OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Urbanista Rio Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£35
Avg. price in US: ~$40
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

4.3

Poor

3.8

Poor

6.0

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
2.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
9.9
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
7.8
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
9.9
Weight
24.0%
10
Water resistance
20.0%
7.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

No image

No image

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Urbanista Rio is a pair of wired sports earphones featuring an ergonomic GoFit silicon wing design to ensure a secure, stay-in-ear fit during high-intensity workouts. These lightweight 23g earbuds carry an IPX5 water-resistance rating for protection against sweat and rain, and utilize 14.2mm dynamic drivers with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, 32 Ohm impedance, and a high sensitivity of 112 dB/mW. Main characteristics include a tangle-free flat cable (sometimes reflective for night safety), an in-line microphone with remote for hands-free calling, and a 3.5mm gold-plated connector compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows devices. Pros consist of their exceptionally comfortable fit for runners, effective water repellency, and loud, clear sound output at an affordable price point. However, some users have reported cons such as underwhelming bass depth, a lack of volume controls on certain in-line remotes, and potential long-term durability issues with one side losing audio.

Technical Specifications of Urbanista Rio

Overall score

4.3

Show more

Hide

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

2.4

Show more

Hide

Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

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

Show more

Calls & Controls

4.5

Show more

Hide

Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?

Show more

Connectivity

6.2

Show more

Hide

Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Show more

Features

4.1

Show more

Hide

Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

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

Show more

Battery

4.9

Show more

Hide

Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

Show more

Design

8.2

Show more

Hide

Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Urbanista

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

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

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Show more

Urbanista Rio vs the average headphone

Why is Urbanista Rio better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

89.4% lower weight
Urbanista Rio is lighter than the average headphone (23 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
Urbanista Rio is lighter than the average headphone (23 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.23 g vs 218 g
10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Urbanista Rio has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 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
Urbanista Rio has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Urbanista Rio 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
Urbanista Rio 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
Urbanista Rio 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
Urbanista Rio includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Water resistance
Urbanista Rio is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
IPX5
What it is: Protection level against water exposure
When it matters: When workouts, commuting, or outdoor use expose the headphones to moisture.
Importance: MEDIUM
Urbanista Rio is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
Better IP rating
Urbanista Rio has a better IP rating than the average headphone (IPX5 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.
What it is: Level of dust and water protection rating
When it matters: When sweat, rain, or dust exposure is part of how you use the headphones.
Importance: MEDIUM
Urbanista Rio has a better IP rating than the average headphone (IPX5 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.IPX5 vs none
2.57x cheaper
Urbanista Rio is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).
Urbanista Rio is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).£35 vs £90
89.4% lower weight
Urbanista Rio is lighter than the average headphone (23 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Water resistance
Urbanista Rio is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
Better IP rating
Urbanista Rio has a better IP rating than the average headphone (IPX5 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.
10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Urbanista Rio has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Urbanista Rio 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
Urbanista Rio includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Urbanista Rio worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

Fixed cable
Urbanista Rio has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No travel bag
Urbanista Rio does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
Urbanista Rio does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
25.8 mm smaller driver size
Urbanista Rio has smaller driver size than the average headphone (14.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Urbanista Rio 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 neodymium magnet
Urbanista Rio does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
No passive noise reduction
Urbanista Rio 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
Urbanista Rio does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
25.8 mm smaller driver size
Urbanista Rio has smaller driver size than the average headphone (14.2 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
Urbanista Rio has smaller driver size than the average headphone (14.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.14.2 mm vs 40 mm
Fixed cable
Urbanista Rio 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
Urbanista Rio has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Urbanista Rio 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
Urbanista Rio 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
32.3% lower user score
Urbanista Rio has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.05 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.
Urbanista Rio has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.05 vs 8.000).6.05 vs 8
No travel bag
Urbanista Rio 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
Urbanista Rio does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
12.4% worse value for money
Urbanista Rio has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.99 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.
Urbanista Rio has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.99 vs 6.736).5.99 vs 6.74
No neodymium magnet
Urbanista Rio 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
Urbanista Rio does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.

Graphic comparison of Urbanista Rio and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Urbanista Rio?

Secure fit that stays in place during high-impact sports like running and cycling
Comfortable ergonomic design with soft, rubbery earpieces suitable for long wear
IPX5 water and sweat resistance protects against rain and intense workouts
Reflective flat cable enhances visibility and safety for nighttime outdoor activities
Tangle-free cord design with a universal 3.5mm gold-plated connection
Decent sound quality with clear dialogue and balanced audio for the price point

What customers dislike about Urbanista Rio?

Durability issues reported by users, with some units failing within 3 to 6 months
Inline controls on the wire can be fiddly and difficult to use
Lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), relying only on passive isolation
Poor customer support experiences when attempting to resolve technical failures
Sound profile may lack the deep, punchy bass found in higher-end models
Difficulties obtaining refunds or exchanges from certain retailers

Expert reviews

back2gaming.com

21/10/2015

Urbanista Rio Earphone Review

The Urbanista Rio earphones are positioned as an affordable, water-resistant alternative to Apple’s standard earbuds, specifically designed for people with physically active lifestyles. Featuring a ϕphi𝜙14.2mm speaker size, 32-ohm impedance, and a 115cm cable, these wired 3.5mm stereo earphones include an in-line hands-free microphone and work seamlessly across Android, iOS, and...Read more

travgear.com

25/02/2016

REVIEWED: Urbanista Night Runner Rio earphones

The Urbanista Night Runner Rio earphones are wired headphones specifically designed to provide a secure and comfortable fit for fitness enthusiasts during workouts. A major standout feature is the inclusion of "GoFit" silicon wings in four different sizes, which sit comfortably inside the ear curve to prevent them from falling out. Crucially, these ear-tips do not completely plug...Read more

shinyshiny.tv

01/02/2016

Urbanista Rio earphones review: comfy, with great sound

The Urbanista Rio earphonesGo to product viewer dialog for this item. reviewed on ShinyShiny are highly praised as an affordable, comfortable, and stable sports audio solution designed by a Swedish lifestyle brand. The reviewer, who typically prefers over-ear models due to a tragus piercing, found that the Rio's ergonomic design fits perfectly around the ear curve without getting...Read more

correrunamaraton.com

02/02/2016

TomTom Runner 2 - Spark || Test and review (Tested accessories section)

Review Summary The TomTom Runner 2 (also sold as the TomTom Spark) is a user-friendly, multi-sport GPS watch primarily designed for runners that stands out for its simplicity and standalone capabilities. Its most notable strength is the music integration in the "Music" editions, offering 3GB of internal storage to pair directly with Bluetooth headphones so you can leave your phone...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

Headphones

Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

Compare Urbanista Rio with

Compare