TechRadar reviewer Harry Padoan says five changes shifted his view of Sonos headphones after two weeks with the Ace Ultra: more flexible EQ, stronger noise-cancelling performance in his experience, deeper Sonos integration, longer battery life with a replaceable battery, and revised drivers. They are reasons the Ultra impressed him—not proof that every listener will prefer it, or a substitute for checking the current price and availability.
What changed Padoan’s mind about the Ace Ultra?
In his September 23, 2026 review, Padoan wrote: “I’ve spent two weeks testing them, and to tell the truth, they really exceeded my expectations.” His comparison with the original Ace centers on five upgrades. Specifications and runtime figures below are as reported in that review; the sound and noise-cancelling assessments are his listening observations, not lab measurements.
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| Upgrade | Ace Ultra, as reported by TechRadar | Original Ace comparison |
|---|---|---|
| EQ | Eight-band equalizer and adaptive EQ; the review also mentions a three-band EQ option | Basic two-band bass/treble adjustment |
| Microphones and ANC | Ten microphones; Padoan reports improved noise suppression in his use | Eight microphones |
| Sonos integration | Headphone Linking transfers audio between headphones and compatible Sonos speakers over Wi-Fi | TV Audio Swap with a compatible soundbar was already available |
| Battery | 35 hours with ANC on; three minutes of charging for three hours of playback; user-replaceable battery requiring specialist kit | 30 hours of rated playback; no replaceability comparison established in the review |
| Drivers and sound | New custom 40 mm drivers; Padoan describes the sound as more expansive, dynamic, intricate, and better separated | His comparison found the Ultra’s presentation improved, especially with aptX codecs or wired listening |
1. A more adjustable sound
The original Ace offered basic two-band bass and treble controls. The Ace Ultra moves to an eight-band equalizer and adaptive EQ, with the review also describing a three-band EQ option. That gives listeners more scope to shape the sound rather than relying on a simple bass-or-treble adjustment.
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More controls do not automatically mean better sound for everyone: EQ is a matter of preference, and the review does not establish that one setting suits all music or listeners.
#1 Best Overall
- Sonos-designed driver for deep, rich, detailed sound.
- High-resolution wireless audio with ultra-low latency.
- Up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation than Sonos Ace.
- Up to 35 hours of battery with ANC on.
- Adaptive EQ tunes the sound based on your fit and movement.
2. ANC that handled more of Padoan’s surroundings
The Ultra has ten microphones, compared with eight on the original Ace. During his use, Padoan says the headphones suppressed office typing, traffic, construction noise, transit engine rumble, and nearby conversation. Those are observations from his review, not quantified attenuation results or a guarantee that the same sounds will disappear in another setting.
3. Headphone Linking adds a speaker handoff
Headphone Linking is the clearest change for someone already using compatible Sonos speakers: it transfers audio between the Ace Ultra and those speakers over Wi-Fi. The review says TV Audio Swap with a compatible soundbar remains available, as it was on the original Ace; Sonos Arc Ultra is given as an example.
Rank #2
- Sonos-designed driver for deep, rich, detailed sound.
- High-resolution wireless audio with ultra-low latency.
- Up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation than Sonos Ace.
- Up to 35 hours of battery with ANC on.
- Adaptive EQ tunes the sound based on your fit and movement.
That makes the new feature an expansion of the headphones’ role in a Sonos setup, while TV Audio Swap itself is not presented as a new Ultra-only capability.
4. More rated battery life—and a replaceable battery
TechRadar reports 35 hours of playback with ANC on for the Ace Ultra, against 30 hours for the original Ace. It also reports that a three-minute charge provides three hours of playback. These are product figures as presented in the review, rather than independently verified test results.
Rank #3
- Sonos-designed driver for deep, rich, detailed sound.
- High-resolution wireless audio with ultra-low latency.
- Up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation than Sonos Ace.
- Up to 35 hours of battery with ANC on.
- Adaptive EQ tunes the sound based on your fit and movement.
The Ultra’s battery is described as user-replaceable, but replacement requires specialist kit. The review does not identify a specific kit, part number, or purchase route, so the practical availability and process are not established there.
5. New drivers and a sound Padoan preferred
The Ace Ultra uses custom 40 mm drivers. Padoan describes its sound as more expansive and dynamic, with greater intricacy and separation than the original Ace. He particularly noticed the difference when listening with aptX codecs or over a wired connection.
Rank #4
- HEADPHONES | Featuring Dolby Atmos.
- SPATIAL AUDIO | Enjoy an industry-leading Dolby Atmos experience with dynamic head tracking.
- LOSSLESS AUDIO | Stream lossless audio over Bluetooth or via USB-C.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION | World-class ANC neutralizes external sounds for maximum immersion.
- ALL-DAY COMFORT | Bespoke fit with plush memory foam, soft vegan leather, and a design that suits all head shapes, hairstyles, and accessories.
These are comparative listening impressions, not objective measurements. They explain why the driver change mattered to this reviewer, but they cannot predict whether another listener will hear the same difference or value it in the same way.
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Who has the strongest reason to consider the Ultra?
Current Ace owners
The most relevant changes for an existing owner are the richer EQ controls, Headphone Linking, the longer reported ANC-on runtime, and the replaceable battery. The comparison is less compelling if those features do not address a specific limitation in your current headphones; the review alone does not establish a universal upgrade verdict.
Best Value
- Compatibility: Fit perfectly on S-onos Ace Wireless Over Ear Headphones. Do not fit S-onos Ace Ultra. Please confirm your headsets model before purchase.
- Premium Material: Our earpads are made with high-density foam and protein leather, ensuring you excellent bass and superb comfort.
- Enhanced Sound: Your old ear pads will have a negative impact on the sound quality of the headset. Why not buy our new ear pads to make them look brand new again.
- Flawless Installation: Our earpads perfectly fit your headsets and you can complete the entire installation within a few minutes.
- WE CONTINUE TO develop more professional and ergonomic earpads. Please contact us at any time if there is an issue with your purchase.
First-time premium-headphone shoppers
The Ultra’s case rests on its combination of adjustable listening, noise cancelling, battery features, and Sonos handoffs. Padoan’s favorable sound comparison may also matter if you can listen for yourself, especially with the codec or wired setup he highlights.
The September 2026 review mentions $449 as price context, not as a current price. Check present-day pricing and availability before deciding; neither is established here.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
