Stylish sound over time smart health innovation

Urbanears is a young Swedish brand that bases the design of its products on a minimalist and simple design. The Pampas, the brand's first over-ear headphones, fits this definition perfectly. Here, no voice assistant or active noise reduction function. This helmet relies on its manufacturing qualities and its good autonomy. But what is it really worth? We give you our opinion by the following few lines.

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• Mark : Urbanears

• Model : Pampas

• Category : wireless smart health connected headphones

• Sign in : Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5 mm jack

• Autonomy : 30 hours

• Weight : 260 g

• Compatibility : Android and iOS

• Price : 149 euros

• Availability : available for sale in 3 different colors

• Tested with : LG V20

Unboxing of Urbanears Pampas

The helmet is contained in a simple box which encloses the bare minimum. The main product is just accompanied by a small explanatory note and a USB-C cable for charging. If the presentation is in the image of the brand, that is to say minimalist, this is not shocking. We don’t bother with tons of packaging here. The Pampas is directly taken in hand, ready to use and send sound. The only thing that we regret is the lack of a case to protect the helmet.

Urbanears Pampas design and ergonomics

The Pampas immediately appeals with its design different from the rest of the helmets on the market. The combination of fabric and imitation leather brings a pleasant touch to the whole. Without being luxury materials, those used do not give it a cheap or fragile side. On the contrary, they participate in the elegant and robust image of successful design.

The headband and ear cups are padded with foam for guaranteed comfort for long hours. Indeed, with a relatively contained weight, the Pampas can be worn for a long time without causing any discomfort. We even end up forgetting it, and think that it is completely natural to hear music constantly.

The Pampas has a 3.5 mm jack input to connect a cable (or another pair of headphones), a USB type C input to charge it and a button that controls all functions. The headset also has a microphone for making or answering phone calls.

Using the helmet from Urbanears Pampas

When the headset turns on, it emits a small ring (in the earbuds). The first thing to do is to pair the Pampas with a sound source, such as a cell phone. To do this, use the single button which offers several functions depending on the press time. No problem so far, the connection in Bluetooth 5.0 is established correctly and simply. The operation takes barely a few moments, which is quite pleasant.

Once smart health connected to a device, just a short press on the button to start music. It is thus possible to change tracks by pushing this same button a little to the right or to the left. To change the volume, it's the same thing, but up and down. The controls respond very well, without latency. Only downside, which is personal and will not necessarily annoy everyone, the headphones make a little sound each time the button is used. Nothing dramatic, but the option of a silent mode would have been appreciated.

Pampas' strong point: autonomy

On the other hand, where the Pampas is doing brilliantly is in terms of battery life. Indeed, Urbanears' announced 30-hour battery life is largely achieved. During the Review, I used the headset every day on public transportation. "Thanks to" my long journeys, listening time exceeded two hours each day. Thus, after two weeks, the battery indicator was still filled beyond half. The headset only needs to be charged once a month, even with frequent use. So there is very little concern about whether the battery will hold for the music you want to listen to. It’s a very good thing.

Finally, when the helmet is not in use, the ear cups can be folded away to store the Pampas. The hinge is solid, but does not have a notch to lock the removable parts in a certain position. However, we regret the absence of a case to really protect it during transport phases. Note however that our Review specimen did not move or show any signs of fatigue after several weeks of use.

The sound of Urbanears Pampas headphones

Now let's get into the heart of the matter, namely sound. On this point, the Urbanears helmet offers a mixed experience. Depending on the different configurations of the listening environment, the listening environment can change drastically. So, in a quiet and not very noisy place, the Pampas offers a completely correct sound experience. The earpieces manage to reproduce a faithful sound, albeit a deformed hair, as if muffled. This is the prerogative of many on-ear or over-ear headsets. The bass and treble are present, when the mids take up a little less space, without being neglected. It will be more suitable for certain musical styles than others.

In a noisy environment, the Pampas sticks out its tongue a little. Not having an active noise reduction function, the high volume of an external sound can completely cover the music. It sometimes gives the impression of accentuating these external noises by acting as a sounding board. Before reaching this point, however, the volume must be very loud, to the point that it annoys everyone.

Conclusion

Wireless headphones are becoming more common. You just need to take public transport to find out. Indeed, these offer sound performances which are close to their wired counterparts. But their simplicity of use and the fact of being free from all threads are the arguments which conquered their users. All is not yet rosy in this universe and if you gain freedom on one side, you lose elsewhere. You have to be able to comply with certain constraints, first of all the limited autonomy, when using a wireless headset. This is where the Urbanears Pampas is doing well, thanks to its very good battery life which sometimes makes you forget that it needs to be recharged from time to time. In addition, it is comfortable and robust.

In terms of sound quality, the headphones blow hot and cold. Very correct in a quiet environment, it is disappointing in a noisy setting. A version with ANC could fix everything. As is, the Pampas nevertheless has a certain charm, thanks to its manufacturing qualities, its autonomy and its successful design. So we’re expecting the sequel to Urbanears.

Good points

• Ease of use

• Very good autonomy

• Comfortable

• Correct sound quality…

Negative points

• … But struggling in a noisy environment

• No case provided with

• Unable to turn off audio alerts

Design and ergonomics – 7.5

Use – 8

Sound quality – 6.5

Value for money – 7

7.3

Design and Ergonomics : A minimalist and sober design. A light and comfortable helmet.

Ease of use : A practical button to control everything. Long-lasting autonomy.

Sound quality : A correct sound that struggles in a noisy setting.

Quality / Price ratio : The price is not outlier. This product will last.

AB SMART HEALTH REVIEW