Sony, renowned for producing high-end headphones, also offers a variety of options across different price ranges. Among their selections, the WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones are highlighted as a top choice, typically priced at $400. However, for those seeking a more affordable alternative, the mid-range ULT Wear headphones are a viable option, especially now as they are available at a discounted price. These headphones have been reduced to $148 from their regular price of $200, marking the lowest price recorded for this model.
The ULT Wear headphones are the first to utilize Sony’s new ULT Power Sound technology, an evolution of their Extra Bass line, promising substantial bass impact. Sony has reportedly improved the implementation of its bass enhancement technology in these headphones compared to previous iterations. In a review, the ULT Wear headphones received a score of 78, praised for their comfortable design, strong audio quality, and enhanced active noise cancellation features.
However, some found the ULT boost feature potentially overwhelming, with the ULT 2 setting—which increases bass and overall audio power—not sounding as favorable due to its excessive low-end emphasis. This could result in muddiness in the sound, particularly noticeable in genres like metal and synth-heavy electronica.
While the ULT Wear headphones do not encompass all the features of Sony’s higher-end models, they include several useful functions. These include Quick Attention mode, which lowers volume when an open hand is placed over the right ear cup, and the Adaptive Sound Control tool that adjusts settings based on user activity or location. Additional features include 360 Reality Audio with head tracking and a battery life of 30 hours.
