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Ultrasone Tio Review | 93 Data compared

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  • 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 it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.5

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

4.5

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.2

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

5.0

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 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

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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 Ultrasone Tio

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.5
Ultrasone Tio has a technical score of 4.54 points, which is lower than that of 70.2% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Ultrasone Tio has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

4.5

Overall score

40.0%

8.9

Price

5.8
Ultrasone Tio has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.8 points, which is lower than 88% of products in this category.
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

no
Ultrasone Tio does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

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: MEDIUM

6.5 mm
Ultrasone Tio uses a driver size of 6.5 mm, smaller driver size than 98.7% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
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

1
Ultrasone Tio uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

19 Hz
Ultrasone Tio reaches a lowest frequency of 19 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.2% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
Ultrasone Tio does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Ultrasone Tio is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

1
Ultrasone Tio has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
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

yes
Ultrasone Tio includes a boom microphone. 84.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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
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

wired
Ultrasone Tio supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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
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

no
Ultrasone Tio does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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

no
Ultrasone Tio does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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
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

5 g
Ultrasone Tio weighs 5 g, lighter than 99.1% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
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

Ultrasone Tio vs the average headphone

  • 97.7% lower weight
    Ultrasone Tio is lighter than the average headphone (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: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Ultrasone Tio is lighter than the average headphone (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 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 Tio 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 Tio 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 Tio includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Boom microphone included
    Ultrasone Tio 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

    Ultrasone Tio includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 14 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Ultrasone Tio has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (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 headphone (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 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 Tio 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
  • 97.7% lower weight
    Ultrasone Tio is lighter than the average headphone (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 headphone (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 headphone (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 headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Ultrasone Tio includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Boom microphone included
    Ultrasone Tio includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Ultrasone Tio has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Ultrasone Tio uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone 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 headphone (6.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • No neodymium magnet
    Ultrasone Tio does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • No voice assistant support
    Ultrasone Tio does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 years older release date
    Ultrasone Tio was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    October 2012
  • 33.5 mm smaller driver size
    Ultrasone Tio has smaller driver size than the average headphone (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: MEDIUM

    Ultrasone Tio has smaller driver size than the average headphone (6.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.6.5 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Ultrasone Tio does not support voice assistants, the average headphone 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 headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Ultrasone Tio 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

    Ultrasone Tio has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 3.44x more expensive
    Ultrasone Tio is more expensive than the average headphone (£310 vs £90).
    Ultrasone Tio is more expensive than the average headphone (£310 vs £90).£310 vs £90
  • 4.65x less popular
    Ultrasone Tio is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 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.
    Ultrasone Tio is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 15.3% worse value for money
    Ultrasone Tio has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.84 vs 6.736).
    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 headphone (5.84 vs 6.736).5.84 vs 6.74
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Ultrasone Tio uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone 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 headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No neodymium magnet
    Ultrasone Tio does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
    What it is: Uses neodymium magnets for stronger, clearer sound
    When it matters: When driver construction details are part of how you compare sound hardware.

    Importance: LOW

    Ultrasone Tio does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Ultrasone Tio and

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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

H
head-fi.org
19/09/2019
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...Read more

H
head-fi.org
15/10/2018
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...Read more

X
xn--bester-kopfhrer-ktb.de
28/01/2026
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...Read more

(Translated)Show original
S
stereo.de
15/01/2013
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.

(Translated)Show original
S
sonntagmorgen.com
01/02/2026
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...Read more

(Translated)Show original
K
kopfhoerer.de
03/07/2013
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...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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