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Notice: We're proud to introduce Test Bench 2.0, which overhauls our audio measurements, with new tests and usages. There's even a brand new multi-target graphing tool! You can read all about this in our changelog, featuring commentary from our Test Designer, Pierre.
  1. Table of Contents
  2. Top
  3. Main Differences
  4. Sound
    1. Sound Profile
    2. Frequency Response Consistency
    3. Raw Frequency Response
    4. Bass Profile: Target Compliance
    5. Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance
    6. Treble Profile: Target Compliance
    7. Peaks/Dips
    8. Stereo Mismatch
    9. Group Delay
    10. Cumulative Spectral Decay
    11. PRTF
    12. Harmonic Distortion
    13. Electrical Aspects
    14. Virtual Soundstage
    15. Test Settings
    16. Imaging
    17. Weighted Harmonic Distortion
  5. Design
    1. Style
    2. Comfort
    3. Controls
    4. Breathability
    5. Portability
    6. Case
    7. Build Quality
    8. Stability
    9. Headshots 1
    10. Headshots 2
    11. Top
    12. In The Box
  6. Isolation
    1. Noise Isolation - Full Range
    2. Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios
    3. Noise Isolation - Voice Handling
    4. ANC Wind Handling
    5. Leakage
  7. Microphone
    1. Microphone Style
    2. Recording Quality
    3. Noise Handling
  8. Active Features
    1. Battery
    2. App Support
  9. Connectivity
    1. Wired Connection
    2. Bluetooth Connection
    3. Wireless Connection (Dongle)
    4. PC Compatibility
    5. PlayStation Compatibility
    6. Xbox Compatibility
    7. Base/Dock
  10. Comments

Apple AirPods Max vs Sonos Ace Wireless

Side-by-Side Comparison

Products

Apple AirPods Max
Sonos Ace

Tested using Methodology v2.0

Updated Apr 18, 2025 06:31 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.8

Updated Jan 06, 2025 02:04 PM

Unavailable
Missing store
Apple AirPods Max Picture
Sonos Ace Wireless Picture
  1. Recommended in 1 article:
  2. Apple

Variants

  • AirPods Max (USB-C) (Blue)
  • AirPods Max (Lightning) (Green)
  • AirPods Max (USB-C) (Midnight)
  • AirPods Max (USB-C) (Orange)
  • AirPods Max (Lightning) (Pink)
  • AirPods Max (USB-C) (Purple)
  • AirPods Max (Lightning) (Silver)
  • AirPods Max (Lightning) (Sky Blue)
  • AirPods Max (Lightning) (Space Gray)
  • AirPods Max (USB-C) (Starlight)
  • Ace (Black)
  • Ace (Soft White)

Our Verdict

Apple AirPods Max

Sonos Ace Wireless

The Apple AirPods Max and the Sonos Ace Wireless are both premium headphones with different strengths. While both are well-built and have swappable ear cup padding, the Apple headphones have flatter bass and mids, which some people may prefer. They also have an H1 chip, so you can seamlessly pair your headphones with your iOS device. However, the Sonos are much more comfortable, come with a carrying case that protects the headphones, and have the edge regarding noise isolation, though both still perform quite well in this regard. They also have a TV Audio Swap feature that you can use to receive audio from your compatible Sonos soundbar, despite some audio delay. Some users have reported issues with the connection between their soundbar and headphones.

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