H2O TRI2 PRO Multi-Sport Waterproof Headphones Review: A Triathlete's Take
Karen Parnell
November 04, 2024
H2O TRI2 PRO Multi-Sport Waterproof Headphones Review: A Triathlete's Take
As a triathlete and triathlon coach, finding gear that works seamlessly across swimming, cycling, and running can feel like hunting for the holy grail. That's where the H2O TRI2 PRO Multi-Sport Waterproof Headphones come in.
They're designed specifically for multisport athletes who need durable, high-quality headphones that won’t miss a beat whether you're in the pool, on the indoor bike, or pounding the pavement on your run.
These headphones also feature a built-in MP3 player, meaning you don’t have to worry about carrying your phone while training, which is a huge bonus.
Let's dive into how they perform in each phase of triathlon training, along with the pros, cons, and what you get in the box.
H2O TRI2 PRO Headphones being tested in the ChiliTri Endless Pool
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What is Bone Conduction Technology?
The H2O TRI2 PRO uses bone conduction technology, which is a bit different from traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones. Instead of sending sound through your ear canal, bone conduction headphones work by transmitting sound vibrations through the bones in your cheek and jaw. These vibrations are picked up by your inner ear, allowing you to hear the sound without blocking your ears.
This is important for swimming, because your ears stay free, meaning you don't have to worry about water clogging them or messing with earbud fit is also helps to make the headphone waterproof as they don’t use standard speakers.
For cycling and running, bone conduction which are also known as “open ear headphones” also improves safety by letting you hear your surroundings—like traffic, other athletes, or environmental sounds—while still enjoying your music or podcast. It’s a game-changer for triathletes who need to stay aware during training.
H2O TRI2 PRO Headphones use open are bone conduction technology which is ideal for triathletes
Swimming with the H2O TRI2 PRO
These headphones are waterproof with an IPX8 rating, meaning they're designed for full submersion up to 12 feet underwater. This makes them perfect for swimming laps, open water swims, or even poolside training.
What’s great about them is that bone conduction tech transmits sound through your cheekbones rather than through your ears. This allows you to keep your ears open, so you can still hear ambient noise around you (like your swim coach shouting instructions or hearing waves in open water).
Underwater, the sound quality is surprisingly good. While it won’t have the booming bass or crystal-clear highs of your favourite over-ear headphones, the sound remains clear enough to enjoy podcasts, audiobooks, or music tracks. Plus, the snug fit ensures they won’t come loose even during flip turns or when you’re pushing hard.
The H2O TRI2 PRO are ideal if you want to listen to music or podcasts as you swim
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H2O TRI2 PRO while Sea Swimming
This is probably the biggest test for any headphones - salty sea water and a noisy beach. How would they work with the wind, waves and other beach goers and swimmers?
I had to spend a few minutes making sure the headphones were in position against my cheek bones and also under my swim hat so I would not loose them during the swim.
After that it was plain sailing. I put them in MP3 player mode and walked into the water. In the air the music was a little quiet and not very bassy but under the water - wow! - the bass kicked in and they were loud enough to hear over everything.
Unlike other headphones I tried they did not vibrate so I found them comfortable throughout.
Front Crawl / Freestyle: during this stroke when breathing one ear comes out of the water so this ear was slightly quiter than the one in the water but your soon get used to that.
Maybe ear plugs would work in this scenario?
Breaststroke: During this stroke your could notice the sound change in and out of the water. Again maybe ear plugs would help? I did not get a chance to try the ear plug (plus I dont like wearing them).
Backstroke: My ears were under the water the whole time so no problem with this stroke.
I liked that the audio was quieter when I had my head out of the water and this made it easy to hear my fellow swimmer when we stopped to chat.
So, for open water, sea swimming they get the thumbs up from me!
H2O TRI2 PRO used sea swimming in Nerja, Southern Spain
Cycling with the H2O TRI2 PRO
Cycling with these headphones is where they really start to show their versatility. While riding, you want something comfortable and secure, but it’s also essential that you’re aware of your surroundings for safety reasons.
For me I would not wear headphones whilst cycling outside as I want to be 100% aware so I tested them inside on my static bike.
The H2O TRI2 PRO does well here since the bone conduction tech lets you listen to your tunes or podcasts while still hearing what’s going on in the background – especially when you Amazon delivery arrives!
They fit comfortably and the lightweight design means they won’t distract you during long rides. Plus, since they’re sweatproof as well as waterproof, you don’t need to worry about them getting damaged from long, sweaty indoor cycling training sessions.
You can use the H2O TRI2 PRO Headphones outside on your bike but I prefer using them indoor cycling
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Running with the H2O TRI2 PRO
When it comes to running, comfort and stability are key. These headphones sit securely in place, even during intense sessions or on rougher terrain. They don’t bounce around or need constant adjustment, which is a common problem with some other types of earbuds.
The sound quality on dry land is a bit richer than when you’re swimming, thanks to better acoustic conditions. Whether you prefer an energizing playlist or catching up on your favourite podcast, they provide a solid listening experience while you’re out running. And, like when cycling, you’ll still be able to hear ambient noises like passing cars or other runners.
H2O TRI2 PRO headphones are great even on those sweaty runs in the hot moutains in southern Spain!
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H2O TRI2 PRO: What’s in the Box?
Inside the box, you’ll find everything you need to get started. Here’s what you can expect:
- The H2O TRI2 PRO Waterproof Headphones with integrated MP3 player
- Robust Storage Case: the case can store your headphones, charge cable, earplug, leash plus nose clip (if you use one) and swimming hat.
- Solid Earplugs for use to get the best sound quality when swimming
- A USB charging cable and for the built-in MP3 player audio file transfer
- A User Manual and Quick Start Guide to get you up and running quickly
- Leash to secure your headphones to your goggle strap or glasses
H2O TRI2 PRO Headphones Unboxing Video
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I was a bit confused about the leash, so I contacted H2O support, and they sent through these images to help me understand:
How to use the H2O TRI2 PRO Headphones Leash
How the H2O TRI2 PRO Built-in MP3 Player Works
The built-in MP3 player is super convenient, especially for swimming when you can’t use your phone and when Bluetooth can’t deliver your signal through the water. It holds up to 8GB of music—enough for hundreds of songs or hours of podcasts. There are two ways to load your music or audio files onto the MP3 player:
- File Drag-and-Drop: The most straightforward method is to connect the headphones to your computer via the included USB cable. From there, you can drag and drop your music files (MP3, WMA, AAC formats) directly onto the device. Think of it like adding files to a USB drive. This method is great if you like to manually curate your playlist. If you use Spotify like me, you will need to convert your music to the right format using an online converter.
- Playlist+: PLAYLIST+ is like your old-school tape recorder and mixtapes. It lets you load/record audio from the Bluetooth connection and store it into the memory of the headphones to be played later. Using PLAYLIST+ is easy. With just a double click on the + button of the headphones, your Bluetooth audio that’s playing will be stored for your enjoyment later. Up to 8 GB of music!
When I tried this, I was using Spotify on my phone and pressed play then had to quickly press record on the H2O App to start recording. Rather like recording the top 10 on my cassettes when I was young, I did miss a little bit of the track at the beginning but it did bring back some great memories!
Pro tip: You can also connect the PRO headphones to your computer or iPad and leave it to load the streaming audio while the device charges.
The MP3 controls are built into the headphones themselves, allowing you to skip tracks, pause, or adjust the volume without needing to fumble around with any external device. This makes them easy to use, even mid-workout, whether you’re in the pool or on a run.
How to use the H2O TRI2 PRO Headphones PLAYLIST+ Music Loading Feature
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H2O TRI2 PRO Headphones Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Waterproof and sweatproof: Perfect for triathletes, no matter the sport or conditions and you can even swim with them.
- Bone conduction technology: Allows you to hear your surroundings, improving safety while running, swimming or cycling.
- Comfortable fit: Stays secure during all types of workouts, whether in the water or on land.
- Built-in MP3 player: No need for a phone, making it ideal for swimming or when you want to go phone-free.
- Easy to use: Simple drag-and-drop functionality for loading music, and intuitive on-device controls.
- Playlist+ feature: Makes it easy to record a song when you are listening on Spotify or other music service.
Cons:
- Sound quality underwater: While decent, it’s not as rich or deep as traditional earbuds. But this is to be expected with bone conduction tech.
- Storage limitations: 8GB is plenty for most workouts, but if you’re someone who likes a huge music library, you might need to rotate tracks.
- No noise reduction: Other headphones have various types of noise reduction, but these headphones do not feature any.
The H2O TRI2 PRO comes with a sturdy box - enough room for headphones, charge cablee, ear plugs, swimming hat and nose clips.
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How do the H2O TRI2 PRO Headphones Compare?
Here are how the H2O TRI2 PRO headphones compare to the other sports headphone son the market:
Sport Headphones Comparison Table: Nank, H2O, Oladance and Shokz
As you can see from the table their price is good compared to Shokz but more than the Nank headphones, even with the case.
They don’t have noise reduction, and the MP3 player storage is less than others at 8GB versus 32GB.
They do have an easy-to-use App which is useful and come with a sturdy case.
H2O TRI2 PRO Ease of Use and Design
Overall, the H2O TRI2 headphones are straightforward and easy to use. Whether you’re loading music or adjusting the fit, everything is designed with simplicity in mind. The controls are intuitive, so you won’t need to stop mid-workout to figure out how to skip a track or adjust the volume.
Triathlete Lionel Sanders helped design the headphones to ensure they were a good product for triathletes to use during their training. He said:
"Working with H2O Audio to develop the TRI 2 Multi-Sport Series has been an incredible
experience," said Sanders. "These headphones are built to endure the toughest conditions,
while delivering exceptional sound, extended battery life, and the convenience of the PLAYLIST+ feature. As I prepare for Kona, I’m excited to bring this level of performance to every race and share it with athletes around the world."
The only minor challenge I encountered could be the initial fit adjustment. Since they use bone conduction, it might take a few tries to position them perfectly for both comfort and sound quality. But once you’ve found the right spot, they stay put, even during intense training sessions.
H2O TRI2 PRO Headphones Features Video
H2O TRI2 PRO Final Verdict
The H2O TRI2 PRO Waterproof Headphones are a fantastic choice for triathletes or anyone who trains in multiple environments.
Their waterproof, sweatproof design and built-in MP3 player make them incredibly convenient for swimming, while the bone conduction technology ensures they’re just as useful when cycling indoors or running. I liked the included case, Bluetooth for streaming and calls and lightweight design.
With solid sound, ease of use, and features like Playlist+ to save your audio in an old school way, these are a great investment if you’re looking for headphones that can keep up with all aspects of triathlon training.
Karen Parnell is a Level 3 British Triathlon and IRONMAN Certified Coach, 8020 Endurance Certified Coach, WOWSA Level 3 open water swimming coach and NASM Personal Trainer and Sports Technology Writer.
Karen is currently studying for an MSc in Sports Performance Coaching at the University of Stirling.
Need a training plan? I have plans on TrainingPeaks and FinalSurge:
I also coach a very small number of athletes one to one for all triathlon and multi-sport distances, open water swimming events and running races, email me for details and availability. Karen.parnell@chilitri.com
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FAQ: H2O Audio TRI2 Pro Multi-Sport Headphones
1. What is bone conduction technology, and how does it work?
Bone conduction technology transmits sound vibrations through your cheekbones directly to your inner ear, bypassing the eardrum. This allows you to hear audio without blocking your ears, which is particularly useful for swimming, as well as for maintaining situational awareness during cycling and running.
2. Are the H2O TRI2 headphones truly waterproof?
Yes, the H2O TRI2 headphones have an IPX8 waterproof rating, meaning they can be fully submerged in water up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) deep. They’re perfect for swimming, including open water and pool sessions.
3. How do I load music onto the built-in MP3 player?
You can load music onto the MP3 player using two methods:
- Drag-and-Drop: Connect the headphones to your computer via the included USB cable, then drag and drop music files (MP3, WMA, AAC) directly onto the device.
- Playlist+: Use this feature to organize your music into playlists before transferring them to the headphones for easy access during workouts.
4. How much music can the MP3 player hold?
The built-in MP3 player has 8GB of storage, which can hold up to 2,000 songs, depending on file size and format.
5. Can I stream music via Bluetooth?
Yes, the H2O TRI2 does have Bluetooth functionality. Experience ultimate freedom with the TRI 2 Series, featuring Bluetooth v5.3 and a waterproof mic for mobile phone calls. Enjoy seamless connectivity and crystal-clear communication, even in the harshest environments. Stay connected and amplify your adventures without the hassle of cords.
6. How long does the battery last?
The headphones offer up to 8 hours of continuous playback on a full charge, making them suitable for long training sessions and even full triathlons.
7. Are the headphones comfortable for long workouts?
Yes, the H2O TRI2 headphones are designed to be lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. The adjustable fit and various ear tip sizes ensure a secure and snug fit during swimming, cycling, and running.
8. Can I use the headphones with a swim cap or under a helmet?
Absolutely. The H2O TRI2 headphones are slim and designed to fit comfortably under swim caps and cycling helmets without causing discomfort or shifting during movement.
9. What audio file formats are supported?
The headphones support a variety of audio formats, including MP3, WMA, and AAC. This makes it easy to load music from different sources and formats.
10. How do I control the headphones during a workout?
The headphones feature easy-to-use on-device controls. You can play/pause, skip tracks, and adjust the volume directly on the headphones, even while swimming or on the move.
12. How do I clean and maintain the headphones?
After swimming or heavy sweating, rinse the headphones with fresh water and let them air dry. This helps prevent salt or chlorine buildup and keeps them in good condition.
12. What if the headphones don’t fit properly or the sound quality isn’t great?
Ensure you’ve chosen the right size ear tips and adjusted the fit properly. For bone conduction headphones, positioning is key for both comfort and sound quality. Experiment with placement on your cheekbones to find the optimal position.
13. Does the H20 Tri2 Pro headphones come with a box?
Yes, the H2O TRI2 headphones comes with a sturdy box which you can put your headphones, earplug and charge cable in. It does also have room for nose clip and swimming hat.
14. Can I use these headphones for non-triathlon activities?
Definitely! While they’re designed for swimming, cycling, and running, the H2O TRI2 headphones are great for any activity where you want waterproof, durable, and high-quality sound—like hiking, paddleboarding, or even just relaxing at the beach.
This FAQ should help you get the most out of your H2O TRI2 Pro headphones, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience across all your training sessions.
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