If you’ve been eyeing Sony’s wireless headphones lately, you’ve probably noticed there’s something for just about everyone. From the bass-obsessed to the audio purist, from the bargain hunter to the tech maximalist—it’s all here. But where things get tricky is in the middle. That’s where the Sony ULT Wear steps in: a newer, more balanced contender that promises not just punchy bass, but advanced features that start creeping into flagship territory. So, how does it stack up against the WH-CH720N, the XB910N, and the WH-1000XM5?
We’ve spent real time with each of these, juggling them between video calls, commutes, workouts, and lazy Sundays. And trust us: even though they share a logo, they don’t feel like they come from the same family. So let’s break it all down the way it matters—sound, comfort, call quality, features—and figure out which one really earns that spot on your head.
Talking to people: mics that matter (or don’t)
Start with something we all rely on more than we admit: microphone quality. In a quiet room? They’re all fine. We didn’t have any issues with clarity or muffled voices on Zoom or phone calls. The ULT Wear, WH-CH720N, and XB910N all sound clean enough indoors, and you’ll probably get through your meetings or quick calls without anyone noticing.
But go outside—and things change fast.
The WH-1000XM5 instantly pulls ahead. It handles wind, background noise, and busy cafés with impressive ease. Voices come through with less distortion and more focus, even when there’s a lawn mower five feet away. The others? Not bad, just not great. The ULT Wear holds up better than the CH720N and XB910N, but if you’re taking calls on the go, the XM5 is clearly built for that lifestyle.
Shut the world out: ANC face-off
Let’s be blunt: Sony’s noise cancellation varies wildly between models. If you care about shutting out the world, here’s your pecking order:
WH-1000XM5 at the top, no contest. Its ANC is smooth, wide-spectrum, and adapts in real time. Planes, subways, even office chatter—it disappears.
Then comes the surprise: ULT Wear. It’s way better than it should be at this price. It tackles voice and mid-frequency noise with surprising efficiency, and once music starts playing, the isolation kicks into gear. Not quite XM5-level, but not far off.
The WH-CH720N is decent, but leans light. It’ll hush the hum of an air conditioner, but conversations and higher frequencies sneak through. The XB910N feels like it’s still living in 2020—it cancels out low rumbles okay, but lets in too much of everything else.
If ANC is a top priority, the XM5 is king, but the ULT Wear comes frighteningly close for less money.
Transparency: hear the world—when you want to
This is where things get nuanced. Transparency modes are supposed to let in the outside world without pulling off your headphones, and only two models here do it well.
The WH-1000XM5 does it best. Ambient sound comes through naturally—voices don’t sound robotic, and you feel connected to your surroundings. It’s a gold standard for transparency.
Right behind it is the ULT Wear, which again surprises us. Speech is clear, ambient sounds are realistic, and there’s no jarring pressure sensation. It’s perfectly usable for crosswalks or casual conversations.
The CH720N and XB910N? Not great. They both have ambient modes, but voices sound muffled or distant. You’ll find yourself pulling them off instead.
If you move between silence and street noise a lot, stick with the Ultra or XM5.
Let’s talk sound: clean, bassy, or audiophile?
Okay, here’s where the fun starts. Sound is subjective, sure—but there are clear differences here.
ULT Wear is the chameleon. With three bass modes—ULT Off, ULT 1, and ULT 2—it lets you shape your vibe. ULT Off is surprisingly balanced, almost XM5-like, with clean mids and decent treble. Turn on ULT 1, and you get that satisfying sub-bass thump—deep but not messy. Flip to ULT 2, and it’s a club in your head. Massive low-end, but vocals and highs can get smothered unless you tweak the EQ.
The WH-1000XM5, meanwhile, stays classy. It’s not trying to make your head shake—it’s trying to reveal every instrument in the track. Mids are rich, treble is detailed, and the staging feels wide. If you listen to jazz, classical, acoustic, or just want balance, this is the one.
The XB910N is all-in on bass—but without control. Think boomy, occasionally muddy. If you’re into EDM or hip hop, it’s fun, but don’t expect separation or finesse.
The WH-CH720N is the most neutral of the budget bunch. Sound is clear but unexciting. It’s the audio equivalent of white sneakers—gets the job done, won’t turn heads.
Bottom line? ULT Wear gives you options. WH-1000XM5 gives you refinement.
Codecs and Bluetooth: who’s future-proof?
Let’s break this down:
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WH-1000XM5: Supports LDAC, LC3, SBC, AAC, and multipoint with no real trade-offs. It’s future-ready.
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ULT Wear: Also supports LDAC, but multipoint only works with AAC. Can’t have both high-res and dual-device pairing.
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XB910N: Has LDAC, but lacks modern head tracking or LC3 support.
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WH-CH720N: Basic. SBC and AAC only.
If audio quality and future-proofing matter, XM5 leads again. But ULT Wear is right behind—with just a little compromise.
Smart extras: from head tracking to speaking sensors
Sony loves its smart tricks, and only a few headphones get the full suite.
The WH-1000XM5 is loaded. Speak-to-chat, auto pause when you speak, location-based sound settings, quick attention mode—it’s borderline overkill.
ULT Wear gets the essentials. It includes head tracking, DSEE upscaling, spatial audio support, and basic app customization. Not as “smart,” but still very polished.
XB910N has some older features like basic DSEE, but feels dated. The CH720N is mostly feature-free. No frills, just function.
If you like smart automation, XM5 is the playground. But ULT Wear gives you most of what actually matters.
Build and comfort: the fit and finish
Let’s be honest: comfort can make or break a pair of headphones.
WH-1000XM5 feels like it disappears. Soft cushions, minimal clamping, and sleek materials—it’s built for long listening. The downside? It doesn’t fold inward. Only flat.
ULT Wear folds compactly, has generous padding, and suits bigger ears well. It’s not feather-light, but clamping pressure is moderate, and the materials feel durable.
The WH-CH720N is super light. But it doesn’t fold at all, and the ear cups feel basic. Comfort is fine, just not luxurious.
XB910N is the chunkiest. It folds like the ULT Wear but feels heavier and tighter. Long sessions can get tiring.
If portability matters, ULT Wear wins. If comfort rules? XM5 is your guy.
So… which one should you buy?
We hate saying “it depends,” but… it depends. So here’s how we’d break it down:
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Buy the WH-1000XM5 if you want the absolute best in sound, ANC, comfort, and smart features. It’s pricey—but it earns every cent.
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Buy the ULT Wear if you want bass flexibility, solid ANC, LDAC, and folding portability without breaking the bank. It’s easily the smartest buy for most users.
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Buy the XB910N only if you want big bass and don’t care much about refinement. It’s fun, but it’s aging.
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Buy the WH-CH720N if you need something lightweight, simple, and budget-friendly. Nothing fancy, just decent sound and basic ANC.
Sony’s lineup is wide on purpose—but if we had to pick one for the sweet spot of value, features, and fun, the ULT Wear quietly steals the show. The XM5 may be the king, but the ULT? It’s the new favorite cousin that just arrived at the party—and brought subwoofers.