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Urbanears Humlan Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£45
Avg. price in US: ~$50
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

4.2

Poor

3.6

Poor

6.5

Good

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
1.6
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
7.6
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
6.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
7.6
Weight
24.0%
10
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#747 in Best Wired Headphones
#1312 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Urbanears Humlan is an on-ear wired headphone featuring 40mm handmade drivers, a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz, 32Ω impedance, and a sensitivity of 100dB. Its standout design characteristic is the machine-washable headband and ear cushions, paired with the ZoundPlug for instant music sharing via an additional 3.5mm jack. Main pros include a lightweight 120-gram build, a tangle-resistant fabric cord with an integrated microphone and remote, and a warm, bass-rich sound profile suitable for casual listening. However, notable cons include a lack of high-mid presence that can result in a muffled sound signature, moderate clamping pressure that may cause discomfort during long sessions, and poor noise isolation due to its open-on-ear design.

Technical Specifications of Urbanears Humlan

Overall score

4.2

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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

2.7

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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: 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

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Calls & Controls

5.0

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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: 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

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Connectivity

6.2

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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: 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

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Features

2.7

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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

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

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Battery

4.4

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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: 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

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Design

7.0

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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: MEDIUM

Urbanears

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

on-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

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Urbanears Humlan vs the average headphone

Why is Urbanears Humlan better than the average headphone?

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45% lower weight
Urbanears Humlan is lighter than the average headphone (120 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
Urbanears Humlan is lighter than the average headphone (120 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.120 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Urbanears Humlan 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
Urbanears Humlan 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
Urbanears Humlan 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
Urbanears Humlan includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Water resistance
Urbanears Humlan is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
What it is: Protection level against water exposure
When it matters: When workouts, commuting, or outdoor use expose the headphones to moisture.
Importance: MEDIUM
Urbanears Humlan is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
45% lower weight
Urbanears Humlan is lighter than the average headphone (120 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Water resistance
Urbanears Humlan is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Urbanears Humlan 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
Urbanears Humlan includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Urbanears Humlan worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Urbanears Humlan has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No travel bag
Urbanears Humlan does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
Urbanears Humlan does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Urbanears Humlan has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Urbanears Humlan has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
10 dB lower max SPL
Urbanears Humlan has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
95% lower input power handling
Urbanears Humlan 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.
No voice assistant support
Urbanears Humlan does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
4 years older release date
Urbanears Humlan was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
November 2013
No passive noise reduction
Urbanears Humlan does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Urbanears Humlan does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Urbanears Humlan 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
Urbanears Humlan does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Urbanears Humlan 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
Urbanears Humlan has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Urbanears Humlan has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
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
Urbanears Humlan has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
13.6% worse value for money
Urbanears Humlan has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.93 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.
Urbanears Humlan has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.93 vs 6.736).5.93 vs 6.74
No travel bag
Urbanears Humlan does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
Urbanears Humlan does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Urbanears Humlan has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 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
Urbanears Humlan has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
23.7% lower user score
Urbanears Humlan has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.47 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.
Urbanears Humlan has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.47 vs 8.000).6.47 vs 8

Graphic comparison of Urbanears Humlan and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Urbanears Humlan?

Machine-washable headband and ear cushions for improved hygiene
Minimalist and stylish design available in a wide range of colors
Affordable price point, often considered a good value for the cost
ZoundPlug feature allows a friend to plug in another pair of headphones to share music
Tangle-resistant fabric cord with integrated microphone and remote
Crisp sound quality with a warm character and decent low-end performance

What customers dislike about Urbanears Humlan?

Can feel tight and produce uncomfortable pressure on the ears during long sessions
Lack of on-device volume control; adjustments must be made on the audio source
Audio can sometimes sound muffled, especially in the high-mid and treble frequencies
Earpads may feel hot after prolonged use
Non-removable cable, which may limit the overall lifespan of the product
Poor isolation; the on-ear design does not form a tight seal against external noise

Expert reviews

consumerreports.org

Undated

UrbanEars Humlan Headphone Review

The Urbanears Humlan, reviewed by Consumer Reports, are stylish on-ear headphones featuring a unique, machine-washable design, allowing the cloth headband and ear cushions to be detached for cleaning. They include practical features like a tangle-resistant fabric cable and a "ZoundPlug" for music sharing, offering a lively, bass-forward sound profile without distortion at higher...Read more

au.pcmag.com

28/05/2015

Urbanears Humlan - Review 2015

The PCMag Australia review by Tim Gideon awards the Urbanears Humlan headphones an "Excellent" 4.0-star rating. Priced affordably at $49, these minimalist, supra-aural (on-ear) headphones stand out for their clever, unique design featuring a removable, machine-washable headband and earpads. Available in 13 vibrant colours, the headphones use a single-colour palette of matte plastic...Read more

couchwasabi.com

11/02/2014

Urbanears Humlan Washable Headphones Unboxing and Review

The Urbanears Humlan headphones stand out for their innovative, user-friendly design featuring a removable, machine-washable headband and ear cushions. This effectively solves the common issue of ear cushions becoming dirty, grimy, or disintegrating over time. Built for durability and daily convenience, the headphones include a tangle-resistant, Kevlar-protected cord, alongside a...Read more

teknogadyet.com

21/07/2014

Urbanears Humlan Review: Wash and Listen - TeknoGadyet

The TeknoGadyet review highlights the Urbanears Humlan as an innovative, hygiene-focused on-ear headphone centered around a unique, machine-washable concept. Its standout pros include the removable, machine-washable fabric headband cover and ear cushions, which come with a dedicated laundry net to eliminate odor and grime. The hardware features a flexible yet solid headband for a...Read more

uk.pcmag.com

28/05/2015

Urbanears Humlan - Review 2015 - PCMag UK

The Urbanears Humlan on-ear headphones earn an "Excellent" 4.0 rating from PCMag UK for delivering stylish design and solid audio performance at an affordable price of $49 (£19.92). A major standout feature is its handsome, minimalist, single-color aesthetic—available in 13 colors—constructed from matte plastic and cloth. Pros highlighted in the review include a powerful,...Read more

pcmag.com

28/05/2015

Urbanears Humlan Review - PCMag

The Urbanears Humlan on-ear headphones earn a 4.0 Excellent rating from PCMag for their minimalist Scandinavian design, affordable $49 MSRP, and unique, washable fabric components. Notable features include a 3.5mm "ZoundPlug" for sharing audio and a robust, distortion-free sound performance even at high volumes, managing deep sub-bass without clipping. However, the sound signature...Read more

geekyandgirly.fr

28/04/2014

Urbanears Humlan Review! (Giveaway)

This review covers the Urbanears Humlan, an on-ear headphone specifically designed for casual use during travel, commutes, and workouts. The author praises its lightweight body—weighing less than 120 grams—and its secure fit, making it stable enough to wear while running without constantly slipping. Its standout feature is its machine-washable design, allowing the fabric headband...Read more

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