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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSonos Ace Wireless Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM4
Time to compare Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones with Sony WH-1000XM4. We will cover the essentials so you can buy with confidence.
Ratings: 4.5★ vs 4.5★
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Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones
★4.5
(339)•Best Buy
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.4 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable)
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.4
Codecs:SBC, AAC, aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ Lossless (Snapdragon Sound™)
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Sony WH-1000XM4
★4.5
(623)•Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.0
Codecs:SBC, AAC, LDAC
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Comparison: Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM4
Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones
★4.5(339)Best Buy
Sony WH-1000XM4
★4.5(623)Amazon
| Criterion | Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(339)Best Buy | ★4.5(623)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable) | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ Lossless (Snapdragon Sound™) | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
ANC | Yes (World-class Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) |
Transparency | Yes (Aware Mode) | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
Drivers | Custom-designed 40mm Dynamic Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) |
Frequency Response | N/A (Not officially specified by manufacturer) | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | 8 Microphones total (Beamforming for ANC and clear calls) | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hours (with ANC/Spatial Audio on) | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (Not TWS) |
Charging | USB-C Rapid Charge; 3 min = 3 hours playback; Full charge ~3 hours | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) |
Multipoint | Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | Yes (via aptX™ Adaptive or TV Audio Swap Wi-Fi link) | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) |
Wired Mode | Yes (USB-C to USB-C for lossless digital; USB-C to 3.5mm for analog sources) | Yes (3.5 mm) |
Water Resistance | No (No IP rating) | No IP Rating |
Weight | 11 oz (312 g) | 254 g (8.96 oz) |
Controls | Content Key (Slide/Press for Volume & Playback), Noise Control Button, Power/Pairing | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) |
App Eq | Sonos App (Bass, Treble, Loudness toggle) | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) |
Extras | TV Audio Swap (Wi-Fi connection to Sonos Soundbars); Dynamic Head Tracking; Magnetic Ear Cushions | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio |
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Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones
Rating:★4.5(339)Best Buy
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.4 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable)
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.4
Codecs:SBC, AAC, aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ Lossless (Snapdragon Sound™)
ANC:Yes (World-class Active Noise Cancellation)
Transparency:Yes (Aware Mode)
Drivers:Custom-designed 40mm Dynamic Drivers
Frequency Response:N/A (Not officially specified by manufacturer)
Microphones:8 Microphones total (Beamforming for ANC and clear calls)
Battery Life:Up to 30 hours (with ANC/Spatial Audio on)
Battery Life:N/A (No charging case)
Charging:USB-C Rapid Charge; 3 min = 3 hours playback; Full charge ~3 hours
Multipoint:Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices)
Low Latency Mode:Yes (via aptX™ Adaptive or TV Audio Swap Wi-Fi link)
Wired Mode:Yes (USB-C to USB-C for lossless digital; USB-C to 3.5mm for analog sources)
Water Resistance:No (No IP rating)
Weight:11 oz (312 g)
Controls:Content Key (Slide/Press for Volume & Playback), Noise Control Button, Power/Pairing
App Eq:Sonos App (Bass, Treble, Loudness toggle)
Extras:TV Audio Swap (Wi-Fi connection to Sonos Soundbars); Dynamic Head Tracking; Magnetic Ear Cushions
✓ Pros:
- • TV Audio Swap instantly transfers immersive home theater audio from Sonos soundbars to headphones
- • Supports aptX™ Lossless for bit-perfect CD-quality audio on compatible Android devices
- • Tactile 'Content Key' slider offers superior control compared to touch gestures
- • Plush memory foam and hidden hinge design provide premium comfort
- • USB-C port supports wired lossless digital audio playback
✗ Cons:
- • High price point places it in direct competition with established luxury rivals
- • TV Audio Swap requires specific Sonos hardware (Arc, Beam, Ray)
- • EQ customization is limited to basic Bass and Treble sliders
- • Heavier than some direct competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Sony WH-1000XM4
Rating:★4.5(623)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.0
Codecs:SBC, AAC, LDAC
ANC:Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling)
Transparency:Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Drivers:40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil)
Frequency Response:4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired)
Microphones:5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor)
Battery Life:Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off)
Battery Life:N/A (Not TWS)
Charging:USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback)
Multipoint:Yes (2 devices)
Low Latency Mode:No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode)
Wired Mode:Yes (3.5 mm)
Water Resistance:No IP Rating
Weight:254 g (8.96 oz)
Controls:Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom)
App Eq:Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass)
Extras:Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio
✓ Pros:
- • Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
- • Multi-device pairing works seamlessly
- • Comfortable lightweight fit for long sessions
✗ Cons:
- • No official IP water resistance rating
- • Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore
- • Touch controls can be sensitive to moisture/cold
- • LDAC disables when using Multipoint (on older firmware)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Overall, Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones delivers better satisfaction. Sony WH-1000XM4 is still a quality option with specific strengths worth considering.
Who should buy each?
Expert take:
- Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones suits buyers who need TV Audio Swap instantly transfers immersive home theater audio from Sonos soundbars to headphones, Supports aptX™ Lossless for bit-perfect CD-quality audio on compatible Android devices
- Sony WH-1000XM4 suits buyers who want Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
Conclusion
Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM4 are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones excels if you value tv audio swap instantly transfers immersive home theater audio from sonos soundbars to headphones. Sony WH-1000XM4 is better if you prioritize top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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