Choose ULT WEAR for its dedicated wireless bass controls or LDAC support; shortlist WH-CH720N when lower listed weight and a simpler ANC purchase matter more. Both provide noise canceling and an analog listening option. The important question is whether ULT’s extra features work in the way you actually listen.
Manufacturer specifications, English help guides and regional product pages were checked on October 5, 2026. We have not tested sound, comfort, microphone quality or noise reduction. Purchase links may generate an affiliate commission for SEFP Journal without an additional charge to you.
The useful differences
| Feature | ULT WEAR / WH-ULT900N | WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Listed weight, excluding cable | About 255g | About 192g |
| Bluetooth music codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
| Dedicated ULT bass control | Yes, with connection restrictions | No ULT button |
| Listed AAC/SBC music maximum, ANC on | 30 hours | 35 hours |
| Listed AAC/SBC music maximum, ANC/ambient off | 50 hours | 50 hours |
| Supplied analog headphone cable | Yes | Yes |
Weight and codecs come from Sony’s official ULT WEAR and CH720N specifications (Japanese). Battery modes are checked against the English ULT operating-time guide and CH720N operating-time guide. Regional package, price and warranty should be checked on the actual offer.
The ULT button does not work in every connection mode
Sony’s ULT cable instructions state that Bass Control using the ULT button cannot be used with the supplied headphone cable. Do not buy it specifically for that function if you mostly listen through an analog cable.
Both models can play through their supplied analog cable with power off, but noise canceling then cannot operate. Power on is required for powered noise-canceling use. Bluetooth is unavailable while using the headphone cable. Sony’s CH720N cable instructions describe these conditions too.
For calls over that cable, the guides direct you to speak through the phone’s microphone; do not assume the cable turns either model into a wired headset microphone for work calls. Confirm the connection you need before treating analog listening as a complete Bluetooth replacement.
LDAC is a compatibility choice, not a universal sound upgrade
ULT adds LDAC to the shared SBC/AAC options. Its codec guide requires a compatible source and may require source-device settings. Check the actual phone or player rather than assuming every Bluetooth connection uses LDAC. A codec list alone does not establish which headset sounds better to you.
The ULT manual lists 25 hours with LDAC and ANC on, or 40 hours with LDAC and ANC/ambient off. Do not attach its 50-hour SBC/AAC headline to LDAC use. EQ, DSEE, bass settings and other functions can reduce the listed maxima; these are manufacturer estimates, not our measured battery comparison.
Who should pay for which features?
Shortlist CH720N if the lower listed mass matters, you use SBC/AAC, and you primarily need ANC plus occasional analog listening. The weight difference is a specification difference, not proof of better long-session comfort. Try the fit and controls if possible.
Shortlist ULT WEAR if you specifically want its bass controls in wireless use or have a compatible LDAC source. If those features are irrelevant, name another concrete benefit before paying a premium. We do not rank ANC strength, microphone quality or bass preference without a comparative test.
Before buying
- Confirm whether most listening will be Bluetooth or analog.
- Check your source’s codec support and the settings you intend to use.
- Try the grip of the controls, ear fit and headband where possible.
- Compare regional price, package and returns for the same model.
- Check current Sony Sound Connect app requirements for your phone; older guides use its former Headphones Connect name.
The official Japan ULT WEAR and WH-CH720N product pages provide model details and Sony Store Japan purchase options. Readers elsewhere should check their own regional offer, warranty and returns; we do not guarantee price, stock or international delivery. If you are instead deciding whether ANC is necessary at all, our CH520 vs CH720N guide addresses that separate entry-level choice.
FAQ: Can I use ULT bass mode over the cable?
No. Sony explicitly excludes the ULT-button Bass Control function during headphone-cable use. Choose based on the connection mode you will actually use.
