H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones: Underwater Tunes for Swimmers

Published on June 2, 2023, 5:18 p.m.

For swimmers looking to pump up their workouts with music or audio books, the H2O Audio SONAR underwater bone conduction headphones make it possible to jam out while doing laps. H2O Audio has been making waterproof audio gear for watersports since 2003. Their latest model uses innovative bone conduction technology to deliver decent sound without blocking the ears completely. Let’s dive into the details on these funky underwater listening gadgets.

Overview

The H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones have a cool futuristic design with two rounded panels that sit in front of your ears. Bluetooth connectivity and an integrated MP3 player provide flexibility for streaming music or loading audio files to listen offline. The 8GB of onboard storage can hold over 60 hours of tunes and podcasts. An IPX8 waterproof rating means they can be submerged up to 12 feet, plenty enough for any pool or open water swimming environment.

H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones

Key Features:

Bone conduction technology delivers open ear audio underwater
Bluetooth connectivity streams music and audio above water
8GB MP3 player stores music for offline listening
IPX8 waterproof for swimming and water activities
7 hours battery life per charge

H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones

Design:

At just over 5 ounces, the H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones are lightweight with a low profile wrap-around neckband design. Sculpted pods contain the bone conduction modules and sit in front of the ear with an open fit. Goggle clips and adjustable positioning ensure a secure in-water fit. Aled lights indicate power and functionality.Rubberized coatings give a rugged and non-slip finish that looks fitting for athletic use.
H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones

Ease of Use:

Once clipped onto goggles and properly positioned, the H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones are very easy to operate while swimming. Large tactile buttons control volume, power, Bluetooth, play/pause, etc. Loading MP3s involves simple drag and drop file transfer via USB. The controls and interface are intuitive with minimal learning curve. Operation is streamlined for hassle-free use in the water.

Audio Quality:

The key component enabling decent underwater sound is the proprietary bone conduction driver modules. Power consumption is low at just a few milliwatts thanks to the efficient magnetic transducers. Sound transmits via cheekbone vibrations instead of the eardrum. While not audiophile-grade fidelity, the sound is very usable for swimming with punchy bass and clear mids. High frequencies lose some sparkle due to physics limits. But volume levels can be pushed high to overcome noisy pool environments.

Microphone:

There is no integrated microphone for taking calls. The waterproof design omits this feature to focus solely on music playback while swimming.

Noise Isolation:

Bone conduction bypasses the ears so there is very little passive sound blocking. The included silicone earplugs provide optional noise isolation for improved audio immersion. Ambient pool noise remains but is significantly reduced.
H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones

Battery & Charging:

The integrated rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery provides up to 7 hours of continuous playback time. Real-world mixed usage gives 4-5 hours depending on volume. The unique magnetic 4-pin USB cable handles charging and audio transfers. Charging to full takes around 3 hours.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth 4.2 enables cable-free audio streaming from phones and watches above water. The specs support A2DP music streaming with SBC codec but no aptX. Pairing is quick and reliable during dry use. Underwater, the MP3 player takes over.
H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones

Controls:

Large tactile buttons provide all essential controls: power on/off, volume up/down, play/pause, Bluetooth. All operations can be easily done mid-swim even with wet fingers.

Build Quality:

The H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones feature a rubberized plastic housing that seems durable and able to withstand bumps and scrapes. Internals are protected within the sealed wraparound neckband design. Goggle clips are metal for security. Overall construction inspires confidence for long-term water exposure.

Comfort:

Weighing just over 5 ounces, the H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones stay comfy for extended swim sessions. The open ear design avoids fatigue from canal pressure. Adjustable positioning and optional earplugs provide a tailored fit. Most users report no discomfort even when wearing for hours at a time.

Waterproofing:

With an IPX8 rating, the H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones can be submerged in up to 12 feet of water continuously without issues. This makes them suitable for any pool or open water swimming. The waterproof design stands up well to both chlorinated and salt water environments.

H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones

Use Cases:

The H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones are designed for swimmers who want to listen to music, audiobooks, podcasts, etc while doing laps or open water swimming. They provide entertainment and motivation during pool sessions, races, triathlon swims, and any aquatic activities. The open ear design allows swimmers to remain aware of their surroundings for safety.

User Reviews Analysis:

Overall, customers are quite satisfied with the audio quality and performance of the H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones. Here’s a deeper look at what users like and some common complaints.

The most praised aspects are the sound quality and ability to listen to music comfortably underwater. Users describe an immersive audio experience pumped directly into their ears. Many mention the motivating and entertaining boost music provides for their swimming workouts. Even audiophiles concede the bone conduction sound is impressive for an underwater system.

Comfort and fit also receive positive feedback. Once positioned properly, most find the open ear design stays put and transmits clear audio for their whole swim session. The goggle clip integration works well to keep the units locked in place. Those who use the included earplugs note a noticeable boost in bass response and isolation.

In terms of downsides, the most common complaint involves the charging cable connection. A significant number of users report problems with the magnetic 4-pin USB connector becoming loose or intermittent after months of use. However, the headphones themselves seem to stand up well to water exposure without sound or technical issues.

Another frequent criticism is shorter than advertised battery life. While H2O claims 7 hours per charge, real-world use gets between 4-5 hours blending Bluetooth and MP3 playback. Carrying an external USB battery may be required for ultra long swims.

Additionally, some users find the method of loading songs onto the MP3 player overly complicated and slow. But this is a one-time setup pain that pays off later with hours of underwater listening enjoyment.

Overall, customer satisfaction remains high for these innovative swimming headphones. They deliver a practical wireless audio solution for swimmers wanting to jam out in the pool. For most users, the positives far outweigh any minor downsides.

Pros:

Excellent underwater audio solution without earbuds
Innovative bone conduction technology
Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio
Secure goggle-clip design

Cons:

Loading songs onto MP3 player can be slow
Battery life less than stated 7 hours
Charging cable connection may deteriorate

Value:

For a high-tech swimming audio system capable of delivering decent underwater sound, the H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones provide solid value at around $100. The waterproof design and long 1 year warranty ensure you get plenty of use from them. While not cheap, compared to the limited competition they are a good mid-range investment to swim with music.

Summary

For swimmers who want to zone out to their own soundtrack, the H2O Audio SONAR bone conduction headphones are a great choice. The innovative design delivers solid underwater audio in a lightweight and waterproof package. A few drawbacks like loading songs and battery life keep them from being perfect. But overall these high-tech swimming headphones provide an enjoyable way to make laps and workouts more fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bone Conduction Technology and how does it work with the H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones?

Bone conduction technology allows you to experience music and sound through the vibration of the bones in your head and jaw, bypassing the eardrum. The H2O Audio SONAR Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones use this technology to deliver sound without full sound isolation, making it safer for swimmers to hear their surroundings while enjoying music.

How does the drag and drop feature enhance the usability of the headphones?

The drag and drop feature simplifies the process of adding music to the headphones. Users can easily transfer their favorite songs, podcasts, and audio recordings to the headphones without the need for complicated software, making it convenient for swimmers to enjoy a wide range of audio content underwater.

What makes the H2O Audio SONAR Headphones suitable for swimming and other water activities?

The H2O Audio SONAR Headphones have the highest IPX8 waterproof rating, which means they can withstand total submersion in up to 12 feet (3 meters) of water. This makes them perfect for various water activities, including lap and open water swimming, ensuring that users can enjoy their music without worrying about water damage.

Can the H2O Audio SONAR Headphones be connected to iOS and Android devices?

Yes, the H2O Audio SONAR Headphones are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. They can connect via Bluetooth, allowing users to stream music from their smartphones, smartwatches, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices while swimming.

How do the open-ear design and the clip design contribute to the user experience?

The open-ear design of the H2O Audio SONAR Headphones allows swimmers to hear ambient sounds, ensuring safety while swimming. The integrated clip design facilitates easy attachment to swim goggles, ensuring that the headphones stay secure during vigorous swimming activities.

Tips

To maximize the life of your headphones, rinse them with fresh water after use in chlorine or salt water.
Ensure the headphones are fully charged before long swimming sessions to avoid interruptions.
Utilize the 8 GB memory to store a diverse playlist to keep your swimming sessions engaging and motivating.

Knowledge

Bone conduction technology is an innovative way to transmit sound directly to the inner ear through the bones of the skull, bypassing the outer and middle ear.
The IPX8 rating is the highest level of waterproof certification, indicating that a device can be submerged in water deeper than 1 meter for extended periods.

Specifications

Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
Storage: 8 GB internal memory
Waterproof Rating: IPX8, up to 12 ft (3 m)
Battery Life: Up to 7 hours of playback
Weight: 5.3 ounces
Cable Length: 36 inches
Included Components: Headphones, Cable
Compatibility: iPhone, Android, Smart Watch, Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, Samsung
Design: Bone Conduction headphones, Open Ear placement