ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The H2O Audio Tri 2 multi-sport bone conduction headphones can be found now for $180 and the Tri 2 Professional will probably be out there quickly for $200.
- The headset affords lengthy battery life, excellent audio high quality, Bluetooth and MP3 functionality, and simple button manipulation. Offline music assist for subscription companies is supplied within the Professional mannequin.
- The headset could possibly be cheaper.
Earlier this 12 months, I examined the H2O Audio Tri Pro bone conduction headset within the pool and on the streets of Brisbane, Australia. H2O Audio just lately introduced the Tri 2 and Tri 2 Pro multi-sport headphones, which enhance upon the earlier era in a number of methods.
Additionally: The best bone conduction headphones you can buy: Expert tested
The $20 worth distinction between the Tri 2 and Tri 2 Professional is as a result of Professional mannequin supporting the distinctive Playlist Plus performance that I detailed in my Tri Pro review. I’ve been testing each fashions, however H2O Audio halted gross sales of the Tri 2 Professional to deal with a Bluetooth battery concern that some prospects have been experiencing (the up to date mannequin needs to be out there quickly).
Evaluating the Tri 2 sequence to the primary era, I discovered an almost 100% enhance in battery life, improved button design, new bone conduction acoustics, and elevated degree of water resistance marketed as past IPX8.
I used to be happy with the 5 hours or so of battery life with the H2O Tri Professional headset, however having as much as 9 hours is definitely welcome for a similar worth as the primary era mannequin. (H2O Audio advertises 9 hours for Bluetooth mode and 6 hours for MP3 mode.)
The primary-generation headset may be very snug, and I loved utilizing it within the pool and out operating, however after the Tri 2 headset arrived I instantly seen the mushy contact textured coating. It makes the H2O Audio Tri 2 fashions a bit extra snug. The primary era has a smoother, metallic really feel, whereas the second era grips onto your head a bit higher and feels higher within the hand.
The buttons on the H2O Tri Professional are positioned on the skin of the headset, so that you press the buttons into your head to activate them. That is nice because the buttons are effectively spaced out. On the Tri 2 sequence, nonetheless, the buttons are actually positioned on the underside of the appropriate facet and are a bit bigger.
Consequently, whenever you wish to press in on them, you possibly can place your index finger on the highest of the appropriate facet and squeeze your fingers collectively. This additionally permits you to maintain the headset in place higher than with the primary era.
Sadly, there isn’t any massive, simply accessible button on the spherical piece forward of your ear for enjoying and pausing music, like on different bone conduction headsets. That stated, I simply obtained used to squeezing the middle button.
Additionally: The best headphones for working out you can buy: Expert tested
I’ve worn the headset for a lot of hours whereas operating and whereas on the pool, with no discomfort in any respect. I had my spouse and daughter strive it within the pool and each of them have been amazed by the audio high quality from the headset whereas swimming underwater, because the sound is richer and bolder than when used within the air. This was additionally my spouse’s first publicity to bone conduction headsets, and she or he is now contemplating utilizing them to assist together with her tinnitus when listening to music (she is delicate to the earbuds type issue).
The H2O Audio Tri 2’s bone conduction audio system are slimmer by 5mm in comparison with the Tri sequence and supply improved sound high quality. I nonetheless have the primary era and the quantity, bass, and readability is healthier on the Tri 2 fashions than on the primary era. I might not have thought H2O Audio may enhance upon the sound, however the firm pulled it off.
H2O Audio additionally offers a smartphone app for managing your music, designating favorites, updating your headset firmware, and extra. The app additionally reveals your battery life and headset storage utilization.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
The H2O Audio Tri 2 and Tri 2 Professional bone conduction headsets are glorious selections when you’re on the lookout for headphones to make use of whereas within the water or for headphones with built-in music. Certainly, the Professional 2 mannequin with Playlist Plus assist enables you to take your favourite music from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, or different subscription service with you for offline playback.