[Updated] Sonos Ace headphones face charging and bricking issues, company aware

Update 11/07/2024: Sonos is rolling out a new update for the Sonos Ace headphones to address the USB-C PD charging issues. The update also addresses potential garbled audio when using TV Audio Swap, instances of missing audio in one earcup, and unexpected shutdowns due to battery thermal protection. Sonos says your Ace headphones must be connected to the Sonos app to receive the update.

Original article follows:

Sonos has recently ventured into the headphone market with the Sonos Ace. In our review roundup, we found that the headphones have been well received among fans, but some users have reported significant issues that have overshadowed their experience. There have been a few cases of Sonos replacing Ace units due to ANC static noise issues. And now, there are growing reports of charging problems and instances of the devices becoming completely unresponsive or even bricking.

Several users have taken to online forums to express their frustration with charging their new Sonos Ace headphones. Despite trying various methods, some headphones remain stubbornly stuck at partial charges or refuse to charge altogether. A typical scenario involves users attempting to charge the headphones with different cables and power adapters, only to find that the device shows no signs of charging activity, such as indicator lights.

A pattern has emerged suggesting incompatibility between the Sonos Ace and certain chargers, particularly those from popular brand Anker. Users have reported varying success with different Anker models. For instance, some found that their Ace headphones would charge using the Anker 737 140W power bank but not with the Anker 735 65W charger, which further complicates the problem.

Despite these frustrations, some users have discovered workarounds that might help others facing charging issues with Sonos Ace headphones. A common solution involves using a USB-C to USB-A converter, allowing the headphones to charge through a USB-A port rather than a USB-C port. Another user reported success with a Huawei laptop as the power source while others claim using lower-wattage chargers seem to work more reliably than high-wattage ones, suggesting a potential maximum charging limit for the Sonos Ace. One user specifically mentioned that a conventional low-power charger with USB Type-C output solved their charging woes.

Several other chargers have also been identified as compatible and effective:

• Mophie-Speedport 30W USB-C PD GaN
• Samsung 45W Wall Charger Power Adapter
• Generic 128W USB-C Wall Charger with GaN technology

Some users have reported consistent success with these chargers, suggesting that they might bypass the compatibility issues plaguing other models.

More alarming than the charging issues are some reports of the Sonos Ace headphones becoming completely unresponsive after charging, a problem colloquially known as bricking. One user lamented, “My unit could not be recovered by hard reset no matter what cable or non-Anker adapter (10W, 45W, 100W) I used around the house. It’s a dud.”

Despite the setbacks, Sonos has acknowledged the charging issues facing Ace users and is actively investigating the matter. The company has confirmed that not all chargers are affected and has provided a few tested chargers that have failed to charge the Sonos Ace:

• Anker PowerPort PDNano (A2634) with PD
• Tenker TA06A3
• Kovol Sprint 65W PD GaN Wall Charger

While the charging and bricking issues are undoubtedly frustrating, the Sonos Ace headphones have also received praise for their sound quality and features. Sonos is actively working to resolve these problems alongside other improvements, and affected users are encouraged to contact the company for support. In the meantime, you might want to use chargers that have been reported to work reliably, as mentioned above.