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 shall be obtainable quickly for $200.
- The headset provides lengthy battery life, excellent audio high quality, Bluetooth and MP3 functionality, and straightforward button manipulation. Offline music assist for subscription companies is supplied within the Professional mannequin.
- The headset might be inexpensive.
Earlier this yr, I examined the H2O Audio Tri Pro bone conduction headset within the pool and on the streets of Brisbane, Australia. H2O Audio not too long ago introduced the Tri 2 and Tri 2 Pro multi-sport headphones, which enhance upon the earlier era in a number of methods.
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The $20 value distinction between the Tri 2 and Tri 2 Professional is because of the 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 challenge that some prospects have been experiencing (the up to date mannequin ought to be obtainable quickly).
Evaluating the Tri 2 sequence to the primary era, I discovered a virtually 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 actually welcome for a similar value as the primary era mannequin. (H2O Audio advertises 9 hours for Bluetooth mode and 6 hours for MP3 mode.)
The primary-generation headset could be very comfy, and I loved utilizing it within the pool and out operating, however after the Tri 2 headset arrived I instantly observed the smooth contact textured coating. It makes the H2O Audio Tri 2 fashions a bit extra comfy. 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 tremendous for the reason that buttons are nicely spaced out. On the Tri 2 sequence, nonetheless, the buttons at the moment are positioned on the underside of the precise facet and are a bit bigger.
In consequence, whenever you need to press in on them, you may place your index finger on the highest of the precise facet and squeeze your fingers collectively. This additionally means that you can maintain the headset in place higher than with the primary era.
Sadly, there is no such thing as a 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.
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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 attempt 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 along with her tinnitus when listening to music (she is delicate to the earbuds kind 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 amount, 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 supplies a smartphone app for managing your music, designating favorites, updating your headset firmware, and extra. The app additionally exhibits 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 decisions in case you’re in search of 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 helps you to take your favourite music from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, or different subscription service with you for offline playback.
