Sonos is gearing up to release its first pair of wireless headphones, which CEO Patrick Spence believes will drive revenue for the company as demand for its speakers has cooled. The headphones, called Sonos Ace, are expected to be priced around $450 and will come with headphone and USB-C cables. The design of the headphones includes multiple buttons on the ear cups and a premium build. The Sonos Ace headphones will also offer tight integration with the company’s whole-home audio system, allowing users to listen to TV audio through the headphones.
The images of the Sonos Ace headphones were prematurely published by an authorized Sonos parts dealer, Schuurman. The leaked images provide a first look at the design of the headphones, revealing replaceable ear cushions and a toggle switch on the ear cups. The Sonos Ace headphones are expected to be a key differentiator for the company, but questions remain about whether they can compete with other high-end headphone makers in terms of sound quality and features like active noise cancellation. The product has been nicknamed “Duke,” and evidence suggests that the leaked images are legitimate.
In addition to the Sonos Ace headphones, the Schuurman website also lists a Sonos Roam 2, another upcoming product from the company. The original Roam was Sonos’ first truly portable speaker, but some consumers have reported battery problems since its release in 2021. The design of the Roam 2 appears to be largely unchanged from the first-generation speaker. Sonos is rumored to be launching the Roam 2 in the coming months along with the Sonos Ace headphones, adding to its lineup of audio products.
Overall, the leaked images of the Sonos Ace headphones and the rumored Roam 2 provide insight into Sonos’ expansion into new product categories. The company is aiming to leverage its whole-home audio system integration to differentiate its headphones from competitors. As Sonos faces cooling demand for its speakers, the success of these new products could be crucial for the company’s future revenue. With the Sonos Ace headphones expected to be priced at $450 and offering premium features, Sonos is looking to establish itself as a competitor in the high-end headphone market alongside established brands like Apple, Sony, and Sennheiser.