Which Sonos Products Are Actually Worth Buying in 2024?

Sonos makes genuinely good wireless audio equipment, but not every product suits every budget or use case. The Sonos Ace headphones at £399 represent the best value in their current range, while the Roam 2 at £169 per speaker is ideal if you want portable, connected sound without breaking the bank. Skip the £758 Ace bundle unless you specifically need the extra accessories.

Why Sonos?

Sonos has been building multiroom audio systems since 2002, and they've become the default choice for people who want wireless speakers that actually work across their home. What sets them apart: their speakers connect via Wi-Fi rather than Bluetooth alone, meaning sound doesn't drop out when you move rooms. They also pioneered the "AirPlay before AirPlay" experience—control everything from a single app, sync speakers across your house, or play different music in different rooms.

Their newer headphones (the Ace range, launched 2024) mark their first serious entry into personal audio. They're built on the same philosophy: seamless switching between devices, integration with your existing Sonos ecosystem, and transparent audio quality without unnecessary gimmicks.

Top Picks

Sonos Ace: Wireless Over Ear Headphones With Noise Cancellation — £399

Best for anyone who wants premium noise cancellation without flagship pricing. The Ace delivers active noise cancellation competitive with Sony and Bose models costing £100-150 more. Touch controls are responsive, battery life reaches 24 hours, and they integrate beautifully with Sonos speakers if you own any. Verdict: best headphones value at this price point.

Sonos Ace Wireless Over Ear Noise Canceling Headphones (pair) — £758

This bundle includes two pairs of Ace headphones. Only worth it if you're buying for a household of two or more and want identical units. The per-unit saving is minimal (roughly £20 off buying two separately), so evaluate whether you genuinely need two pairs before committing. Verdict: skip unless you're outfitting a family or office.

Sonos Roam 2 (2-pack) Wireless Portable Speakers — £338

Two compact, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled speakers for £169 each. The Roam 2 is lightweight (approximately 430g), fully waterproof (IP67-rated), and charges via USB-C. Sound quality is punchy for the size, though bass feels thin compared to larger speakers. Best used as a pair for stereo sound, or as individual speakers in different rooms. Verdict: best portable option if you want Wi-Fi connectivity, not just Bluetooth.

Quick Comparison

| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Sonos Ace Headphones | £399 | Commuters, office workers, travel | 24-hour battery, ANC matching £500+ models | | Sonos Ace Pair Bundle | £758 | Multi-user households | Two identical headphones, minimal per-unit discount | | Sonos Roam 2 (2-pack) | £338 | Portable, multi-room audio | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth, IP67 waterproof, stereo pairing |

What to Look For

• Noise cancellation quality: The Ace uses proprietary algorithms that block mid-range frequencies (500–2,000 Hz) where most daily noise lives. Test this if you commute or work in open offices.
• Battery life vs. portability: Ace headphones last 24 hours on a charge; Roam 2 speakers last up to 10 hours. The trade-off is weight—Ace weighs 285g, Roam 2 weighs 430g each.
• Connectivity priority: Roam 2 speakers excel when you have existing Sonos products (Wi-Fi syncing), but work fine as standalone Bluetooth speakers. Ace headphones are Bluetooth-only—no multiroom features.
• Build durability: Roam 2 is fully waterproof (IP67); Ace headphones are sweat-resistant but not waterproof. If you're poolside or caught in heavy rain, Roam 2 survives; Ace doesn't.

The Bottom Line

Buy the Sonos Ace headphones at £399 if you want reliable, well-balanced noise cancellation at a fair price. They're the strongest standalone product in Sonos's current lineup. If you already own Sonos speakers or want portable audio that integrates with Wi-Fi streaming, the Roam 2 at £169 per unit is excellent value—just accept that sound quality sits below full-size speakers. Skip the £758 bundle unless you're buying for two people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sonos good value for money?

Yes, but only if you prioritise reliability and integration over cutting-edge specs. Sonos products cost 15–25% more than comparable standalone equipment, but that premium buys seamless multiroom control and longevity (many Sonos speakers last 7+ years without firmware issues). For headphones specifically, the Ace at £399 undercuts Sony WH-1000XM5 (£379–449) on price while matching noise cancellation quality.

Can I use Sonos Ace headphones with non-Sonos speakers?

Yes. The Ace are standard Bluetooth headphones—they'll pair with any device. However, you won't access multiroom features or Sonos app controls if you're not connecting to Sonos speakers. They're fully functional standalone, just missing the ecosystem advantage.

Are Sonos Roam 2 speakers worth it if I don't have other Sonos products?

Absolutely. The Roam 2 works perfectly as a standalone Bluetooth speaker with waterproofing and USB-C charging. The Wi-Fi feature is a bonus—it only matters if you own other Sonos speakers or want to stream music over your home network without draining Bluetooth range. At £169 per speaker, they're competitive with portable alternatives from UE Boom and JBL.

How does Sonos Ace compare to Sony and Bose headphones at the same price?

Sonos Ace matches Sony WH-1000XM5 on noise cancellation and beats Bose QuietComfort 45 on comfort (lighter by ~40g). The trade-off: Sony and Bose offer better audio customisation (EQ controls) and Bose has superior wind noise isolation. If you value simplicity and lightweight design, Ace wins; if you want granular sound tuning, Sony edges ahead.