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1 / 11Sony
Sony ULT WEAR
Sony ULT WEAR series headphones
noise cancelling & sound
8.4/ 10
ANCNoise cancelling8.4
0.010.0
At 8.4, its noise cancelling beats 62% of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 58 of the 239 we've cataloged.
4/ 5
SoundMDAQS Overall4
1.05.0
At 4, its audio quality beats 42% of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 43 of the 239 we've cataloged.
See the lab data ↓Frequency response · Isolation · Noise cancelling · Audio quality
Key specs
Battery Life Wireless
32 hBelow average32 h
11 h100 h
below average for over-ear headphones — based on 156 of 239 we've cataloged.
Charging Method
Usb-c88%Micro usb9%Others3%
Based on 138 of 239 over-ear headphones we've cataloged.
Bluetooth Version
5.25.029%5.326%5.216%5.411%
5.2 appears on 16% of the 147 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 239).
Connection Type
BluetoothWired-3.5mm48%Bluetooth44%Wired-usb-c7%Others2%
Bluetooth appears on 44% of the 239 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 239).
Battery
- Battery Life Wireless
- 32 h
- Charging Method
- USB-C, 3.5mm cable included
- Full Charge Minutes
- 210 min
- Battery Life Anc On
- 30 h
- Battery
- Yes
- Fast Charging
- Yes
Connectivity
- Bluetooth Version
- 5.2
- Connection Type
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth Codec
- SBC, AAC, LDAC
- Multipoint Devices
- Yes - multiple devices
- Headphone Jack
- No
- USB Charging
- Yes
Design
- Weight
- 255 g
- Color Options
- Black, white, gray
- Ear Pad Depth
- 40 mm
- Ear Pad Type
- Faux leather
- Foldable
- Yes
- Headband Type
- Adjustable over-head
Features
- Spatial Audio
- Yes
- Companion App
- Yes
- Control Type
- Touch controls and physical buttons
- Eq Customization
- Yes
- Auto Pause
- Yes
- Voice Assistant Support
- Alexa, Google Assistant
Build
- IP Rating
- None
- Material Chassis Primary
- Matte plastic ear cups with padding
- Sweat Resistance
- No
- Water Resistance
- No
- Material Ear Cups
- Memory foam, PU leather
Microphone
- Count
- 2
- Microphone
- Yes
- Wind Noise Reduction
- Yes
- Noise Reduction Type
- Passive noise isolation
- Type
- Beamforming mic array
Sound
- Acoustic Design
- Closed-back
- Ambient Mode
- Yes - adjustable level
- Anc Modes
- Off,anc,transparency
- Driver Size
- 40 mm
- Driver Type
- Dynamic driver
- Impedance
- 314 Ω
- Noise Cancellation Type
- Active
- Passive Isolation
- 25 dB
Identity
- Model Number
- ULT WEAR
Release
- Date
- April 11, 2024
- Msrp Usd
- 199 USD
- Year
- 2024
Lab data
How we test ›Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Sony ULT WEARSoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve
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 |
Sony ULT WEAR
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 |
Sony ULT WEAR
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 |
Sony ULT WEAR
4.0
3.7
4.8
4.0
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.
SoundGuys review
Read the full review ›Noise cancelling8.4
Isolation7.6
Battery life9.9
Comfort & fit9.0
Connectivity9.5
Design8.0
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.
✓What we like
✓Comfort
✓360 Reality Audio
✓ANC
✓Touch controls
✕What could be better
✕Frequency response is either very bassy, unnecessarily bassy, or ridiculously bassy.
✕No audio over USB
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 & MoreSoundGuysFeatures & Opinions
More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
I 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 EditorWired headphones are making a comeback: Here's whyIt's about time wired earbuds and headphones had their redemption moment.
Lil KatzContributorI'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
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 EditorWired headphones are making a comeback: Here's whyIt's about time wired earbuds and headphones had their redemption moment.Lil KatzContributorI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help youChristian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeMore Over-Ear Headphones
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