Sony ULT Wear Headphones Review: Sound Full of Bass Complimented by Stylish Design

Sony has recently introduced the latest ULT Series of audio devices in the Indian market, which includes the ULT Wear Headphones. These headphones are specifically targeted towards music enthusiasts who crave a bass-heavy listening experience. Along with the wireless Bluetooth headphones, Sony also unveiled Bluetooth speakers and a party speaker, all of which fall under the ULT branding.

The Sony ULT Wear Headphones boast an impressive array of features such as 50-hour battery life, Noise Cancellation technology, fast charging capabilities, and lightweight and stylish design, among others. However, the real question remains – can these headphones stand out in a fiercely competitive market dominated by brands like JBL, Bose, and others? Let’s find out.

Sony ULT Wear Headphones Review

Smartprix Score 4/5

Pros

• Lightweight build
• Good sound quality
• Good ANC
• Seamless connectivity

Cons

• Takes 3.5 hours to charge completely
• The app requires log-in to access all features

Sony ULT Wear Headphones Review: Design and Fit

Design and comfort are two crucial factors to consider when choosing headphones. The Sony ULT Wearheadphone focuses on simplicity rather than flashy aesthetics. Made with a minimalistic and sleek design, the body of the headphone is constructed using lightweight plastic material. Thanks to the thermos-foaming technology, the headphone’s cushions are smooth and soft, ensuring a comfortable fit without any wrinkles when worn over the ears.

I received the off-white variant of the Sony ULT Wear headphones for review. The headphones feature Sony branding on both sides and a ULT button on the left cup. The left cup also houses the power button, noise canceling button, USB port for charging, and a headphone jack for wired connectivity. On the right cup, there are touch controls that allow you to change tracks, play/pause, and access other functionalities.

Weighing only 255 grams, these headphones provide long-lasting comfort. The headphone band, which has a width of 40 mm, can be adjusted to fit different head sizes. A snug fit is important to prevent the band from sliding down to the neck, which can be quite bothersome. Make sure to adjust them according to your head size to avoid any inconvenience.

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When not in use, the headphones can be conveniently folded and stored inside the flat case provided by Sony. The case also includes a USB cable and a 1.3m long 3.5mm headphone jack cable. However, please note that there is no adapter included, so if you plan to travel with the headphones, make sure to pack your own.

Sony ULT Wear Headphones Review: Connectivity, Control & Features

The Sony ULT Wear Headphones come with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Connecting the headphones to your smartphone or other devices is a breeze. Simply turn on Bluetooth on your phone, turn on the headphones using the power button located on the left cup, and hold it for a few seconds to enter pairing mode. A notification will appear on your device, and tapping on it will establish the connection with your smartphone.

Additionally, the headphones are compatible with the Sony Headphones App, which offers a range of features such as multipoint connectivity, equalizer settings, bass adjustments, and touch playback controls.

The buttons on the left cup allow you to control various functions – the ULT button can switch between different bass levels (0 to 2). In contrast, the power button is used for pairing. The touch controls on the right earcup are responsive and function smoothly.

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Moreover, placing your palm over the right earcup activates the transparency mode, which is useful when you need to be aware of your surroundings while listening to music.

This feature eliminates the need to pause the track manually when someone approaches you. Simply cover the right cup with your palm, and the transparency mode will be activated. When you remove your palm, the mode is automatically turned off.

LDAC codec support is available, in addition to Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine, which enhances audio files to their original, uncompressed quality. Moving on to the application, it offers the ability to personalize and customize your listening experience.

The Sony Headphones Connect App is categorized into three sections: Headphones, Activity, and Menu. Users can utilize features such as adaptive sound control, ambient sound control, 360-degree audio, Bluetooth connection quality, ANC, Spotify Tap, and more. The headphones also feature Voice assistant support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

The app provides information on the headphones’ charging level and includes a button to power them off directly from the app. However, registration is required to access advanced features, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, each feature requires permission, which may feel intrusive.

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Sony ULT Wear Headphones Review: Sound & ANC

In a word, the audio quality of Sony ULT Wear Headphones is impressive for those who love deep bass. Whether I played the latest dance numbers like “Soni Soni” from IVR or soothing melodies like “Sajni re” from Laapata Ladies, the sound was captivating and had its own unique character.

However, things become slightly more complex when playing tracks with heavy bass, such as “Let’s Nacho” from Kapoor and Sons or “Da Da Dasse” from Udta Punjab. While the overall audio quality feels good, the bass levels can sometimes become overwhelming. Those who love heavy bass will absolutely love it.

This aspect is subjective and depends on the listener’s preference, as some people enjoy a booming bass experience while others do not. The ULT button allows for adjusting the bass levels, but even at the lowest setting, it can still feel excessive at times. A more balanced bass experience would have been preferable.

The noise Cancellation feature of Sony ULT Wear headphones is quite impressive. The Noise Canceling mode can be activated either through the app or by using the NC button located on the left earcup. Once activated, it effectively reduces low-frequency sounds. For instance, while traveling on the metro, the surrounding sounds were significantly muted when noise cancellation was turned on.

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Even mid-range sounds like a dog barking were effectively canceled out. However, it struggles with high-range sounds. Sounds like a running motor, creaking doors, and ambulance sirens were still audible through the headphones. The Transparency mode and ambient sound mode ensure that you remain aware of your surroundings while listening to music, allowing you to stay alert.

Sony ULT Wear Headphones Review: Battery Life & Charging

The Sony ULT Wear headphones provide an impressive battery life of 32-34 hours when using Noise Cancellation. Even without ANC, the battery can last for more than 45 hours, eliminating the need to charge the headphones for days.

It takes approximately 3.5 hours to charge them from 0 to 100% fully, but a quick 3-minute charge will give you 90 minutes of playback time. The case includes a Type-C cable, but you will need to use your adapter.

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Review Verdict: Should you buy Sony ULT Wear Headphones?

The Sony ULT Wear Headphones offer a range of impressive features such as Noise Cancellation, Long battery life, Seamless Connectivity, and Good Sound Quality. Priced at around 25k, these headphones provide excellent sound and a sleek design that doesn’t feel heavy on the head.

However, it’s worth noting that there are some minor drawbacks, including a longer charging time, excessive bass, and less effective ANC against high-pitched sounds. If these aspects are fine for you, then the Sony ULT Wear Headphones are definitely worth considering. However, if you’re looking for a more premium option, you may want to explore other alternatives.