Sony ULT Wear Headphones Review

Sony’s new ULT Wear headphones are designed for users who value comfort and sound quality during extended use, particularly while traveling. Featuring classic Sony design elements, these over-ear headphones include active noise cancellation and a dedicated bass boost button for a richer audio experience. After a week of thorough testing, here’s a detailed review of the Sony ULT Wear headphones.

Sony ULT Wear – Look and Feel

The Sony ULT Wear headphones are built for comfort, making them suitable for all-day wear during work, travel, and leisure activities. Despite the plastic casing, the ample padding around the earcups and top band ensures a comfortable fit, even in hot climates. The earcups are large enough to fully cover the ears, and their height can be adjusted for optimal weight distribution. The oval shape of the earcups significantly enhances comfort, although some warmth is expected after prolonged use.

These headphones are available in standard black or white, as well as a unique dark green called Forest Gray. The left earcup features a ULT button to boost the bass, along with power and ANC/Ambient Mode buttons. Charging is done via USB-C, and a 3.5mm audio jack allows for wired listening, although USB-C audio transmission is not supported. The right earcup has hidden controls for playback and volume, adjustable through swipe gestures. Built-in sensors automatically pause the music when the headphones are removed. Sony includes a sturdy, cloth-covered case, ideal for travel.

Battery Life

Sony promises up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation or ambient mode enabled, and 50 hours with these features turned off. The battery performance is impressive, and a quick 10-minute charge provides approximately five hours of playback.

Sony ULT Wear – Sound Quality

The Sony ULT Wear headphones deliver high-quality sound across a variety of music genres, including pop, hip-hop, classical, and dance. The sound quality is noticeably superior compared to the Sony WH-CH720N, which is in the entry mid-range segment. The ULT Wear headphones are particularly well-suited for pop, dance, and EDM tracks.

Equipped with new 40mm drivers, these headphones offer deep bass, while the V1 chip enhances noise cancellation and enables ear-detection sensors. The sound is full, rich, and well-balanced, with a bass-heavy profile. The ULT button on the left earcup boosts the bass further.

For podcast listeners, the ULT Wear performs exceptionally well. These headphones can be paired with various devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, consistently delivering impressive sound quality.

The Sony Headphones Connect app offers extensive customization options, including switching between noise canceling and ambient sound, adjusting the equalizer, and enabling DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) to upscale low-quality audio files.

Sony ULT Wear – Active Noise Cancellation

The active noise cancellation (ANC) on the ULT Wear effectively blocks out external noise, especially when listening to music. During calls, the audio quality is clear and distortion-free. While the ANC may not match Sony’s flagship 1000X series, it is excellent for mid-range over-ear headphones, providing a significant reduction in external distractions during calls and other activities.

Conclusion

The Sony ULT Wear headphones are a compelling choice for those seeking high-quality, comfortable, and versatile over-ear headphones. With impressive sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a design suited for extended use, these headphones justify their price point. The foldable design and included case make them ideal for travel, ensuring users can enjoy their music or calls in comfort, wherever they go.