Sony is a company that needs no further introduction. I’ve been a fan of Sony since they invented the Walkman in the 80s (feel free to google it if you are not familiar). Plus, I have a Bravia TV and I have every single PlayStation iteration from 1 to 5 (with the VR). So, I’ve been in a long relationship with this brand.
They ain’t the new kids on the block like other companies in the audio space and Sony is synonymous with quality products that last a long time.
Enough about the past, fast forward to mid-2024, Sony just released their latest ULT POWER SOUND series and I was lucky enough to be invited to the product launch here in Melbourne.
As of today, the Sony ULT POWER SOUND series carries four products:
- ULT WEAR (Headphones) – The ULT WEAR is designed for powerful bass and features Sony’s 360 Reality Audio for an immersive listening experience. This is what we’re going to talk about in more detail.
- ULT FIELD 1 (Bluetooth speaker) – The ULT Field 1 is a compact and portable speaker with a multi-way strap for convenience. It is water, dust, rust, and shockproof, allowing users to take it anywhere. The speaker offers dynamic sound and boasts a battery life of up to 12 hours.
- ULT FIELD 7 (Bluetooth speaker) – The ULT Field 7 is a portable speaker built for durability and long battery life. It is water, dust, and rust resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use. The speaker features a microphone port for karaoke and can double as a guitar amp. It also includes carry handles for easy transport.
- ULT TOWER 10 (Party speaker) – The ULT Tower 10 is a party speaker with features that aim to create a festival atmosphere at home. It boasts powerful bass, 360-degree sound, and lighting effects. The speaker also comes with a wireless microphone for karaoke and can function as a TV sound booster or guitar amplifier. For large gatherings, it can connect with up to 100 compatible speakers via Party Connect.
According to Andrew Hughes (Sony product manager), the Sony ULT WEAR sits below the WH-1000XM4 and above the WH-CH720N. I know what you’re thinking. What’s with the lengthy model names, right? When I first saw the new naming convention, the first thing that came to my mind was: “IT IS ABOUT TIME!”. I believe that there is a correlation between a product name and its success (just look at how Apple names its products). And I have a hunch that their latest ULT POWER SOUND series will do very well.
Sony was kind enough to supply me the ULT WEAR review unit to try and review. So, let’s find out if the Sony ULT WEAR is any good.
Packaging Contents
Who are they for?
The Sony ULT WEAR headphones are for people who commute and want good ANC without breaking the bank. If you appreciate bass and have a slightly larger head, these might be a great fit. Just ensure you wear them correctly to avoid any sliding around.
Design and Comfort
The Sony ULT WEAR headphones come in three colours: Off-white, Forest Gray and Black. In the box, you get a connection cable, reference guide, USB cable and a warranty card. The weight is approximately 255 grams.
The Sony ULT WEAR’s design is pretty minimalist with matte plastic ear cups just like the Sony WH-1000XM4. The 40mm wide ear pads provide ample room for any ear shape to ensure it’s comfortable during long hours of listening. But the faux leather padding can get warm during workouts like I encountered when I wore these on a 45-minute treadmill. It can get a bit sweaty. However, they’re perfectly fine for occasional sweat. I didn’t feel too much discomfort for my needs.
In terms of controls, you can use the touch sensor to control various operations. Such as tapping twice quickly to play or pause, or swiping up/down to increase/decrease volume.
Sound Quality
Now, let’s talk about the sound. This is why you read this review, right? The Sony ULT WEAR didn’t disappoint at all. The sound is fantastic. The bass is perfect for my taste as I didn’t even change anything in the equaliser through the Sony app. To me, the factory settings are just right. They are great for both music and podcast listening. Please note you can just press the ULT button for a more powerful sound. Alternatively, you can fine-tune the equaliser via the Sony Headphones Connect app.
The noise-cancelling is superb as they have two noise sensors with Integrated Processor V1. I wore these when using my leaf blower and I could barely hear the noise. Kudos to Sony!
Plus, these headphones can automatically pause when you take them off. That’s nifty.
Features
- 360 Reality Audio: Immerse yourself in a spatial audio experience.
- Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Effective noise isolation for a distraction-free environment.
- Touch Controls: Conveniently manage playback and calls.
- Fine-tune your sound: via the Sony Headphones Connect app.
- Up to 30 hours of battery life.
- Bluetooth v5.2 and LDAC.
Sony ULT WEAR Headphones Review Conclusion 
The Sony ULT POWER SOUND series introduces the ULT WEAR headphones, designed for commuters and music enthusiasts seeking immersive sound and effective noise cancellation. Equipped with Sony’s 360 Reality Audio technology and active noise cancellation powered by two noise sensors and the Integrated Processor V1, these headphones deliver spatial audio that envelops you in every beat while eliminating distractions for an immersive listening experience. The minimalist design features matte plastic ear cups in three colours—Off-white, Forest Gray, and Black—paired with 40mm wide ear pads for long-lasting comfort, while touch controls offer convenient playback and call management with a simple tap or swipe.
The Sony ULT WEAR headphones excel in sound quality, with punchy bass and balanced audio that enhances both music and podcast listening. The factory settings provide an optimal audio experience, and the Sony Headphones Connect app allows for customisable equaliser settings to suit individual preferences. With up to 30 hours of battery life, Bluetooth v5.2 connectivity, and LDAC support, these headphones are ideal for on-the-go use, ensuring that you can enjoy your favourite music and podcasts wherever you are with the immersive sound and all-day comfort that Sony is renowned for.
You can buy them at your local retail store or Sony website for A$299 today.
Disclosure: Sony ULT WEAR review sample was supplied for reviewing
