Sennheiser HD 560S vs Sony ULT Wear

The Verdict

Sennheiser HD 560S and Sony ULT Wear represent fundamentally different headphone philosophies at the same $199 price point. The Sennheiser is a wired, open-back reference monitor designed for critical listening with a 120-ohm impedance that demands a quality source and excellent amplification. Its wide frequency response (6 Hz to 38 kHz) and velour comfort make it ideal for studio work, mixing, or analytical listening at home. Sony's ULT Wear flips the script entirely: it's a wireless, closed-back lifestyle headphone with 30-hour battery life (50 hours with ANC off), LDAC hi-res codec support, and Sony's signature bass-boost features through the ULT button. The Sony includes adaptive noise cancellation, multipoint pairing for two devices simultaneously, and quick-charge functionality (10 minutes for 5 hours). Weight difference is minimal at 15 grams. Choose the Sennheiser if you're serious about sound quality and have access to good amplification, spending most time stationary. Pick the Sony if you need wireless freedom, travel frequently, want extended battery life, and appreciate bass-forward tuning with active noise control. These aren't direct competitors but rather serve different user priorities.