Sony ULT WEAR Review: Vibrant bass, good noise reduction and long battery life
Introducing Sony’s latest addition to their lineup, the Sony ULT WEAR noise-canceling wireless headphones. Part of Sony’s ALT series, which stands for ultimate, these headphones are positioned to deliver a bass-heavy audio experience. With a focus on providing the ultimate vibe, the ALT lineup encompasses various products including speakers, headphones, and potentially earbuds, catering to consumers seeking powerful sound immersion.
Priced at $199, the ULT WEAR headphones offer a compelling value proposition, especially considering they are $50 cheaper than their predecessor, the XB 910N. This price reduction raises questions about whether the ULT WEAR headphones can maintain the quality and performance expected from Sony’s premium lineup.
Sony ULT WEAR: Video Review
| Specs | Sony ULT WEAR |
| Driver | 40mm (Dome Type) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Codec | SBC, AAC,LDAC |
| Bluetooth Protocol | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Impedance (Ohm) | 314 Ω (1 kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned on), |
| 32 Ω (1 kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned off) | |
| Cord Length | Cable Length (m): approx. 1.2 m |
| Cord type | Cable Type: Single-sided (detachable) |
| Plug | Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug |
| Ambient Sound Mode | Yes |
| Volume Control | Yes |
| Battery Charge Method | USB |
| Battery Life | Max. 30 hours (NC ON), Max. 40 hours (NC OFF) |
| Weight | 255 g |
Sony ULT WEAR: Design
The design elements of the ULT WEAR headphones exude sophistication, with the Sony and ULT logos adorned on a dedicated button with a captivating holographic effect. This embellishment adds a touch of elegance to the overall design, showcasing attention to detail. The buttons for power and noise reduction modes are discreetly placed on the left earpiece, maintaining the sleek aesthetic.
However, the touch-sensitive surface on the right earphone for volume and playback control may be overly sensitive, leading to accidental triggers. Despite this minor inconvenience, the lightweight construction of the headphones is advantageous for activities like running or jogging, ensuring minimal pressure on the head. While lacking extensive padding on the top, the ear pads offer sufficient comfort, albeit without the plushness of Sony’s premium headphones like the XM4 or XM5.
The headphones feature a foldable and swiveling design, allowing for compact storage and portability. While the ear pads could benefit from the inclusion of memory foam for enhanced comfort, the overall design ensures practicality and ease of use.
The headphones come packaged in a sturdy hard case, ensuring protection during transport. The inclusion of a 3.5mm connection allows for wired usage, offering versatility in connectivity options. Additionally, the headphones feature a USB-A to USB-C cable for convenient charging.
The Sony ULT WEAR headphones are available in three colors: creamy white, black and Best Buy has a green model and I really like the look of it.
APP
The Sony ULT WEAR headphones also work with the Sony app, which offers a range of functionalities to optimize performance and customize settings.
Through the Sony app, users can easily keep their ULT WEAR headphones updated with the latest firmware, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility with new features. Additionally, the app provides access to advanced audio technologies like 360 Reality Audio, which offers immersive soundscapes for a captivating listening experience.
Adaptive noise canceling is another notable feature of the ULT WEAR headphones, automatically adjusting the noise-canceling level based on the surrounding environment.
The inclusion of various EQ options within the app allows users to fine-tune the sound profile to their preferences.
Another convenient feature enabled through the Sony app is Spotify Tap, which allows for seamless integration with the popular music streaming service. With just a tap, users can access their favorite playlists and enjoy high-quality audio streaming directly through their ULT WEAR headphones.
Multi-point connection capability further enhances versatility, enabling users to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for seamlessly switching between devices, such as a tablet and a smartphone, without the hassle of manually switching connections.
Control
The Sony ULT WEAR headphones feature a thoughtfully designed control layout that ensures intuitive operation and seamless user experience. Located on the left ear cup are all the physical inputs and buttons, providing easy access to essential functions without any confusion.
The left ear cup houses the 3.5mm headphone jack input, allowing users to connect their headphones via a wired connection for versatile listening options. Additionally, the USB input is also located here, making it easier to conveniently charge the headphones.
The physical buttons on the left ear cup include dedicated controls for noise canceling and ambient modes, empowering users to adjust their audio environment according to their preferences. Moreover, the power button and the ALT button, responsible for toggling between different sound modes, are also positioned on the left ear cup, ensuring quick access to essential functions.
The right ear cup features touch-sensitive swipe gestures for controlling playback, volume, and track navigation. This separation of physical buttons and touch controls prevents accidental inputs and enhances user convenience.
Sony ULT WEAR: Noise Canceling
When it comes to noise canceling and ambient mode, the ULT WEAR headphones deliver impressive performance. While not quite on par with Sony’s flagship models like the XM4 or XM5, the noise canceling effectively reduces ambient noise, creating an immersive listening environment.
In real-world testing, the noise-canceling feature effectively reduces ambient noise, creating a tranquil listening environment. While it may not completely block out human voices as effectively as the top-tier models, it still performs admirably in most scenarios.
Furthermore, the transparency mode on these headphones is notably impressive, offering a natural and balanced sound that allows wearers to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying their music or podcasts.
Sound quality
When it comes to sound quality, the Sony ULT WEAR headphones offer a mixed experience that may require some fine-tuning to truly appreciate. Out of the box, the default sound signature may leave some users underwhelmed, as it tends to prioritize bass at the expense of other frequencies.
To address this, Sony provides two distinct sound modes, ALT 1 and ALT 2. ALT 1 focuses on enhancing sub-bass frequencies, aiming to deliver a deep, rumbling experience akin to a subwoofer. On the other hand, ALT 2 offers a more balanced boost across the frequency spectrum, aiming to amplify both treble and bass for an overall punchier sound.
However, achieving the perfect sound balance may require some adjustment. By fine-tuning the EQ, users can counteract the overwhelming bass and adjust the treble and mids to achieve a more balanced and enjoyable listening experience.
One notable feature is the Clear Bass slider, which allows users to adjust the bass intensity to their liking. Finding the optimal setting, usually around 8, can help strike a balance between powerful bass and clarity in other frequency ranges.
Once properly tuned, the ULT WEAR headphones can deliver a satisfying audio experience characterized by thick, punchy bass and bright, detailed treble. Despite the emphasis on bass, the mids still manage to stand out, ensuring a well-rounded sound profile.
However, it’s worth noting that the soundstage and imaging on these headphones may feel somewhat limited. This is typical of noise-canceling headphones, which inherently isolate the listener from their surroundings.
Ultimately, the Sony ULT WEAR headphones cater to bass enthusiasts who prioritize a rich, impactful low-end experience.
Battery
When it comes to battery life, the ULT WEAR headphones offer respectable performance. With noise canceling turned off, users can enjoy up to 50 hours of playback on a single charge, providing ample listening time for extended use. However, activating noise canceling does reduce battery life to around 30 hours.
Nevertheless, the headphones feature a convenient fast charge feature, allowing users to quickly top up their battery with just a 3-minute charge, providing up to 90 minutes of playback time. This feature is particularly handy for users on the go who need a quick burst of power before heading out for their daily activities.
Sony ULT WEAR: Conclusion
In summary, the Sony ULT WEAR headphones present a compelling option for a specific segment of users. While they may not cater to those seeking a flat, reference-style sound, they excel in providing a robust combination of excellent noise canceling and customizable sound quality.
This product targets individuals who prioritize effective noise canceling and are willing to invest a bit of time in fine-tuning the sound to their preferences. Despite the need for adjustments, the ULT WEAR headphones offer a rewarding audio experience once optimized, delivering powerful bass, crisp treble, and clear mids.
Priced at $200, the ULT WEAR headphones provide a competitive alternative to higher-priced noise-canceling models on the market. Additionally, given Sony’s history of frequent discounts on their products, it’s reasonable to expect the ULT WEAR headphones to see price drops over time, potentially making them even more appealing to budget-conscious consumers.
You can also check out the best-selling Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones on Amazon:
