There’s something very appealing about a set of neat and chic wireless earbuds and, on paper, the Luma offers plenty. A 25-hour battery life is not to be sniffed at, while wear-detection and responsive touch controls prove genuinely useful – all in a package that’s subtly distinctive. Unfortunately, attractive though their Scandi style might be, the Luma ‘buds are let down by average audio quality and a hard-shell design that makes a secure and comfortable fit almost impossible to achieve. They might be half the price of the Apple AirPods that they in many ways resemble, but at £80 they’re not a bargain basement buy. And, in that territory, the Urbanears Luma is competing with the likes of Huawei’s Freebuds 3i, which offer snug silicone tips and full active noise-cancelling for just a tenner more. So if you’re happy with one-size earphones and fancy a pastel shade that stands out, you might be willing to look past the Luma’s several shortcomings. But if audio and comfort matter most, there are better earbuds in the price bracket.
Battery goes long, charges fast; Attractive matte design; Wear-detection works well;
Audio is shallow and airy; Insecure, uncomfortable fit; Charging case lid feels flimsy;