Sony ULT Wear vs Sony WH-1000XM4
The Verdict
Both Sony over-ears deliver premium features at different price points. ULT Wear excels with exceptional 50-hour battery life (ANC off), larger 40mm drivers, and the unique ULT button for customizable bass boost across two levels,ideal for bass enthusiasts. WH-1000XM4 counters with industry-leading ANC powered by Dual Noise Sensor technology, superior codec support (aptX HD/aptX), and proven DSEE Extreme audio upscaling that elevates compressed audio quality. Sound signatures differ noticeably: ULT Wear emphasizes bass impact and clarity, while XM4 prioritizes refined noise isolation and balanced reproduction. Battery performance is comparable at 30 hours with ANC enabled, though ULT Wear's 50-hour ANC-off mode provides unmatched endurance. Comfort is nearly identical at ~255g each. For bass-focused listeners seeking maximum runtime on a tighter budget, ULT Wear delivers strong value. However, if premium ANC and codec versatility matter most, XM4's proven track record justifies the $150 premium. Choose ULT Wear for bass and battery longevity; pick XM4 for ANC supremacy.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 if…
- →Class-leading active noise cancellation that blocks almost all ambient sound
- →LDAC support delivers hi-res wireless audio quality
- →Exceptional 30-hour battery life with fast charging
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Sony WH-1000XM4
Pros
- Class-leading active noise cancellation that blocks almost all ambient sound
- LDAC support delivers hi-res wireless audio quality
- Exceptional 30-hour battery life with fast charging
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
- Comfortable over-ear fit with plush earcups for long sessions
Cons
- Plastic build feels less premium than rivals at the same price
- Touch controls can be accidentally triggered
- No IP rating — avoid using in rain or at the gym
- Microphone quality is average for calls
Full Specifications
| Spec | Sony ULT Wear | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 255 g | 254 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) | 30 hrs (ANC on) |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs playback |
| Drivers | 40 mm | 30 mm |
| Features | 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 | Industry-leading ANC with Dual Noise Sensor technology, LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, Adaptive Sound Control, DSEE Extreme upscaling, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Wearing detection |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| 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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