Sony ULT WEAR review: Bass-forward comfort for everyday listening

Sony’s ULT WEAR Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones sit within a crowded mid-range market where comfort, battery life, and effective noise cancellation matter just as much as raw sound quality. Positioned under Sony’s flagship WH-1000X series, the ULT WEAR focuses on a more energetic, bass-led sound signature aimed at listeners who prioritise impact and immersion in everyday use. It is a product clearly designed for commuting, travel, and long listening sessions rather than studio-style accuracy.

At a lower price point compared to the premium WH-1000X range, the ULT WEAR targets users who want many of Sony’s premium features without paying flagship prices. This includes active noise cancelling, support for high-quality Bluetooth codecs such as LDAC, and tight integration with Sony’s Sound Connect app. The headline feature, however, is the dedicated ULT button, which introduces two levels of bass enhancement designed to be felt as much as heard.

Sony’s recent audio strategy has increasingly leaned into lifestyle listening rather than reference tuning, and the ULT WEAR reflects this shift. It is not trying to compete directly with audiophile-focused headphones. Instead, it aims to deliver a fun, powerful sound paired with comfort and convenience across daily routines, from work calls to long-haul flights.

Designed for comfort, long wear, and daily commuting

The ULT WEAR adopts a clean, understated design that fits comfortably within Sony’s current headphone lineup. Available in Offwhite, Forest Gray, and Black, the headphones avoid flashy accents in favour of smooth surfaces and subtle branding. The result is a pair of headphones that looks appropriate in both casual and professional settings, without drawing unnecessary attention.

At approximately 255g, the ULT WEAR is not the lightest in its class, but the weight is well distributed. Sony’s use of thermo-foamed ear cushions helps reduce pressure points during extended listening. The clamping force feels balanced, providing a secure fit without becoming fatiguing over time, even during multi-hour sessions.

The ear cups fully enclose the ears and provide decent passive isolation before noise cancelling is even engaged. The closed-back dynamic design helps keep external sounds at bay and also limits sound bleed, though at higher volumes, some leakage is still audible to people nearby. This is worth noting in quieter environments such as offices or libraries.

Practicality is well considered. The ear cups swivel inward, allowing the headphones to fold neatly into the included carry case. While the case adds bulk to a bag, it offers solid protection and includes space for the detachable cable. For commuters and frequent travellers, the foldable design and sturdy case make the ULT WEAR easy to live with day to day.

A sound signature built around impact and energy

Sound is where the ULT WEAR clearly defines its personality. The 40mm dynamic drivers deliver a bass-forward tuning that prioritises depth and physical impact. Out of the box, the default sound profile is warm, with elevated low frequencies that add weight to electronic, hip-hop, and pop tracks.

The dedicated ULT button introduces two bass-enhanced modes. ULT1 emphasises deeper, low-frequency content, adding rumble without dramatically altering the rest of the mix. ULT2 goes further, boosting bass punch and presence to create a more club-like sound. In practice, ULT2 can be genuinely fun, but it can also overpower vocals and midrange detail in busy mixes.

Despite the emphasis on bass, Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine, or DSEE, plays an important role. By restoring high-frequency detail lost in compressed audio files, DSEE helps prevent the sound from becoming overly muddy. Streaming services using standard compression benefit most, with cymbals and vocal textures sounding slightly cleaner and more defined.

That said, listeners who value vocal clarity above all else may find the default tuning less ideal. In dense arrangements, voices can lose some intelligibility unless the bass is dialled back using the app’s equaliser. Fortunately, Sony’s Sound Connect app makes it easy to fine-tune the sound, allowing users to create a more balanced profile if desired.

Noise control and features that shape real-world use

Active noise cancelling is a strong point for the ULT WEAR. Using dual microphones on each ear cup and Sony’s Integrated Processor V1, the headphones do an excellent job of reducing low-frequency noise, such as engine rumble and traffic noise. On flights and trains, the reduction in background noise is immediately noticeable and contributes significantly to listening comfort.

Higher-frequency sounds, such as voices or sudden clatter, are also handled well, though not completely eliminated. This is typical for headphones in this category and price range. Wind Noise Reduction further improves outdoor use, minimising the disruptive whooshing sounds that can affect microphone clarity during calls or outdoor listening.

Ambient Sound mode offers a more natural alternative when awareness is needed. The ability to adjust ambient levels across 20 steps, or focus specifically on voices, makes the feature genuinely useful rather than a gimmick. Adaptive Sound Control adds another layer of automation by adjusting settings based on location and activity, although some users may prefer manual control for consistency.

Connectivity is reliable, with Bluetooth 5.2 providing a stable connection up to around 10 metres. Support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC ensures compatibility across devices, including Android phones that can take advantage of higher bitrate streaming. One limitation is that LDAC cannot be used simultaneously with Bluetooth multipoint, which may be inconvenient for users switching frequently between devices.

Battery life and everyday usability

Battery performance is one of the ULT WEAR’s strongest attributes. With noise-cancelling enabled, Sony rates the headphones for up to 30 hours of continuous playback. In real-world use, battery life consistently lands close to this figure, comfortably covering several days of commuting or a long-haul journey with layovers.

With noise-cancelling turned off, battery life extends to an impressive 50 hours. This flexibility allows users to conserve power when ANC is unnecessary. Quick charging further adds convenience, with a three-minute top-up delivering up to 90 minutes of playback, which is particularly useful when heading out in a hurry.

The physical controls are intuitive and well placed. The power, noise-cancellation, and ULT buttons are easy to distinguish by touch, reducing the need to look at the headphones while wearing them. Touch controls are notably absent, which may be seen as a positive for users who prefer tactile feedback over gesture-based input.

Call quality is solid, if not exceptional. The electret condenser microphones handle background noise well, keeping voices clear during calls even in busy environments. While they do not match the clarity of dedicated conferencing headsets, they are more than adequate for everyday work calls and casual conversations.

Personalising the ULT WEAR experience with Sony’s app

Sony’s Sound Connect app plays a central role in shaping how the ULT WEAR is used day to day. Rather than acting as a one-off setup tool, the app functions as an ongoing control hub for sound modes, noise-cancelling behaviour, and interaction shortcuts. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, with key functions surfaced clearly under sections such as Noise Cancelling, Sound Quality, Controls, and System settings.

Sound personalisation is where the app delivers the most value. Users can adjust the equaliser to rein in the heavy bass or push it further, depending on taste, and toggle DSEE to restore detail in compressed audio. The app also provides clear access to the ULT sound modes, making it easy to switch between standard tuning, ULT1, and ULT2 without relying solely on physical buttons. For listeners who want more balance, the app is essential for fine-tuning the default sound profile.

Adaptive Sound Control adds a layer of automation that feels genuinely useful rather than intrusive. The app detects activities such as sitting, walking, running, or travelling, and adjusts noise-cancelling or ambient sound levels accordingly. Over time, it can also learn frequently visited locations, such as offices or cafés, and automatically apply preferred sound settings. In practice, this works best when left to run in the background, quietly adjusting without constant user input.

Control customisation and voice features round out the experience. Button behaviour can be reassigned, including the noise-cancelling and ambient sound toggle, while touch gestures on the ear cups are clearly explained within the app. Voice assistant integration allows basic playback and system commands, although it remains optional rather than essential. Overall, the Sound Connect app significantly enhances the ULT WEAR, turning the headphones from a simple wireless accessory into a more adaptable and personalised listening tool.

The verdict: Sony ULT WEAR

The Sony ULT WEAR Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones deliver exactly what their name suggests. They prioritise powerful, bass-heavy sound wrapped in a comfortable, well-built design that suits everyday listening. For users who enjoy energetic music and want to feel the low end, the ULT modes add a sense of fun that many competitors lack.

Noise-cancelling performance is excellent for the price, making these headphones particularly well-suited to commuting and travel. Combined with long battery life, quick charging, and a practical foldable design, the ULT WEAR fits neatly into daily routines without demanding much compromise.

There are trade-offs to consider. The bass-forward tuning can obscure vocal clarity in complex tracks unless adjusted, and the inability to use LDAC alongside multipoint Bluetooth may frustrate more advanced users. These are not deal-breakers, but they do highlight that the ULT WEAR is designed with a specific audience in mind.

For listeners seeking comfort, strong noise cancelling, and a bold, engaging sound at a more accessible price point, the Sony ULT WEAR is a compelling option. It may not replace Sony’s flagship models, but it succeeds on its own terms as a lifestyle-focused pair of headphones that delivers impact where it matters most.