Sonos is expanding two of its well-known product lines into the Ultra class. The new Sonos Beam Ultra soundbar features dedicated treble channels for the first time, supporting 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos. The Sonos Ace Ultra ANC headphones, on the other hand, will finally integrate directly into the multi-room system. Both new products are available for pre-order now and will be released on September 29, 2026.
At Sonos, the “Ultra” designation is no longer reserved exclusively for the large Arc soundbar. With the Beam Ultra and Ace Ultra, the compact soundbar and over-ear headphones now also have technically upgraded versions. This isn’t just a minor model refresh: The Beam Ultra features a new driver design, while the Ace Ultra is much more tightly integrated with the Sonos system.
Sonos Beam Ultra: Atmos Takes Off
At 75 centimeters wide, 10.5 centimeters deep, and 6.3 centimeters tall, the Sonos Beam Ultra remains nearly as compact as the previous Beam. Inside, however, quite a bit has changed. Nine digital Class-D amplifiers drive an equal number of specially tuned speaker drivers.
Four flat woofers handle the bass. In addition, there are five tweeters, two of which are mounted on the sides and use sound guides to project sound outward, designed to broaden the stereo image. Two additional drivers direct their sound upward. Through reflections off the ceiling, they create the height layer for true 7.1.2 playback with Dolby Atmos. The second-generation Beam still had to generate these height effects entirely virtually.
Sonos has also revamped the center channel. This is designed to make dialogue stand out more clearly from the rest of the movie. In addition, the Beam Ultra offers four levels of AI-powered voice enhancement. The algorithm recognizes human voices and emphasizes them based on the selected intensity level. The familiar Night Mode reduces sudden volume spikes and makes quiet details easier to understand.
Trueplay calibration adjusts the frequency response to the specific room and now works with both iOS and Android devices. The soundbar connects to the TV via HDMI eARC or ARC. It also supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and Apple AirPlay 2. Analog sources and Ethernet can be connected to the USB-C port using optional adapters.
Portable Sonos Speakers Become Rear Speakers
The Beam Ultra can be used on its own at first and later expanded with a Sonos Sub and separate surround speakers. With Sonos 27, the portable Sonos Play and Move 2 models are now also compatible for the first time.
The new Sonos Positioning Technology uses high-frequency sound to detect when two compatible Portable Speakers are positioned behind the listening position. The system automatically assigns them their roles as left and right rear speakers. After movie night, you can take them back to the kitchen, garden, or bedroom and use them there as usual as portable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speakers.
Weighing 2.88 kilograms, the Beam Ultra is still light enough for wall mounting. It is available in black or white and costs 699 euros.
Sonos Ace Ultra: From Headphones to a System Component
The Sonos Ace Ultra features a newly developed dynamic 40-millimeter driver in each earcup. Adaptive EQ is designed to compensate for sound changes that may result from glasses, hair, or ear cushions that don’t fit snugly. The Sonos app also offers a classic 3-band equalizer and a more comprehensive 8-band equalizer.
Ten microphones form the foundation of the next generation of ANC. Sonos promises noise cancellation that’s up to twice as powerful as that of the previous Ace model. The “Aware” transparency mode selectively lets outside sounds through and can also highlight voices.
Lossless audio can be transmitted via USB-C and, with compatible playback devices, wirelessly via Qualcomm aptX. Additional features include 3.5-millimeter analog output, 3D audio with Dolby Atmos, dynamic head tracking, and TrueCinema. The latter optimizes the headphones’ virtual home theater playback for the listening room and a compatible Sonos soundbar.
Headphone Linking Without Going Through a Smartphone
The most significant improvement over the first Ace is the new Headphone Engine 2. Using Headphone Linking—initially offered as an early-access feature—the Sonos Ace Ultra connects directly to your home Sonos system.
Pressing the Content button switches the currently playing music from the speaker to the headphones. Pressing the button again switches it back to the room. This is designed to work with music, radio, and other sources played through the Sonos system, without requiring a smartphone to be within range. At home, the Ace Ultra can also stream music over Wi-Fi. TV Audio Swap continues to transmit the full TV audio, including Dolby Atmos, from a compatible Sonos soundbar to the headphones.
This brings the Ace Ultra much closer to the actual Sonos system than its predecessor. While the previous model could be paired with a soundbar for TV Audio Swap, it otherwise remained largely a classic Bluetooth headset.
Battery life increases to up to 35 hours with ANC turned on. Three minutes of charging is said to provide three more hours of playback. The ear cushions and battery are replaceable. The Sonos Ace Ultra, which weighs 322 grams, is available in Black, Soft White, Agave, and Sand.
Prices and availability
The Sonos Beam Ultra and Sonos Ace Ultra have been available for pre-order since September 1, 2026. Both will go on sale on September 29. The Beam Ultra costs 699 euros, while the Sonos Ace Ultra is priced at 449 euros. Headphone Linking will launch at the same time as an early-access feature.
Further information : www.sonos.com
