This combined review of H2O Audio products pulls together my hands-on Tri 2 Pro review, Ript Lite review and Ript Ultra review. I ran, swam, rode, walked, flew, commuted and generally sweated on all three headphones to learn how each feature benefits the user. Expect real-world experience and honest opinions after comprehensive testing of the Tri 2 Pro, Ript Lite and Ript Ultra.
Review of H2O Audio Headphones: Index
About H2O Audio
H2O Audio is a sport-audio brand focused on headphones for athletes (well just people really!) who like to train or be outdoors in all conditions. Their range covers open-ear bone-conduction sets designed for swimming and multi-sport, true wireless earbuds for the gym and daily use, and over-ear headphones for total isolation that are built to survive serious sweat.
What I like is the way they blend rugged design with top quality audio output and practical solutions. For example, local Mp3 music storage for times – like in the pool – you are away from your phone or data, plus Bluetooth connections for everyday use.
Tri 2 Pro Review: Waterproof Bone-Conduction Headphones
My Tri 2 Pro review started in the pool and ended on the bike. This is the headset I reach for when I will be away from my phone or data. they are also the headphones I use when swimming, snowboarding, paddle boarding or mountain biking.
It’s an open-ear bone-conducting design, which means I can listen to tunes while swimming laps in Brighton Sea Lanes, plus when on a bike or snowboarding it not only fits with a helmet but you can still hear everything around you. With local storage on the device I can play tunes where my phone can’t follow, plus Bluetooth means I can stream tunes or podcasts with ease.
Built-in MP3 player (8 GB)
I load tunes for my entire swim onto the internal storage and leave my phone in the locker. The benefit is simple: guaranteed music with zero connectivity panic. It also saves phone battery on long bike rides, particularly when mountain biking in areas with sketchy data.
Playlist+ offline capture: Bluetooth and MP3
When I find the perfect mix, I can hit record to capture it for later and take the same vibe into the pool or the trails. The practical benefit is I don’t need to stop to fiddle with playlists or deal with connectivity issues. In particular I find I swim further and faster while using the Tri 2 Pro bone-conducting headphones.
IPX8 waterproofing for submersion
With fully waterproof headphones I don’t baby the headset, it gets wet and some rough treatment and just keeps working. Confidence in the waterproofing lets me focus on the activity instead of protecting electronics. I have also worn them running in the rain and snowboarding in heavy snow with no issues, plus they have survived a bruising mountain bike crash.
Bone-conduction, open-ear awareness
I have never liked listening to music when snowboarding or mountain biking because you need to hear the outside world. Keeping my ears open means I hear road traffic on my bike and the warning sound of other snow users around me when snowboarding. Both of which keep you safe on road and snow.
Not only is it safer but more sociable as I can still have a conversation with friends. The sensation is different from in-ear or over-ear headphones as you still hear everything and feel connected to the world. This brings me to my main negative, at times traffic or other noises mean I cannot hear what the Tri 2 Pro is playing, which is more of a problem with audio books or podcasts than music.
Battery life that covers a day of activity
I comfortably get through a day of snowboarding or mountain biking without recharging. Although I did get caught out a couple of times as the second 50% of the battery doesn’t seem to last as long as the first 50%, but this is when trying to use them for two days without charging!
App, formats and workflow
I can manage folders and recordings from the companion app, but I also like the old-school drag-and-drop via computer. Either way, it’s quick and easy to prep, although I tend to listing to the same recorded stuff I saved months ago, and then use Bluetooth when listening to sports or podcasts etc.
Tri 2 Pro Review: Conclusion
Controls are simple in theory but hard to remember (perhaps I am getting old!). But I was also testing other headphones, so I am sure if you regularly used the same pair it would become second nature. The buttons are easy to use with dry hands, but when swimming wet fingers are slightly harder. Annoyingly when wearing gloves they are a bit too small to reliably press.
Of course sound quality is key, and these are better than older bone-conduction sets I used. For the most part I find them good enough I can hear the spoken-word and enjoy everything from banging dance mixes to a rock. But the sound quality clearly isn’t as good as sealed in-ear or over-ear headphones. In particular you lose a bit of bass and at times other noises can interfere with your enjoyment.
But for the most part they do a great job. I can cycle safely with them on as I know what is going on around me. I can swim with tunes blaring to keep me motivated and I can still talk to mates when snowboarding together. So to conclude this Tri 2 Pro review I strongly recommend these bone-conduction headphones for water sports and activities where you need peripheral hearing.
Buy for £181 direct from H2o Audio: www.h2oaudio.com/tri-2-pro
Ript Lite Review: Ultra-Light In-Ear Headphones
For this part of my review of H2O Audio I tested the featherweight everyday in-ear headphones. During this Ript Lite review they became my go to for running, commuting and everyday life. I often get the train to London for work and the small case easily fits in my pocket and they connect to my phone or Polar Grit X watch. These are true-wireless earbuds built for an active routine – but not the pool.
Ultra-light build (about 3.7 g per earbud)
I have always struggled with in-ear headphones, I find them uncomfortable or a poor fit. But during this Ript Lite review I found they practically disappear in my ears and wouldn’t fall out even if I was headbanging to heavy metal.
The light weight means there is no ear fatigue on longer sessions and I never have to readjust them. They stay put when I’m doing everything from sprints to burpees, so I never worry they’ll pop out while navigating the Tube in London.
Active Noise Cancellation with multi-mic system
The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) knocks down gym clatter and office hum so I can keep focus, but it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. On a flight or walking past noisy traffic I can hear it. It’s not about total silence; it’s about turning chaos into a manageable background sto limit distraction while still being aware of the world around you. The microphones pick up my voice well make calls intelligible without needing to shout.
Bluetooth 5.x and touch controls
Pairing is reliable, and I can change volume, skip tracks and answer calls without fishing out my phone. That said due to testing these other headphones at the same time I am still struggling to remember what touch does what!
IPX5 sweat resistance
The Ript Lite are IPX5 water resistant which means they shrug off sweat, splashes and rain – so they are great for hard sessions on hot days or getting caught in a downpour. I just wipe them down and toss them back in the case without worrying about long-term damage from sweat or water.
Battery: 5 hours per charge, plus 30 hours with the case
I get more than a week of use before I even glance at a charger. The case top-ups are quick, and I never suffer the dreaded “one earbud dead, one alive” syndrome mid-run. Right now the case is on 32% and the ear-phones 100% and I trust that I won’t need to charge the case for a few more uses yet.
Fit and comfort
The no-drama shape means I don’t need foam tips or ear hooks. I can comfortably wear them most of the day and not get sore ear canals.
Sound profile
During this Ript Lite review I have found they punch above their weight with lively bass and clear mids that cut through external noise. I like them for for everything from hard rock to ambient and they are great for the spoken-word when taking calls, listening to podcasts or putting on an audio book from time to time.
Ript Lite Review: Conclusion
These are now my everyday earbuds, but I also use them for running, gym sessions and for taking work meetings. I love how comfortable they are and find the sound quality to be as good as my old Samsung Galaxy earbuds – which I found very uncomfortable.
The microphone works very well for clear conversations, both as phone calls or linking the ear-buds to my laptop for meetings. The battery life is exceptional and can be topped up on the go by using the case.
Pick up a pair direction from H2O Audio for £91: www.h2oaudio.com/ript-lite-headphones
Ript Ultra Review: Over-Ear Sweatproof Headphones
The over-ear section of my review of H2O Audio was testing the Ript Ultra. This is the premium sound, big battery, strong noise cancellation and changeable ear cushions for comfort. They are the kind of headphones that offer isolation in a busy or noisy environment.
Active Noise Cancellation around 30 dB
The ANC is powerful enough to take the edge off clanging plates, chatter, train rumble and the annoying hum on flights. The benefit is consistent focus whether I’m exercising, working, or travelling. As a travel writer I have used them on flights, to cut out distractions and write an article, or to watch an in-flight movie in perfect clarity.
The only downside is it’s so good you’ll miss announcements, and not be able to hear if your friend (or an air stewardess) is asking you a question.
Interchangeable ear cushions (washable silicone and premium leather)
I use silicone pads for workouts because they’re grippy and washable plus 100% sweatproof so you won’t damage the hardware when exercising. I find the leather ear cushions are more comfortable and tend to use them unless exercising. Swapping them is easy and takes seconds.
50-hour battery life
The battery life is super long and I generally don’t use them enough to make a dent in the 50 hours. I travelled to Las Vegas and back with more than 40 hours of use without needing to recharge. That means you can throw it in a bag for a long trip without hunting for charging options in airports.
45 mm drivers and sound
I love the sound quality, totally immersive. There’s a satisfying bass punch for dance music with incredible detail on acoustic songs, often live music feels spacious with an added depth – almost like you are there. I really enjoy having a bop around my apartment in them, just be warned you won’t hear anyone knock on the door…
Bluetooth with mic, plus 3.5 mm AUX
Calls are straightforward via Bluetooth and a microphone that gives great clarity. A huge advantage is the 3.5mm wired jack, this works for in-flight screens and other situations where you need to plug in.
Protective case and portability
The hard case makes it travel-proof. I throw it in a rucksack with shoes and books etc and it emerges unscathed, which is more than I can say for bananas…
Fit and stability
The clamp is adjustable and feels secure without being a head-vice. The headband cushioning spreads the load for longer wears and everything about them screams high quality. I do find that the headband needs to be worn fully vertical otherwise pressure points build on my ears (which are not particularly big!) after a while. But this can be avoided.
Ript Ultra Review: Conclusion
These are a high quality, well produced pair of headphones that are full of useful features for an active person. Personally I doubt I will wear them while exercising very often as they are just too immersive – I like to know what is going on. The flip side of this is the ANC is so good that I can wear them to work while my kids watch TV in the same room.
If you are looking for over-ear sweatproof headphones these would be a great choice. Likewise they are great for every day life!
Buy a pair for £226 direct from H2o Audio: www.h2oaudio.com/ript-ultra-headphones
Review of H2O Audio: Conclusion
Wrapping up this combined review of H2O Audio products I have to say I am very impressed. The Tri 2 Pro waterproof bone-conduction headphones work incredibly well for swimming, but also for activities where you want to hear what is going on around you such as cycling and winter sports.
The Ript Lite ultra-light in-ear headphones are the most comfortable of this style I have ever had – I usually get ear fatigue after an hour but these I could wear all day. The small, light weight, sweat-ready earbuds have credible ANC and impressive battery life – perfect for an active lifestyle. They are my go to for running and everyday life.
Now the Ript Ultra over-ear sweatproof headphones are made for full immersion and suit those that like to isolate. The sound quality is the best of the bunch and the ANC is incredible. The interchangeable ear-cushions are both washable and sweat proof making them well suited to exercise and the big battery means they last a couple of days. Perfect if you want immersive headphones you can exercise in.
To conclude this review of H2O Audio headphones I have to say I am very impressed. I have tested three different products, each with different strengths, and different uses. The common thread is they are designed for exercise and every day life, so no matter what you do one of the H2O Audio headphone products will suit your listening needs.
I hope you found this H2O Audio review useful. Check out their awesome range of headphones here: www.h2oaudio.com
