JBL Live 660NC vs Sony ULT Wear
The Verdict
Both headphones deliver solid performance at different price points with distinct strengths. JBL Live 660NC excels in battery endurance, offering 40 hours with ANC enabled versus Sony ULT Wear's 30 hours,a meaningful 33% advantage for frequent travelers. Sony counters with superior audio technology, featuring LDAC hi-res codec support and the ULT button for customizable bass boost across two levels, plus Bluetooth 5.2 for more stable connectivity. Sound signature differs notably: JBL emphasizes signature warmth with straightforward ANC, while Sony prioritizes premium audio detail with 360 Reality Audio and Speak-to-Chat convenience. Quick charging favors Sony slightly (5 hours vs 4 hours in 10 minutes). At $149, JBL represents exceptional value for endurance-focused users; Sony's $199 price tag justifies itself through audio fidelity and innovative features for audiophiles. Choose JBL for marathon battery life and budget consciousness, Sony for audio quality and advanced features.
Who Should Buy
Buy the JBL Live 660NC if…
- →40-hour battery with ANC is exceptional at $149
- →JBL's signature fun sound profile is engaging for pop and rock
- →Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
Buy the Sony ULT Wear if…
- →ULT bass button adds two levels of genuinely impactful bass boost
- →50-hour battery without ANC is industry-leading endurance
- →LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint at just $199 is outstanding value
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
JBL Live 660NC
Pros
- 40-hour battery with ANC is exceptional at $149
- JBL's signature fun sound profile is engaging for pop and rock
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
- Built-in voice assistant support for hands-free control
- Comfortable lightweight fit for extended wear
Cons
- ANC is decent but noticeably behind Sony and Bose
- No LDAC or aptX codecs — limited to AAC
- Bluetooth 5.0 is a generation behind newer models
- Plastic build doesn't feel premium
Sony ULT Wear
Pros
- ULT bass button adds two levels of genuinely impactful bass boost
- 50-hour battery without ANC is industry-leading endurance
- LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint at just $199 is outstanding value
- Effective ANC that rivals headphones at twice the price
- Sony's proven comfort and lightweight design
Cons
- ULT bass mode can overwhelm mids and treble at max setting
- No IP rating — not suitable for gym or outdoor use
- Bluetooth 5.2 instead of newer 5.3
- Plastic build feels less premium than XM5
Full Specifications
| Spec | JBL Live 660NC | Sony ULT Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 255 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 40 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) | 30 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 4 hrs | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs |
| Drivers | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Features | Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes, JBL Signature Sound, Multipoint Bluetooth connection, Google Assistant and Alexa built-in, Speed Charge support | ULT button for extra bass — two bass boost levels, Adaptive Sound Control, LDAC hi-res audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, 360 Reality Audio |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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