The catch
Sonos Ace
You need compatible Sonos soundbar hardware and setup for TV Audio Swap to work.
Side by side
Sonos Ace vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen Compared: A compatible Sonos TV setup is shared with Ace
Quick verdict
Go with Sonos Ace if you want TV Audio Swap with a supported Sonos soundbar. Bose Ultra 2nd Gen is the better match for a lighter folding design when you can do without the TV connection.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Plan your charging around how long you listen
Listening eight hours a day, Sonos Ace claims the equivalent of 3.8 days in standard ANC mode, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) claims 3.8 days as well. Leave headroom for real use.
Where this comes from
Formula: claimed ANC runtime / 8 hours per day, with 30 and 30 hours as inputs. It is a planning conversion of separate manufacturer maximums. No endurance was measured.
The catch
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Unlike the standard QuietComfort models, it cannot play analog audio without power.
Sonos Ace
- Why pick it
- Watch TV privately with a supported Sonos soundbar
- Look for the Sonos TV Audio Swap route
- The catch
- You need compatible Sonos soundbar hardware and setup for TV Audio Swap to work.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Why pick it
- Want less weight on your head
- Require earcups that fold inward for travel
- The catch
- Unlike the standard QuietComfort models, it cannot play analog audio without power.
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What this page compares
Sonos Ace is the choice for TV Audio Swap with a supported Sonos soundbar, while Bose Ultra 2nd Gen suits a lighter folding design when you have no need for that TV connection.
Ace has a clear reason to be part of a Sonos home
Day to day
How each one fits your routine
Bose documents a way back from USB to the phone
While computer audio comes in over USB, you can press the Bluetooth/Power button on Bose to go back to a Bluetooth device connected earlier. Sonos turns Bluetooth off whenever a wired source is plugged in, so getting to the phone means leaving the wired setup. If switching by hand between those two sources is part of your desk routine, pick Bose. If the wired session can stay apart from phone use, pick Ace.
Where this comes from
According to Bose, you select Bluetooth and return to USB with the button. Sonos makes you unplug the USB-C cable before Bluetooth and app settings can be used. Neither one promises to mix sources at the same time.
A lost aircraft cable means a replacement specific to the model
Sonos says third-party USB-C to 3.5 mm leads are incompatible, so Ace needs the correct Sonos analog cable. Bose has a documented 2.5 mm-to-3.5 mm analog route, though it still needs power and turns off earcup microphone pickup in that mode. Go with Ace if you plan for its approved spare cable, or with Bose if its documented analog arrangement fits your kit better. Do not assume a generic USB-C adapter is interchangeable.
Where this comes from
What matters here is replacement compatibility and operating requirements. Cable durability is beside the point. Sonos flatly rules out third-party analog leads. Bose’s AUX section spells out the connectors, the power requirement and the disabled microphones.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Watch TV privately with a supported Sonos soundbar
Supported Sonos soundbars and the required software are what make TV Audio Swap work. That is a more concrete reason to buy Ace than assuming it behaves like a Wi-Fi room speaker.
- Sonos Ace
- Better fit
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Not suitable
Want less weight on your head
At 264 grams, Ultra 2nd Gen folds inward, while Ace weighs 312 grams. A 30-hour standard ANC claim and digital USB audio are on both.
- Sonos Ace
- Depends
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Better fit
Look at the whole setup
Verify the supported soundbar, firmware and TV connection. The headphone feature does not mean every television can send audio to it without additional hardware.
- Sonos Ace
- Depends
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Depends
Bose is 48 grams lighter and keeps the same standard ANC claim
Both advertise up to 30 standard ANC hours, and Ultra 2nd Gen weighs about 15% less than Ace.
- Sonos Ace
- Depends
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
Plan your charging around how long you listen
Listening eight hours a day, Sonos Ace claims the equivalent of 3.8 days in standard ANC mode, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) claims 3.8 days as well. Leave headroom for real use.
How we worked this out
Formula: claimed ANC runtime / 8 hours per day, with 30 and 30 hours as inputs. It is a planning conversion of separate manufacturer maximums. No endurance was measured.
Weigh what you will wear on your head
Sonos Ace is 312 grams, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is 264 grams, and the gap is 48 grams. Comfort still comes down to clamp force, fit and padding.
How we worked this out
The absolute weight difference is |312 - 264| grams. Cases and most accessories are not part of manufacturer headset weights.
Bose is 48 grams lighter and keeps the same standard ANC claim
Both advertise up to 30 standard ANC hours, and Ultra 2nd Gen weighs about 15% less than Ace.
How we worked this out
Working: 312 - 264 = 48 g and 48 / 312 × 100 = 15.4%. The batteryAncHours value is 30 for both.
Plug in your setup
Which headphones suit the way you listen?
Start with how you listen. Charging over USB is not the same as playing audio over USB, and some headphones need power even on a cable. These answers are placeholders until you apply your own.
Sonos Ace
Passes these checksPlays over Bluetooth.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Passes these checksPlays over Bluetooth.
Battery figures are maker claims for the stated mode. They do not reflect measured travel time. Volume, codec, calls and battery age all change runtime. Closed earcups can still leak some sound. Weight alone does not predict comfort. USB audio needs a compatible source and cable. This check does not judge sound quality, mic quality or amplifier power.
Option A
Sonos, Ace
Ace
It pays off most when you already have a compatible Sonos soundbar and want its TV audio sent to headphones. Ordinary Bluetooth, USB-C and the supplied analog-source cable work as well.
- Best for
- Watch TV privately with a supported Sonos soundbar
Facts we checked
- Headphone weight: 312 g
- Standard ANC battery claim: Up to 30 h
- USB digital audio: Yes
- Battery-free analog playback: Not established
Option B
Bose, QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Ultra 2 beats the original Ultra on USB-C listening and on its longer 30-hour Quiet-mode claim. If analog playback has to keep working with a completely flat battery, pick QuietComfort 2 instead.
- Best for
- Want less weight on your head
Facts we checked
- Headphone weight: 264 g
- Standard ANC battery claim: Up to 30 h
- USB digital audio: Yes
- Battery-free analog playback: No
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Sonos Ace | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headphone weight | 312 g | 264 g | The figure leaves out the case, accessories and cables. |
| Standard ANC battery claim | Up to 30 h | Up to 30 h | Runtime can drop with volume, calls, codec choice and special modes. |
| USB digital audio | Yes | Yes | Having a charging port does not by itself mean audio is supported. |
| Battery-free analog playback | Not established | No | Powered noise cancellation is not part of passive listening. |
| Folds inward | No | Yes | Folding affects the shape you pack in addition to the headphone's weight. |
| Two-device Bluetooth multipoint | Yes | Yes | Automatic switching tied to one brand is a separate feature. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Sonos Ace
- For the analog-source connection, only the specific Sonos cable will do. USB-C-to-3.5 mm cables from third parties are not supported.
With Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- A separate 23-hour battery claim applies to Immersive Audio.
Decision guide
How to decide
Pick Sonos Ace for TV Audio Swap with a supported Sonos soundbar. Pick Bose Ultra 2nd Gen for a lighter folding design when the TV connection is not needed.
Ace has a clear reason to be part of a Sonos home
Supported Sonos soundbars and the required software are what make TV Audio Swap work. That is a more concrete reason to buy Ace than assuming it behaves like a Wi-Fi room speaker.
Bose is shaped better for travel
At 264 grams, Ultra 2nd Gen folds inward, while Ace weighs 312 grams. A 30-hour standard ANC claim and digital USB audio are on both.
Look at your TV setup before you pay for the feature
Verify the supported soundbar, firmware and TV connection. The headphone feature does not mean every television can send audio to it without additional hardware.
What this page can’t tell you
- A hands-on performance test is not part of these conclusions, which rest on published specifications and the stated calculations.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the headphones we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Ace |
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| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Sonos Ace
Watch TV privately with a supported Sonos soundbar
See price & reviews on AmazonBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Want less weight on your head
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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