JBL Tune 770NC vs Sony ULT Wear
The Verdict
JBL Tune 770NC delivers exceptional value with industry-leading 44-hour ANC battery life and quick 5-minute charging for 3 hours of playback. Sony ULT Wear counters with premium features like LDAC hi-res audio, 360 Reality Audio, and a dedicated ULT bass button for two customizable boost levels, though battery life drops to 30 hours with ANC enabled. Sound signature differs meaningfully: JBL emphasizes Pure Bass across the board, while Sony targets audiophiles with lossless codec support. Both offer multipoint pairing and adaptive noise cancellation, but JBL's weight advantage (226g vs 255g) and substantially longer battery endurance make it ideal for travel and daily commuting. Sony justifies its $100 premium through hi-res audio capability and more advanced sound customization via the ULT button. For casual listeners prioritizing battery life and comfort, JBL wins decisively. For audio enthusiasts seeking studio-quality sound, Sony's investment pays dividends.
Who Should Buy
Buy the JBL Tune 770NC if…
- →70-hour battery without ANC is staggering for a $99 headphone
- →ANC at $99 makes this the cheapest decent noise-cancelling option
- →Multipoint Bluetooth included — rare at this price
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 Tune 770NC
Pros
- 70-hour battery without ANC is staggering for a $99 headphone
- ANC at $99 makes this the cheapest decent noise-cancelling option
- Multipoint Bluetooth included — rare at this price
- Lightweight at 226 g — comfortable for extended sessions
- JBL Pure Bass profile is fun and engaging
Cons
- ANC is basic — blocks low rumble but misses mid and high frequencies
- No LDAC or aptX — limited to AAC and SBC
- Plasticky build matches the budget price
- Sound quality is acceptable but not detailed or refined
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 Tune 770NC | Sony ULT Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 226 g | 255 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 44 hrs (ANC on), 70 hrs (ANC off) | 30 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, 5-min quick charge for 3 hrs | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs |
| Drivers | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Features | Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Ambient Aware mode, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Smart Ambient with TalkThru, JBL Headphones app with EQ | 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 | 5.3 | 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.
Explore more in headphones, see all JBL products or all Sony products. View full details for the JBL Tune 770NC or the Sony ULT Wear.