JBL Live 770NC vs Sony ULT Wear
Both $199 over-ear headphones deliver impressive value with 40mm drivers, multipoint Bluetooth, and USB-C charging. JBL Live 770NC excels in battery endurance, offering 65 hours with ANC off and 50 hours with it on—significantly outlasting Sony's 30 hours with ANC enabled. JBL also includes Spatial Sound and LE Audio with LC3 codec for modern connectivity. Sony ULT Wear counters with superior audio quality through LDAC hi-res codec support and the distinctive ULT button providing customizable bass boost at two levels. Sony's Speak-to-Chat feature intelligently pauses playback during conversations. Weight difference is negligible (255g vs 268g). For listeners prioritizing longevity and modern audio standards, JBL wins; for audiophiles wanting hi-res flexibility and bass customization, Sony impresses. JBL Live 770NC edges ahead due to dramatically superior battery life making it the more practical daily driver.
Full Specifications
| Spec | JBL Live 770NC | Sony ULT Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 268 g | 255 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 65 hrs (ANC off), 50 hrs (ANC on) | 30 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 4 hrs playback | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs |
| Drivers | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Features | Adaptive ANC with Smart Ambient, JBL Spatial Sound, Multipoint Bluetooth for two devices, Bluetooth LE Audio with LC3 codec, Voice assistant built-in (Alexa, Google, Siri), Foldable design for travel | 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 | LC3, AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
JBL Live 770NC
Pros
- Extraordinary 65-hour battery life (ANC off) leaves all rivals behind
- Bluetooth multipoint for two-device pairing at $199
- Bluetooth LE Audio and LC3 codec future-proofs the headphones
- Strong bass-forward JBL sound signature for casual listening
- Comfortable foldable design with good padding
Cons
- ANC is decent but not on par with Sony or Bose
- Bass-heavy tuning may not suit balanced or audiophile listeners
- No aptX HD or LDAC for hi-res wireless audio
- Build quality feels plasticky for the price
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
Related Comparisons
Explore more in headphones, see all JBL products or all Sony products. View full details for the JBL Live 770NC or the Sony ULT Wear.