The new Sony headphones are a cheaper version of the holy grail XM5 – and is for the bass lovers
We already know that Sony is responsible for some of the best headphones out there – heck, I still maintain that the XM5 are the holy grails of headphones. But with a price tag of almost $500, it’s not exactly the most affordable pair on the market.
So it’s quite a nice surprise that they’ve rolled out the Sony ULT Wear noise-cancelling headphones designed for those who prioritise bass. The company has an extra bass (XB) series with decent offerings but the ULT Wear headphones is a separate product that is positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative to the popular XM5 headphones.
The ULT Wear vs. XM5: A Quick Comparison
XM5: Impressive noise-cancelling, good & balanced natural sound, comfortable fit, long battery life, intuitive controls
Sony XM5, From $488.64, Buy it now
ULT Wear: Good noise-cancelling, added bass features, long battery life
Sony ULT Wear headphones, $259, Buy it now
While the ULT Wear headphones may be positioned as a cheaper alternative to the XM5, they still offer impressive features and performance. Both models feature Sony's renowned noise-cancelling technology, allowing users to enjoy their music without distractions from the outside world. Additionally, both headphones boast long battery life and comfortable designs for extended listening sessions.
They are both beautiful design-wise – sleek and simple. The XM5 comes in black, silver and midnight blue while the ULT Wear is available in black, off-white and forest grey.
The XM5 headphones also offer excellent sound quality, focusing more on overall balance and clarity, making them a better choice for audiophiles looking for a more neutral sound profile.
Where the ULT Wear headphones shine is in their emphasis on bass. With these headphones, Sony has developed what it calls ‘Ult Power Sound’ which has two modes users can choose from – ULT1 delivers deep, low-frequency bass, and ULT2 provides powerful bass. So if the genres of music that you like are on the bass-heavy side, these headphones should be fun to check out for you.
Sony ULT Wear, $259, Buy it now
Overall, the ULT Wear headphones offer a compelling alternative to the XM5 for users who prioritise bass performance without sacrificing features or build quality. With their affordable price point and impressive sound signature, these headphones are sure to make waves in the audio market.
Sounds promising already? The best part is that these retail for $259 on Amazon, almost half the price of the XM5 headphones. And as part of a limited deal, customers can claim free speakers (worth $90) with every purchase of the ULT Wear headphones. For more details, read here.
Alternatives in the same price range:
If you prefer a more natural sound with quality noise cancellation, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus is the choice for you. Plus, it looks almost like the XM5 and also feels luxe.
Accentum Plus headphones, $330.50, Buy it now
Again, if you’re not going for that heavy bass sound, these Urbanista Los Angeles headphones are a decent option. It’s super cushy and provides a great fit, has both noise cancellation and ambient modes and if you’re all about going green, these headphones use vegan leather and has a cooler solar charging feature!
Los Angeles headphones, $274.15, Buy it now
For a budget pick, these headphones offer excellent sound and noise-cancelling features. If you’re not too picky about design and fit, these are a decent pick – and are on sale for a limited time.
LIVE 770 NC headphones, $151.96, Buy it now
