OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Beats By Dre Urbeats Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£90
Avg. price in US: ~$60
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Beats By Dre Urbeats review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.7

Good

5.0

Good

8.5

Excellent

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
2.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
10
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
7.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
10
Weight
24.0%
9.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

No image

No image

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Beats By Dre urBeats are premium wired in-ear headphones featuring a precision-machined, single-billet metal housing designed to reduce vibrations and unwanted sonic artifacts. They utilize an axial-aligned driver and dual acoustic chambers to deliver the brand's signature deep bass, clear midrange, and soaring highs, supported by a 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency response. Main characteristics include a 1.2-meter tangle-free flat cable, an inline RemoteTalk microphone for hands-free calls and Siri activation, and a lightweight 18-gram build. Pros include their rugged durability, comfortable ergonomic fit with four sizes of ear tips for passive noise isolation, and a latency-free connection via a 3.5mm jack or Lightning connector. However, some users report a heavily sculpted, bass-boosted sound profile that may lack clarity for audiophiles, alongside potential durability issues where the housing can separate from the cable over time.

Technical Specifications of Beats By Dre Urbeats

Overall score

5.7

Show more

Hide

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

5.0

Show more

Hide

Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

Show more

Calls & Controls

4.8

Show more

Hide

Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?

Show more

Connectivity

6.2

Show more

Hide

Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Show more

Features

4.1

Show more

Hide

Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

Show more

Battery

1.0

Show more

Hide

Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

Show more

Design

8.3

Show more

Hide

Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Beats

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Show more

Beats By Dre Urbeats vs the average headphone

Why is Beats By Dre Urbeats better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

Hi-Res Audio certification
Beats By Dre Urbeats has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Beats By Dre Urbeats has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
91.7% lower weight
Beats By Dre Urbeats is lighter than the average headphone (18 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Beats By Dre Urbeats is lighter than the average headphone (18 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.18 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Beats By Dre Urbeats includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Beats By Dre Urbeats includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Beats By Dre Urbeats includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Beats By Dre Urbeats includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
0.15 % lower distortion
Beats By Dre Urbeats has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.2 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Beats By Dre Urbeats has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.2 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.153 % vs 0.3 %
2.15x more popular
Beats By Dre Urbeats is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Beats By Dre Urbeats is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
91.7% lower weight
Beats By Dre Urbeats is lighter than the average headphone (18 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Beats By Dre Urbeats has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
0.15 % lower distortion
Beats By Dre Urbeats has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.2 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Beats By Dre Urbeats includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Beats By Dre Urbeats includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Beats By Dre Urbeats worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

Fixed cable
Beats By Dre Urbeats has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
31 mm smaller driver size
Beats By Dre Urbeats has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Beats By Dre Urbeats has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Beats By Dre Urbeats has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
5 older release date
Beats By Dre Urbeats was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
October 2012
31 mm smaller driver size
Beats By Dre Urbeats has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Beats By Dre Urbeats has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.9 mm vs 40 mm
Fixed cable
Beats By Dre Urbeats has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Beats By Dre Urbeats has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Beats By Dre Urbeats has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Beats By Dre Urbeats has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Beats By Dre Urbeats has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Beats By Dre Urbeats has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
5 older release date
Beats By Dre Urbeats was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
October 2012
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Beats By Dre Urbeats was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of Beats By Dre Urbeats and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Beats By Dre Urbeats?

Powerful and deep bass performance preferred by bass enthusiasts
Stylish and alluring aesthetic with multiple colour options
Tangle-free, flat cable design for better portability
Solid metal housing provides a premium feel and durability
Effective noise isolation from the sealed in-ear design
Functional inline remote and microphone for hands-free calls and playback control

What customers dislike about Beats By Dre Urbeats?

Sound profile is often described as muffled or lacking clarity in mids and highs
Frequent reports of poor durability, including cable failure and driver separation
High price point relative to the actual audio performance offered
Difficulty in achieving a consistent, secure fit for some users
Narrow soundstage and lack of stereo separation
Comfort can be an issue during extended listening sessions

Expert reviews

consumerreports.org

(Date Not Specified)

Beats by Dre urBeats Headphones Review

The Beats by Dre urBeats, as reviewed by Consumer Reports, are ear-insert headphones offering effective ambient noise reduction, high sensitivity for good volume on portable devices, and an inline mic with controls. While providing a secure, earplug-like fit and a protective pouch, the design is noted for its specific, limited functionality. Consumer ReportsHowever, the review...Read more

thephonograph.net

16/02/2018

Beats urBeats Review

The Beats urBeats review on ThePhonograph.net highlights a very warm, energetic sound profile with bright, non-fatiguing highs that can be significantly improved with EQ. While the earphones offer a comfortable, non-fatiguing listening experience, they are characterized by a congested, strong mid-bass bleed and a dark treble tint out of the box. However, significant drawbacks...Read more

rtings.com

05/01/2017

Beats urBeats Earphones Headphones Review

The RTINGS.com review of the Beats urBeats EarphonesGo highlights a highly specialized, wired, in-ear design with a lightweight, stable fit and minimal sound leakage, making them suitable for casual, low-intensity activities. However, the earphones suffer from poor build quality and subpar, overly bass-heavy audio reproduction that produces a dark, muddy sound. Their lack of...Read more

whathifi.com

31/03/2016

Beats by Dr. Dre urBeats review - What Hi-Fi?

The Beats urBeats wired in-ear headphones (£80) are a durable and comfortable option built with a solid metal casing and a rubber-coated, tangle-free cable that features an inline microphone for playback control. The earbuds offer an excellent fit and great comfort even during long listening sessions, providing a solid seal with multiple included tip options. Musically, the...Read more

uk.pcmag.com

12/11/2012

Beats by Dr. Dre urBeats - Review 2012 - PCMag UK", "Beats by Dr. Dre urBeats - 2012 Review - PCMag UK

The Beats by Dr. Dre urBeats (2012) are a simple, budget-friendly addition to the celebrity-backed audio lineup, retailing at $99.95. Embodying the classic Beats identity, these in-canal earphones feature a solid, alluring matte brushed-metal housing paired with the signature flat, red, tangle-resistant cable and an inline microphone and remote for effortless playback and call...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

25/08/2015

urBeats by Beats by Dr. Dre review on kopfhoerer.de

The Beats by Dr. Dre urBeats are wired in-ear headphones featuring a robust, glossy, and lightweight metal housing designed for long-term durability and visual appeal. They include a integrated remote control with volume, start, and stop buttons, alongside a microphone on the back for hands-free headset functionality, which works seamlessly with iOS and Android devices. The package...Read more

leclaireur.fnac.com

28/10/2018

Beats urBeats lab test: the signature Beats sound for less.

The Labo Fnac review evaluates the Beats urBeats as an affordable, lightweight option weighting only 18 grams, delivering the brand's classic bass-heavy signature sound. These wired in-ear headphones feature a built-in remote and microphone for convenient hands-free calls. The testing lab awarded them perfect scores of 10/10 for low audio distortion and minimal external sound...Read more

cequepensentleshommes.fr

03/02/2018

urBeats 3 by Dre Review

This review of the urBeats 3 wired earphones by Dre highlights a product that closely mirrors the audio performance of its wireless counterpart, the Beats X, but in a wired format. The specific version tested features an Apple Lightning connector, allowing for immediate, seamless connectivity with modern iPhones. Key design advantages include an integrated RemoteTalk cable control...Read more

neozone.org

10/10/2018

urBeats3 Review: Earphones that stay connected!", "urBeats3 Review: Wired earphones that never drop out!

The urBeats 3 (Ten Years Edition) wired in-ear headphones offer a premium, typical Apple-style experience with exceptional build quality and practical everyday features. The packaging includes multiple accessories, such as four pairs of silicone ear tips, sport "Wingtips" for a secure fit, and a flexible silicone carrying case. Standout usability features include a tangle-free flat...Read more

leclaireur.fnac.com

12/06/2020

Labo Test: Beats Urbeats 3 – Compact Wired Earphones", "Beats Urbeats 3 Review: Space-Saving Wired Earphones

The Labo Fnac review rates the Beats UrBeats 3 wired in-ear headphones a mediocre 3 out of 5 stars, concluding that they are underperforming audio accessories. Weighing exactly 15 grams, the lightweight earphones offer a mixed performance profile. On the positive side, they achieved a perfect 10 out of 10 sound leakage score, meaning your music will not disturb people nearby....Read more

leclaireur.fnac.com

23/10/2018

urBeats 3 review: Practical and affordable, but not always accurate", "urBeats 3 headphones review: Convenient and budget-friendly, but lacking precis...

The Labo Fnac review rates the Beats urBeats 3 wired earphones with a low 2 out of 5 stars, concluding that they prioritize convenience over audio precision. On the positive side (pros), the earphones feature a thoughtful, practical design highlighting a tangle-free flat cable, magnetic earbuds that snap together, and a handy carrying pouch. They are lightweight at just 15 grams and...Read more

culturasonora.es

Actualizada 2025

urBeats: Technical Features (2025 Review). Updated

The Beats urBeats 3Go are highlighted as the brand's most popular and affordable wired in-ear headphones, catering primarily to users who prioritize sleek aesthetics and heavy bass over balanced audiophile performance. On the positive side, they boast a highly attractive, lightweight design equipped with a premium tangle-free flat cable, inline playback and volume controls, and a...Read more

iphoneitalia.com

29/01/2014

urBeats by Dr. Dre: The Doctor's In-Ear Headphones - iPhone Italia

The iPhoneItalia review highlights the urBeats by Dr. Dre as a stylish and durable in-ear alternative to traditional plastic earphones, packed with features in an ultra-lightweight 18-gram package. Built with a robust metal housing and a flat, tangle-free rubber cable, these 3.5mm mini-jack earphones include an integrated microphone and remote control fully compatible with Apple and...Read more

bax-shop.nl

30/08/2013

Dr. Dre Urbeats Review - Bax Music", "Urbeats by Dr. Dre Review - Bax Music

The Beats by Dre urBeats are entry-level, wired in-ear headphones explicitly designed to replace the standard earbuds bundled with smartphones and portable media players. A standout strength highlighted in the product's overview is the exceptionally rugged and durable design, featuring solid metal housings that effectively prevent unwanted vibrations and unwanted sonic artifacts....Read more

tweakers.net

15/09/2015

Beats Earbuds Comparison - Tweakers Review", "Comparing Beats Earbuds - Tweakers Review

Based on the Tweakers community review, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Black earbuds are highly regarded for everyday use, sports, and general convenience. A major highlight is their redesigned, more compact casing alongside the inclusion of a highly requested USB-C port and wireless charging capabilities. The earbuds maintain the secure, excellent physical fit that the Powerbeats...Read more

techgirl.nl

21/08/2017

Beats by Dre urBeats – fighting with my Samsung", "Beats by Dre urBeats – at war with my Samsung

The Beats by Dre urBeats review highlighted an impressive initial experience with the product's premium aesthetic and acoustic delivery. The visual design is highly praised for its striking red-and-black color palette, lightweight build, and the inclusion of various ear tip sizes that successfully block out ambient environment noise. Musically, the earphones deliver on their brand...Read more

waymadi.nl

31/07/2016

Beats by Dr. Dre: UrBeats - WayMadi

This review from WayMadi provides a detailed assessment of the UrBeats by Dr. Dre in-ear headset, contrasting its performance against the reviewer's previous favorite, a Bose headset. A major standout feature is the build quality of the tangle-free cables, which are far sturdier than Bose's and resilient enough to withstand a toddler's rough handling. The product includes an...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

Headphones

Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

Compare Beats By Dre Urbeats with

Compare