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1 / 11@nimble_birch_87 · Photo-verified
Owned 6–12 months · Still using it: no, stopped · Posted
The hinge design is severely flawed, and many other reviews online corroborate this. Not enough people, particularly reviewers discuss this point of failure.
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Sony ULT WEAR series headphones
At 8.4, its noise cancelling beats 61% of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 61 of the 238 we've cataloged.
At 4, its audio quality beats 41% of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 44 of the 238 we've cataloged.
Would not buy it again; has stopped using it.
Owned 6–12 months.
What gave out: Headband / hinge (1)
below average for over-ear headphones — based on 156 of 238 we've cataloged.
Based on 135 of 238 over-ear headphones we've cataloged.
5.2 appears on 16% of the 147 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 238).
Bluetooth appears on 44% of the 239 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 238).
Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Measured frequency response (dB relative) against the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. When the measurement goes above the dashed line, that frequency is louder than our preference curve, and when it goes below: it's quieter. Use the curve for comparison purposes only, as your taste may vary.
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | 9.7 |
| 25 | 9.4 |
| 32 | 8.6 |
| 40 | 7.4 |
| 50 | 6.0 |
| 63 | 3.9 |
| 80 | 3.5 |
| 100 | 5.7 |
| 125 | 5.4 |
| 160 | 2.2 |
| 200 | 0.6 |
| 250 | -1.2 |
| 315 | -2.0 |
| 400 | -1.1 |
| 500 | 0.8 |
| 630 | 1.5 |
| 800 | 0.4 |
| 1000 | -0.0 |
| 1250 | -0.1 |
| 1600 | -1.6 |
| 2000 | -2.6 |
| 2500 | -4.0 |
| 3150 | 1.0 |
| 4000 | 3.2 |
| 5000 | 7.1 |
| 6300 | 7.0 |
| 8000 | 5.1 |
| 10000 | -2.8 |
| 12500 | -2.6 |
| 16000 | -15.6 |
| 20000 | -34.4 |
Passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | 4.5 |
| 26 | -0.5 |
| 33 | 1.2 |
| 41 | 1.4 |
| 52 | 0.7 |
| 65 | 1.8 |
| 82 | -0.4 |
| 103 | -1.8 |
| 130 | 2.5 |
| 163 | 4.1 |
| 205 | 7.8 |
| 259 | 12.0 |
| 325 | 14.2 |
| 410 | 16.6 |
| 516 | 21.7 |
| 613 | 21.9 |
| 772 | 24.3 |
| 972 | 24.0 |
| 1220 | 25.6 |
| 1540 | 24.9 |
| 1940 | 27.9 |
| 2440 | 30.2 |
| 3070 | 35.0 |
| 3870 | 33.3 |
| 4870 | 33.0 |
| 6130 | 48.7 |
| 7720 | 47.6 |
| 9720 | 43.6 |
| 12200 | 44.1 |
| 15400 | 42.1 |
| 19400 | 43.8 |
Total attenuation (dB) with ANC on — passive isolation plus active noise cancelling. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Total attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | 9.6 |
| 26 | 11.9 |
| 33 | 14.3 |
| 41 | 15.7 |
| 52 | 17.9 |
| 65 | 20.2 |
| 82 | 26.9 |
| 103 | 24.4 |
| 130 | 24.0 |
| 163 | 25.2 |
| 205 | 23.7 |
| 259 | 23.4 |
| 325 | 23.7 |
| 410 | 25.7 |
| 516 | 24.3 |
| 613 | 24.1 |
| 772 | 24.4 |
| 972 | 26.0 |
| 1220 | 23.6 |
| 1540 | 24.5 |
| 1940 | 26.0 |
| 2440 | 26.1 |
| 3070 | 27.2 |
| 3870 | 35.4 |
| 4870 | 30.9 |
| 6130 | 37.4 |
| 7720 | 31.5 |
| 9720 | 37.9 |
| 12200 | 41.5 |
| 15400 | 39.7 |
| 19400 | 43.3 |
Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (1–5), modeled from the measured response. Higher is better across timbre, distortion, and immersiveness — add other models to see where this one lands.
The verdict
Though Sony is well-known for making fan-favorite headphones, the Sony ULT WEAR goes too far with its bass. It's possible this will change in an update, but at launch the sound quality isn't where it needs to be.
✓Liked: Comfort, 360 Reality Audio, ANC, Touch controls
✕Could be better: Frequency response is either very bassy, unnecessarily bassy, or ridiculously bassy, No audio over USB
What a reader who owns the Sony ULT WEAR reports after living with it. Owner-reported, checked before publishing; ordered photo-verified first, then newest.
Owner notes are not paid for, not solicited from specific owners, and not edited by us. The commission SoundGuys may earn on this page comes from retail links, never from notes.
1 owner note
Every author writes under a generated pseudonym. A signed-in author’s email is never shown. Read more · A moderator saw a photo of this reader’s unit and it matched the product. Proof of possession, not purchase — and the photo was deleted after the check. Read more · Owned 6–12 months · Still using it: no, stopped · Posted
Would not buy againThe hinge design is severely flawed, and many other reviews online corroborate this. Not enough people, particularly reviewers discuss this point of failure.
Video reviews and comparisons for this product.
Comparison0:59Sony ULT WEAR vs Sony WH-1000XM5: To bass or not to bass? #SonyULTWEAR #SonyWH1000XM5 #ShortsSoundGuys
Comparison8:33Sony WH-1000XM6 vs. Sony ULT WEAR - Which Sony headphones should you buy?SoundGuys
Comparison5:05Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. ULT WEAR: Which Should You Buy? | Lab Tests & MoreSoundGuysCommentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
Adam BirneyManaging EditorI didn’t love the Sony 1000X The Collexion until I tried this settingSometimes the best upgrade is already hiding in the app.
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterClip-on earbuds fixed my biggest issue with open-earsClip-on earbuds offer a secure fit, better sound, and zero pressure.
Brady SnyderContributorI ditched my AirPods Pro 3 for Sony's WF-1000XM6 and only lasted a weekI thought the more expensive earbuds would win. I was wrong.Dave CarrVideo Producer/Writer3 headphones I would buy instead of the AirPods Max 2These premium headphones deliver class-leading ANC, longer battery life, and more flexibility for less money.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterSony somehow made the name of its new headphones even worseNobody knows what it means, but it's provocative.Adam BirneyManaging EditorI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help you
Christian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-large
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Comfort over long sessions — as expected
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner · 1 photo-verified
Comfort over long sessions — worse than expected
