Sony ULT Wear Headphones Review

Sony ULT Wear Review: The New King of Bass Has Arrived

For years, Sony’s audio lineup has been a tale of two cities. On one end, you have the critically acclaimed WH-1000X series, the benchmark for premium noise-canceling headphones. On the other, the much-loved but less refined “Extra Bass” line, which catered to those who wanted to feel their music. With the new ULT Wear headphones, Sony isn’t just rebranding its bass-heavy offerings; it’s merging these two worlds, creating a mid-range contender that packs a surprising amount of flagship DNA alongside a foundation-shaking low end. This isn’t just another headphone release; it’s a calculated move to dominate the enthusiast market that values fun over flat-frequency response.

Performance: The ULT Button is the Main Event

Let’s be clear: the centerpiece of the ULT Wear experience is the gleaming “ULT” button on the left earcup. Out of the box, with this feature off, the headphones deliver a pleasant, V-shaped sound signature that’s competent but not groundbreaking. It’s clean, with decent clarity in the mids and highs. But press that button, and everything changes. ULT1 mode engages a powerful, aggressive bass boost that brings hip-hop, EDM, and pop tracks to life with a visceral punch. It’s the kind of bass that you feel in your chest, reminiscent of a live concert or a high-end car stereo. A second press activates ULT2, a “Deep Bass” mode that focuses more on sub-bass rumble, creating an immense sense of depth. While purists will scoff, Sony has masterfully tuned this feature to be genuinely enjoyable rather than a muddy mess. It’s an unapologetically fun sound.

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is another area where the ULT Wear punches well above its weight. It inherits the same V1 processor found in the legendary WH-1000XM4, and the performance shows. It effectively silences low-frequency drones like airplane cabins and train rumble, creating a serene bubble for your music. While it doesn’t quite match the uncanny ability of the flagship WH-1000XM5 to nullify conversations and higher-pitched sounds, it is easily among the best in its price bracket, making it a stellar companion for commuting and travel.

Design, Build, and Comfort

In a welcome return to form, the ULT Wear headphones fold down and fit neatly into an included hard-shell case—a practical advantage over the non-folding XM5s. The build is predominantly high-quality plastic, which feels durable but admittedly lacks the premium touch of its more expensive sibling. Comfort, however, is excellent. The earcups are spacious and plush, providing a secure seal without excessive clamp force, making them suitable for hours of continuous listening. The design is modern and minimalist, available in a few understated colors, but the larger profile means they make more of a statement than some sleeker alternatives.

Features and Value

Priced at a competitive $199, the ULT Wear is packed with features that blur the line between mid-range and premium. Chief among them is multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly switch between two devices—a non-negotiable feature for modern productivity. Support for Sony’s high-resolution LDAC codec (for Android users) is a fantastic inclusion, and the wear detection sensor that automatically pauses your music when you remove the headphones works flawlessly. All of this is managed through the mature and feature-rich Sony Headphones Connect app, which offers a full equalizer for those who wish to tame the bass or tweak the sound to their liking. Combined with a robust 30-hour battery life with ANC enabled, the value proposition is incredibly strong. You are getting about 85% of the flagship experience for half the price.

The Final Verdict

The Sony ULT Wear headphones are a resounding success because they know exactly who they are for. They are not for the audio purist seeking a neutral, analytical sound. Instead, they are a masterclass in fun, built for the listener whose library is filled with bass-driven genres and who wants a powerful, immersive, and feature-rich experience without paying a flagship premium. They offer exceptional noise cancellation for their class, fantastic battery life, and practical features that make daily use a joy. If you want to feel the beat and block out the world, Sony has crafted your new favorite headphones.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon