Important points of ZDNET
- Sony’s Ult Wear Headphones debut features new audio features and is perfect for anyone looking for daily headphones for $200.
- Fun sound, all-day comfort, premium software features and design elements distinguish these headphones from other headphones at the same price range.
- Access only high quality Bluetooth Codecs and spatial audio technology using compatible devices or music streaming platforms.
More Buying Options
What is the transaction?
Thanks to a new discount on Amazon, Sony Ult Wear headphones are $148 pair. This applies to both off-white and black colorways. This transaction is limited to a limited amount of time, so you need to act quickly.
It’s official – premium headphones are out and mid-range headphones are out. At least that’s my opinion. This is because many well-known consumer audio brands have strengthened their mid-range headphone catalogs with impressive products.
These days, $200 headphones can ring, feel and see just as much as a $400 pair. ultware headphones It will adapt that bill as one of the coolest midrange pairs on the market. The all-new headphones borrow the audio, design and noise cancellation features found in the company’s high-end flagship 1000X series headphones, but show off their more accessible prices.
Also: Best Headphones of 2025: Bose, Sony, Beat, etc.
When I think of Sony headphones, I imagine warm sounds, practical design and high level of functionality. Ult Wear has all these things and has fun features that other Sony models lack. These headphones could be the next best option if you’re considering purchasing an XM5 but can’t justify the price. So, what makes Ult Wear so impressive?
First, let’s make it clear in this review that this review covers Sony’s over-ear headphones in case a questionable, simple product name confuses you. You may have noticed that Sony has stopped name products after seemingly random strings and numbers. That alone should show that these headphones show a fresh and new vibe from Sony, and I like it.
Now, let’s talk about the sound. The Ult Wear’s 40mm driver conveys Sony’s standard warm, bass-oriented sound characteristics. In the upper area, the reproduction of high notes is bright and clear, even if the ears are not too strict. This ready-to-use sound makes bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and EDM exciting, keeping lead vocals and instruments center stage.
When I heard about Impala’s Tame Is that true?groovy baselines were present, heavy and full of energy. The lead singer’s vocals and the quirky midrange synth sound at the top were clear, clean and very enjoyable.
Also: These audio-technicai earphones exud the premium, but there is one thing that is insurmountable
Perhaps the most impressive element of Ult Wear Headphones’ audio is called Ult Power Sound, a new feature that Sony has implemented in a newly released line of audio products. When you press a button, the headphones automatically adjust the sound to provide deeper, richer bass. Sony says it is “designed to tremble.”
I love deep, intense, almost unpleasant bass, so this feature piqued my interest, but that’s because I’ve seen it before. I have to be fair. Skullcandy first did the whole “base you can feel” with the Skullcrusher ANC 2 headphones. But I admit – Sony has made it better.
Pressing the holographic alti button on the left ear cup will allow the music you are listening to receive considerable depth and provide a boomy bass that you can feel at the base of your ear. Sony’s Ult Power Sound is much easier than the Skullcandy crusher base, but still intense, requiring EQ adjustments to avoid significant midrange mud.
Plus, Ult Power Sound has Sony’s high-quality audio technology on the side, and despite the heavier base presence, harmonic layers and instantaneous details won’t get lost in the mix.
Sony has lent the high-performance V1 chip from its 1000x series headphones to ULT wear. Sony used this same chip with the more affordable WH-CH720N headphones, but ULT wear has significantly better noise cancellation properties.
Also: Why these wireless earbuds are the best choice from Apple and not AirPods Pro
The Sony HeadPhones app allows you to toggle between noise cancellation and transparency modes. Like the BoseQC45, the effectiveness of noise cancellation on ULT Wear is found to be comparable to noise cancelling headphones in the $300 range. However, activating noise cancellation or transparency mode will significantly change the sound quality. This phenomenon is typical for headphones in this price range, even for Sony.
ULT Wear comes with a premium design, blending the simple design of the XM5 headphones with the functional elements of the XM4 headphones. They have spacious, luxurious oval ear cups made of polyurethane leather, which is very comfortable. Those builds are primarily plastic, except for metal headband extenders. At this price range, a completely plastic build is typical, and in the end these headphones become extremely lightweight.
Also: One of the best earphones I’ve tested for outdoor listening is on sale
Tap and swipe controls with the earcup on the right. Volume and track skip are skipped. These headphones have wear detection and external ear cup microphones to reduce wind noise. The Sony also includes a 3.5mm cable, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and a carrying case covered in the sturdy cloth from purchase. $200 isn’t bad.
ZDNET purchase advice
Sony Ult Wear Headphones Perfect for commuters, frequent flyers, and those who enjoy good bass kicks. Sony headphones usually have bass sounds, so if other Sony headphones already have enough bass, you might have too much ULT wear.
If you want a great sound pair of Sony headphones without an extra bass, Sony WH-CH720N. If you’re looking for headphones with neutral sound and proper noise cancellation characteristics, Sennheiser Accentum Plus.