AOSMAN AS29 Swimming Bone Conduction Headphones

The AOSMAN AS29 are wireless Bluetooth swimming headphones that utilize bone conduction technology to deliver audio underwater. With an IP68 waterproof rating, 16GB of onboard storage, and a lightweight design, these headphones aim to make swimming while listening to music a seamless experience. In this review, we’ll take a close look at the features, audio quality, comfort, and overall performance of the AOSMAN AS29 swimming headphones to see if they deliver on their promises.

Overview

The AOSMAN AS29 headphones have a lightweight behind-the-ear design that sits on the cheekbone to transmit sound via bone conduction. This allows the ears to remain open, allowing you to hear ambient sounds while swimming. The headphones have an IP68 rating, meaning they are fully waterproof and can be submerged up to 1.5 meters. Bluetooth 5.1 provides a stable wireless connection above water, while the built-in 16GB of storage lets you load MP3s to listen to underwater.

Features

• Bone conduction technology: Sound is transmitted via vibrations to the cheekbone rather than the eardrum. Allows ambient awareness while swimming.

• IP68 waterproof rating: Fully submersible up to 1.5 meters. Designed specifically for swimming and water sports.

• 16GB of onboard storage: Load MP3s for underwater listening when Bluetooth won’t work.

• Bluetooth 5.1: Provides faster pairing and a more stable wireless connection out of water.

• 8 hour battery life: 1.5 hour quick charge provides up to 8 hours of continuous playback.

• Open ear design: Lets in ambient sounds for safety and awareness when swimming.

• Accessories: Includes swimming cap, earbuds, carrying case, charging cable.

Performance

Audio Quality

The bone conduction drivers deliver clear audio both above and underwater. With headphones on, there is a notable boost in bass when submerged compared to listening above water. Maximum volume is enough to hear over splashing without being excessive. Some songs sound better than others underwater depending on the mix. Podcast listening wasn’t ideal due to low vocal frequencies.

Comfort

The lightweight open ear design is comfortable for extended wear. The fit is quite secure with the included swimming cap pulling the headphones snug. Those with larger heads may need to adjust the cap for a tighter fit. The included earbuds can attach to the headphones but weren’t very comfortable. Third party earplugs work fine as an alternative.

Connectivity

The Bluetooth connection is solid when above water but cutting out is unavoidable when submerged. This is where the MP3 storage comes in handy. Switching to MP3 mode before entering the water allows uninterrupted underwater listening. Connectivity could be improved with something like a floating Bluetooth transmitter.

Battery Life

Battery life delivers as advertised, with the quick 1.5 hour charge providing up to 8 hours of continuous use. Being able to check battery level would be useful. Auto power off after periods of inactivity prolongs standby time. Remember to charge after each use.

Use Cases

The AOSMAN AS29 headphones are ideal for swimmers who want to listen to music during laps or water exercise. The open ear design allows ambient awareness which is important for safety. The headphones work great in the pool or open water swimming. They also work well for beach and water activities like surfing or kayaking.

User Feedback Analysis

The AOSMAN AS29 bone conduction swimming headphones have received moderately positive reviews from customers. With an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars across over 150 global reviews, users find both pros and cons with these budget-friendly underwater listening devices.

The most common praise focuses on the surprising audio quality when submerged. Multiple reviewers describe the sound as “clear”, “rich”, and “full” underwater, with some mentioning the bass is enhanced compared to listening in air. Many also comment on the comfortable fit afforded by the open ear design and lightweight form factor that prevents common in-ear headphone discomfort. Those satisfied with the purchase call the headphones a “great value” for the price point.

However, a consistent complaint revolves around connectivity limitations when underwater. As several users note, Bluetooth audio inevitably cuts out when submerged, requiring switching to onboard MP3 mode for continuous underwater playback. This frustrates some who were expecting seamless wireless performance. Others mention difficulty controlling music playback and volume in MP3 mode, with the ability to only pause/play and no track skipping or volume adjustment. A few cite build quality concerns like easy scratching and water seepage over time.

On the whole, reviewers agree the headphones deliver impressive underwater audio considering the affordable sub-$50 cost. While connectivity and controls could be improved, limitations are expected for budget swimming headphones. For casual swimmers on a budget, the AOSMAN AS29 present a compelling balance of aquatic audio performance and value.

Pros

• Great audio quality when submerged
• Comfortable and secure fit
• Good value for price

Cons

• Connectivity drops underwater
• Unable to skip tracks in MP3 mode
• Difficult to adjust volume

While not perfect, most feel the audio quality underwater combined with the reasonable price make these headphones a worthwhile purchase for swimmers.

Value

The AOSMAN AS29 punch well above their weight class when it comes to price to performance ratio. Typically, waterproof swimming headphones with onboard memory cost over $100, like the AfterShokz Xtrainerz at $150. But these AOSMAN headphones offer robust IP68 waterproofing, great underwater sound, onboard MP3 storage, long battery life, and a secure fit for less than $50.

Compromises like finicky controls and connectivity exist, but are understandable given the price point. While the audio fidelity may not match more premium brands, reviewers and users consistently praise the underwater sound relative to cost. For casual and budget-focused swimmers, the value proposition of the AS29 headphones is undeniable. They deliver where it counts - making swimming with music an affordable reality.

Conclusion

For swimmers who want to listen to music in the pool, the AOSMAN AS29 delivers. The bone conduction audio sounds great underwater and the waterproof design works as intended. Reliable connectivity above water and ample onboard storage for underwater make these headphones a versatile option. Just don’t expect seamless wireless performance when submerged. For uncompromising aquatic audio, the AS29s are a great value.

Specifications

• Driver: Moving coil bone conduction transducer

• Bluetooth Version: 5.1

• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP

• Bluetooth Range: Up to 10 meters

• Battery Capacity: 180mAh

• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours of continuous playback

• Standby Time: Up to 240 hours

• Charging Time: 1.5 hours

• Waterproof Rating: IP68

• Operating Depth: Up to 1.5 meters

• Onboard Storage: 16GB

• Supported Audio Formats: MP3

• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz

• Impedance: 16 ohms

• Sensitivity: 95dB ±3dB

• Total Harmonic Distortion: ≤ 1% at 1kHz

• Microphone: CVC 8.0 noise reduction

• Weight: 29 grams

• Materials: Titanium alloy, silicone

• Included Accessories: Swimming cap, earbuds, charging cable, carrying case

What’s in the Box

• AOSMAN AS29 bone conduction headphones
• Swimming cap
• 2 pairs of earbuds
• Carrying case
• USB-C charging cable
• User manual

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the AOSMAN AS29 Swimming Headphones?

The AOSMAN AS29 Swimming Headphones boast several key features that cater to the needs of active individuals, particularly swimmers. They are IP68 certified, which denotes their highest level of waterproof functionality, making them fully submersible and ideal for swimming, diving, and other water activities. They employ bone conduction technology to transmit sound, ensuring a clear audio experience without the need to insert anything into the ear canal, thereby avoiding discomfort and pain. Additionally, the headphones feature Bluetooth 5.1 for stable and fast data transmission and come with a 16GB memory card for ample music storage. The open-ear design maintains awareness of your surroundings, enhancing safety during use.

How does the bone conduction technology work in these headphones?

The AOSMAN AS29 Swimming Headphones use bone conduction technology, which transmits sound waves to the inner ear through the cheekbones, bypassing the external ear. This innovative approach allows users to enjoy high-quality audio without obstructing the ear canal, making the headphones comfortable for extended wear and reducing the risk of ear discomfort or infection, particularly in water-based activities.

What are the advantages of Bluetooth 5.1 in the AOSMAN AS29 Headphones?

Bluetooth 5.1 in the AOSMAN AS29 Swimming Headphones provides a significant enhancement in wireless connectivity, offering faster and more stable data transmission compared to older Bluetooth versions. This improved connectivity ensures a seamless audio experience, reduces dropouts, and extends the range of connectivity, which is particularly beneficial when the source device is not in close proximity. Moreover, this technology supports a broader range of compatible devices, including iOS and Android smartphones, Macs, and PCs.

Can the AOSMAN AS29 Headphones be used for activities other than swimming?

Absolutely, the AOSMAN AS29 Swimming Headphones are not only designed for swimming but are also suitable for various other activities such as running, skiing, and fishing. Their waterproof, lightweight, and open-ear design make them versatile for diverse environments, allowing users to enjoy music, audiobooks, or calls while staying aware of their surroundings, which is crucial for safety during any physical activity.

How does the MP3 feature work on these headphones?

The MP3 player feature on the AOSMAN AS29 Swimming Headphones allows users to store music directly on the device, thanks to its 16GB internal memory. This feature is particularly useful when swimming, as Bluetooth connectivity can be inconsistent underwater. Users can load their favorite tracks onto the headphones and switch to MP3 mode for uninterrupted music playback, providing a more enjoyable and focused swimming experience.

Tips

• To ensure optimal performance of the AOSMAN AS29 Swimming Headphones underwater, it’s recommended to switch to MP3 mode, as Bluetooth connectivity may be compromised below the surface.
• For extended battery life, make sure to fully charge the headphones before use, allowing for up to 8 hours of continuous playback.
• While the open-ear design is beneficial for situational awareness, consider using the included swim cap to secure the headphones during vigorous activities or when performing flip turns in the pool.
• Take advantage of the 16GB storage by loading a variety of music or audio content, ensuring you have plenty of choices to keep your workouts fresh and engaging.