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- Original review date: November 2022
- Original price $149.99 (£128.00, AU$225.00)
- Price now $99.00 / £84.99 / AU$127.99
Update: February 2024. The H20 Audio Tri Multi-Sport headphones remain an excellent choice even a year after their initial release, despite the introduction of a Pro model. With onboard storage and streaming options, along with a more affordable price now, these headphones exhibit durability and performance that resonates well in the market.
Matt Evans
Fitness and Wearables Editor
The H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport Waterproof Open Ear Headphones are strong contenders in our selection for the best waterproof headphones. Their dual Bluetooth and flash memory capability makes them versatile enough for a variety of workouts, whether you’re hitting the pool or the track.
These headphones boast a fully waterproof rating with impressive sound performance in various Bluetooth environments, as well as through the onboard 8GB flash drive for uninterrupted play while swimming. Bluetooth sensitivity in water necessitates both modes to maintain consistent sound.
One noteworthy design feature is the bone conduction technology that places the headphones on the cheekbones, enhancing comfort compared to previous models like the H2O Audio Sonar, which required attachment to swim goggles.
However, there are some usability quirks. The control buttons require a bit of finesse—sometimes they need multiple attempts to respond as desired. This responsiveness could improve with design updates in future production runs.
Pricing and Availability
- Original Price: $149.99 (£128.00, AU$225.00)
- Current Price: $99.00 / £84.99 / AU$127.99
- Available: Worldwide via multiple platforms, including H2O Audio’s official website and Amazon.
Specifications
Interface: Bluetooth and onboard media player
Battery Life: 8-9 hours of playtime
Storage: 8GB
Audio Formats: MP3, WMA, and M4A (Apple iTunes)
Weight: 1.16 oz / 33g
Currently, these multi-sport headphones are on sale, but typically retail for $149.99 (£128.00, AU$225.00). They are designed in San Diego, California, and manufactured in China, shipping internationally, with varying taxes and shipping fees based on country.
Unique Features
- IPX8 waterproof rating: Safe for swimming at depths up to 12 feet (3.6 m) indefinitely.
- Dual streaming options: Stream via Bluetooth or use the onboard flash drive for memory playback.
- Storage capacity: Supports MP3, WMA, and M4A audio formats.
The H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport features an impressive IPX8 waterproof rating, allowing swimmers to enjoy music without concerns about water damage. This is particularly important for athletes, providing motivation to consistently work out.
The headphones have a thoughtful design, incorporating two round transducers that position beneath the temples, complemented by a secure, comfortable design suited for various activities. They come with optional color bands in Caribbean blue, hot pink, and black, meaning there’s something for everyone.
Charging the headphones through a compact magnetic cable means convenience, and the battery informs users of its status via an intelligent voice alert system.
Performance Insights
The sound quality of the H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport headphones remains commendable across various listening modes. Nevertheless, underwater sounds can lean towards bass-heavy, often blurring subtleties in music. It’s advisable to use the onboard memory option for seamless sound while swimming.
Despite occasional Bluetooth interruptions underwater, especially when the user submerges deeper, the onboard memory function remains reliable, ensuring uninterrupted playback.
Most appealing is the versatility these headphones offer, seamlessly switching between functions while being user-friendly. The 8GB storage is standard for today’s needs, allowing decent song capacity with hassle-free downloading.
To Buy or Not to Buy
Buy it if…
- You want a dual-functional headphone—both Bluetooth and onboard memory—at a fantastic value.
- You are an enthusiast in water sports seeking high-quality music playback.
Don’t buy it if…
- You struggle with finicky buttons and need a more intuitive control interface.
- You prioritize heavy bass music, especially when underwater.
| Value | Especially with the current sale price, these headphones are a bargain for features. | 4.5 / 5 |
| Design | Sleek design, dual functionality, plus easy setup for downloading files. | 5 / 5 |
| Performance | Finicky control buttons and underwater bass levels can be improved. | 3.5 / 5 |
| Total | Overall, H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport headphones fulfill the requirements of anyone needing waterproof bone conduction headphones with solid sound quality. | 4.5 / 5 |
We pride ourselves on our independence and rigorous review-testing process, ensuring that our reviews are consistently updated. If a device remains available for purchase, it’s still on our radar.
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