The Sony ULT Wear headphones feel like the headphones Sony built for people who just want good, no-fuss sound with solid bass. Positioned in the midrange, they don’t attempt to outdo Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM5, but they still pack a punch where it counts. After a solid two weeks of listening — and some comparisons with my WH-1000XM5 — I can tell you these headphones have a few tricks up their sleeves for everyday listeners who don’t need every top-of-the-line feature.
Design: Simple, Lightweight, and Comfortable
Sony’s ULT Wear headphones are easy on the eyes and feel nice on the head. The design is familiar if you’ve used Sony’s previous models, like the XM3 or XM4, but the ULT Wear are a touch lighter than the XM5. This weight difference is subtle but noticeable over long listening sessions, making them a great pick for anyone who values comfort over flashy design.
The build is minimalist without feeling cheap, and the earcups are soft, cushioning the ears nicely. Though they don’t have the premium finish of the XM5, they’re durable enough to toss in a bag without worry, which feels right for this price range. And they look understated in black — a bonus for anyone who prefers a simple, classic aesthetic.
Sound Quality: Bass Lovers, Rejoice
The ULT Wear is Sony’s latest bass-forward headphone, and it delivers. Sony’s Extra Bass tech is no gimmick here; the low end is big, bold, and perfect for genres that demand punch. For hip-hop, pop, and electronic, the ULT Wear feels right at home, with bass that’s rich but not muddy. Compared to the XM5, which is tuned for a more balanced, layered sound, the ULT Wear’s bass focus stands out. It’s a win for anyone who loves that full, energetic bass, though jazz or classical enthusiasts might notice a bit less refinement in the mids and highs.
Noise Cancelling, Battery Life, and Connectivity
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is strong enough for the usual environments — think busy cafes, office chatter, and public transport – but it doesn’t quite have the adaptive finesse of the XM5. Still, for a midrange headphone, it’s more than enough to tune out the world for most listeners. Battery life holds steady at around 30 hours, keeping you powered through a few days of heavy use or a week of commutes. That’s just a tad behind the XM5, but it’s reliable, and charging is quick.
A nice surprise here is multipoint connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2, meaning the ULT Wear can stay connected to two devices at once. Switching between a phone and laptop was smooth during my tests, so it’s great for people who juggle devices throughout the day. It’s a feature you’d typically expect in higher-end models, so seeing it here is a real plus.
Final Thoughts: Everyday Greatness
The Sony ULT Wear headphones are perfect for anyone who wants great sound and bass that doesn’t feel like it’s holding back. They’re not here to dethrone the WH-1000XM5, but if you’re looking for comfortable, well-rounded headphones with a fun sound signature that won’t break the bank, the ULT Wear are worth a listen. They deliver enough of Sony’s high-quality sound and build to make them feel like a smart choice for most listeners. For audiophiles or those craving a super-detailed listening experience, the XM5 still takes the lead. But for everyone else, the ULT Wear offer up solid value, everyday comfort, and satisfying bass—a no-nonsense option that does its job well.
