The new Ace over-ear headphones from Sonos are the new challenger in a sector that is fighting hard for your ears. We preview the wireless audiophile specialist’s latest product and round up eight other sets of modern cans, both wired and wireless, ranging from high-end craft to premium mass-market design.
Meze LIRIC 2nd generation headphones
(Image credit: Meze Audio)
1. Sonos Ace
(Image credit: Sonos)
For its first venture into the over-ear headphones segment, Sonos has launched a premium product. The new Sonos Ace is on par – physically and financially – with the Apple AirPod Max and follows a now familiar premium playbook of leather and stainless steel.
There’s advanced noise cancellation, of course, as well as a unique new spatial audio mode that Sonos calls TrueCinema, a form of advanced processing that mimics the scale and natural reverberation of your listening environment, whether it’s a front room or a grand hall. The catch is that for the time being this only works in combination with the Arc soundbar from Sonos. Head-tracking sensors combine with Dolby Atmos spatial audio for a fully immersive experience.
Sonos Ace, £449, Sonos.com
2. Audio Technica ATH-WBLTD
(Image credit: Audio-Technica)
Audio-Technica’s two latest wired headphone models feature hand-polished wood. First up is the ATH-WBLTD, which offers earpieces covered in layers of flamed maple, walnut, and mahogany. The ear cushions are covered with sheepskin and the main material is magnesium alloy, making this a light and elegant product. The limited edition model is designed to fold flat for easy storage.
Audio-Technica ATH-WBLTD, £1599, Audio-Technica.com
3. Audio Technica ATH-AWKG
(Image credit: Audio-Technica)
The company’s other new wired wooden model is another step up. The Audio-Technica ATH-AWKG is handcrafted at Audio-Technica’s headquarters in Tokyo with a high-quality crafted Kurogaki wood body, a prized wood for traditional Japanese crafts thanks to its age and rich, complex grains.
Audio-Technica ATH-AWKG, £3,000, Audio-Technica.com
4. Sony ULT WEAR
(Image credit: Sony)
Part of Sony’s ULT line, the WEAR headphones emphasize high bass performance, combined with a sleek enclosure and a revised noise cancellation algorithm. Other nice touches include the ability to automatically pause the music when the headphones are taken off and restart them when you put them back on, as well as legendary Sony build quality and reliability.
Sony ULT WEAR, £149.00, Sony.co.uk
5. Apple AirPods Max
(Image credit: Apple)
For many people, AirPods Max continue to define what they consider high-end headphones. While they’re certainly a step up from any form of earbuds or even AirPods, the Max model received rave reviews for its attention to detail, from the knitted mesh cover to the innovative textiles and Digital Crown controls, a holdover from Apple Watch that translates well for the personal audio space.
Just as computational photography turns the iPhone’s camera into a pro-level powerhouse, the Max’s focus on computational audio showcases the manufacturer’s mastery of hardware and software. As a result, Apple’s category killer brings the expected levels of the Cupertino class and makes it the model that everyone wants
Apple AirPods Max, £499, Apple.com
6. Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones
(Image credit: Bose)
Another explicit AirPods Max challenger, the QuietComfort Ultra from Bose, meets all the required functionalities of the premium set; noise cancellation, immersive audio, transparency mode and sound personalized to your ear shape. Total immersion is combined with a transparency mode that doesn’t block out your entire environment, and Bose quotes a maximum battery life of 24 hours.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones, £449.95, Bose.nl
7. JLab Studio Pro ANC
(Image credit: JLab)
JLab’s Studio Pro ANC is at the lower end of the wireless over-ear headphone market. Perhaps because it costs a fraction of the price of the Sonos, Apple or Bose offerings, the latest JLab offers a somewhat more limited feature set. Today that still means active noise cancellation and four different noise control modes, with a promised 45 hours of playback time via Bluetooth. The Studio Pro ANCs 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 2nd generation headphones
(Image credit: Meze Audio)
The second generation version of Meze’s LIRIC closed-back headphones highlights the elements that make this audiophile brand stand out. That includes a striped ebony finish, high-quality hand-braided copper cable, and a solid, crafted look. Meze’s designs are modular, allowing elements such as the detachable magnetic ear cushions to be easily replaced or upgraded.
Meze LIRIC 2nd generation, £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 lightweight but large frame and a pleasantly different brown color scheme. Focal’s in-car audio collaborations are becoming increasingly prominent, working with key French brands such as DS, Peugeot and Alpine. The Hadenys headphones transform part of this Gallic verse into an elegant functional object that is also a pleasant alternative to the established brands.
Focal Hadenys, £599, Focal.com