H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Waterproof Open-Ear Headphone Review

🎧 Full Review: H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Waterproof Open-Ear Headphones

The H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro headphones are designed for serious athletes and multi-sport enthusiasts looking for a versatile, waterproof audio solution. With features like bone conduction audio, Playlist+ offline recording, and a fully submersible IPX8 rating, they stand out in a crowded market of sport-focused headphones. This review explores their design, performance, key features, strengths, weaknesses, and how they compare to other top competitors.

📦 What’s in the Box

Inside the box, you’ll find the Tri 2 Pro headset, a USB charging cable, a durable carrying case, waterproof swim earplugs, and a quick-start guide. The earplugs are particularly helpful for swimming, as they improve sound conduction underwater and block out excess water from the ears.

My Thoughts

✅ Pros

✅ IPX8 waterproof – suitable for swimming, rain, sweat
✅ Playlist+ allows for recording music for offline listening
✅ Open-ear design improves safety during outdoor sports
✅ Bluetooth 5.3 for stable, efficient connectivity
✅ Comfortable and secure fit during vigorous activity
✅ Durable materials resist salt, sweat, and impact

❌ Cons

❌ Delay/lag between songs when clicking on the Advance button. I would like to just click the button rather than holding it down for 2 seconds.
❌ Bone conduction sound lacks deep bass and fullness
❌ Playlist+ requires real-time recording – no drag-and-drop files
❌ 8GB storage is limited compared to some competitors
❌ Call quality is average, especially in noisy conditions
❌ Real-time recording can be tedious if managing long playlists

🧱 Design and Build Quality

From the moment you pick them up, the Tri 2 Pro headphones feel like they’re built for action. Weighing only 32 grams, they are incredibly light and comfortable even during long workouts. The flexible wraparound frame ensures a snug fit without pressure points, and the matte rubberized texture adds grip while maintaining a premium look. The open-ear design sits outside your ears and uses bone conduction to transmit sound through your cheekbones, keeping your ears open to ambient sound for safety and comfort. Everything is sealed to protect internal components, including a specialized charging port that maintains the IPX8 waterproof rating.

🌊 Waterproofing and Durability

One of the most impressive aspects of the Tri 2 Pro is its durability in and out of water. It carries an IPX8 rating, meaning it can be submerged in water up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) indefinitely. Whether you’re swimming laps in a pool, surfing, or running in the rain, these headphones are engineered to withstand it all. The materials resist corrosion from salt water and sweat, making them a reliable long-term investment for endurance athletes and water sports enthusiasts.

🔊 Bone Conduction Audio Performance

The use of bone conduction tech allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music or taking calls. While traditional earbuds block ambient sound, the Tri 2 Pro’s open-ear style provides an added layer of safety—especially useful when biking on busy roads or running outdoors. I’ll admit, I was initially skeptical about how good the sound could be with bone conduction, but after using them for a week across different environments, I was honestly impressed. The audio performance was clearer than I expected, with vocals coming through crisp and distinct, even in noisier settings. While it’s true that you don’t get the same bass depth and punch as you would with in-ear or over-ear headphones, the overall clarity and consistency made up for it. Even underwater, where most headphones tend to struggle, the Tri 2 Pro held up surprisingly well. It’s easily one of the better-performing waterproof options I’ve tested—especially considering how versatile and comfortable they are.

🎶 Playlist+ Feature

A major selling point of the Tri 2 Pro is its Playlist+ functionality. This proprietary feature lets users record streaming audio directly onto the device for offline playback. If you listen to Spotify, Apple Music, or podcasts, you can stream your audio as usual and, with a double press of the ‘+’ button, the headphones begin recording it into onboard storage. This is perfect for swimmers or athletes who train in areas with no phone access. It’s simple and innovative—something few competitors offer. That said, recording is done in real-time, so if you want an hour-long playlist, you’ll need to stream it in full once to capture it.

To skip to the next track on your H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro headphones, press and hold the ‘+’ button until the track advances. Similarly, to go back to the previous track, press and hold the ‘–’ button. The exact duration isn’t specified in the manual, but typically, holding the button for about 2 seconds should suffice.

The skip feature IMO could be improved to have it be one click operation rather than having to hold the button down. When running I found this operation tough to do and would have to slow down the pace. I also found the buttons a little hard to navigate to.

💾 Battery Life and Storage

Battery life is another strong point. You’ll get up to 9 hours of continuous Bluetooth playback and about 6 hours in MP3 mode. For many, that’s more than enough for a few workouts before needing a recharge. The Tri 2 Pro also includes 8GB of internal storage, which can hold roughly 2,000 songs or over 100 hours of MP3 audio. It’s not the largest storage on the market, but it’s enough for most use cases, especially when used in tandem with Playlist+ recordings.

📱 Bluetooth Connectivity and Controls

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, the Tri 2 Pro offers faster and more stable connections with better energy efficiency. You can pair the headphones with a smartphone or smartwatch, and control playback using large, tactile buttons that are easy to operate—even underwater or with gloves. A built-in waterproof microphone allows for hands-free calls. While the call quality is functional, it’s not as crisp as land-based headphones and works best in quiet environments.

🏊 Multi-Sport Versatility

As the name suggests, the Tri 2 Pro is built for multi-sport use. Whether you’re running, cycling, lifting, or swimming, they stay securely in place and consistently deliver audio. The open-ear design is especially useful for outdoor activities where you need to hear traffic, announcements, or nearby athletes. The fact that you can swim laps with them one day and bike outdoors the next without swapping headphones is a game-changer for multi-discipline athletes.

🧠 Real User Experience

Real-world feedback highlights comfort and convenience as major strengths. Athletes appreciate that the Tri 2 Pro stays in place during intense movement and doesn’t require constant adjustment. The Playlist+ feature receives widespread praise, especially among swimmers, who often have limited options for audio. However, users note that the real-time recording process is a bit tedious and limited to live playback. Sound quality gets average marks. It’s good for workouts, podcasts, and casual listening but not for audiophiles or those expecting booming bass.

🔁 Comparisons with Other Headphones

Compared to the Shokz OpenSwim Pro, the Tri 2 Pro stands out with its Bluetooth capability, which Shokz lacks. However, Shokz wins on built-in storage (32GB vs. H2O’s 8GB) and arguably better underwater sound due to dedicated swimming optimization. The Nank Runner Diver2 Pro also boasts a large 32GB memory and higher IP69 waterproofing, but lacks Playlist+ and can feel bulkier. The Suunto Wing offers swappable batteries and incredible battery life with its charging case, but doesn’t have the same waterproof versatility.

💰 Pricing and Value

Retailing at around $199.99, the Tri 2 Pro isn’t cheap, but it earns its price tag with a feature set you won’t find in many competitors. The Playlist+ feature, waterproof build, and Bluetooth connectivity make it a versatile all-in-one solution for multi-sport athletes. Frequent swimmers, triathletes, or outdoor adventurers will find it well worth the investment.

🏁 Final Verdict

The 🎧 H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro is one of the most well-rounded waterproof, bone conduction headphones on the market. It’s a fantastic fit for athletes looking for one device that works in the pool, on the trail, and everywhere in between. With its waterproof build, Playlist+ recording system, and open-ear safety design, it delivers unique features that cater to the real-world needs of active users. While the sound may not satisfy purists and the recording method could be streamlined, the Tri 2 Pro remains a standout pick for anyone training across disciplines or in aquatic environments. 🌊