My favourite pair of headphones to buy right now
Looking for the best headphones in Australia? I've tested a bunch of headphones, and these are what I would buy tomorrow.
I've reviewed 24 pairs of headphones in the past two and a half years since I launched BTTR. I've tested in-ear, over-ear and noise cancelling models. I've tested cheap headphones and premium audiophile pairs of headphones.
Most of the headphones I've tested in this time are really good. Honestly, it's actually not that hard to go wrong with headphones if you buy from a reputable brand.
But if I had to go and spend my own money on a new pair of headphones, there is one pair that I would make a beeline for in the store. The combination of audio quality, noise cancellation and passthrough performance make it stand out, but the comfort and ecosystem features make it a must-buy for me.
If you aren't interested in this particular pair, then consider subscribing to BTTR to get some additional recommendations, as well as a comprehensive buying guide on what to look for when you're buying a new pair of headphones.
The best pair of headphones I've tested
Sonos Ace
In order to support a bunch of features for its first pair of headphones, Sonos made some tough decisions about the Sonos app. Unfortunately, it was a major misstep, and severely damaged the entire Sonos brand for months and months.
The biggest downside to this was that it completely overshadowed the fact Sonos had created one of the best pairs of headphones on the market with the Sonos Ace.
The Sonos Ace have a stunning clarity of sound. There is incredible depth, with brilliant bass filling your ears without sounding muddy partnered with impressive mid and high end sounds.
I have listened to a lot of music through the headphones in the months sicne they launched, and it never disappoints.
But it's made better by its brilliant noise cancellation. I won't say it is the best noise cancellation I've heard in a pair of headphones, but it's definitely towards the top. It blocks out external sounds impressively well, even in really noisey environments.
If you do want to listen to the outside world while wearing the Ace, these headphones also have the best audio passthrough I've heard. I find that with most passthrough modes, you still have to turn music right down to hear anyone talking to you.
That's still true at the highest volumes, but for most listening volumes, you can listen to both your music and someone talking to you.
The Sonos Ace are comfortable while wearing glasses for an extended period, which is something Apple's AirPods Max really struggle with.
But the secret sauce is the Ace's support of the Sonos ecosystem. If you use a Sonos Soundbar, one long press of the headphones' button lets you transfer the sound from the soundbar to the headphones, complete with Dolby Atmos support and head tracking for an immersive audio experience.
It's even better now, as you can do that with two pairs of Sonos Ace, so you and your partner can enjoy a blockbuster movie nice and loud without disturbing the kids while they sleep.
If you don't own a Sonos soundbar, these are still great. But if you do, these are superb. A brillinat purchase.
Nick Broughall
