Max? Then it is difficult for the Apple user to choose. Are you going for the ease of use of the AirPods Max or the new technology of the Sonos Ace?
Both headphones deliver excellent sound quality and have the same options such as active noise cancellation, spatial audio and transparency mode. The differences are in the battery life, fast charging, design, Bluetooth connection and options.
For the Sonos Ace you are dependent on the Sonos app if you want to personalize the headphones, the AirPods Max settings can be found in the Apple system itself. Both can switch between sound modes directly via the headphones themselves.
If you want a good storage case right away, the Sonos Ace is the best choice. These headphones also come with a USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5 mm cable. The AirPods Max only have a USB-C to Lightning cable and an optional Lightning to 3.5 mm (price: € 39).
Buy Sonos Ace or AirPods Max
