Name: Ultrasone Iq
Brand: Ultrasone

Technical Specifications of Ultrasone Iq

Overall score

6.2

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

7.7

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

hybrid

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

Calls & Controls

6.8

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

Connectivity

6.2

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

Features

3.2

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

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

Battery

1.0

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

Design

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

Ultrasone

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

Ultrasone Iq vs the average headphone

Why is Ultrasone Iq better than the average headphone?

Hide

Active noise cancellation
Ultrasone Iq supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.
Importance: HIGH
Ultrasone Iq supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
95.4% lower weight
Ultrasone Iq is lighter than the average headphone (10 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
Ultrasone Iq is lighter than the average headphone (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.10 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Ultrasone Iq 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
Ultrasone Iq 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
Ultrasone Iq 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
Ultrasone Iq includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
Ultrasone Iq includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.
Importance: LOW
Ultrasone Iq includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
16 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Ultrasone Iq has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (119 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
Ultrasone Iq has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Ultrasone Iq has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 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
Ultrasone Iq has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
95.4% lower weight
Ultrasone Iq is lighter than the average headphone (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Active noise cancellation
Ultrasone Iq supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
16 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Ultrasone Iq has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Ultrasone Iq has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Ultrasone Iq 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
Ultrasone Iq includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
Ultrasone Iq includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Why is Ultrasone Iq worse than the average headphone?

Hide

32 mm smaller driver size
Ultrasone Iq has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
1 fewer drivers
Ultrasone Iq has fewer drivers than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
5 years older release date
Ultrasone Iq was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
August 2012
32 mm smaller driver size
Ultrasone Iq has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8 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
Ultrasone Iq has smaller driver size than the average headphone (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.8 mm vs 40 mm
6.33x more expensive
Ultrasone Iq is more expensive than the average headphone (£570 vs £90).
Ultrasone Iq is more expensive than the average headphone (£570 vs £90).£570 vs £90
59.8% lower user score
Ultrasone Iq has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.01 vs 8.000).
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.
Ultrasone Iq has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.01 vs 8.000).5.01 vs 8
5 years older release date
Ultrasone Iq was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
August 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
Ultrasone Iq was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017
1 fewer drivers
Ultrasone Iq has fewer drivers than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 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
Ultrasone Iq has fewer drivers than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.2 vs 1
2.66x less popular
Ultrasone Iq is less popular than the average headphone (1.75 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.
Ultrasone Iq is less popular than the average headphone (1.75 vs 4.646).1.75 vs 4.65

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

9 Reviews

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

theheadphonelist.com

05/06/2013

Ultrasone IQ Review - The Headphone List

The Ultrasone IQ Review on The Headphone List highlights the company’s first flagship in-ear monitor, which utilizes an 8mm dynamic driver paired with a single balanced armature. Priced at a steep MSRP of $899, these premium earphones deliver superb construction quality with die-cast aluminum housings and flexible, detachable coaxial cables that eliminate microphonic cord noise...Read more

head-fi.org

01/10/2012

Ultrasone IQ | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

The Ultrasone IQ is a 2-way hybrid IEM featuring a robust yet lightweight metal housing and an expansive, three-dimensional soundstage with impressive, punchy sub-bass, according to Head-Fi reviews. It is characterized as a highly sensitive, easy-to-drive earphone offering distinct instrument separation, though critics note a severe lower-midrange dip and a harsh, clinical...Read more

Ultrasone IQ - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Ultrasone IQ in-ear monitors feature a durable, high-pressure compressed metal construction with comfortable, ergonomic, and lightweight styling. They deliver a balanced, airy, and clean sonic signature with tight, linear bass and excellent instrument separation that outperforms many multi-BA alternatives. However, the glossy, high-glint aesthetic is prone to fingerprints and...Read more

headfonia.com

05/03/2015

Ultrasone IQ And IQ Pro Review (Part 2) - Headfonia Would you like a summary of the technical differences between the standard IQ and the IQ Pro menti...

The Headfonia review describes the Ultrasone IQ as a comfortable, easy-to-drive hybrid earphone with a stable, ergonomic fit. Pros include high sensitivity for easy driving, while notable cons involve poor included ear tips, harsh treble sibilance, bottoming out in the bass under heavy loads, and high sensitivity to background hiss. The IQ Pro variant acts as a "monitoresque"...Read more

audiophilepure.com

06/04/2015

ULTRASONE IQ AND IQ PRO REVIEW - Audiophilepure

The Audiophilepure review of the Ultrasone IQ and IQ Pro highlights a direct comparison of the two in-ear monitors, drawing significantly from a comprehensive evaluation originally featured on Headfonia. The primary pros of both models include an expertly executed hybrid driver configuration—combining a balanced armature with an 8mm dynamic driver—that seamlessly blends the...Read more

Ultrasone IQ And IQ Pro Review - Headfonia

The Headfonia review highlights the Ultrasone IQ and IQ Pro as hybrid dual-driver IEMs, with the original IQ praised for a detailed, high-contrast sound, excellent fit, and extreme sensitivity, though it suffers from poor included ear tips, a scratch-prone design, and significant background hiss. Conversely, the IQ Pro is positioned as a studio-oriented alternative, fixing the...Read more

connect.de

21/05/2013

Ultrasone IQ Review - High End in the Smallest Space

The Ultrasone IQ is reviewed as a fantastic, premium hybrid in-ear headphone that packs high-end studio performance into a highly compact design. The German manufacturer utilizes a dual-driver setup within an elegant die-cast metal housing, combining an 8-millimeter dynamic bass driver with a balanced armature (BA) mid-high tweeter that share a single microscopic sound outlet. In...Read more

kopfbox.de

21/08/2021

Ultrasone InEar IQ | Review

The Ultrasone IQ is a high-end hybrid in-ear monitor priced at €649 that features a two-way system combining an 8mm dynamic driver for deep, textured bass with a balanced armature driver for detailed mids and highs. The overall sound signature is moderately warm and neutral, leaning toward a natural and relaxing presentation rather than raw detail retrieval. The review highlights...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

28/02/2016

Ultrasone IQ - Steer Clear If You Fear Heights", "Ultrasone IQ - Avoid If You Have a Fear of Heights", "Ultrasone IQ - Not for Those Who Suffer from V...

The Ultrasone IQ review by kopfhoerer.de highlights an audiophile, high-end in-ear monitor meticulously crafted by the German headphone manufacturer in Tutzing. Tonally, the earphones offer an exceptionally clean, precise, and analytical profile with remarkably crisp high frequencies compared to a cold mountain stream. This moderate, neutral soundstage produces superb resolution for...Read more

areadvd.de

07/02/2013

Review: Ultrasone IQ In-Ear Headphones - Sonic Miracle with Hybrid Technology?

Review Summary: Ultrasone IQ In-Ear Headphones The Ultrasone IQ is a handmade, luxury 2-way hybrid in-ear headphone retailing for €649, combining a high-efficiency Balanced Armature driver with an 8 mm dynamic driver inside a high-quality die-cast metal housing. The review praises its sensational micro-dynamics, reference-level spaciousness, and an exceptionally high efficiency...Read more

yumpu.com

05/02/2018

SUONO No. 523: Ultrasone IQ Test and Review

SUONO Issue No. 523 is a specialized Italian audio magazine that provides a comprehensive, expert-level breakdown of the high-fidelity personal audio market, focusing heavily on headphone listening. The publication excels at delivering an incredibly detailed "Headphone Buying Guide" covering premier, audiophile brands like Yamaha, Grado, Sennheiser, Denon, AudioQuest, and AKG. A...Read more

Ultrasone Iq Review | 93 Data compared

Best prices in UK

Best prices in US

Best rankings

Verdict

Technical Specifications of Ultrasone Iq

Ultrasone Iq vs the average headphone

Why is Ultrasone Iq better than the average headphone?

Why is Ultrasone Iq worse than the average headphone?

Graphic comparison of Ultrasone Iq and

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Ultrasone Iq?

What customers dislike about Ultrasone Iq?

Expert reviews

Best alternatives

Compare Ultrasone Iq with