Sony ULT Wear vs Sony WH-CH720N
The Verdict
Both Sony over-ear headphones deliver solid ANC performance and multipoint connectivity, but they serve different priorities. ULT Wear excels with premium features including LDAC hi-res audio, 360 Reality Audio, and a dedicated ULT button offering customizable bass boost across two levels. Its 40mm drivers provide richer audio presentation, though the heavier 255g frame may fatigue during extended wear. WH-CH720N prioritizes comfort and practicality with a lighter 192g design, matching the ULT Wear's 35-hour ANC battery life while adding impressive quick charge capability (3 minutes equals 1 hour playback). Its 30mm drivers handle standard audio adequately through DSEE upscaling. Spending $50 more on ULT Wear rewards audiophiles seeking hi-res capabilities and enhanced bass customization. For casual listeners valuing lighter weight and convenience, WH-CH720N delivers outstanding value without sacrificing core ANC and connectivity features. Choose ULT Wear if sound quality justifies the premium; otherwise, WH-CH720N represents smarter value.
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-CH720N if…
- →Exceptional 35-hour battery life with ANC is class-leading
- →Ultra-lightweight at 192 g for comfortable all-day wear
- →LDAC codec support for high-resolution wireless audio
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-CH720N
Pros
- Exceptional 35-hour battery life with ANC is class-leading
- Ultra-lightweight at 192 g for comfortable all-day wear
- LDAC codec support for high-resolution wireless audio
- Multipoint Bluetooth for seamless dual-device switching
- Solid noise cancellation at a very competitive $149 price
Cons
- ANC is noticeably weaker than premium XM5 headphones
- 30mm drivers produce smaller, less dynamic soundstage
- Plastic build feels cheap compared to premium Sony models
- No water resistance for gym or outdoor use
- Ear cushions are thinner and less comfortable than XM5
Full Specifications
| Spec | Sony ULT Wear | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 255 g | 192 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs | USB-C |
| Drivers | 40 mm | 30mm |
| 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 | Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat automatic pause, DSEE upscaling for compressed audio, Multipoint Bluetooth, Sony Headphones Connect app with EQ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 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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