Ultrasone IQ

The Ultrasone IQ sounds great, landing in the 81st percentile for sound quality with its hybrid 8mm dynamic and balanced armature setup. But it costs $950, is wired only, and scores 13.6 out of 100 for fitness. Unless you specifically want a boutique wired IEM, buy a modern wireless flagship instead.

The sound is where the IQ earns its keep. That 81st percentile sound score puts it well above average, and the hybrid driver setup is doing real work. The 8mm dynamic driver handles bass with authority, while the balanced armature takes over the mids and highs through a frequency separating filter. The frequency response runs from 17Hz to 21kHz, which covers the full audible range without any weird gaps. At 20Ω impedance, these are easy to drive from a phone or laptop, no dedicated amp required.

But the performance story gets complicated fast. The mic quality sits at the 40th percentile, which is mediocre for a $950 product that includes an in-line remote. Battery life is a non-factor since these are wired, but the 45th percentile battery score reflects how our database compares them against wireless competitors. The real problem is the anc score at the 31st percentile. These are passive noise isolating, not active noise cancelling, and that's a tough sell at this price point.

Stacked against the competition, the IQ is in a strange spot. The Sony WF-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra both offer active noise cancelling, wireless connectivity, and app-based EQ at lower prices. The Technics EAH-AZ100 brings a similar audiophile pedigree with modern features. Even the Soundcore P31i, a budget option, beats the IQ on connectivity and comfort scores. The IQ's only real advantage is that hybrid driver sound signature, which lands in the 81st percentile. But you're giving up a lot to get it.

At $950, the value proposition is hard to defend. The music score of 32.7 out of 100 and budget score of 30.2 out of 100 both reflect how poorly this stacks up against modern wireless flagships. You can get the Sony WF-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra for less money, and they'll give you ANC, wireless connectivity, and comparable sound quality. The IQ is for a specific type of buyer: someone who wants a wired hybrid IEM with a particular sound signature and doesn't care about modern conveniences. For everyone else, this is a tough sell.

The Ultrasone IQ is a weird one. It's a wired, hybrid in-ear monitor from a boutique German brand, and it costs $950. That's flagship wireless earbud money, but you're getting a 2-way setup with an 8mm dynamic driver for bass and a balanced armature for mids and highs. The sound quality is genuinely impressive, landing in the 81st percentile of our database. But the overall score of 24.1 out of 100 tells the real story: this thing is a specialist, not an all-rounder.

Here's the catch. The IQ scores 13.6 out of 100 for fitness, which is rough for something marketed toward runners and travelers. Connectivity sits at the 13th percentile, which makes sense for a wired-only IEM in 2024. You're paying for the sound signature and the build materials, not convenience features. And with only 4 customer reviews, there's not much social proof to lean on either.

Skip the IQ if you want modern features. The connectivity score is in the 13th percentile, meaning no Bluetooth, no wireless charging, no app support. The fitness score of 13.6 out of 100 makes these a poor choice for workouts. And with comfort at the 28th percentile, long listening sessions might be a struggle. If you're spending $950, the Sony WF-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra give you better all-around performance for less money.

The Ultrasone IQ is a niche product for a niche buyer. If you want a wired hybrid IEM with a specific sound character and you don't care about wireless, ANC, or fitness use, the 81st percentile sound quality might justify the $950 price tag. But the overall score of 24.1 out of 100 tells you everything you need to know. This is a one-trick pony, and that trick is expensive. Most people should buy the Sony WF-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra instead.