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Ultrasone Tio Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£310
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

5.3

Good

5.3

Good

?

6.9
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
?
Audio latency
25.0%
4.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
4.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
?
Battery life
5.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
?
Battery life
18.0%
?
Weight
16.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
4.0
Ambient sound mode
6.1
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
?
Battery life
14.0%
4.0
Companion app
7.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
?
Weight
24.0%
4.0
Water resistance
20.0%
?
IP rating
16.0%
?
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

Verdict

The Ultrasone Tio is an ultra-lightweight, 5g aluminum in-ear monitor featuring a single balanced-armature driver, 18-ohm impedance, and 19Hz-21kHz frequency response for precise, linear audio. It delivers high-SPL (117 dB) output and exceptional, distortion-free sound with a natural soundstage, complemented by a 1.2-meter cable with mic, robust build quality, and extensive ear tip accessories. Key drawbacks include a non-detachable, memory-prone cable and a, at times, thin, monitor-style sound profile that lacks the punch found in dynamic driver alternatives.

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Ultrasone Tio

Overall score

5.3

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?

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

5.5

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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: HIGH

balanced armature

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: HIGH

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

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Calls & Controls

6.6

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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

?

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Connectivity

4.6

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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: MEDIUM

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: LOW

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Features

4.0

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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

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: HIGH

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

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Battery

4.9

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

7.2

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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: LOW

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: LOW

in-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

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

Importance: HIGH

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: LOW

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: LOW

N/A

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Ultrasone Tio vs the average pair of headphones

Why is Ultrasone Tio better than the average pair of headphones?

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97.7% lower weight
Ultrasone Tio is lighter than the average pair of headphones (5 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: HIGH
Good value: <150 g
Ultrasone Tio is lighter than the average pair of headphones (5 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.5 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Ultrasone Tio 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.
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: LOW
Ultrasone Tio 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
Ultrasone Tio includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% 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 Tio includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
Ultrasone Tio includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% 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 Tio includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
Boom microphone included
Ultrasone Tio includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% 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
Ultrasone Tio includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
14 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Ultrasone Tio has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (117 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 Tio has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Ultrasone Tio 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.
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 Tio 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
97.7% lower weight
Ultrasone Tio is lighter than the average pair of headphones (5 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
14 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Ultrasone Tio has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Ultrasone Tio 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.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Ultrasone Tio 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
Ultrasone Tio includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
Ultrasone Tio includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
Boom microphone included
Ultrasone Tio includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Ultrasone Tio worse than the average pair of headphones?

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Non-replaceable earpads
Ultrasone Tio has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
Fixed cable
Ultrasone Tio has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Ultrasone Tio uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
33.5 mm smaller driver size
Ultrasone Tio has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (6.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
2.5 dB looser channel balance
Ultrasone Tio has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (3 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
No neodymium magnet
Ultrasone Tio does not use neodymium magnets, the average pair of headphones does. 81.9% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
No voice assistant support
Ultrasone Tio does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
4 older release date
Ultrasone Tio was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
October 2012
33.5 mm smaller driver size
Ultrasone Tio has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (6.5 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: HIGH
Ultrasone Tio has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (6.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.6.5 mm vs 40 mm
Non-replaceable earpads
Ultrasone Tio has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
What it is: Earpads can be replaced when worn out
When it matters: When you care about long-term maintenance and extending product life.
Importance: LOW
Ultrasone Tio has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
No voice assistant support
Ultrasone Tio does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
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
Ultrasone Tio does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Ultrasone Tio has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones 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: LOW
Ultrasone Tio has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
14% worse value for money
Ultrasone Tio has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.39 vs 7.279).
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.
Ultrasone Tio has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.39 vs 7.279).6.39 vs 7.28
3.44x more expensive
Ultrasone Tio is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£310 vs £90).
Ultrasone Tio is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£310 vs £90).£310 vs £90
5.87x less popular
Ultrasone Tio is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).
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 Tio is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).1 vs 5.87
Tangle-prone cable
Ultrasone Tio uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Ultrasone Tio uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.

Graphic comparison of Ultrasone Tio and other products in the Headphones category

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Ultrasone Tio?

High-clarity music reproduction using a single balanced armature (BA) driver
Linear, natural, and distortion-free sound signature
Lightweight and premium aluminum housing with a retro design
Excellent passive noise isolation, particularly when using the included Comply foam tips
Rich accessory package including seven pairs of ear tips and a transport case
Includes an inline remote and microphone for mobile use

What customers dislike about Ultrasone Tio?

Non-detachable cable, which may affect long-term durability and limit replacement options
Rubber-coated cable has 'memory' issues, causing it to retain bends and feel messy
The 1.2-meter cable is considered somewhat short for some users
Deep-insertion design may be uncomfortable for users not used to earbuds that sit far in the ear canal
Lacks modern features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or a companion app

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

19/09/2019

Summary of the review

Simple Man's IEM Measurements, Impressions, Ranking of 75+ IEMs!

The Head-Fi thread by Simple Man offers a measurement-backed, comparative database of over 75 in-ear monitors (IEMs), emphasizing natural timbre via a strong preference for dynamic drivers and testing specifically with 1960s-70s Blues and Jazz. Its primary pros include highly detailed, punchy sonic impressions regarding technicalities like soundstage and sub-bass, coupled with DIY frequency graphs for objective analysis. However, the review holds an inherent bias against balanced armature (BA) drivers, often penalizing them for a "plastic" timbre. Furthermore, the limited focus on vintage, acoustic genres means the rankings may not translate to modern, bass-heavy music, and the compressed, micro-summary format often skips in-depth details on ergonomics and build quality. Explore the full list and discussions on Head-Fi: Head-Fi.

head-fi.org

15/10/2018

Summary of the review

Ultrasone Tio - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Ultrasone Tio is identified as a standout single balanced armature in-ear monitor (IEM) featuring exceptional clarity, precise instrument layering, and a warm, forward midrange that excels with vocals and guitars. Pros include a comfortable fit, good isolation with 3mm nozzles, and the inclusion of an inline microphone, while the bass is described as tight and linear, providing a pleasant, taut response. Conversely, the review notes significant cons, including a lack of sub-bass rumble for electronic music and an intensely forward, non-relaxing sound signature. The IEM is criticized for its non-detachable, non-upgradable cable and a high price point that, according to the reviewer, does not reflect its value in the current market.

xn--bester-kopfhrer-ktb.de

28/01/2026

Summary of the review

ULTRASONE TIO – the best single-driver in-ear of all time?

The Ultrasone Tio in-ear monitor is evaluated as a highly premium, travel-friendly option that delivers balanced and refined sound within a remarkably lightweight 5-gram frame. Built around a single high-performance Balanced Armature (BA) driver, it targets linear, natural, and distortion-free music reproduction. The earphones feature robust aluminum housing, excellent passive noise isolation (especially when paired with the included ComplyFoam tips), an integrated 1-button microphone for clear communication, and a rich accessory bundle that includes a high-quality transport case, flight adapters, and seven total pairs of ear tips. Pros & Cons Overview Pros ConsHigh-Fidelity Balanced Sound: Delivers clear highs, well-defined mids, and a warm, non-analytical tilt.Fixed Cable Design: The 1.2-meter rubber-coated wire is non-detachable, risking permanent damage if cut.Premium Construction: Crafted with a sleek, durable aluminum shell and an incredibly lightweight 5g form factor.Bass Roll-off: Lacks extreme sub-bass extension, meaning sub-bass rumbles do not show through easily.Superb Isolation: Offers excellent passive noise isolation without relying on battery-draining active electronics.Cable Memory & Tangling: The wire tends to keep its bent shape awkwardly and can become messy.

stereo.de

15/01/2013

Summary of the review

Ultrasone Tio - Test Results - stereo.de

The Stereo.de review evaluates the Ultrasone Tio (€350) as a high-performance, compact in-ear headphone that requires specific foam ear tips to achieve its full, rich, and balanced sound spectrum. While praised for portability and sound quality, a major drawback is the heavy dependency on this precise fit, as alternative tips significantly degrade acoustic performance.

sonntagmorgen.com

01/02/2026

Summary of the review

ULTRASONE TiO In-Ear Headphones Review 2026

The ULTRASONE TiO in-ear headphones receive an excellent overall score of 94% on Sonntagmorgen, praised primarily for their top-tier aluminum craftsmanship, feather-light 5-gram weight, and highly detailed audio performance. Retailing at €379.00 on Amazon, these earbuds deliver a largely neutral soundstage with a surprisingly wide, layered stereo image that makes separating classical instruments easy. The review strongly highlights its ultra-deep, precise, and fast bass response that stays distortion-free even at high volumes, as well as its exceptionally natural vocal and string instrument replication. It features an integrated inline remote and microphone on the cable, and the generous packaging includes five pairs of silicone ear tips, two pairs of high-quality ComplyFoam TX100 tips, and a compact transport box. Transcribing...DismissMore input optionsMicrophoneStopStartSendStartSend

kopfhoerer.de

03/07/2013

Summary of the review

Ultrasone TiO review on kopfhoerer.de

Review Summary The Ultrasone TiO is a high-priced pair of in-ear headphones retailing above €300, which sets lofty performance expectations. On the positive side, it features a very small, discreet design that sits comfortably in the ear, backed by robust build quality and excellent voice clarity for smartphone hands-free use. Additionally, it boasts a highly generous package of accessories, including five pairs of silicone ear tips, two pairs of ComplyFoam tips, a carrying case, an OMTP smartphone adapter, and a flight adapter. However, the reviewer noted significant drawbacks regarding sound performance and functionality for this price tier. The primary issue is a weak, overly restrained bass response, which creates an unbalanced, nasal, and mid-forward sound profile across many music tracks. Although alternative foam ear tips can help improve the fit and low-end delivery, the overall acoustic tuning disappointed the tester. Furthermore, while the cable is durable, the integrated one-button remote control completely lacks volume adjustment buttons, which is considered a notable omission for premium headphones.

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