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Urbanears Zinken Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£90
Avg. price in US: ~$100
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

5.1

Good

4.4

Poor

7.9

Very 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
1.3
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
5.5
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
5.9
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
5.5
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

#490 in Best Wired Headphones
#1067 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Urbanears Zinken is a professional-grade, on-ear DJ headphone featuring 40mm dual-diaphragm dynamic drivers, a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz, and an impedance of 85 ohms. Its standout characteristic is the reversible 'TurnCable' with 3.5mm and 6.3mm plugs, alongside the 'ZoundPlug' for instant music sharing via an extra input/output socket. Main pros include its durable, collapsible design made from 87% recycled plastics, excellent passive noise isolation, and memory foam cushions tailored for long sessions. However, some users note potential cons such as a sound profile that can be slightly 'dark' or lacking in high-end clarity for acoustic genres, and the lack of an included carrying case.

Technical Specifications of Urbanears Zinken

Overall score

5.1

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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

4.5

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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: 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

4.9

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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

1.0

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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

7.4

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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 Zinken vs the average headphone

Why is Urbanears Zinken better than the average headphone?

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Direct 3.5 mm plug
Urbanears Zinken 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 Zinken 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 Zinken 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 Zinken includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Foldable design
Urbanears Zinken has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Urbanears Zinken has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Water resistance
Urbanears Zinken 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 Zinken is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
0.8 m more useful cable length
Urbanears Zinken offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Urbanears Zinken offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.2 m vs 1.2 m
15 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Urbanears Zinken has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (118 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
Urbanears Zinken has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
Foldable design
Urbanears Zinken has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Water resistance
Urbanears Zinken is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
0.8 m more useful cable length
Urbanears Zinken offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
15 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Urbanears Zinken has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (118 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Urbanears Zinken 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 Zinken includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Urbanears Zinken worse than the average headphone?

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No travel bag
Urbanears Zinken does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
7.7 % higher distortion
Urbanears Zinken has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (8 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Urbanears Zinken has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Urbanears Zinken has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
No voice assistant support
Urbanears Zinken does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
5 years older release date
Urbanears Zinken was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
July 2012
7.7 % higher distortion
Urbanears Zinken has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (8 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Urbanears Zinken has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (8 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.8 % vs 0.3 %
No voice assistant support
Urbanears Zinken 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 Zinken does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Urbanears Zinken has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 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 Zinken has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Urbanears Zinken 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 Zinken 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
No travel bag
Urbanears Zinken 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 Zinken does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
5 years older release date
Urbanears Zinken was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
July 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
Urbanears Zinken was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017
2.9% worse value for money
Urbanears Zinken has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.54 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 Zinken has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.54 vs 6.736).6.54 vs 6.74

Graphic comparison of Urbanears Zinken and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Urbanears Zinken?

Reversible 'TurnCable' includes both 3.5mm and 6.3mm plugs, removing the need for adapters
Stylish, minimalist design available in a wide variety of vibrant colors
Effective passive noise isolation and low sound leakage, suitable for loud environments
Highly portable foldable design with swiveling earcups for single-ear monitoring
Built-in 'ZoundPlug' allows another person to plug their headphones into yours to share music
Durable construction featuring metal hinges and Kevlar-reinforced cabling
Strong, punchy bass response that appeals specifically to electronic music listeners

What customers dislike about Urbanears Zinken?

High clamping pressure can make them uncomfortable for long sessions or for those wearing glasses
Muddy or dark sound profile with lacking clarity in the mid and high frequencies
Potential for audio distortion when pushed to very high volume levels
Poor overall value for the price according to some users and professional reviewers
Historical issues with the durability of the rubber coating and ear pad materials over long-term use
Does not include a carrying pouch or protective case

Expert reviews

davidsusilouncensored.wordpress.com

21/01/2013

Urban Ears Zinken - david susilo UNCENSORED

In his review of the Urbanears Zinken headphones, David Susilo highlights their stylish, urban-chic design, characterized by a subdued, soft-feel matte rubberized plastic exterior. He commends their deceptively durable "flimsily-solid" construction, which survived being stepped on, twisted, and dropped from a second floor without sustaining damage. A key feature praised in the...Read more

mixmag.net

12/02/2024

Review: Urbanears Zinken Would you like a comparison of the sound quality and comfort ratings across these different reviews? AI can make mistakes, so...

The Urbanears Zinken (2024) headphones, priced at £89.99, provide a balanced, immersive sound through 40mm dynamic drivers, featuring a, design tailored for DJ use with a detachable microphone cable and a dual-input "daisy-chain" feature. While the durable, stylish design includes plush cushions, the tight fit and noticeable weight can lead to discomfort during extended listening...Read more

techradar.com

04/02/2015

Urbanears Zinken review - TechRadar

The Urbanears Zinken are on-ear headphones that lean heavily on a minimal, vibrant, and branding-free aesthetic but ultimately fail to deliver a premium audio experience for their $99 price tag. Designed with a smooth matte finish, synthetic leather padding, and sturdy metal sidearms, the headphones offer a fun, stylish look and can be folded down for a more compact form factor....Read more

slinkystudio.info

06/01/2015

Urbanears Zinken Headphones Review - Slinky Studio

The Urbanears Zinken headphones are evaluated as a bold fashion accessory first and an audio tool second, garnering a three-star rating from Slinky Studio. On the positive side, the design stands out with an eye-catching, rubberized finish available in a variety of courageous colors, including a "tomato red" version. The build quality is physically robust, featuring tight-fitting,...Read more

djworx.com

13/01/2014

REVIEW: Urbanears Zinken DJ Headphones - DJWORX

The Urbanears Zinken DJ headphones offer a minimalist, Scandinavian industrial design specifically geared toward the entry-level pro DJ market at an affordable sub-£100 price point. A standout feature is the innovative, reversible "TurnCable," which features a 3.5mm plug on one end for mobile devices and a 6.3mm plug on the other for DJ mixers, effectively eliminating the need for...Read more

soundandvision.com

23/10/2012

Review: UrbanEars Zinken Headphone - Sound & Vision

The Sound & Vision review of the Urbanears Zinken highlights a DJ-focused headphone, praised for its minimalist design and functional "TurnCable" that eliminates the need for adapters. Pros include the comfortable fit, durable finish, and the "ZoundPlug" for daisy-chaining headphones. YouTube· Conversely, the review notes that the,, unique sound profile may not appeal to all, and it...Read more

cnet.com

10/09/2012

Urbanears Zinken review - CNET

The Urbanears Zinken headphones are a stylish, subdued option primarily designed for amateur or bedroom DJs, featuring a soft-feel matte plastic exterior available in a variety of vibrant colors. Built with practical DJ-friendly functionality, they feature a reversible, removable coiled cable equipped with both 3.5mm and 6.3mm jacks, allowing users to connect seamlessly to mixers or...Read more

headfonics.com

18/08/2012

Urbanears Zinken - Frapperande! - Headfonics 🎧 Quick Spec Highlights Driver: 40mm DynamicImpedance: 32ΩConnection: Reversible TurnCable (3.5mm and 6....

The Headfonics review of the Urbanears Zinken highlights a full, rich, and highly engaging DJ-style headphone that offers a thick, energetic, and musical sound with a forward soundstage, making it a competent option for electronic and hard-hitting rock music. The review praises the controlled treble, which avoids harsh sibilance, providing a superior high-frequency experience...Read more

avguide.ch

17/10/2012

Lifestyle and Street Headphones Test - Between Cult and Sound

The avguide.ch review evaluates the Urbanears Zinken, a colorful lifestyle and street headphone marketed with professional DJs in mind and priced at 129 Swiss Francs. On the positive side, the reviewer praises its sleek, minimalist, single-color design and premium-feeling rubberised surface. A major highlight is the innovative, reversible "TurnCable" that features a 3.5 mm plug on...Read more

appgefahren.de

16/02/2015

Urbanears Zinken - thoughtfully designed on-ear headphones with an innovative jack cable

The Urbanears Zinken is an affordable, minimalist pair of DJ-focused on-ear headphones available for around €65 to €99, designed primarily for users with narrower heads due to its snug fit. A standout positive feature is its highly versatile, 1.2-metre "TurnCable," which features integrated 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm jacks on opposite ends and matching inputs on each ear cup, making it easy...Read more

bonedo.de

29/09/2015

Urbanears Zinken Review - Bonedo

The Urbanears Zinken is a lifestyle headphone aimed at mobile music lovers, offering solid build quality and practical features for under 100 Euros. Built entirely from robust plastic with a vinyl-imitation leather headband and ear cushions, it features a space-saving 135-degree folding design for easy transport. A major highlight is its unique dual-plug cable system, featuring a...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

20/12/2023

Urbanears Zinken Review on kopfhoerer.de

The Urbanears Zinken review on kopfhoerer.de highlights a refreshed, robust version of the decade-old DJ headphone classic, noting its sleek look and an eco-friendly build made from 87% recycled plastic. Engineered strictly as a professional club tool rather than an everyday lifestyle product, it excels with strong DJ-optimized bass performance, massive distortion-free volume, and...Read more

01net.com

23/08/2012

Review: Zinken, a compact and comfortable headphone

The Urbanears Zinken is a compact, robust, supra-aural headphone designed primarily for music professionals like DJs, featuring a 220-gram frame, metal hinges, and 90-degree rotating earcups. A standout feature is its clever dual-connector setup with 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm jacks on opposite earcups, which allows users to plug in a second headphone to share music with a friend. The...Read more

nwtv.nl

14/05/2013

Review: Urbanears Zinken - NWTV

The NWTV review highlights the Urbanears ZinkenGo to product viewer dialog for this item. as a colorful and durable on-ear headphone specifically engineered for DJs, offering strong performance for an affordable price of 99 euros. A major pro is its functional design, which includes soft ear cushions that provide great comfort, external noise isolation, and zero sound leakage during...Read more

Video reviews

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