Sonos Ace vs Sony WH-1000XM5: which wireless headphones are better?

White Sonos Ace and black Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones hanging side-by-side on the back of a chair.

Sonos Ace

Bluetooth: 5.4 (SBC, AAC, AptX Lossless)
Battery life: 30hrs
Finishes: 2
Weight: 312g

The Ace are ambitious and offer spatial audio and Sonos-centric features, but they can't compete with the XM5: they don't sound as good, aren't as comfortable, and their noise cancellation isn't on par. They're also more expensive. They feel like a first-gen product, whereas the XM5 have been refined over many generations.

For

• Streamlined, stylish design
• Physical controls work well
• Inoffensive, balanced sound
• Okay levels of detail

Against

• Lack of clarity and expression
• Stunted dynamics and rhythmic drive
• Slightly buggy during testing
• Average call quality

Sony WH-1000XM5

Bluetooth: 5.2 (SBC, AAC, LDAC)
Battery life: 30hrs
Finishes: 2
Weight: 250g

Sony has nothing to fear from Sonos. The XM5 still set the performance benchmark at their significantly cheaper price, two years after launching. With effective noise cancellation, a smart, comfortable design, and practical (if not innovative) features, they're still the best all-round over-ear headphones at this level.

For

• Sensational sonic clarity
• Punchy delivery
• Precise, agile bass
• Nice to use

Against

• Build seems a little less premium than before
• Don’t fold away completely