It’s been over two years since the Sonos wireless headphones were rumored to be released. Even though the company still hasn’t provided any specific updates on a prospective release date, there may be a potential breakthrough with these headphones that could be worth the wait.

There has been speculation on whether these headphones will use Wi-Fi connectivity for months, but a recent report by Digital Trends reveals that Sonos has made patent filings for headphones that look to have some type of Wi-Fi capability. But why does headphones having Wi-Fi matter and how can it impact the headphone industry?

Wi-Fi Vs. Bluetooth Headphones

All of the top headphones today use Bluetooth technology so that you can listen wirelessly listen to media through a connected device. Bluetooth headphones and speakers are most suitable for connected devices that are stationary and a short distance away such as 30 feet or less. Wi-Fi devices however, transfers data at significantly higher speeds than Bluetooth, allowing for much better sound quality and less interruption. They can also potentially stay connected to your personal device from up to approximately 200 feet, much farther than bluetooth.

The downside to Wi-Fi headphones, is that they drain a lot more battery and require thicker or more cables inside of the device than a Bluetooth model. This is why you don’t see many headphones or speakers manufacturers prioritize implementing Wi-Fi connectivity. If wireless headphones were to use a Wi-Fi connection, the headphones would likely be more bulkier than typical headphones today. However, Sonos may have found a way to make suitable Wi-Fi headphones.

The entire Sonos ecosystem works on Wi-Fi connection.

All Sonos speakers use Wi-Fi, which is why they’re highly regarded as some of the best speakers in the industry, as the sound quality is impeccable. The Sonos Roam and Move are the only speakers that also include Bluetooth connectivity. It’s safe to assume that the future Sonos headphones must at least have Bluetooth capability, as having only Wi-Fi would not suffice in all remote outdoor conditions. The company’s patent filings from last year shows that it may have found a loophole to work around using thicker cables for the potential Wi-Fi headphones. If the filings come to fruition and the headphone’s design is ergonomic enough, we could see wireless headphones that would outperform top competitors such as the Sony WH-1000XM4.

Back in 2019, Bloomberg reported that the headphones could cost around $300, which is right around the same price of the WH-1000XM4. However, now that Apple currently has its AirPods Max headphones priced at $549, Sonos could look to scale up the price range to that tier.