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Westone UM2 Rc Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£250
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Westone UM2 Rc review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.6

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.6

Technical Score

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

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

Score components:

52.0%

4.6

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

9.7

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.9

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.0
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    9.7

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 3.9
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    9.7

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • westone-um2-rc
  • westone-um2-rc
westone-um2-rc
westone-um2-rc

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £250

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Westone UM2 RC is a professional-grade in-ear monitor featuring a dual balanced-armature driver system with a passive crossover, delivering a frequency response of 20Hz–18kHz, 27 ohms impedance, and a high sensitivity of 119 dB SPL. It is characterized by its ergonomic, low-profile design that sits flush in the ear and a 'Removable Cable' (RC) system for enhanced durability and field-replaceable convenience. Main pros include its warm, full-bodied sound signature with rich bass, superior noise isolation of up to 25dB, and exceptional comfort provided by the included Comply foam tips. However, potential cons include a rolled-off treble that lacks high-end airiness and a high sensitivity that may reveal background hiss when paired with certain audio sources.

Technical Specifications of Westone UM2 Rc

Technical Score

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

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

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.6
Westone UM2 Rc has a technical score of 4.59 points, which is lower than that of 67.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Westone UM2 Rc has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

6.0
Westone UM2 Rc has a quality-to-price ratio of 6 points, which is lower than 82.8% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Westone UM2 Rc does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

balanced armature
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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

2
Westone UM2 Rc uses 2 drivers, more drivers than 96% of headphones and equal to 2.5% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
Westone UM2 Rc reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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

no
Westone UM2 Rc is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Westone UM2 Rc has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
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

N/A
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Westone UM2 Rc supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Westone UM2 Rc does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Westone UM2 Rc does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Westone
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

34 g
Westone UM2 Rc weighs 34 g, lighter than 82.1% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more

Westone UM2 Rc vs the average headphone

  • 84.4% lower weight
    Westone UM2 Rc is lighter than the average headphone (34 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

    Westone UM2 Rc is lighter than the average headphone (34 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.34 g vs 218 g
  • 17 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Westone UM2 Rc has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (119 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

    Westone UM2 Rc has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Westone UM2 Rc 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

    Westone UM2 Rc 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
    Westone UM2 Rc 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

    Westone UM2 Rc includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 16 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Westone UM2 Rc has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (119 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

    Westone UM2 Rc has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 84.4% lower weight
    Westone UM2 Rc is lighter than the average headphone (34 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 17 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Westone UM2 Rc has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 16 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Westone UM2 Rc has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Westone UM2 Rc 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
    Westone UM2 Rc includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Westone UM2 Rc 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
    Westone UM2 Rc does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
    non-magnetic driver design.
  • 1 fewer drivers
    Westone UM2 Rc has fewer drivers than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
  • Not headset-ready
    Westone UM2 Rc is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Westone UM2 Rc has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Westone UM2 Rc does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 9 years older release date
    Westone UM2 Rc was released earlier than the average headphone (2,008 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    January 2008
  • No voice assistant support
    Westone UM2 Rc 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

    Westone UM2 Rc does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Not headset-ready
    Westone UM2 Rc is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    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

    Westone UM2 Rc is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Westone UM2 Rc 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

    Westone UM2 Rc 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
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Westone UM2 Rc has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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

    Westone UM2 Rc has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Westone UM2 Rc is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Westone UM2 Rc is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 12.8% worse value for money
    Westone UM2 Rc has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.97 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.
    Westone UM2 Rc has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.97 vs 6.736).5.97 vs 6.74
  • 2.78x more expensive
    Westone UM2 Rc is more expensive than the average headphone (£250 vs £90).
    Westone UM2 Rc is more expensive than the average headphone (£250 vs £90).£250 vs £90
  • No neodymium magnet
    Westone UM2 Rc does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
    non-magnetic driver design.
    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

    Westone UM2 Rc does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
Total
Overall
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Westone UM2 Rc and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Westone UM2 Rc?

  • Exceptional long-term comfort due to an ergonomic, low-profile design that sits flush in the ear.
  • Warm and 'creamy' sound signature with powerful, punchy bass and detailed mids, making them ideal for rock and pop.
  • High-quality braided cables that are extremely flexible, tangle-resistant, and have very low microphonics (cable noise).
  • Excellent passive noise isolation, particularly when used with the included Comply foam tips.
  • Removable cable system (RC) allows for easy replacement if the wire becomes damaged, extending the product's lifespan.
  • Great instrument separation and a wide, airy soundstage for dual-driver in-ear monitors.

What customers dislike about Westone UM2 Rc?

  • Mixed reports on build quality, with some users experiencing driver failure or the housing splitting over time.
  • Treble response can feel rolled off or lacking in detail compared to more modern or analytical competitors.
  • Highly dependent on achieving a 'perfect fit' rather than just a seal for optimal sound quality; a poor fit can result in distant-sounding mids.
  • Ongoing cost for replacement foam tips can become significant as they wear out and become dirty.
  • The 90-degree jack may have compatibility issues with some thick smartphone cases.
  • Considered overpriced by some critics when compared to newer, more competitively priced IEM models.

Expert reviews

B
barryrudolph.com
N/A
Westone UM2 Dual-Driver Earphones - Barry Rudolph Hifiheadphones

The Westone UM2 Universal Monitor is a pair of dual-driver earphones designed for musicians that utilizes balanced armature and passive crossover technology. Priced at $279 MSRP for the standard version and $399 MSRP for a removable cable option, they feature a 20Hz to 18kHz frequency response, an impedance of 27 ohms, and a high sensitivity of 119dB/mW. The earphones include a...Read more

H
head-fi.org
25/11/2012
Westone UM2 stage monitors - Headphones - Head-Fi

The Westone UM2 dual balanced armature in-ear monitors are lauded for a warm, musical sound signature featuring a deep soundstage, tight bass, and clear vocals, alongside excellent passive noise isolation and a comfortable fit. However, user reports highlight significant cons, including fragile structural housing that breaks frequently and high sensitivity that results in an...Read more

H
head-fi.org
19/10/2011
Mini review: Westone UM2 vs Westone 2Go to product viewer dialogue for this item.

The Head-Fi mini-review compares the Westone UM2 and Westone 2, highlighting the UM2 as a highly analytical, raw, and articulate tool with exceptional instrument separation, vivid micro-details, and lively, though often harsh, treble. Its main drawbacks include a narrow soundstage, a bright profile, and severe listener fatigue, making it an unforgiving monitor. Conversely, the...Read more

F
forums.ilounge.com
02/07/2005
Westone UM2 review - iLounge Forums

The Westone UM2 is a premium dual-driver in-ear monitor featuring a powerful, "creamy" sound signature with deep bass and sweet treble, designed for high-performance audio. Pros include exceptional comfort from adaptable Comply foam tips and superior performance across modern music genres when paired with high-quality recordings. Conversely, the UM2's high sensitivity demands...Read more

I
ilounge.com
15/05/2021
Review: Westone UM2 Dual Driver True Fit Earphones

The iLounge review highlights the Westone UM2 Dual-Driver True-Fit Earphones as a top-tier premium offering in Westone's Universal Series of in-canal headphones. The review praises its build and included accessories, noting its signature transparent housings (resembling the lower-end UM1s) paired with sturdy black cables that terminate in an oversized headphone plug. Packaged with a...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
15/01/2008
Westone UM2 Earphones Review - TechPowerUp

The TechPowerUp review of the $299 Westone UM2 dual-driver IEMs highlights a highly ergonomic, low-profile design that offers superior comfort and an industry-leading seal, particularly when paired with Comply foam tips. Featuring durable construction and low microphonic cable noise, these IEMs deliver a warm, rich sound signature with powerful bass and clear mids that excel with...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
06/05/2009
Westone UM2 Review

The Westone UM2 is a double-driver, clear-shelled in-ear monitor designed primarily as an on-stage musician's return rather than a traditional earphone for portable media players. It features a comfortable fit, linear sound reproduction, and a durable, thin twisted cable that eliminates microphonic noise. The dual-armature configuration delivers powerful, dry, and deep bass that...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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