The new Ace headphones from Sonos are a new challenger in a sector that is fighting hard for your ears. We take a look at the latest product from the wireless audiophile specialist and round up eight more sets of contemporary cans, both wired and wireless, that range from high-end craftsmanship to premium mass-market design.
Headphones Meze LIRIC 2nd gen
(Image credit: Meze Audio)
1. Sonos Ace
(Image credit: Sonos)
For its first venture into the over-ear segment, Sonos has come up with a premium product. The new Sonos Ace is on par – physically and financially – with the Apple AirPod Max, and follows the now-familiar premium playbook of leather and stainless steel.
There’s advanced noise cancellation, of course, as well as a unique new surround audio mode that Sonos calls TrueCinema, a form of advanced processing that replicates the scale and natural reverberation of your listening environment, whether it’s the front room or a sprawling auditorium. The catch is that it will only work in tandem with Sonos’s Arc soundbar for now. Head tracking sensors are paired with Dolby Atmos surround sound for a fully immersive experience.
Sonos Ace, £449, Sonos.com
2. Audio-Technica ATH-WBLTD
(Image credit: Audio-Technica)
The two latest models of Audio-Technica’s wired headphones feature hand-polished wood. First up is the ATH-WBLTD, which features maple, walnut and mahogany layered headphones. The earcups are covered in sheepskin and the main material is magnesium alloy, making them a light and elegant offering. The limited edition model is designed to fold flat for easy storage.
Audio-Technica ATH-WBLTD, £1,599, Audio-Technica.com
3. Audio-Technica ATH-AWKG
(Image credit: Audio-Technica)
Another new wired wooden model from the company is another step forward. The Audio-Technica ATH-AWKG are handcrafted at Audio-Technica’s Tokyo headquarters with a highly finished Kurogaki wood enclosure, a wood prized for traditional Japanese craftsmanship due to its age and rich, complex textures.
Audio-Technica ATH-AWKG, £3,000, Audio-Technica.com
4. Sony ULT WEAR
(Image credit: Sony)
As part of the Sony ULT series, the WEAR headphones focus on a high level of bass performance, which is paired with a clean housing and a redesigned noise cancellation algorithm. Other goodies include the ability to automatically pause music when you take the headphones off and resume when you put them back on, as well as legendary Sony quality and reliability.
Sony ULT WEAR, £149.00, Sony.co.uk
5. Apple AirPods Max
(Image credit: Apple)
For many people, the AirPods Max continue to define what they consider high-end headphones. While they’re certainly a step up from any form of headphone or even AirPods, the Max model has won praise for its attention to detail, from the knitted mesh to the innovative textiles and Digital Crown control, a holdover from the Apple Watch that translates. even into a personal audio space.
Just as computational photography transforms the iPhone’s camera into a pro-level powerhouse, the Max’s focus on computer audio demonstrates the manufacturer’s mastery of hardware and software. As a result, Apple’s category killer delivers the expected levels of Cupertino class, making it the model everyone wants
Apple AirPods Max, £499, apple.com
6. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
(Image credit: Bose)
Another explicit challenger to the AirPods Max, Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra, delivers on all the features required of a premium set; noise cancellation, immersive sound, transparency mode and sound tailored to the shape of your ear. Full immersion is combined with a transparency mode that doesn’t block your entire surroundings, and Bose claims a maximum battery life of 24 hours.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, £449.95, Bose.co.uk
7. JLab Studio Pro ANC
(Image credit: JLab)
The JLab Studio Pro ANC sits at the lower end of the wireless over-ear headphone market. Perhaps because it costs a fraction of what Sonos, Apple or Bose offer, the latest JLab offers a somewhat more limited feature set. These days, that still means active noise cancellation and four different noise control modes, with a promised 45 hours of Bluetooth playback. The Studio Pro ANC can also be used as wired headphones via the included USB-C to 3.5mm cable.
JLab Studio Pro ANC, £99.99, UK.JLab.com
8. Meze LIRIC headphones 2nd gen
(Image credit: Meze Audio)
Meze’s second-generation LIRIC closed-back headphones highlight the elements that make this audiophile brand stand out. This includes a striated ebony wood finish, premium hand-braided copper cable and a solid, handcrafted look. The Meze’s design is modular, allowing for easy swapping or upgrading of features such as the removable magnetic ear cups.
2nd Gen LIRIC Limits, £1,850, MezeAudio.com
9. Focal Hadenys
(Image credit: Focal)
French manufacturer Focal has launched its Hadenys open-back headphones. Designed for home listening, with a light but large frame and a pleasantly contrasting brown color. Focal’s in-car audio collaboration continues to grow, working with key French brands such as DS, Peugeot and Alpine. The Hadenys headphones recast some of this Gaelic verse into a sleek, functional item that’s also a nice alternative to established brands.
Focal Hadenys, £599, Focal.com