Which is better for commuting?

The Sony ULT WEAR. Its active noise canceling reduces engine and traffic noise, which the ATH-S220BT does not offer. The Audio-Technica relies on its ear pads for passive isolation only.

Which has longer battery life?

The Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT, at up to 60 hours versus up to 30 hours for the Sony. The Sony also takes about 3.5 hours to charge; the Audio-Technica takes about 4 hours but supports rapid charging.

Is the Sony worth the extra money?

Only if you use noise canceling, LDAC, or the ULT bass modes. If you mostly listen at a desk or want maximum runtime, the ATH-S220BT covers that for far less.

Can both be used with a cable?

Yes. The Sony includes a 1.2 m cable, and the Audio-Technica has a 3.5 mm jack with a cable included. Wired mode works when the battery runs out on either pair.

Which is better for calls and switching between devices?

The Audio-Technica, because it lists multipoint connectivity for two devices at once. The Sony has a microphone and voice assistant support but no multipoint listed.

Do either support high-resolution wireless audio?

The Sony does, through LDAC. The Audio-Technica lists only standard Bluetooth codecs, so it tops out at SBC or AAC quality over wireless.

Sony ULT WEAR Headphones vs Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT

Buy the Sony ULT WEAR if you want active noise canceling, bass you can feel, and LDAC for higher-quality wireless audio. Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT if you want the longest battery life, a 3.5 mm cable option, and a much lower price. The Sony runs well above the Audio-Technica; the ATH-S220BT has been seen at $64.00 as of November 2, 2026. Neither is a premium pick, so match the spend to the features you actually use.

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