Sonos has introduced the Beam Ultra soundbar and Ace Ultra headphones alongside Sonos 27, a rebranding of its audio platform that adds AI assistants and ChatGPT music control.
The $699 Beam Ultra and $449 Ace Ultra launch alongside the rebranded Sonos 27 audio platform. Optional AI controls include Sonos 27voice and support for outside assistants such as ChatGPT through Sonos 27mcp.
Updated app navigation and Sonos 27mcp Early Access begin rolling out September 8. Ace Ultra's headphone linking feature follows as an opt-in Early Access feature on September 29.
Ace Ultra adds longer battery life and music transfers
Ace Ultra has a new Sonos-designed 40mm driver and adaptive active noise cancellation powered by 10 microphones. Sonos rates battery life at up to 35 hours with ANC enabled, five hours more than the original Ace's rating.
The headphones also introduce Headphone Engine 2, hardware that enables a direct connection to compatible Sonos products for music playback. The new music-sharing capability expands on the original Ace's TV Audio Swap feature, which transfers television audio from a compatible soundbar.
For wired listening, Ace Ultra includes USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm cables.
For wired listening, Ace Ultra includes USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm cables. Image credit: SonosHeadphone linking lets existing Sonos owners move music from their home speakers to Ace Ultra for private listening. Buyers without compatible Sonos hardware won't get that option, so sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life matter more to their purchase.
Beam Ultra adds dedicated height drivers
Beam Ultra has nine drivers, including two that fire upward for Dolby Atmos height effects. Sonos describes the soundbar as a 7.1.2-channel system while retaining the Beam's compact form.
Beam (Gen 2) uses processing to simulate Dolby Atmos overhead sound, while Beam Ultra adds physical upward-firing drivers for height effects. Room acoustics still affect the result, and Dolby recommends a flat ceiling to reflect sound toward the listener.
A redesigned center channel and four levels of AI Speech Enhancement are intended to make dialogue easier to hear. Night Sound and Trueplay room tuning are also included.
Sonos describes the soundbar as a 7.1.2-channel system while retaining the Beam's compact form. Image credit: SonosConnections include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI eARC. Owners can group the soundbar with other Sonos speakers for multiroom playback or add a Sub and rear surrounds.
Connecting the new hardware to a Sonos system
Headphone linking requires initial setup in the Sonos app. After setup, press and hold Ace Ultra's Content Key to transfer playback from a nearby compatible Sonos product to the headphones.
Hold it again to send the audio back to a nearby speaker. A phone doesn't have to remain in range, but at least one compatible Sonos product must stay connected to the system.
Sonos's setup guide lists supported sources including music services started in the Sonos app, line-in audio, and a local music library.
Sonos's software announcement schedules portable surrounds for September 8. The feature lets owners use two Sonos Play or Move 2 speakers as rear surrounds with a compatible soundbar, including Beam Ultra when it arrives.
Sonos 27 brings updated app navigation and optional AI controls to existing Sonos S2 products, although some features require specific hardware. Sonos is introducing its own voice assistant, Sonos 27voice, alongside Sonos 27mcp, which connects outside assistants such as ChatGPT to the audio system.
The navigation updates and Sonos 27mcp Early Access begin rolling out September 8.
Pricing and availability
At $699, Beam Ultra costs $200 more than the $499 price Sonos currently lists for Beam (Gen 2). The new soundbar will be sold from Amazon and from B&H, with preorders opening September 1.
Ace Ultra matches the original Ace's $449 U.S. launch price from 2024 and will be available from Amazon and from B&H. Both products become generally available on September 29.
