OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

RHA MA390 Universal Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£20
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

RHA MA390 Universal review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.4

Good

5.9

Good

8.7

Excellent

2.8
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%
7.0
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
4.4
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
7.0
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
8.2
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
10
Weight
24.0%
10
Water resistance
20.0%
9.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

Verdict

The RHA MA390 Universal is a budget-friendly, wired in-ear headphone featuring 130.8 custom dynamic drivers and a distinct 'aerophonic' aircraft-grade aluminum housing designed for natural sound flow. It offers a frequency response of 16Hz – 22,000Hz, 16-ohm impedance, and 89dB sensitivity, delivering a warm, V-shaped sound signature with punchy, full-bodied bass and clear highs. Key pros include its rugged build quality, tangle-resistant braided cable, universal one-button remote for Android/iOS, and an generous three-year warranty. However, some users note cons such as recessed mids that can make vocals feel distant, a lack of dedicated volume controls on the remote, and potential for harshness in the upper-midrange at higher volumes.

Technical Specifications of RHA MA390 Universal

Overall score

6.4

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

5.7

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

6.4

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

8.3

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

RHA

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

RHA MA390 Universal vs the average headphone

Why is RHA MA390 Universal better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

Hi-Res Audio certification
RHA MA390 Universal 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
RHA MA390 Universal has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
93.1% lower weight
RHA MA390 Universal is lighter than the average headphone (15 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
RHA MA390 Universal is lighter than the average headphone (15 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.15 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
RHA MA390 Universal 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
RHA MA390 Universal 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
RHA MA390 Universal 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
RHA MA390 Universal includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
4.5x cheaper
RHA MA390 Universal is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).
RHA MA390 Universal is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).£20 vs £90
Water resistance
RHA MA390 Universal is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
IPX4
What it is: Protection level against water exposure
When it matters: When workouts, commuting, or outdoor use expose the headphones to moisture.
Importance: MEDIUM
RHA MA390 Universal is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
Boom microphone included
RHA MA390 Universal includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a 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
RHA MA390 Universal includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
RHA MA390 Universal has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
RHA MA390 Universal has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
93.1% lower weight
RHA MA390 Universal is lighter than the average headphone (15 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Water resistance
RHA MA390 Universal is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
Hi-Res Audio certification
RHA MA390 Universal has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
RHA MA390 Universal has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
RHA MA390 Universal 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
RHA MA390 Universal includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Boom microphone included
RHA MA390 Universal includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is RHA MA390 Universal worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

Fixed cable
RHA MA390 Universal has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
13 dB/mW lower sensitivity
RHA MA390 Universal has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (89 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
14 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
RHA MA390 Universal has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (89 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
95% lower input power handling
RHA MA390 Universal has a lower max input power than the average headphone (5 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
13 dB/mW lower sensitivity
RHA MA390 Universal has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (89 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
RHA MA390 Universal has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (89 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.89 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Fixed cable
RHA MA390 Universal 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
RHA MA390 Universal has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
14 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
RHA MA390 Universal has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (89 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=108 dB SPL
RHA MA390 Universal has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (89 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.89 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
95% lower input power handling
RHA MA390 Universal has a lower max input power than the average headphone (5 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=300 mW
RHA MA390 Universal has a lower max input power than the average headphone (5 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.5 mW vs 100 mW

Graphic comparison of RHA MA390 Universal and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about RHA MA390 Universal?

High-quality aircraft-grade aluminum build that feels premium and durable
Excellent value for money, often outperforming more expensive budget competitors
Industry-leading 3-year warranty provided by RHA
Powerful, rich bass depth that appeals to fans of pop and hip-hop
Good passive noise isolation from high-quality silicone ear tips
Stylish minimalist design with a tangle-resistant fabric-braided cable

What customers dislike about RHA MA390 Universal?

Upper-midrange frequencies can be overly emphasized, leading to harshness or ear fatigue
Lack of inline volume controls on the one-button universal remote
Microphone performance is mediocre, especially in windy or noisy outdoor environments
Rolled-off high frequencies may result in a loss of fine detail for audiophile listening
Potential for microphonics (cable noise) when the wire rubs against clothing
Bass can occasionally bleed into the mids, slightly muddying vocal clarity

Expert reviews

techradar.com

22/12/2017

RHA MA390 Universal In-Ear Headphones review

The RHA MA390 Universal is a budget-friendly pair of wired in-ear headphones priced around $30, offering an impressively premium aluminum build and extensive accessories for its cost. It features a durable, tangle-resistant braided cable, a straight 3.5mm jack, and a basic one-button universal remote compatible with Android and iOS. While it includes useful extras like a variety of...Read more

pcmag.com

06/12/2017

RHA MA390 Universal Review - PCMag

The $29.95 RHA MA390 Universal wired in-ear headphones earned an Editors' Choice award from PCMag for delivering a high-quality build and strong audio performance at a budget price point. Key pros include a stylish, durable design, a generous accessory package, clear microphone intelligibility, and rich, deep sub-bass that remains distortion-free at high volumes. While offering...Read more

au.pcmag.com

07/12/2017

RHA MA390 Universal Review - PCMag Australia

The RHA MA390 Universal earphones are an outstanding, budget-friendly $30 option that delivers style and premium audio performance far beyond their price point. Featuring high-end design details like aluminum earpieces and cloth-lined cabling, these in-canal earphones offer a comfortable, secure fit. Sound quality is highly impressive, characterized by a powerful, rich sub-bass...Read more

moonfloweraudio.co.uk

19/10/2021

RHA MA390 Review - Moonflower Audio & PCMag UK

The review from Moonflower Audio evaluates the RHA MA390, a budget-friendly pair of wired TRRS earphones priced around £20, yielding highly mixed impressions. On the positive side, the reviewer heavily praises the outstanding build quality and robust engineering. The earphones feature premium, machined metal housings with an indented base that allows users to easily push them into...Read more

soundguys.com

19/01/2021

RHA MA390 Universal review - SoundGuys Would you like to see how these budget-friendly buds compare to their wireless counterpart, the MA390 Wireless?

The RHA MA390 Universal wired earbudsGo are a $29.95, budget-friendly option characterized by durable 6063-grade aluminium housings and a functional, braided cable. They provide an excellent V-shaped sound signature with deep bass, complemented by proprietary silicone ear tips that offer a secure, comfortable seal and above-average passive isolation. SoundGuysWhile offering high...Read more

majorhifi.com

06/09/2018

RHA MA390 Universal Review - Major HiFi

Overview and Design The RHA MA390 Universal is a budget-friendly earphone that offers a high-quality build and a minimalist design for its low price point. Built with sleek, lightweight aluminium shells and a durable fabric-woven cable, the design includes an inline microphone and a remote for calls or voice assistant activation. It provides excellent passive sound isolation and a...Read more

headphonesty.com

02/09/2021

Review: RHA MA390 (Bass on a Budget) - Headphonesty

The RHA MA390 Universal is a budget earphone featuring a durable, lightweight 6063-grade aluminum housing and a dual-material cable that successfully reduces microphonics. The custom 130.8 dynamic drivers provide a warm, fun sound signature with punchy sub-bass, ideal for pop and hip-hop, all covered by a 3-year warranty. However, the intense bass can cause mid-range muddiness,...Read more

trustedreviews.com

17/04/2018

RHA MA390 Review - Trusted Reviews

The RHA MA390 in-ear headphones, reviewed by Trusted Reviews, are highlighted for their high-value, featuring a durable, aesthetic aluminum design that outperforms competitors in the budget category. They boast a robust build with a part-fabric braided cable and include a functional, universal inline remote for device control. Trusted ReviewsHowever, the review notes a sharp,...Read more

uk.pcmag.com

06/12/2017

RHA MA390 Universal Review - PCMag UK

The RHA MA390 Universal earphones are an outstanding, budget-friendly option that outperform many higher-priced competitors in both design and sound quality. Priced at around $30, these wired, in-canal headphones feature an elegant black and silver aesthetic constructed with premium materials, including lightweight aluminum earpieces and durable cloth-lined cabling. The design...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

30/10/2017

RHA MA390 Universal Review

The RHA MA390 Universal is a budget-friendly, wired in-ear headphone that offers impressive build quality and high performance for its €25 price point. Constructed with a robust aluminium housing, it features a fabric-braided lower cable to minimize tangles, a built-in remote button for music and call control, and an integrated microphone that delivers clear voice quality. The...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

27/09/2017

RHA MA390 Universal: Best Price - Les Numériques

The RHA MA390 Universal wired in-ear headphones receive a 3 out of 5 rating from Les Numériques, praised primarily for their strong build-quality-to-price ratio and high levels of comfort. Weighing 15 grams and equipped with a 1.35-meter non-detachable cable, they feature a universal hands-free remote control that is fully compatible with both Android and iOS devices. However, the...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

19/10/2017

Test RHA MA390 Universal : de jolis intras qui manquent de subtilité Is there anything else you'd like to find out about these earphones?

The Les Numériques review scores the RHA MA390 Universal in-ear headphones a 3 out of 5 stars, defining them as a well-built but sonically unrefined budget option priced under €30. On the positive side, the reviewers praise the excellent build quality-to-price ratio, highlighting the robust, lightweight aluminum chassis and a braided main cable that effectively prevents tangles....Read more

afdigitale.it

20/03/2019

RHA MA390 Wireless: Feature-packed Bluetooth in-ears with hit-or-miss sound

The RHA MA390 Wireless in-ear headphones offer a premium satin-finished aluminum build and a practical neckband design at an affordable price point of around 70 euros. A major standout feature is its modern USB-C charging capability, which allows users to share cables with newer smartphones and enables faster charging speeds compared to standard micro-USB. Additional user-friendly...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 RHA MA390 Universal with

Compare