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The Sony ULT Wear headphones, part of Sony’s mid-range line-up, aim to provide a balance between affordability and premium features. Positioned between the budget WH-CH720N and the high-end WH-1000XM5, these headphones are designed for users seeking robust sound quality and effective noise cancellation without breaking the bank.
Sony ULT WEAR Over Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
118.99
The Sony ULT WEAR headphones are over-ear headphones focused on delivering strong bass and effective noise cancellation. They feature Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 and 40mm drivers for sound output, with two bass-enhancing modes (“Deep Bass” and “Attack Bass”) accessible via a dedicated button. The headphones offer noise cancellation to block external sound, as well as an Ambient Sound mode to let surrounding noise in. They are designed for comfort during extended use and come with a compact carrying case.
For calls, they use Beam Forming Microphones and Precise Voice Pickup technology to improve clarity in noisy environments. Battery life is 30 hours with noise cancellation on, or 50 hours off, with a 3-minute charge providing 1.5 hours of playback. Connectivity includes Bluetooth Multipoint for pairing two devices simultaneously, and Fast Pair/Swift Pair for quick setup with Android and Windows 10 devices.
Design and Build
They feature a minimalist and functional design, available in black, white, and forest grey. They are lightweight at 225 grams and incorporate an adjustable, cushioned headband along with comfortable earcups, ensuring ease of use over extended periods. The foldable hinge design adds to their portability, allowing for easy storage in the provided fabric carry case.
Technical Specifications
- Drivers: 40mm
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, multi-device pairing
- Battery Life: 30 hours with ANC, 50 hours without ANC
- Charging: 1.5 hours for full charge, quick charge options (5 hours playback with 10 minutes charge)
- Audio Features: ANC, 360 Reality Audio, ULT button for enhanced bass
- Additional Features: Ear detection sensors, Quick Attention mode, Sony Headphones app support
Performance
Sound Quality: They headphones deliver a bass-heavy sound profile, which can be further amplified using the ULT button. This makes them ideal for genres like EDM and hip-hop. However, the bass can sometimes overshadow mids and highs, leading to a muddied sound in certain settings. The Sony Headphones app allows for some customisation with EQ presets and adjustments.
Noise Cancellation: The Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is effective, significantly reducing ambient noise across various environments. While not on par with the flagship WH-1000XM5, the ANC performance is commendable for the price range. The Quick Attention mode and adjustable ambient sound settings enhance usability in different scenarios.
ULT Wear Headphones User Experience
The headphones are equipped with intuitive touch controls and are compatible with the Sony Headphones app, which offers various customisation options, including EQ settings, ANC adjustments, and more. The app is user-friendly and responsive. Multi-device pairing and quick connectivity features like Google Fast Pair enhance the overall user experience.
Compatibility and Ecosystem
They work seamlessly with both Android and iOS devices. The inclusion of multi-device pairing allows users to switch between devices effortlessly, making them ideal for those who frequently alternate between a phone and a laptop.
Value for Money
Priced around £130 at time of writing, the Sony ULT Wear headphones offer a compelling mix of features, performance, and build quality. They are an excellent option for those looking for good ANC, long battery life, and a bass-heavy sound profile without the premium price tag.
Comparison with Other Products
- Sony WH-1000XM5: Higher price, superior ANC and sound quality, more premium build.
- Anker Soundcore Space Q45: Similar price, comparable ANC, and sound quality, slightly less comfortable.
- Sony WH-CH720N: Lower price, less effective ANC, and sound quality, lighter build.
Bottom Line
They offer solid performance with strong bass, effective ANC, and exceptional battery life. They are particularly well-suited for users who prioritize bass-heavy music and need reliable noise cancellation for commuting or office environments. While not perfect, their feature set and performance make them a great-value option in the mid-range headphone market.
ULT Wear Headphones Key Features:
- ULT Power Sound Technology: Dedicated ULT button that enhances the bass, delivering a powerful and immersive audio experience. This makes them perfect for genres that thrive on strong low frequencies, such as EDM and hip-hop.
- Advanced Noise Cancellation: Equipped with dual noise sensor technology and the Integrated Processor V1, these headphones offer exceptional noise cancellation. This technology helps isolate you from ambient noise, allowing you to enjoy your music without interruptions.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 44 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, ensuring your headphones last through extended listening sessions. A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 5 hours of playback, making them ideal for on-the-go use.
- Comfortable Design: The headphones feature a lightweight and comfortable design, with cushioned ear cups and an adjustable headband. The foldable hinge design allows for easy storage and portability, making them perfect for commuting and travel.
- Enhanced Connectivity: These headphones support Bluetooth 5.2 and can pair with multiple devices simultaneously, allowing seamless switching between your phone and laptop. They are also compatible with Sony’s Headphones Connect app, which offers customisable EQ settings and sound enhancements.
- High-Quality Audio: The 40mm drivers deliver crisp, clear sound with a balanced audio profile. The Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) restores high-frequency sounds lost in compression, ensuring a high-quality listening experience.
- Additional Features: They include a smart sensor that pauses playback when you remove the headphones and resumes when you put them back on. They also support ambient sound mode, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings when needed.
What’s in the Box:
- Sony ULT Wear Wireless Noise-cancelling Headphones
- USB-C charging cable
- Carrying case
- User guide and warranty information
ULT Wear Headphones Pros:
ULT Wear Headphones Cons:
Overall Rating: 4/5
With their robust features and competitive pricing, the Sony ULT Wear headphones are a great choice for those seeking high-quality audio and noise cancellation without the premium price.
Customer Reviews
Customers generally praise the headphones for their exceptional bass performance, often highlighting the powerful and deep low frequencies, which appeal strongly to bass enthusiasts. Many users appreciate the sound quality, describing it as clear and immersive, especially when paired with the effective noise cancellation, which is frequently noted as a standout feature for blocking out distractions.
Comfort is another commonly mentioned positive, with reviewers finding the memory foam ear cushions and padded headband suitable for long listening sessions without discomfort. The battery life (up to 30 hours with noise cancellation on) and quick charging (1.5 hours from a 3-minute charge) also receive favourable comments for convenience and reliability. Call quality is well-regarded, with the microphones performing effectively even in noisy environments.
On the downside, some users mention that the bass can be overly dominant, potentially overshadowing mids and highs unless adjusted via an equalizer, which may not suit those preferring a balanced sound profile. A few reviews note that while the noise cancellation is strong, it doesn’t match the level of Sony’s higher-end models like the WH-1000XM5.
Some users find the headphones slightly bulky or heavy for prolonged use, despite the comfort claims. There are also occasional mentions of connectivity issues with Bluetooth Multipoint, though this isn’t widespread.
Overall, the reviews suggest the Sony ULT WEAR headphones are highly regarded for bass-heavy music lovers, comfort, and noise cancellation, though they may not satisfy those seeking a more neutral sound or the absolute best in noise-cancelling technology. Satisfaction is high among users who prioritize the emphasized features, with many rating them 4 to 5 stars.
For more perspectives on these headphones, why not try TechRadar, RTINGS.com or NDTV Business?
