Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. Sony ULT Wear: Which headphones are best for you?
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Shopping for the best Sony headphones has become difficult since the company started flooding store shelves with elite models across everything from noise canceling headphones to true wireless earbuds.
But if we’re talking over-ear headphones, then the decision ultimately comes down to the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Sony ULT Wear.
One is a high-end market favorite that delivers flawless performance across the board. The other is a recent launch possessing many flagship features and proprietary sound technologies for half the price.
After weeks of testing, we thoroughly examined these two heavy hitters to determine which is better for you. The winner? Keep scrolling to find out.
Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. Sony ULT Wear at a glance
Sony WH-1000XM5
Class-leading functionality combined with excellent ANC and sound place the Mark 5 headphones among the best noise-canceling headphones ever created.
Sony Ult Wear
What happens when you blend the Extra Bass series’ monstrous bass with the Mark series’ refined sound augmentation? You get the delightful (and relatively affordable) ULT Wear.
The ULT Wear have great sound quality, but the XM5’s performance is superior
The ULT Wear are powered by Sony’s V1 chipset and have a specially designed driver unit for deep bass delivery. Pressing the ULT button raises bass levels for emphatic sound. Those who prefer a flatter sound profile can enjoy a nice mix of lows, mids and highs right out of the box. Several major features are available via the Sony Headphones Connect app. 360 Reality Audio makes music and movies more immersive. DSEE upscales clarity and depth on poorly engineered tracks. LDAC operates at a high level for lossy audio streaming on compatible Android devices. Then there’s the adjustable EQ with multiple presets that complement different music genres, as well as the Find Your Equalizer function to automatically create a sound profile based on your hearing.
Still, nothing beats the WH-1000XM5’s top-tier specs for media consumption. Their sound signature is on point and provides full frequency range with crisper results. Mids and highs are given plenty of room to breathe over impactful lows. Sony’s entire feature suite is also accounted for: 360 Reality Audio and DSEE enliven music tracks; the EQ and presets offer better mid- and high range; and LDAC runs smoothly.
TL;DR: As fulfilling as the ULT Wear sound, they can’t compete with the WH-1000XM5’s dynamic and better-balanced audio presentation.
Only one pair lives up to Sony’s noise-canceling expectations
Active noise cancellation on the WH-1000XM5 eliminates external sounds across the frequency spectrum, thanks to a powerful mic array that also produces terrific call quality. Very rarely will you be distracted by indoor or outdoor fracas. However, Sony’s 20-level transparency mode is the real scene-stealer, increasing situational awareness better than most in-class rivals. You’ll hear everything from blaring noises several blocks away to conversations happening across the street. Quick Attention is another ambient sound mode that can lower volume to 10% as soon as you hold your hand over the right earcup. Intuitive features like Adaptive Sound Control make noise cancellation even more engaging; it automatically switches between ANC modes by using a variety of sensors (as well as your location) to figure out what you’re up to.
The ULT Wear are decent at noise cancellation. Their ANC technology is good enough to block out most low- and mid-frequency sounds. Adaptive Sound Control and Quick Attention are programmed into the headphones. Loud noises are unavoidable, and the mics don’t do the best job with voice capture, which weaken ambient listening and call quality.
TL;DR: The WH-1000XM5 put a muzzle on nearly 95% of ambient noise and demonstrate better voice calling, whereas the ULT Wear disappoint on both ends.
Long-lasting battery life
ANC playtime is the same on both pairs of headphones: 30 hours. Battery life differs in standard mode. While the WH-1000XM5 tap out at 40 hours, the ULT Wear achieve up to 50 hours when fully charged. The WH-1000XM5 have stronger quick charging: a 3-minute charge equals 3 hours of listening time (with optional USB-PD compatible AC adapter). By comparison, the ULT Wear can generate 5 hours of use on a 10-minute charge. Bear in mind that power-draining features such as DSEE, LDAC and spatial audio decrease battery life on all Sony headphones by about 4 hours.
TL;DR: You’ll get two weeks of moderate listening (3 hours daily) from either set of cans.
Two more bland-looking Sony models
Not since the second-gen WH-1000XM2 have we seen a Sony headphone embody the brand’s luxe design pedigree. These two sets of cans are no different. The WH-1000XM5 are a little more polished with chic details like angled yokes and contoured earcups that stand out from afar, but that’s about it. Their frame is mostly composed of plastic and feels flimsy. The ULT Wear are less attractive with a plain design built from similar materials. Eyesore components such as the large buttons and mic grilles do little to boost their appearance.
TL;DR: Don’t expect to turn heads wearing either headphone.
Bottom line
Going up against the best is no easy task, and the ULT Wear put up a great fight when factoring value into the equation. These are fantastic mid-range headphones that get you the Sony listening experience for $200 less than the price of the XM5. Longer battery life and a multi-faceted control scheme elevate them above many luxury options. The ULT Wear might have won this battle had ANC and call quality lived up to Sony standards.
That being said, the WH-1000XM5 remain the best Sony headphones overall. You’re getting remarkable noise cancellation, similar playtimes, stellar sound quality and several more features in a slightly better-looking package. They don’t come cheap at $400. Even so, their one-two punch of ANC and sound is worth every penny.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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