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There’s a lot to love about headphones. For starters, nothing is better at blocking out the bustle of a crowded office or subway car. But the right pair of headphones can do much more than that, inviting you into an immersive listening experience where the music seems to be coming from all around you.

Is it possible to love your headphones too much? We’re not here to answer that question, but we do want to shed some light on some more common questions about headphone safety. So, if you’ve ever wondered how loud is “too loud” or if you should limit your daily listening time, you’ve come to the right place.

Bluetooth headphones are widely considered to be safe for general use, and no study to date has linked Bluetooth technology to health risks.

Wireless Bluetooth devices use a type of electromagnetic radiation (EMF) known as radiofrequency radiation (RF). This is the same kind emitted by smartphones, televisions, laptop computers, and many other common consumer electronic devices.

There are two types of RF radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing. Bluetooth radiation is of the non-ionizing variety. The ionizing type — the kind found in X-rays, for example — can pose some health risks with repeated or prolonged exposure. But non-ionizing radiation is generally thought to be harmless to humans.

How long should you wear headphones at a time?

Listening to loud sounds for an extended period of time can damage your hearing. But how loud is too loud? The answer depends on several factors, including not only the 

Let’s apply this to headphones, which typically have an output ranging from 60 decibels (dB) to about 110 dB. Note that the volume bar on your phone or audio device does not directly translate to decibels, but it’s usually safe to assume that 50–60% of the volume meter puts you in the 80–85 dB range.

 from the World Health Organization, you can safely listen to sounds at 100 dB for only 15 minutes a day. Note that we said 

— not just music. So if your commute involves waiting for a screeching subway train (about 100 dB), you should shave a few minutes off your day’s headphone use, especially if you tend to listen at high volumes.

You can expand your listening time by taking a few practical steps, such as giving yourself short listening breaks and using earplugs to reduce the volume of loud environments such as concerts and sporting events.

We mentioned above that this question depends not just on loudness, but also on the duration and frequency of exposure. With that in mind, some volumes can be safely listened to for up to an hour or more, while others can cause hearing loss within a matter of minutes.

 notes that exposure to sounds of 80–85 dBs (about equal to the 50–60% mark on your device’s volume meter) can cause damage to hearing after two hours of exposure. The duration of safe-listening time goes down from there, with sounds of 95 dBs leading to possible hearing damage after 50 minutes, and sounds of 100 dBs (close to max volume) causing possible hearing loss after only 15 minutes.

Most consumer headphones max out at volumes that are quite a bit higher than the 100 dB threshold, so you need to take some care and avoid the temptation to crank it up. If there’s one song you really need to hear in all its glory, we get it — but try to offset this with listening at lower levels, or for shorter durations.

When it comes to loudness, the headphones you choose matter, too.

A good, snug fit goes a long way in blocking out excess noise, so you can clearly hear music at lower volumes. This is especially true if you typically listen to headphones in a noisy or crowded environment, such as on your commute to work. “Snug” shouldn’t mean “uncomfortable,” though. That’s why Sonos Ace headphones come with memory foam ear cushions and an extendable headband.

Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation, like Sonos Ace, also block out external sounds and make it easier to listen at lower volumes without feeling like you’re missing something.

Can headphones cause a dent in your head?

 have spread throughout the online-gaming community. This term describes an arch-shaped divot imprinted into the skull after wearing headphones for hours, days, or even weeks at a time. Here’s the good news: It is 

 that wearing headphones will cause a dent in your head.

If this happens to you, what you’re probably experiencing is simply a dent in your hair or skin caused by a prolonged period of wear. This can happen with any head accessory, and reports of similar indentations are associated with hats, headbands, and even sunglasses. In any case, it should clear up within a few minutes or hours. If you’re experiencing pain, it’s probably a sign that you should adjust the fit of your headphones or try adding some extra padding by wearing a hat or a beanie under them.

This is probably related to the age-old myth that wearing a hat can cause hair loss, and there is no concrete evidence to back it up.

The legality of driving while wearing headphones varies from state to state, and from country to country. And in many places, it’s not as simple as “yes” or “no.” Some U.S. states, for example, ban over-ear headphones but allow using a single earbud. Other states and countries may also have a law against driving with headphones that provides exceptions for those with hearing impairments.

Before getting behind the driver’s seat with headphones, check with your local authorities. The EU maintains an official website where you can review the 

. In the US and in other jurisdictions, you’ll need to contact local authorities to verify the current road rules.

But is driving with headphones a good idea — even if it’s not explicitly illegal? Keep in mind that listening to loud music while driving can impair both your hearing and your attention on the road, and make you more likely to miss important signals. In almost every case, it’s better just to not.

Listening to music at night can help to block out the constant ringing noise associated with tinnitus, while recorded meditations or ambient noise can also get the mind calm and sleep-ready.

It is generally safe to sleep with headphones on, though a few caveats apply:

 If you fall asleep with headphones in, there’s a good chance you’ll have music pumping into your ears for eight hours or more. That’s a fast track to hearing damage if you’re listening at volumes greater than 80–85 dB. As a general rule, set your headphones at the lowest possible volume before drifting off to sleep. And if you’re listening on Spotify, take advantage of the 

 that automatically turns off your music after you’ve fallen asleep. Other streaming services may offer similar features.

Don’t use noise-canceling features at night:

 Even though you’re sleeping, you want to be in a position where you’ll wake up in case of an emergency. If your noise-canceling headphones may lead you to miss an alarm, a ringing phone, or any other noises that may require your attention, be sure to switch the noise-canceling feature off before bedtime.

 Leaving in your in-ear headphones for extended periods of time can be uncomfortable. It can also trap moisture in your ear canal, creating an enclosed environment that’s ripe for infection. Better to go with over-ear headphones or even an external speaker, if possible.

If you follow the simple guidelines outlined in this post and keep the volume at a moderate level that won’t harm your inner ears, there’s nothing stopping you from wearing headphones all day. And there’s no better headphone for immersive, all-day listening than Sonos Ace.

With a custom-designed driver tuned by music-industry leaders, Sonos Ace surrounds you with hyper-realistic, three-dimensional audio wherever you go. And with up to 30 hours of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation enabled, you can sink into your own portable listening universe and stay there for as long as you please.

The Ultimate Guide to Wearing Headphones

If you’re getting ready to buy your next pair of headphones, you might have questions. For example: Where to even start? Advancements in headphone technology have brought game-changing features such as Active Noise Cancellation and lossless audio streaming over Bluetooth. But they’ve also brought a dizzying marketplace of products vying for your listening attention.

Rest assured. Whether you prefer in-ear or over-ear, wired or wireless, there’s a set of headphones out there for you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential features to consider before making a purchase, from sound quality to battery life to all the bells and whistles your ears just can’t be without.

The first step in choosing new headphones is narrowing it down to a specific type. There are three general types of headphones, classified by how they fit around your ears:

 are distinguished by their large cups, which form a snug seal over the entire ear. These cups typically have some kind of foam or cushioning for comfort and are connected by an adjustable headband.

 fit on top of the ear, though they don’t entirely envelop it. They tend to be more compact than over-ear headphones, though with a less immersive fit and feel.

 sit inside the ear canal, with a fitted tip that molds to the contours of the inner ear. This is the smallest and most portable style, though a good pair won’t compromise on audio quality and features like Active Noise Cancellation.

For more on how to choose the right type for you, check out our guide to 

over-ear vs. on-ear vs. in-ear headphones

Illustration of in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear

The truth is, headphones aren’t typically a one-size-fits-all. You’re likely to prefer different types of headphones for different occasions.

Maybe a pair of sweat-resistant on-ear headphones makes the most sense for your winter morning runs, and a noise-canceling over-ear pair is what you need when traveling. Don’t make the mistake of thinking a single pair can do everything. Though if you’re on a budget, you might want to prioritize a pair that can 

Consider where and how you use headphones the most, and plan accordingly. This will shape the conversation around the features you prioritize. For example, a wired pair might give you better sound quality when hooked up directly to your record player, but a wireless pair will give you more flexibility when dodging commuters on the subway.

Bluetooth and wireless listening has become a major trend in headphones, to the point where most of the headphones you’re considering are likely wireless. But is there ever a case to consider going with a wired connection?

Yes. Wired headphones still have their strong points, as well as their faithful adherents. True audiophiles who do most of their headphone listening at home may prefer a wired pair, which provides a physical connection to an audio device that may help to ensure more consistent sound quality. And wired headphones continue to be a practical solution for plane travel, as they can connect directly to the headphone jack on most in-flight entertainment systems.

Even so, it’s difficult to pass on wireless technology these days — especially when it comes to 

, which offers lossless audio streaming over Bluetooth and an optional wired connection for when you need it.

You might think that headphones’ best feature is their portability. But the right pair can also achieve one of the richest and most intimate sonic experiences around. Is sound quality important to you, but you don’t know how to define it? Start by considering a few key factors:

 is the extent to which your headphones can reproduce sounds across the full range of audible frequencies. Some headphones are tuned to boost the bass; others are so trebly that you barely get anything in the low end. The best option for most people is an evenly balanced, neutral frequency that doesn’t neglect or overemphasize either end of the spectrum.

 is a somewhat technical term referring to how much your headphones “impede” the flow of electric current running from your headphone amplifier. Higher-end headphones tend to introduce more impedance, and may require an additional headphone amplifier. You should check the impedance on a new pair of headphones before buying them, but in general anything under 25–30 ohms shouldn’t present a problem in most cases.

 refers to how much of the audio output signal “leaks” away into the air before making it to your inner ear. Generally speaking, the better the headphone fits around or inside your ear, the less this is a concern. A tighter fit will also allow you to listen to your headphones at a lower decibel output, possibly reducing your risk of hearing loss.

If you’re looking for high-fidelity quality but don’t want to bother with the technical jargon, check out Sonos Ace. We turned to industry-leading producers, engineers, and artists to help tune the custom-designed driver in our new headphones. They delivered with a hyper-realistic sound experience that gives every part of the mix — from the high end to the low end — its proper due. And if you prefer to fine tune your sound even further, you can easily customize the EQ using the Sonos app.

Another, possibly underrated aspect of headphone sound quality is something called noise cancellation. This benefit blocks out ambient noise — office chatter, traffic, the hum of an airplane cabin — that would otherwise muddy the mix in your headphones.

There are two different types of noise cancellation, though they’re not mutually exclusive:

 comes down to sound-proof materials and a snug fit. Some materials are better than others at physically blocking out (or at least dampening) ambient noise. A well-engineered pair of headphones should use these materials.

 is a more technological solution involving tiny built-in microphones and a speaker. These microphones pick up noise from the environment, while the speaker uses this input to generate oppositional soundwaves that effectively cancel out the noise. This is an active feature that must be switched to “on” with most headphone models, hence the name.

, which are kind of the opposite of noise cancellation. They’re designed to 

 you pick up and respond to ambient sounds in the environment, which can come in handy if you’re cycling or walking on busy streets.

An outside soundwave reaches the headphones. Active Noise Cancellation in the headphones layer a soundwave that opposes the outside soundwave, resulting in no noise entering the ear.

If you’re going wireless, battery life will likely be a top consideration. Nobody wants to be stuck on a long commute with dying headphones.

Over-ear headphones tend to hold a longer charge than in-ear headphones, as they can accommodate larger batteries. In-ears, on the other hand, often come with a small electronic case that can help them maintain a charge for longer.

We definitely thought about battery life when designing Sonos Ace, which provides up to 30 hours of continuous playback with Active Noise Cancellation enabled. And you won’t need to charge them for long, as its fast-charging capability gives you up to three hours of additional battery life in just three minutes.

Just like the clothes you wear, the comfort and fit of headphones tends to be subjective.

Some swear by over-ear headphones, which don’t press against the ears and have a nicely padded fit. While others prefer in-ear headphones for their lightweight feel. Comfort is truly in the eye (or ear) of the beholder, so try a few different pairs out before settling on a style.

Woman sitting in a diner listening to white Ace headphones

If you regularly use your headphones for work meetings or personal calls, call clarity is another feature to pay attention to.

Over-ear and on-ear headphones are a better bet in this respect, as their larger profile can fit multiple microphones — one to pick up and correct for ambient sound, and another to tune into the frequencies of the wearer’s voice. These headphones may also be able to position the voice mic closer to the wearer’s mouth, allowing for a clearer signal.

But it isn’t just the microphones that matter. Software can help, too, which is why we’ve outfitted Sonos Ace with enhanced voice targeting that better distinguishes between your voice and other sounds in the environment. Sonos Ace also comes with background noise suppression, which recognizes background noises (like kids playing in the background of a call) and pushes them down in the audio mix.

Many high-end headphones these days aren’t simply listening devices. They’re also mini computers, complete with software that gives the wearer complete control over their listening experience. The built-in software on Sonos Ace, for example, allows for dynamic head tracking that adapts to the position and movement of your head to make your audio sound even more immersive. Combine this with the spatial audio capabilities of Dolby Atmos, and you get a three-dimensional sound experience that puts you at the center of the mix, wherever you are.

As software updates more frequently than you buy a new set of headphones, the brand matters, too. Go with a brand that releases regular updates and automatically installs them, as this can help to improve the longevity and functionality of your device.

Perfect your personal listening experience with Sonos Ace

Headphones are an intensely personal choice, and only you can judge which is the right one for your lifestyle. But we’ve been dropping hints about the capabilities of Sonos Ace throughout this guide, and that’s because we truly think it’s a game-changing product.

, you’ll enjoy lossless audio streaming over Bluetooth and USB-C, plus connectivity with Sonos home theater and up to 30 hours of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation. That all adds up to a pristine sonic experience whether you’re at home, on the go, or anywhere else in the world.

Things To Consider When Choosing New Headphones

Before you rush into buying your next pair of headphones, consider which type best suits your lifestyle.

Headphones generally fall into three groups based on their shape and fit. 

 form a cup-like seal over the entire ear,

 fit directly inside the ear canal. Each style has its fans — but if you’re undecided and looking for a clear comparison of over-ear vs. on-ear vs. in-ear headphones, you’ve come to the right place.

The first thing you’ll notice about your headphones probably isn’t what they sound or even feel like. It’s what they 

 like. But looks and sound often go hand-in-hand, and the shape of your headphones often influences their comfort level and audio performance. To learn the basics of how style and substance interact here, let’s have a look at the three types of headphones and their features.

Illustration demonstrating the ear coverage of an over-ear headphone

Over-ear headphones are designed with large cups that form a seal around each ear. These cups are typically padded for comfort and connected by an adjustable headband that sits atop the scalp.

The over-ear design has some distinct advantages. The sheer size of over-ears can usually accommodate larger drivers, which can generate deeper bass and a more expansive, three-dimensional soundstage. But bigger isn’t always better. Some listeners may find over-ear headphones impractical for, say, a sweaty workout.

Illustration demonstrating the ear coverage of an on-ear headphone

On-ear headphones occupy a somewhat awkward niche between their bigger (over-ear) and smaller (in-ear) siblings. These headphones sit directly on the ear, and they’re usually padded enough to ensure a moderately comfortable fit.

With its smaller ear cups, the on-ear design splits the difference between comfort and practicality. It may not offer the most immersive sound quality or the most portable experience, but a good pair of on-ear headphones can perform well in a variety of situations.

Illustration demonstrating the ear coverage of an in-ear headphone

In-ear headphones are designed to be inserted directly into the ear canal, with a fitted earbud tip that molds to the contours of the inner ear. But not all in-ear headphones form such a tight seal. A subtype known as concha headphones (or simply “earbuds”) sits at the ear canal’s entrance, which leaks more sound but also puts less pressure on the ear.

The best in-ear headphones can be as capable of blocking outside noise as over-ear headphones, especially with Active Noise Cancellation enabled. Though most people who care about sound quality should probably start with over-ear options, you can technically achieve a high-fidelity audio experience with any headphone type.

What's the difference between on-ear vs. over-ear vs. in-ear?

So, how to choose? That deceptively simple question begs a few others:

Do you care more about audio quality or headphone size?

Are you listening more at home or on the go?

Do you want to shut the world out or stay aware of ambient noise?

How you answer these questions will determine which headphone type is “best” for you, but we’ve made it easy by ranking the options in each major category.

When evaluating audio quality in headphones, we’re looking at a few different things. The first is 

, or how much sound escapes before reaching the eardrum. Another is 

, or the extent to which the headphones can reproduce the full range of audible frequencies, from squealing treble to rumbling bass.

Though you can achieve a high-fidelity experience with all three types of headphones, over-ear headphones tend to better address these criteria. Their bigger footprint can accommodate a driver capable of producing a richer and more sonically expansive experience, as is the case with the custom-designed driver in 

. And their snug, over-ear fit minimizes audio leakage.

Another key feature related to audio quality is 

, which blocks out ambient noises that compete with the headphones’ output. The most effective type is 

, which actively counteracts low-level noises in the environment with help from built-in microphones.

Many pairs of over-ear headphones come with Active Noise Cancellation. These headphones are also good at 

 canceling out noise by forming a tight, insulated seal around the entire ear. For this reason, we think over-ear headphones are the winner in this category. But if you prefer the fit of in-ear headphones, not all is lost; many pairs come with Active Noise Cancellation and sound excellent.

In-ear headphones are the clear winner in terms of size and portability. Many in-ear headphones these days come with Bluetooth capabilities and a charging case that can fit inside a small pocket.

Over-ear headphones, on the other hand, range from “big” to “huge.” If you prefer the over-ear look and feel or simply don’t want to put something inside your ear canal, consider on-ear headphones as a more portable alternative.

If you care just as much about what other people hear as what you hear yourself, you’ll want to invest in a set of headphones with a good microphone. Or 

, rather, because many of the clearest models come with multiple mics that split duties. One might pick up on ambient noises and adjust the sound output accordingly, while another is reserved for picking up the subtlest cadences of your voice.

Over-ear and on-ear headphones have more room to fit these mics, and are thus usually a better solution than in-ear headphones. Over-ear headphones may even come with clarity-boosting software. Sonos Ace, for example, combines enhanced voice targeting and background noise suppression to achieve crystal-clear calls.

Finally, we come to a pair of categories in which personal preference reigns supreme, and there is no clear winner or loser.

It’s impossible to say whether over-ear, on-ear, or in-ear headphones are the most comfortable. Everybody’s ear is shaped differently and everybody has their own ideas about what’s comfy or not — especially after hours of wear.

Some people find over-ear headphones too heavy or cumbersome to wear, especially if the goal is to fall asleep in a position that isn’t strictly face-up. Others claim that in-ear headphones exert painful pressure on their inner ears. Who’s right? In this case, everybody! If there’s a particular headphone style that feels better to you, go with that one and don’t second-guess yourself.

Longevity can mean different things to different people. Are the cushioned earpads of larger headphones more prone to wear and tear? They can be, sure. Are smaller headphones easier to lose, misplace, or (gasp) send through a wash cycle? Unfortunately, yes.

The good news is that choosing the right pair of headphones can alleviate your fears about longevity. Sonos Ace, for example, comes with ear cups that can be removed and replaced after years of heavy wear, if need be.

White Ace headphones on a gray background

Woman laying on a couch listening to white Ace headphones

Lose yourself in your listening with Sonos Ace

At the end of the day, the best headphones are the ones you never want to take off. We designed 

 with that in mind. A custom-designed driver takes full advantage of the over-ear footprint to deliver spatial audio in a hyperrealistic, three-dimensional soundstage. Other highlights include: 

Lossless audio streaming over Bluetooth and USB-C

Up to 30 hours of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation enabled

Plush memory foam ear cushions and an extendable headband for a bespoke fit

Effortless connectivity with other Sonos devices

Whatever your headphone preference, don’t sleep on Sonos Ace. Even if you’ve never worn over-ear headphones, you may find the combination of immersive audio and all-day comfort impossible to resist.

Examples of over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear headphones

Which Is Best: Over-Ear vs. On-Ear vs. In-Ear Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones have become an essential accessory for many people, especially those seeking solace in their music or craving a quieter environment amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. But as you delve into the world of noise cancellation, you’ll likely be confronted with a heap of audio jargon and confusing technical terms. In this blog post, we’re going to demystify noise-canceling technology, explain how it works, and offer a few tips for choosing the right pair of noise-canceling headphones for your listening needs.

Types of noise cancellation on headphones

There are two main types of noise cancellation, both of which play an equally important role when it comes to blocking external sound.

 barrier between you and any unwanted noise. Picture yourself sitting at a restaurant when suddenly the fire alarm goes off. The sound is unbearably loud, so you instinctively cover your ears with your hands to muffle the noise. By doing so, you’ve created a physical barrier between your ears and the sound of the alarm. The ear cups on over-ear headphones work similarly in this way, but the degree in which noise is blocked depends largely on how tight the seal is around your ears.

, on the other hand, is far more intricate. This technology relies on a complex system of microphones, sound processors, and speakers to effectively neutralize external noise. Let’s break it down further.

Woman sitting in a car listening to black Ace headphones

You don't need to be an audio engineer to understand the basic principles of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. A good analogy will do. For the sake of this blog, all you need to know are the rules of the game tug of war. If it’s been awhile since you’ve played this in a schoolyard, let us provide you with a brief refresher.

In a game of tug of war, two teams are pitted against each other in a test of strength. Each team is positioned on opposite ends of a rope, with the goal of pulling the rope in the direction away from the opposing team.

If both teams tug with the same force, the rope won’t move in either direction because each team’s strength is 

. Soundwaves work in a similar way: If one sound wave meets another soundwave that’s the same in frequency and opposite in amplitude, the two sounds will cancel each other out.

While a game of tug of war by no means encapsulates the complexity of sound physics, this should at least give you a basic idea of how Active Noise Cancellation works. Headphones with ANC use tiny microphones inside the ear cups to continuously analyze the sound of your surrounding environment. The microphones identify the frequency and amplitude of the external sounds, then ANC uses this information to create a soundwave that’s the exact opposite. This contrasting soundwave gets played through the internal drivers on your headphones and, voilà, the unwanted noise is eliminated. The diagram below should help visualize what this process looks like.

Can ANC work with no music or sound playing?

The beauty of noise-canceling headphones is that they work even when no music or sound is playing. But most headphones with ANC are designed to work in tandem with some degree of ambient noise due to the “masking effect,” which refers to the phenomenon where your brain perceives the absence of sound when it’s masked by an opposing sound.

Say you’re sitting on a crowded subway and the person seated across from you is talking on the phone. When you put on your headphones, you’re still likely to hear a bit of muffled chatter. But once you start playing some music, your neighbor’s conversation suddenly disappears. This is because your brain is now taking in more sensory input (your music) and is less focused on the conversation happening in the background.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of ANC will vary depending on the quality of the headphones and the surrounding noise levels. In quieter environments, such as a library, ANC can still noticeably reduce background noise without any music or sound playing. But in louder environments, playing some white noise or other type of ambient sound allows ANC to work its best. A quick search on your preferred music service should provide you with a variety of options.

Where do noise-canceling headphones work best?

Noise-canceling headphones work in a variety of environments where external noise may disrupt your concentration or relaxation. Here’s a list of some places where noise-canceling headphones are especially valuable:

But noise-canceling technology won’t excel in 

 environments. Let’s discuss some of the pitfalls you should expect from noise-canceling headphones.

Why do I still hear noise when using noise-canceling headphones?

As previously mentioned, ANC is most effective when some amount of ambient noise is present, whether from your headphones or surrounding environment. This is because ANC excels at blocking 

 sounds, like the hum of an airplane or drone of an engine. These low-frequency sounds produce long soundwaves, which are a lot easier to block because they tend to be more constant in your environment, ultimately giving your headphones enough time to analyze and produce the best opposing soundwave.

 sounds — like the honk of a car horn or wail of a crying baby — tend to happen much more sporadically. These sudden noises are more difficult for ANC technology to block because the sound is often gone before your headphones have had enough time to produce a defending soundwave.

So, to recap, passive noise blocking methods (like ear muffs) are best at drowning out high-frequency sounds, while ANC is best at reducing low-frequency sounds. This is why choosing a high-quality pair of noise-canceling headphones is especially important so that sound is both 

 blocked. Sonos Ace, for example, features an adjustable headband and memory foam ear cushions to create an exceptional acoustic seal that passively blocks high-frequency sounds, while Active Noise Cancellation handles the lowest frequencies. You get the best of both worlds for the most serene listening experience.

Experience Active Noise Cancellation with Sonos Ace

For those looking to experience the tranquil power of noise-canceling headphones, Sonos Ace offers the perfect blend of superior fit and functionality for the frequent flier and office worker alike. With advanced Active Noise Cancellation, Sonos Ace effectively quiets your surrounding environment so you can focus on your work and studies, or simply be at peace with your music. Plus, when you want to hear what’s going on around you, Aware Mode lets in some ambient sounds so you’re always in tune with your environment. You can learn more about Sonos Ace and its world-class noise-canceling abilities 

How Do Noise-Canceling Headphones Work?

You want that cinema-level sound experience at home. So, what speakers do you need? How many? And where exactly do you place them? Worry not. We’re here to help answer these and all your home theater questions. In this blog, we’ll look at the two most popular surround sound setups — 5.1 and 7.1 — and explore the differences, what spaces they work best in, and how to create your own surround sound system at home for your next movie night. Let’s get into it.

Picture yourself in a theater, with an action scene playing out on screen: fighter jets are weaving through the air and pilots are speaking into muffled headphones. In the theater, the sound is astounding — the dialogue is crisp, the jet engines sound as if they’re passing overhead, and you can hear the enemy planes approaching from behind before they appear on the screen. This is surround sound, powered by speakers strategically placed around the room to create a truly immersive listening experience.

Even better, you can achieve something similar at home. You’ll just need a few speakers and a little bit of know-how. That’s where understanding 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound comes in. Knowing what these setups are and your options for creating them can help you build out your system at home.

The first number in each configuration (i.e. the “5” in 5.1) refers to the number of ear-level channels — or points of audio, like a speaker — in the system. The second number refers to the presence of a subwoofer. So, a 5.1 system includes three front channels (left, right, and center) and two rear channels (left surround and right surround). While a 7.1 system has an additional two channels (left side surround and right side surround). These are typically positioned between your “front stage” (soundbar) and “rear stage” (surround speakers). The image below should help visualize how a 5.1 comes together in your living space.

Diagram illustrating a typical 5.1 home theater setup

Absolutely. As you’ve probably guessed, a 7.1 surround sound setup has the ability to really envelop listeners in audio, thanks to those two extra channels. Think of these setups like a LEGO® structure. A 5.1 system will deliver quality, immersive audio. But when you build on that system, you add additional depth and detail.

Both a 5.1 and 7.1 setup will surround you in sound with the help of front and rear speakers. But the 7.1 system’s additional two channels provide that extra bit of immersion. This gives you that feeling of being in the center of whatever is playing out on the screen. It also makes the movie or show feel more realistic. Because in real life, sound doesn’t just come at us from one direction.

The Ultimate Guide to Wearing Headphones

Things To Consider When Choosing New Headphones

Which Is Best: Over-Ear vs. On-Ear vs. In-Ear Headphones

How Do Noise-Canceling Headphones Work?

5.1 vs 7.1 Surround Sound: What's the Difference?

The Beginner's Guide to Surround Sound

How to Get 5.1 and 7.1 Surround Sound with Your Sonos System

What Is a DAC (And Do You Need It for Home Audio)?

The Beginner's Guide to HDMI, HDMI ARC, and eARC

Commercially Licensed Music: How to Select Sound for your Business

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The Ultimate Guide to Wearing Headphones

.css-4c3m2r{color:#ffffff;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Which Is Best: Over-Ear vs. On-Ear vs. In-Ear Headphones

.css-10sffwj{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}How Do Noise-Canceling Headphones Work?

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Which Is Best: Over-Ear vs. On-Ear vs. In-Ear Headphones

How Do Noise-Canceling Headphones Work?