- Manufacturer & Model
- H2O Audio TRI 2 Pro Multi-Sport Waterproof Bone Conduction Open Ear Headphones
- MSRP
- $199 ($49 for charging case)
- Highlights
- Bone conduction headphones with improved bass response, IPX8-rated waterproof design (submersible up to 12 feet), Open-ear fit with soft silicone build for extended comfort, Built-in MP3 player with 8GB internal storage, Up to 9 hours Bluetooth / 6 hours MP3 mode battery life, Exclusive Playlist+ feature captures streaming content for offline playback, Intuitive three-button layout for in-motion use, Compatible with swimming, running, cycling, and other multi-sport activities, Comfortable with glasses and bench-supported movements, Optional Charging Case adds ~2 full recharges, App control for memory/battery status and folder management, Strong Bluetooth 5.3 connection and helpful voice prompts
- Summary
- H2O Audio’s Tri 2 Pro challenges expectations in the bone conduction headphone category by delivering surprising bass, strong overall sound quality, and rugged multi-sport usability. Designed for everything from ocean swims to CrossFit sessions, the Tri 2 Pro combines waterproof durability with intuitive controls and a clever Playlist+ system that lets you capture streaming content for phone-free listening. Its lightweight, open-ear design keeps you aware of your surroundings while delivering a noticeably fuller sound signature than most bone conduction models. Whether you're training outdoors, hitting the pool, or just ditching earbuds for a more breathable fit, the Tri 2 Pro is a compelling all-around solution.
When it comes to bone conduction headphones, you generally know what you’re signing up for: an open-ear design that lends to good situational awareness, some noticeable surface-level vibration, and a listening experience that sacrifices low-end depth. For many, the latter of those three is a sticking point, and that’s exactly what H2O Audio’s Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport Headphones looks to attack. Following more than five months of active testing – from running and the gym to swimming in pools and oceans – I feel confident in my assessment of H2O Audio's efforts, and I'm pleased to report they've made meaningful strides toward fuller sound reproduction.
Build and Design
Let’s start with construction and design. The Tri 2 Pro ($199) feels every bit the part of a rugged, purpose-built device. The build is solid and feels of high quality. My sample has withstood the rigors of sweat, saltwater, chlorine, and the general abuse of active use, all while maintaining, for all intents and purposes, the look of something brand new.
The entire headphone, except for small elements in the magnetic charging port, is covered with a smooth silicone surface. Not only does it feel good to the touch, but it’s also durable. I've had zero issues with it resting against my skin, even during brisk activities like running or calisthenics. It also doesn't promote heat, which is especially nice on scorching hot days.
The control layout is straightforward: a trio of buttons resides on the right underside of the band, including volume up/down and a multifunction center button for power, play/pause, and memory mode switching. They’re intuitive once you get the hang of them, but because each one unlocks different functions based on the number of times they're pressed, be prepared for the occasional moment of frustration.
The included app (iOS, Android; available only with the Pro version) is also fairly easy to navigate. It, too, has a few quirks, such as requiring the headphones to be in memory mode while accessing and managing audio folders (which, by the way, can't be achieved when the headphone is charging). But, much like the buttons, the learning curve isn’t terribly steep. Patience is your friend.
Fit and Comfort
Overall, I found the fit to be excellent. I was able to wear the Tri 2 Pro for three to four hours at a time without any notable discomfort. There are no pinch points or pressure spots, and the drivers stay firmly in place during all kinds of motion – be it jumping, sprinting, or overhead activities like pull-ups. You can also comfortably wear the headphones with a hat or a ski cap, which may or may not be a deal-breaker for you... but for me, that's essential.
The rigid band that wraps behind your head rides low enough to avoid interference when lying on a bench, which is key for moments when your head is resting on a flat surface. Glasses-wearers will also be happy to know that the Tri 2 Pro can be worn comfortably alongside a pair of frames without causing discomfort or audio performance deficits.
What’s in the Box?
H2O Audio ships the Tri 2 Pro with a magnetic USB charging cable, a pair of waterproof swimming earplugs, a goggle strap to minimize in-water loss incidents, and a protective zip-up case. You’ll also find a printed quick-start guide that's also accessible from the product’s webpage.
Battery Life and Charging
Charging is handled via a snap-on magnetic USB cable. While I prefer my devices share the universal, not to mention easily replaceable, nature of USB-C access, the provided cable works well and makes connections quick and reliable. My biggest concern is damaging or losing the cable in the years to come – is it possible that the cable might be difficult to replace? Tough to say.
Operational time aligns with H2O Audio's claims: roughly six hours when playing stored content and close to nine hours in Bluetooth mode. Your mileage may vary, with volume levels and age of the device playing a starring role.
Charging Case
H2O Audio offers an optional Charging Case accessory that deserves a mention. The case functions as both a storage container and a mobile charging pack. Visually, it looks exactly like the included travel case, but it has an internal charging cable along with rear-mounted four LED lights and a power button. If you're mainly planning to use the Tri 2 Pro out of your home, this isn't an accessory worth buying. However, if you're frequently on the go, it's a great way to ensure the headphones are protected and properly charged.
You can expect roughly two full recharges with the case – it retails for $49.
Phone-Free Listening with Playlist+
One of the major calling cards of the Tri 2 Pro is Playlist+. This feature is a game-changer for swimmers or anyone who wants a truly phone-free experience. To take advantage, you can stream audio from services like Spotify or Apple Music, capturing the stream during playback using the Tri 2 Pro’s onboard memory. And you're not limited to music services. The headphones can store any audio delivered via Bluetooth – for example, I used Playlist+ to record Netflix documentaries and episodes of Friends, allowing me to enjoy TV content completely untethered from my phone.
Playlist+ isn’t without its quirks. The Bluetooth capture process is a bit time-consuming. If you want to save 100 songs from Spotify, you literally need to play, in real-time, all 100 songs – one by one – as your headphones are on. That's a time commitment some might not want to endure. And, to add an extra level of inconvenience, memory capture isn't possible while the headphones are charging—once you attach the charging cable, the unit shuts down.
There is a second method of audio capture that's faster. It involves connecting the charging cable to a computer, which allows your computer to see the headphones as an external drive. This enables the use of drag-and-drop functionality directly onto your headphones. Not a bad option for podcasts that are easy to download, but if the bulk of your music listening involves tunes sourced from a streaming service, then you're stuck with the Bluetooth method.
So, it's best to think of Playlist+ as a big convenience that requires time and careful consideration to execute. It's great for long-term use, but definitely not a feature you can adjust in those last-minute – I’m about to run out the door – scenarios.
Waterproof Performance
When it comes to swimming, know this: Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater. Do not, I repeat, do not buy the Tri 2 Pro thinking that you can stream music and podcasts while you’re swimming laps. The only scenario where that will work is if your head (and the headphones) are 100% above the water. And even then, you might run into distance transmission issues.
The Playlist+ feature is what enables this device to remain viable when submerged. When used with the included earplugs, sound quality in the water is surprisingly good – not reference-grade, but totally competent and enjoyable for swimming laps.
Surprisingly Good Sound
Let’s talk about the sonic profile on land. Bone conduction headphones typically get a bad rap when it comes to bass. That’s not entirely unwarranted, but the Tri 2 Pro makes a strong counterargument. Thanks to H2O Audio’s unique in-house driver technology, you're given a sound signature that’s pleasantly rounded. I asked H2O Audio about the driver design, and while they declined to share specific technical details, they emphasized that the system is proprietary and the result of years of internal development work—no off-the-shelf components are used.
The end result is music that sounds surprisingly good. While this is very much a function-first product, sound quality doesn’t feel sacrificed. In fact, audio reproduction is reasonably well-balanced across the frequency spectrum. Bass is kept tight within its operating range, and high frequencies stay crisp even at elevated volume levels. Even podcasts, documentaries, and dialogue-based content are natural and easy to understand.
Super bass-heavy tracks like "Dancing and Blood" by Low are handled well. At medium volumes, there’s not too much tickle on the sides of your head—a common trait with bone conduction. At max volume, you will feel those low frequencies buzzing against your cheekbones. There's no avoiding it. But I never found it to be annoying or distracting. It's a tradeoff I'm willing to make.
It's also worth noting that pressing the drivers directly against your cheekbones—such as when lying on your side—adversely affects sound quality. This makes the Tri 2 Pro less ideal for situations where you might have the side of your face pressed against a pillow or mat.
H2O Audio shared performance measurements captured by an acoustic lab at Aalto University (Finland), where the Tri 2 Pro was measured against an unidentified model from Shokz. From roughly 100Hz to 1kHz, the Tri 2 Pro (represented in red) delivers notably higher volume levels than its Shokz competitor. That elevated low-end performance translates directly to music that has more body and less of the thin, tinny feel bone conduction headphones are notorious for. It’s still not in-ear earbud quality, but for open-ear listening, it’s pretty impressive.
Wireless Stability and Connectivity
During the evaluation, the Tri 2 Pros consistently maintained a solid Bluetooth connection with my iPhone, making them reliable for use on long runs. Dropouts never occurred.
I also appreciated the presence of built-in voice prompts. Upon powering up, a voice informs you that the headphones are on, searching for Bluetooth, or have been connected. You’ll also hear cues when switching between Bluetooth and memory mode, as well as battery-level alerts categorized into low, medium, or high. These auditory updates go a long way in helping users understand the headphone's operational status without needing to rely on visual indicators.
For those moments when you want to know exactly how much memory remains or a more precise battery status, the app is your friend.
Verdict and Final Thoughts
To get the best performance, especially if bass presence is important to you, you need to increase the volume. That, of course, increases vibration against your cheekbones. As I said, I didn’t find the sensation to be bothersome, but some users might. And while the open-ear design is fantastic for safety and situational awareness, it also means you’ll struggle with audibility in extremely noisy environments. If you’re planning to wear these in a loud gym or on a subway, external noise might drown out your content unless you crank the volume.
Also worth noting: these aren’t quiet headphones from a leakage standpoint. Nearby folks will likely hear what you're playing, particularly at higher frequencies.
Those nitpicks aside, the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport Headphones are a solid entry in the bone conduction segment. They’re built tough, wear comfortably, and give you untethered flexibility. Of course, sound quality matters, and considering their design, they certainly don’t disappoint.
If you’re active, spend time in and out of the water, or just want open-ear audio that doesn’t sound like it’s coming from a tin can, the Tri 2 Pro deserves your attention.
Click here to Buy the H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro on Amazon
Click here to Buy the H2O Audio Charging Case on Amazon
H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Specifications
Waterproof Rating- IPX8 Certified
- Submersible up to 12 feet (3.6 meters)
- Unlimited time for underwater use
- Built-in MP3 player
- 8 GB internal storage
- Holds up to 2,000 songs or 130 hours of music
- Supports most audio file formats
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3
- Waterproof microphone for calls and voice prompts
- Exclusive to Tri 2 Pro
- Capture streaming audio (e.g., Spotify, Netflix, Apple Music) for offline use
- Up to 9 hours Bluetooth playback
- Up to 6 hours in memory (MP3) mode
- Optional Charging Case (sold separately) provides ~2 full recharges
- Open-ear design for situational awareness
- Redesigned ergonomic fit
- Soft silicone finish for enhanced comfort during extended use
- Optimized for multi-sport activities: swimming, running, cycling, paddling, snow sports
- Comfortable to wear with glasses
- Three-button layout (volume up/down, multifunction)
- Intuitive design for in-motion use
- Audio folder management
- Battery and memory status
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