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Urbanista San Francisco Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£20
Avg. price in US: ~$20
Form factor: earbud
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

4.9

Poor

3.9

Poor

8.9

Excellent

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
5.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
10
Weight
24.0%
1.0
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

Verdict

The Urbanista San Francisco is a versatile, wired earbud model featuring dynamic 14.2mm drivers that deliver crisp highs and rich sound across a 20Hz–20kHz frequency range. Designed with a Scandinavian aesthetic, these headphones utilize a hybrid ergonomic shape to provide a comfortable fit while maintaining situational awareness. Key specifications include a 32 Ohm impedance, 95dB sensitivity, and a lightweight 16g build, available in both 3.5mm and USB-C connection variants. Its primary advantages are the practical, tangle-free flat cable (85cm length) and an integrated inline remote for hands-free calls and media control across iOS, Android, and Windows devices. However, some users find the fixed-size earbuds too large for smaller ears, and since they lack active noise cancellation or a sealing silicone tip, they offer minimal isolation from ambient noise.

Technical Specifications of Urbanista San Francisco

Overall score

4.9

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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

2.1

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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

5.1

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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

4.1

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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

7.8

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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

8.3

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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

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

earbud

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

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Urbanista San Francisco vs the average headphone

Why is Urbanista San Francisco better than the average headphone?

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92.7% lower weight
Urbanista San Francisco is lighter than the average headphone (16 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 San Francisco is lighter than the average headphone (16 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.16 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Urbanista San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Urbanista San Francisco reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.
Importance: LOW
Urbanista San Francisco reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
USB-C charging
Urbanista San Francisco uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
What it is: Uses USB-C connector for charging or data
When it matters: When you want to charge with the same cable family used by your phone, tablet, laptop, or other daily devices.
Importance: LOW
Urbanista San Francisco uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
4.5x cheaper
Urbanista San Francisco is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).
Urbanista San Francisco is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).£20 vs £90
11.5% higher user score
Urbanista San Francisco has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.92 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 San Francisco has a higher user score than the average headphone (8.92 vs 8.000).8.92 vs 8
2.15x more popular
Urbanista San Francisco is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 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.
Urbanista San Francisco is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
92.7% lower weight
Urbanista San Francisco is lighter than the average headphone (16 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
USB-C charging
Urbanista San Francisco uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Urbanista San Francisco 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 San Francisco includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Urbanista San Francisco reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.

Calls & Controls

Why is Urbanista San Francisco worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Urbanista San Francisco has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No travel bag
Urbanista San Francisco does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
Urbanista San Francisco 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 San Francisco has smaller driver size than the average headphone (14.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
7 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Urbanista San Francisco has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Urbanista San Francisco has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
15 dB lower max SPL
Urbanista San Francisco has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (95 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
8 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Urbanista San Francisco has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (95 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
No passive noise reduction
Urbanista San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
7 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Urbanista San Francisco has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (95 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 San Francisco has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Urbanista San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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
Urbanista San Francisco 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 San Francisco does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
15 dB lower max SPL
Urbanista San Francisco has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (95 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=116 dB
Urbanista San Francisco has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (95 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.95 dB vs 110 dB
8 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Urbanista San Francisco has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (95 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
Urbanista San Francisco has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (95 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.95 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL

Graphic comparison of Urbanista San Francisco and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Urbanista San Francisco?

High level of comfort for long-term wear due to ergonomic, lightweight hybrid design
Tangle-free flat cable design that reduces cord friction noise
Available in a wide variety of stylish colors to match personal aesthetics
Effective microphone that handles calls well and minimizes background noise for the listener
Balanced audio quality for the price point, featuring crisp highs and decent clarity
Affordable pricing makes them a strong alternative to standard stock earbuds

What customers dislike about Urbanista San Francisco?

Bass response is often described as light or flat and lacks deep punch
Lack of integrated volume controls on the inline remote for some models
Open-ear design provides minimal passive noise isolation, making them less ideal for noisy streets
High frequencies can sound slightly tinny or sharp depending on the music genre
Reports of durability issues where earbuds may stop working within a few months
Mixed feedback regarding customer service and technical support response times

Expert reviews

techbuzzireland.com

27/02/2018

Review – Urbanista San Franciso Green Camo earphones

The Urbanista San Francisco Green Camo earphones are reviewed as a multi-functional, budget-friendly option tailored for everyday use. In terms of advantages, they feature an ergonomic, one-size-fits-all shape that removes the need for separate silicone gel tips, preventing the common issue of losing small parts. Additionally, the flat cable design is highly practical and remains...Read more

techbuzzireland.com

19/10/2017

Review – #Urbanista San Fransico Latte Macchiato earphones

The Urbanista San Francisco Latte Macchiato earphonesGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. review by Jim O Brien on TechBuzz Ireland highlights them as a "cheap and cheerful" audio option retailing for €19.99. The pros include an appealing, stand-out Latte Macchiato colourway, a light and robust physical package, and a 14.2mm speaker size that produces surprisingly good,...Read more

techbuzzireland.com

13/10/2017

Review – Urbanista San Francisco Lucky Rainbow earphones

The techbuzzireland.com review covers the Urbanista San Francisco Lucky Rainbow earphones, an everyday audio accessory priced at €19.99 with free shipping. The reviewer notes several technical features, including a φ14.2mm speaker size, 32 ohms impedance, and a 20-20,000Hz frequency response. In terms of functionality, the review highlights that the earphones feature an inline logo...Read more

thetestpit.com

08/07/2016

REVIEW: Urbanista San Francisco Earphones

The Urbanista San Francisco review by The Test Pit highlights these wired, in-ear style earphones as a rugged, highly functional, and extremely affordable option for daily commutes or casual media consumption. A major standout feature is their hybrid ergonomic design; rather than jamming deep into the ear canal or loosely hanging with an open grill, the buds comfortably direct audio...Read more

thelifestyleavenue.com

26/10/2015

Top 3 Reasons Why I Prefer Urbanista San Francisco

In her review for The Lifestyle Avenue, Athena Jeunnesse Mae Tria expresses high satisfaction with her Urbanista San Francisco wired earphones, positioning them as a superior and more affordable alternative to Apple’s standard earbuds. Her primary reasons for preferring this model include exceptional durability, a stylish design, and superior audio performance. Specifically, she...Read more

back2gaming.com

21/10/2015

Urbanista San Francisco Earphone Review

The Back2Gaming review highlights the Urbanista San Francisco earphones as a highly stylish, budget-friendly alternative to Apple's stock earbuds, retailing at roughly $22.45 (₱1,145). Designed with an ergonomic shape similar to Apple's design, they distinguish themselves with a premium-feeling microphone piece and a flexible, tangle-free flat cable that successfully minimizes noise...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

20/07/2017

Urbanista San Francisco review on kopfhoerer.de", "Urbanista San Francisco tested on kopfhoerer.de

The Urbanista San Francisco is an affordable, wired in-ear headphone marketed as a stylish and colorful companion for under 20 Euros. Its design excels with clean craftsmanship and a selection of 13 different colors ranging from classic black to turquoise and rainbow patterns. Functionally, the headphones feature a user-friendly one-button remote control and a flat, rubberized cable...Read more

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