Sony ULT WEAR Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Review: The Bass-Lover’s Dream with a Few Critical Flaws

There’s a universal moment we all share: the desire to simply shut out the world and immerse ourselves in our own sonic landscape. For me, it’s the daily train commute—a chaotic symphony of rattling carriages, loud conversations, and the general hum of a city on the move. In this environment, a good pair of headphones isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s the difference between a stressful, jarring journey and a private concert hall where the only thing that matters is the deep, resonant bass line of your favourite track. For years, the challenge has been finding a pair of headphones that doesn’t just muffle the outside world but also delivers a sound that you can truly feel. Many promise powerful audio, but few deliver that visceral, chest-thumping bass that transforms listening into an experience. This search for powerful, immersive, and uninterrupted sound is what led us to test the very promising Sony ULT WEAR Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones.

What to Consider Before Buying Noise-Cancelling Headphones

A pair of noise-cancelling headphones is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for focus, relaxation, and pure audio enjoyment in an increasingly noisy world. They create a personal bubble of tranquility, whether you’re on a long-haul flight, trying to concentrate in an open-plan office, or just unwinding at home. The main benefit lies in their active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, which uses microphones to detect and counteract external sounds, allowing your music, podcasts, or audiobooks to shine through with crystal clarity, even at lower volumes. This not only enhances the listening experience but can also help protect your hearing in the long run.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently finds themselves in noisy environments—commuters, frequent flyers, office workers, or students studying in busy dorms. They are also perfect for audiophiles who crave an uncompromised listening experience and, specifically in the case of the Sony ULT WEAR, for “bass heads” who want their music to have a physical impact. However, they might not be the best fit for those who need to maintain full situational awareness at all times, like cyclists or runners on busy streets (though many models, including this one, offer an Ambient Sound mode). For those seeking a more discreet or workout-friendly option, in-ear earbuds might be a more suitable alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Sound Profile & Performance: Are you a bass enthusiast, or do you prefer a neutral, balanced sound for classical music and vocals? Headphones are tuned differently. The Sony ULT WEAR unashamedly targets the former with its “ULT POWER SOUND.” Look for driver size (larger 40mm drivers, as found here, often produce more powerful bass) and support for audio enhancement technologies like Sony’s DSEE, which upscales compressed music files.
• Noise Cancellation Effectiveness: Not all ANC is created equal. Premium models often offer adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to your surroundings. Consider how and where you’ll use them. For air travel, you need strong low-frequency cancellation to block engine hum. For an office, cancelling out human voices is more important. The inclusion of a high-end processor, like the V1 chip borrowed from Sony’s flagship line, is a strong indicator of quality ANC performance.
• Comfort & Durability: You’ll be wearing these for hours, so comfort is paramount. Over-ear designs like the Sony ULT WEAR are generally more comfortable for long sessions than on-ear models. Pay attention to the earcup padding, headband pressure, and overall weight (255g is quite light for this category). However, materials matter. While a plastic build keeps weight down, it can raise concerns about long-term durability, a point we’ll explore in detail later.
• Battery Life & Features: The industry standard for good over-ear ANC headphones is around 30 hours of playback, a benchmark the Sony ULT WEAR meets and exceeds when ANC is off (up to 50 hours). Look for a quick-charge feature, which can be a lifesaver. Other crucial features include Multipoint Connection (connecting to two devices at once, like a laptop and phone), smart controls, and voice assistant integration.

Choosing the right pair is about matching the technology to your lifestyle. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can find a set of headphones that will serve as a reliable daily companion.

While the Sony ULT WEAR Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones is an excellent choice for a specific type of listener, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Sony ULT WEAR: First Impressions and Key Features

From the moment you open the box, the Sony ULT WEAR experience feels familiar to anyone acquainted with Sony’s headphone lineup. The headphones are nestled securely in a durable, compact carry case—a welcome inclusion that adds both protection and portability. Taking them out, the first thing we noticed was their weight. At 255 grams, they feel surprisingly light, which immediately suggests they’ll be comfortable for extended listening sessions. The design is clean and minimalist, with a matte black finish that looks sleek and modern. However, the all-plastic construction is immediately apparent. While it doesn’t feel cheap, it lacks the premium metal or high-grade polymer feel of its more expensive siblings, like the WH-1000XM series. The earcups are generously sized and plush, promising a comfortable fit over the ears. Pairing was instantaneous with our Android phone, thanks to Fast Pair. Inside the box, you get the headphones, the hard case, a short USB-C charging cable, and a 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. The star of the show, a large “ULT” button on the left earcup, beckons you to press it, hinting at the powerful audio experience that defines this product. The overall first impression is of a well-designed, feature-packed product focused squarely on delivering a specific, bass-heavy experience, which you can explore in more detail on its product page.

A Deep Dive into the Sony ULT WEAR’s Performance

After spending several weeks with the Sony ULT WEAR Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, we’ve tested them on commutes, in the office, on flights, and during late-night music sessions. This is a product that knows its audience and unapologetically caters to them, but it’s not without its compromises. Let’s break down the experience.

The ULT POWER SOUND Experience: Bass You Can Truly Feel

Let’s be clear: the single biggest reason to buy these headphones is their bass performance. Sony has engineered these for listeners who don’t just want to hear the bass, they want to feel it reverberate. At the heart of this is the dedicated ULT button, which cycles through three modes: standard (off), ULT1 (Deep Bass), and ULT2 (Attack Bass). In standard mode, the sound is actually quite balanced, reminiscent of Sony’s other headphones—clear mids, crisp highs, and a controlled low end. It’s pleasant and perfectly suitable for podcasts or acoustic tracks.

But pressing that ULT button changes everything. ULT1, the Deep Bass mode, adds a significant, weighty thump to the lower frequencies. It’s like adding a high-quality subwoofer to your ears. For genres like hip-hop, EDM, and cinematic scores, the effect is profound and deeply satisfying. Tracks like Hans Zimmer’s “Time” gain an incredible sense of scale and drama. Then there’s ULT2, Attack Bass. This mode is pure, unadulterated energy. It ramps up the bass even further, creating a powerful, punchy sound that is borderline overwhelming, but in the best way possible for high-energy electronic music or action movie sequences. As one user aptly put it, “I love BASS and [these are] giving me enough finally.” Many users, ourselves included, found themselves choosing these over the more expensive XM4 or XM5 models specifically for this reason, noting they have a “much deeper and punchier bass.” It’s an experience that truly needs to be heard to be believed, and you can see what other bass lovers are saying here.

Silencing the World: Noise Cancellation and Ambient Sound

While bass is the main event, the noise cancellation on the Sony ULT WEAR Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones is far from an afterthought. Leveraging the same Integrated Processor V1 found in the premium WH-1000XM5, the ANC is impressively effective. On a noisy train, it almost completely eliminated the low-frequency rumble of the tracks, and in a bustling café, it reduced the chatter and clatter to a distant murmur. We confirmed what one user discovered on their holiday flight: while you might still hear a “low humming of the aircraft,” the difference is night and day, creating a much more peaceful travel experience.

The headphones also feature a robust Ambient Sound mode, which can be toggled via a button or through the excellent Sony Headphones Connect app. This mode uses the external microphones to let you hear your surroundings, which is crucial for safety when walking near traffic or for hearing station announcements. A standout feature is “Quick Attention Mode.” By simply placing your hand over the right earcup, the music volume instantly drops and ambient sound is piped in, allowing you to have a quick conversation without taking the headphones off. Once you remove your hand, the music and ANC return to their previous state. This is an incredibly intuitive and useful feature that we found ourselves using constantly. The overall ANC package is strong, making these a fantastic companion for anyone looking to create their own bubble of quiet.

Comfort, Design, and The Critical Durability Question

For a pair of headphones to be a daily driver, they must be comfortable, and the Sony ULT WEAR largely succeeds here. The earcups are spacious and deep, with thick, soft cushions that create a great seal without putting excessive pressure on your ears or head. We wore them for a continuous 4-hour work session without any discomfort, a sentiment echoed by users who praise the “soft cushion on both ears.” The lightweight design is a significant contributor to this long-term comfort.

However, the design is also where the most significant concerns arise. The first is a matter of ergonomics. As one user accurately pointed out, the ULT and ANC buttons are placed exactly where you tend to hold the earcups to put them on or adjust them, leading to frequent accidental presses. Compounding this, the headphones use “weird noises” or chimes instead of clear voice prompts to indicate mode changes, making it difficult to know if you’ve just turned on ANC, Ambient mode, or ULT1. The tiny power LED is also nearly impossible to see while wearing them, so you’re left guessing if you’ve held the button long enough to power them on or off. These are small but persistent annoyances.

The more alarming issue, reported by a worrying number of users, is build quality and durability. The all-plastic construction, particularly the swivel joint connecting the earcup to the headband, appears to be a critical weak point. We read multiple accounts of this joint breaking after just a few months of normal use. One user reported that on two separate pairs, the “left hand earpiece on both sets had broken away from the head strap,” deeming the swivel joint an “inadequate design.” Another lamented that for the price, it “should not have been this fragile.” While our review unit has held up, this consistent feedback pattern is a major red flag and something potential buyers must consider, especially if they plan to be rough with their gear. It’s a real shame, as it mars an otherwise excellent product which you can view the design and build for yourself.

Battery Life, Connectivity, and Smart Features

On a more positive note, the technical performance of the Sony ULT WEAR Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones is stellar. The battery life is a true powerhouse. We consistently achieved the advertised 30 hours of playback with ANC on, and that figure extends to a massive 50 hours with it off. This means you can get through an entire week of commuting without needing to recharge. When you finally do run low, the quick-charge feature is fantastic—just a 3-minute charge provides a solid 1.5 hours of playback, perfect for a last-minute power-up before heading out the door.

Connectivity is equally flawless. The Bluetooth connection is rock-solid, and the inclusion of Multipoint is a game-changer for productivity. We had the headphones paired to both a laptop for a video call and a smartphone for music. When a call came in on the phone, the headphones switched over seamlessly. Smart features inherited from Sony’s premium line add immense value. Wearing Detection automatically pauses your music when you take the headphones off and resumes when you put them back on, saving battery and adding convenience. The DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) does a respectable job of restoring some of the high-frequency detail lost in compressed audio files, making your streaming music sound a bit richer. These features combine to create a technologically advanced and user-friendly experience that often punches above its price point, and you can check the latest price and available offers for this feature-rich package.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback paints a very clear picture of the Sony ULT WEAR Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive when it comes to the core audio experience. One very satisfied user, who was choosing between these and the more expensive XM4s, declared them “AMAZING,” stating, “I love BASS and [they’re] giving me enough finally… Worth every penny.” Another, a fan of Techno and Trance, called the bass “fantastic” and the noise cancellation so good “you can hear your heart pumping.”

However, this praise is frequently tempered by the same two issues: ergonomics and durability. The complaint about button placement is common, with one reviewer noting, “The buttons (ULT mode and ANC buttons) are *far* too easy to press accidentally.” The most serious and recurring criticism is the build quality. The reports of the swivel joint failing are too numerous to ignore. One user stated their pair “Broke after only 2 months of use,” while another was disappointed that “the left side is broken and is very hard to attach back on.” This feedback suggests a potential design flaw that buyers should be aware of, creating a clear trade-off between world-class bass and potentially fragile construction.

How Do the Sony ULT WEAR Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Sony ULT WEAR Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones carves out a specific niche, it’s important to see how it fits within the broader market. Here are three alternatives that cater to different needs and priorities.

1. Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Cancelling Headphones

If the ULT WEAR is the fun-loving, bass-thumping sibling, the WH-1000XM6 is the sophisticated, audiophile older brother. As Sony’s flagship model, it represents the absolute pinnacle of noise-cancelling technology and audio fidelity. While the ULT WEAR’s bass is more powerful and visceral, the XM6 offers a much more balanced, detailed, and high-resolution sound signature that will appeal to those who listen to a wider variety of genres, including classical, jazz, and rock. The build quality is a significant step up, using more premium materials that feel more durable. The ANC is also likely to be a generation ahead, offering even more intelligent and effective sound suppression. You would choose the XM6 if your priorities are the absolute best noise cancellation, a refined and neutral sound, and a premium build, and you have a larger budget.

2. LC-dolida Bluetooth 5.4 Sleep Headband Headphones

This alternative serves a completely different purpose. The LC-dolida Sleep Headband is not designed for critical listening but for comfort during specific activities where traditional headphones are impractical. It integrates flat earphone speakers into a soft, stretchable headband, making it ideal for sleeping, meditation, or exercising. You can lie on your side comfortably without a bulky earcup digging into your head. The audio quality won’t compare to the Sony ULT WEAR, nor does it feature active noise cancellation. However, for someone who wants to listen to calming music, podcasts, or white noise to fall asleep, or for a runner who wants a secure, sweat-proof option, this is a far more practical and affordable choice. It’s a specialist tool for a specialist job.

3. Earbay Bluetooth Headset with Microphone Noise Cancelling

This headset is built for the professional, not the music lover. Its entire design is centered around one thing: crystal-clear communication. The key feature is the dedicated boom microphone with noise-cancelling technology, designed to isolate your voice from background noise so you come through clearly on calls and video conferences. Features like a physical mute button are essential for the workplace. While it has speakers for listening, the audio is tuned for voice clarity, not for rich, immersive music. It also lacks the powerful ANC of the Sony ULT WEAR. You would choose the Earbay headset if your primary use case is work-from-home meetings, call centers, or any professional environment where being heard clearly is more important than the quality of the music you listen to between calls.

Final Verdict: Are the Sony ULT WEAR Headphones Right for You?

After extensive testing, our verdict on the Sony ULT WEAR Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones is clear but conditional. If you define yourself as a “bass head”—if you listen to genres like EDM, hip-hop, dubstep, or you love the rumble of a blockbuster movie—these headphones are nothing short of spectacular. The ULT POWER SOUND feature is not a gimmick; it is a brilliantly executed system that delivers a level of low-end power and impact that is genuinely thrilling and unmatched at this price point. Couple that with very effective noise cancellation, class-leading battery life, and a suite of useful smart features, and you have a package that offers immense entertainment value.

However, that recommendation comes with a significant caveat: the build quality. The recurring user reports of the plastic swivel joint breaking are a serious concern that cannot be overlooked. While the headphones are comfortable and lightweight, the trade-off appears to be long-term durability. If you are exceptionally careful with your electronics, this may not be an issue. But for those who are constantly on the go, tossing their headphones in a bag, the risk is real. For the bass-loving music fan who is willing to handle them with care, the Sony ULT WEAR offers an audio experience that is simply sensational. If you’re ready for bass that you can feel, we highly recommend you check the latest price and user reviews for the Sony ULT WEAR today.