We first heard of Sonos's head-fi plans back in 2019, and the initial release date was rumoured to be in 2021 following 2020's patent filing. So, after much anticipation, the wireless multi-speaker, multi-room household name has announced the launch of its Ace headphones.

Sonos Ace features custom drivers, "premium" build quality, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and active noise cancelling alongside Sonos' new TrueCinema technology.

In the words of said Patrick Spence, CEO of Sonos:

They're here! Fans have asked us for years to bring the Sonos experience to headphones - and we knew our first foray into the category needed to champion the type of innovation and sound experience Sonos has become synonymous with. Sonos Ace leverages everything we've learned over two decades as an audio leader to bring stunning sound, sleek design and long-standing comfort to one of the largest and most popular audio categories worldwide.

Starting with the custom-designed 40mm dynamic driver, which we are told promises to "render each frequency with impeccable precision and clarity" and match those in the Applause Award-winning AirPods Max in size. Sonos also seems to have taken a few styling cues from those headphones, too.

Eight beamforming mics perform voice targeting and noise control duties, assisting with the Sonos Ace's proclaimed "world-class" active noise cancellation (ANC). This also has an Aware mode, allowing ambient noises through so you can hear traffic or your name called when the coffee order comes through. 

Bluetooth 5.4 is baked in, as is support for lossless audio thanks to the Snapdragon Sound aptX Lossless wireless codec or via wired listening with the supplied USB-C cable.

Furthermore, as these are intended to cover blockbuster movie soundtracks, the Sonos Ace supports spatial audio with Dolby Atmos for a more immersive experience. Meanwhile, dynamic head tracking keeps the sound anchored to the screen if you look away to grab a snack. 

If you are partway through a boxset but the rest of the household is heading to bed, you can instantly swap the audio from your Sonos Arc soundbar to your Sonos Ace with a single button tap. This allows you to keep the same volume and immersion levels without disturbing anyone.

Battery life should see you through 30 hours of programming with ANC or Aware mode activated. Meanwhile, a 3 minute recharge from empty translates to three more hours of play.

Moreover, the Ace is ready to receive Sonos' TrueCinema tech, which launches later this year. This is said to map your room and adjust the audio accordingly so it sounds like you're not wearing headphones but enjoying a multi-speaker system.

Weighing 312g (11oz), Sonos emphasises its use of lightweight, premium materials that give the headphones "an airy fit that gently hugs your head." The Ace features "pillowy soft" memory foam pads wrapped in vegan leather, while the seamless design of the headband and earcups promises to seal off your ears from external noise without catching your hair.

Intuitive is also the name of the game with the Sonos Ace. Contrasting colours inside the earcups show you which way to wear them, while real tactile buttons on the outside make finding them with your fingertips easy and let you know when your press has registered. 

Additionally, wearer detection pauses playback when you take the Ace off and resumes when you put the headset back on. The cans also fold up for easy storage when not in use. Incidentally, the travel case is made of 75 percent recycled felt from plastic bottles, the ear cushions are replaceable, and the headphones are constructed from circular materials, which means 17 percent less virgin plastic is used.

The Sonos Ace costs £449 and goes on sale on June 5th in matte black or white.

Visit Sonos for more information