Beats urBeats3 Review: Wired iPhone Audio with Caveats
A verified buyer called them “the best pair of buds you can buy” — but others warn they “slip out constantly” or lack the bass punch claimed in the ads. Beats urBeats3 Earphones (Renewed, Black) sit right in that stubborn middle ground of excellent ergonomic touches and infuriating design quirks. Overall rating from aggregated sources hovers at 8/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — great for Apple users seeking wired reliability, less ideal for bass heads or intense workouts.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp sound with solid bass (for most users) | Bass weaker than expected for hip-hop fans |
| Magnetic earbuds reduce tangles | Fit issues, especially for small ears |
| Lightning connector perfect for iPhone | Earbuds slipping out during activity |
| Good value when purchased refurbished | Sound can drop out due to angles/ear tip mismatch |
| Durable, flat cable resists tangles | Comfort complaints after long wear |
| Variety of ear tip sizes included | Misleading listings — missing wingtips/case |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing pushes the fine-tuned acoustic design promising “exceptional listening”. While many buyers agree, reality depends heavily on fit. A Reddit-style review from Best Buy’s database noted: “The clarity is there, the fullness is not… if you’re into hip-hop or anything where you expect tons of bass you might be disappointed.” This shows how signature Beats bass isn’t always front and center with the urBeats3.
The connector claim — Lightning for Apple devices — aligns perfectly for iPhone users. A verified Best Buy shopper mentioned: “Great sound and even better that it has the lightning connector for iPhone users.” But Android owners hit a snag when volume controls failed, with one buyer admitting: “The volume feature we were after is not compatible but will have to do for now.”
Durability is marketed through flat, tangle-free cable and premium build. While the flat cable gets universal praise, some long-term owners cut through the hype: “Like all wired products, the wire breaks at the edges,” reported a Quora contributor who still found the product “worth the money” after a year.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Comfort, portability, and magnetic earbud design stand out. Apple users especially benefit from the Lightning connector, avoiding extra dongles. A verified Best Buy buyer shared: “These are light and sound is very good. I like the magnet in them so they don’t get tangled… really nice feature.” For commuters, this means sliding them in and out of a bag without a knotted mess.
Sound quality earns a generally positive nod. Amazon buyers call it “amazing audio quality,” adding that even renewed units “sound brand new.” One owner enjoyed them for podcasts, praising that they “hear all the notes equally with the bass” without fatigue after long sessions.
Flat cable durability resonates with gym users carrying phones in pockets. As one Amazon reviewer put it: “Construction and quality excellent. I like the flat wire that minimizes tangled wires.” Outdoor joggers found that feature reduced distractions from untangling mid-run.
Common Complaints
Fit is the most frequent sore point. Users with smaller ears often struggled regardless of the included sizes. “None of the four sets of rubber adapters seem to work very well… they kept sliding out while doing not very intense cardio,” explained one buyer, resorting to tips stolen from an old Panasonic pair. Dislodging mid-workout clearly undermines the product’s marketed sport compatibility.
Sound drop-outs linked to poor ear seal frustrated some. One report described how “that incredible sound drops out perhaps due to the headphone angle… requiring constant repositioning in my ear canal.” For music producers or anyone needing consistent monitoring, this poses a serious reliability issue.
Comfort over time also divides the crowd. “First few days I wore them, my ears were quite sore and couldn’t press on them while sleeping,” shared a verified Amazon buyer. That suggests short-session suitability rather than all-day wearability.
Divisive Features
Bass output splits audience opinion. Some call it “great bass for tiny speakers,” while others say it’s “weak on bass” and “no better than Apple headphones” supplied with iPhones. Hip-hop and EDM listeners surface as the group most likely to demand more punch, while podcast or acoustic genres fans find the balance acceptable.
The renewed label reassures bargain hunters but prompts skepticism. Multiple satisfied buyers admitted, “You can’t tell these are renewed,” crediting clean packaging and performance. Yet one unhappy customer received units with “super-glued” repairs on the ear hooks — proof quality can vary across refurbish sources.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Fakespot data show minimal deception in reviews, with most classified as high quality. Still, refurbished buyers occasionally receive items not matching descriptions, missing expected accessories like wingtips or carrying cases. “I highlighted this via Q&A but see the description has still not been updated,” complained one owner who felt let down.
Long-term wear and tear stories cluster around cable and connector stress. Quora experts note the wire “breaks at the edges” after a year, which, while typical for wired models, suggests handling care is critical for lifespan. Best Buy’s returning customers — some on their third pair — demonstrate recurring trust, but that comfort stems from price point and familiarity rather than flawless durability.
Alternatives
The most frequently named competitor is Skullcandy wired models. Quora’s contributor weighed them against urBeats3 and said: “For $32 I could buy a tried and true Skullcandy or try Beats… wow! I hear the bass I was missing.” In Bluetooth territory, Powerbeats3 surfaces in comparisons for active users, offering ear hooks for a secure fit — albeit with reports of hook breakage over months of use.
Price & Value
Current refurbished listings hover around $39–$59 on marketplaces, compared to $99+ new retail. Community tips favor buying from reputable sellers like Amazon Renewed or Geek Squad Certified to ensure accessory completeness and avoid “super-glued” repairs. Resale stays modest due to wired tech’s slow fade in popularity, but the Lightning connector retains value among Apple loyalists.
FAQ
Q: Do the urBeats3 work with Android phones?
A: Yes, via the 3.5mm version or with adapters, but volume/mic controls may not function fully, as several Android users found out.
Q: Are refurbished urBeats3 as good as new?
A: Many describe them as indistinguishable from new, with clean packaging and flawless sound, though rare cases had missing parts or cosmetic flaws.
Q: Can they stay in during workouts?
A: Fit is inconsistent; some gym-goers report constant slipping, while others find stability with swapped ear tips from other brands.
Q: Is bass strong enough for EDM or hip-hop?
A: Mixed answers — bass lovers may find it lacking compared to over-ear Beats models, but casual listeners often find the output satisfying.
Q: Do they come with a case and wingtips?
A: Not always. Several buyers received units without promised accessories, so verify listing details before purchase.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an iPhone user seeking wired reliability, magnetic anti-tangle design, and solid everyday audio. Avoid if you have very small ears, demand overpowering bass, or need rock-solid workout fit. Pro tip from community: Swap the stock ear tips with memory foam or a trusted brand to dramatically improve seal and comfort.
