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Ultrasone Iq Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~ÂŁ570Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Ultrasone Iq Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Ultrasone Iq
6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 10
âś•
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 59% of models
Score components

80%

6.6

Technical score

20%

5.5

User score

â–˛Better than 59% of headphones
6.7

Value for money

Value for money
6.7/ 10
âś•
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

7.5

Price

â–ĽWorse than 87%
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 10
âś•
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 71% of models
Score components

52%

7.7

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

8.0

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

7.7

Calls & Controls

â–˛Better than 71%
5.5

User score

User score
5.5/ 10
âś•
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

User ratings

30%

3.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–ĽWorse than 99%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Ultrasone Iq

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 10
âś•
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 71% of models
Score components:

52%

7.7

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

8.0

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

7.7

Calls & Controls

6.6
User score
User score
5.5/ 10
âś•
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

User ratings

30%

3.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
5.5
Popularity
Popularity
3.4/ 10
âś•
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.
Score distribution
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 69% of models
Popularity:
Ultrasone Iq has a popularity score of 3.4 points, which is lower than that of 68.8% of products in this category.
3.4
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 10
âś•
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

7.5

Price

6.7
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
hybrid
Driver size
8 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 8 mm, smaller driver size than 96.1% of headphones and equal to 1.7% of headphones.
Number of drivers
2
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 2 drivers, more drivers than 96% of headphones and equal to 2.5% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
17 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 17 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 53.2% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
?
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Ultrasone
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
10 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 10 g, lighter than 95.3% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Ultrasone Iq vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 95.4% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    10 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 1 more drivers
    This pair of headphones uses more drivers than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
    2 vs 1
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Water resistance
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 95.4% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    10 g vs 218 g
  • Water resistance
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 1 more drivers
    This pair of headphones uses more drivers than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
    2 vs 1
  • 2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 32 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    8 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • 45.8% lower user score
    User score
    5.5/ 10
    âś•
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    â–Ľ
    â–Ľ
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Ultrasone Iq
    the average pair of headphones
    Ultrasone Iq has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.49 vs 8).
    5.49 vs 8
  • 6.33x more expensive
    Ultrasone Iq is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (ÂŁ570 vs ÂŁ90).
    ÂŁ570 vs ÂŁ90
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 8.2% worse value for money
    Ultrasone Iq has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.72 vs 7.3).
    6.72 vs 7.27
  • 74.8% less popular
    Ultrasone Iq is less popular than the average pair of headphones (3.36 vs 5.9).
    3.36 vs 5.87
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    August 2012
    2012 vs 2016
  • 45.8% lower user score
    User score
    5.5/ 10
    âś•
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    â–Ľ
    â–Ľ
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Ultrasone Iq
    the average pair of headphones
    Ultrasone Iq has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.49 vs 8).
    5.49 vs 8
  • 6.33x more expensive
    Ultrasone Iq is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (ÂŁ570 vs ÂŁ90).
    ÂŁ570 vs ÂŁ90
  • 8.2% worse value for money
    Ultrasone Iq has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.72 vs 7.3).
    6.72 vs 7.27
  • 74.8% less popular
    Ultrasone Iq is less popular than the average pair of headphones (3.36 vs 5.9).
    3.36 vs 5.87
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • 32 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    8 mm vs 40 mm
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    August 2012
    2012 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

theheadphonelist.com
05/06/2013
Listening test · Hybrid in-ear
Verdict
The Ultrasone IQ has controlled bass and a spacious, even sound, but its stock tips make 's' sounds harsh, so it needs better tips.
headfonia.com
05/03/2015
Hands-on review · Hybrid in-ear
Verdict
The Ultrasone IQ is a very comfortable, detailed hybrid whose bass bottoms out on heavy tracks, while the IQ Pro mostly fixes that.
A
audiophilepure.com
06/04/2015
Summary of the review
ULTRASONE IQ AND IQ PRO REVIEW - Audiophilepure
headfonia.com
05/03/2015
Sound review · Hybrid in-ear
Verdict
The Ultrasone IQ suits trance, jazz and classical, but its bass bottoms out on busy hip hop; the IQ Pro is smoother and hisses less.
kopfhoerer.de
28/02/2016
Listening test · Audiophile in-ear
Verdict
The Ultrasone IQ is a pricey but good in-ear with crystal-clear treble, though its restrained bass and weak lower mids make it not warm enough for rock and pop.
kopfbox.de
21/08/2021
Hands-on test · Hybrid in-ear
Verdict
The Ultrasone IQ is a natural, relaxed hybrid in-ear with strong mids and build quality, but its bass lacks punch and it is not especially detailed.
connect.de
21/05/2013
Listening test · Hybrid in-ear
Verdict
The Ultrasone IQ is a neutral, very precise hybrid in-ear with deep bass and a comfortable fit, suiting listeners who want studio-monitor sound over warmth.
areadvd.de
07/02/2013
Hands-on test · Hybrid in-ear
Verdict
The Ultrasone IQ is a well-built in-ear with lifelike sound and a generous accessory pack, though its price is steep for an in-ear.
sempre-audio.at
28/08/2013
Hands-on test · Two-way hybrid
Verdict
The Ultrasone iQ is a light, neutral, detailed in-ear with a solid aluminium shell, but the shell is large and it is not weather-protected.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Ultrasone Iq

  • Hybrid driver system delivers punchy, textured bass and crisp highs
  • Exceptional micro-detail retrieval and instrument separation
  • Spacious and airy soundstage for an in-ear monitor
  • Superb build quality with robust, die-cast aluminum housings
  • Detachable cable system enhances durability and versatility
  • Minimal cable noise (microphonics) due to secure over-the-ear fit

What customers don't like about Ultrasone Iq

  • High-mid range can be 'pushy' or 'hot', leading to ear fatigue
  • Stock eartips are widely criticized for poor fit and isolation
  • Difficult to achieve a consistent deep seal for optimal sound performance
  • Awkward, non-ergonomic housing shape can be uncomfortable for long sessions
  • Sensitivity issues; often requires a dedicated amplifier to sound its best
  • High price point makes it a less attractive option for value-minded buyers

Verdict

The Ultrasone IQ is a high-end in-ear monitor featuring a 2-way hybrid driver system that pairs a high-performance balanced armature driver for crystal-clear mids and highs with an 8mm dynamic driver for robust, precise bass. With a frequency range of 17 Hz – 21 kHz, an impedance of 20 Ohms, and a sensitivity of 104 dB, these 10g die-cast metal earphones are designed for both professional and personal use. Main pros include its superb build quality, detailed soundstage, excellent noise isolation, and the inclusion of two high-quality detachable cables (one with a microphone/remote). However, notable cons include a tricky fit that requires specific ear tips to achieve a proper seal and a sound signature that can be overly bright or sibilant depending on the choice of tips.

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