Review: H2O Audio's Tri Run Headphones Fall Short

The Challenge of Affordable Bone Conduction Headphones

In the rapidly evolving world of fitness technology, finding well-balanced, affordable bone conduction headphones has become increasingly difficult. H2O Audio, known primarily for its range of waterproof headphones tailored for swimmers, has taken a swing at a broader market with their Tri Run headphones. Priced sub-$100, these headphones promise to deliver a secure and lightweight listening experience while allowing runners to stay aware of their surroundings. My experience, however, suggests that they miss the mark.

First Impressions: Design and Comfort

The Tri Run headphones feature a familiar design aesthetic common among bone conduction models— a lightweight neckband coupled with flexible materials for comfort. At a mere 1.3 oz, they provide a lightweight profile that assures stability during physical activity. In my tests, I found that the headphones indeed didn't bounce around, and the physical controls—though minimal—were placed conveniently.

Performance on the Run

However, the true test came during running sessions. While wearing these headphones, I experienced a solid connection with my smartphone. Unfortunately, audio quality was lacking. The sound delivered through bone conduction technology resulted in muddied bass and grainy treble. This was especially noticeable when running outdoors, where ambient noise from traffic would overshadow my music. The headphones struggled with clarity, leading me to crank the volume higher than I felt comfortable doing.

Battery Life and Connectivity Challenges

When it comes to battery life, H2O Audio claims seven hours, but in my usage, this dropped significantly to roughly five hours when listening at higher volumes. Coupled with the proprietary charging cable—quite the annoyance in an age dominated by USB-C— this aspect of the Tri Run left much to be desired. For anyone frequently on the go, the lack of fast charging support exacerbates the drawbacks.

The Bottom Line: A Missed Opportunity

H2O Audio's Tri Run headphones indeed offer some appealing features: a comfortable form factor, decent build quality, and a reliable connection, but the audio performance falters. In comparison, alternatives such as the Shokz OpenRun promise better sound, better battery life, and more features without significantly increasing your budget. For the athlete seeking complete compatibility with their workout, waiting for better technology may ultimately be a safer bet.

Final Thoughts

In a marketplace filled with options, quality should outweigh affordability. The Tri Run misses crucial audio expectations that I imagine would matter to most fitness enthusiasts.

Where to Buy

• $99 at Amazon
• $100 at H2O Audio