H2O Audio Tri 2: Taking Your Tunes from the Bike to the Water
H2O Audio’s Tri 2 bone conduction headset brings top-tier sound, Playlist+ convenience, and true waterproofing for cycling, woodworking, and even swimming.
When it comes to flexible, multi-environment listening, many headphones talk the talk—but the H2O Audio Tri 2 actually dives right in. Designed for multi-sport enthusiasts and versatile enough for anyone who splits their time between cycling, woodworking, and the occasional dip in the pool, these bone conduction headphones stand out in a category that’s often plagued by “so-so” sound.
The Tri 2 isn’t H2O Audio’s first rodeo. Their earlier Sonar Pro impressed with aquatic prowess, but it was narrowly focused on the pool. The Tri 2 series, on the other hand, caters to a crowd that wants one pair of headphones for multiple activities, without worrying about drowning their tunes.
Key Features and Improvements
At first glance, the Tri 2 adds new dimensions of versatility. This IPX8-rated device can handle serious submersion—think up to 3.6 meters indefinitely. Between that and the 8GB of onboard storage, you don’t have to fuss with smartphones and Bluetooth when you’re splashing around. Because let’s face it, underwater Bluetooth reception is about as reliable as a weather forecast from a week ago. The Tri 2 handles music files in MP3, FLAC, AAC, and M4A formats, meaning you can store a serious library of sound directly on your headset.
The Pro version’s Playlist+ feature is especially intriguing. It reflects a world where streaming dominates the music scene, yet bringing a phone into the deep end is a recipe for heartbreak. Playlist+ lets you “record” streaming tracks directly into the headset’s memory. You simply play your music while the headset is in capture mode, and voilà—your tunes are saved locally as if they were standard MP3 files. This streaming-to-offline magic is managed via the new H2O Audio App, which also helps organize folders, playlists, and set capture times. It’s a simple solution to a modern problem and a big leap forward from the last generation.
Specs Snapshot
- Weight: 32g
- Battery life: Up to 9 hours in Bluetooth mode and 6 hours when using MP3 storage (though you’ll likely vary usage)
- Full charge time: 2 hours (magnetic USB-A cable included)
- Waterproof: IPX8 rating
- Soft silicone finish and ear plugs included for swimming.
In Action: Cycling & Woodworking
The Tri 2 was put to the test primarily while cycling and woodworking—two activities where comfort and situational awareness are crucial. The soft silicone neckband and temple grips ensure the drivers stay right where you want them, even when you’re cycling at breakneck speeds or hunched over a workbench. The control buttons have been shifted to the underside of the right side, meaning no more awkward jaw pressure whenever you change tracks. The button layout is intuitive enough once you’ve done a quick refresher, and while they’re easier to use with bare hands, a bit of finesse helps if you’re wearing gloves.
Sound quality is where bone conduction headphones often falter, but the Tri 2 genuinely surprised. Expect actual bass presence and balanced sound that lets you distinguish instruments rather than guessing at the melody. Even at higher volumes, there are no nasty temple vibrations. For calls, the mic upgrade delivers crisp communication—no muffled complaints from your boss while you’re heading home on your bike.
Taking it Underwater
Where the Tri 2 really earns bragging rights is in the water. The IPX8 rating and local storage mean you can swim laps to your favorite playlist without juggling a phone. Bluetooth isn’t reliable underwater, and that’s where H2O Audio’s design shines. Just pre-load your music, pop in the included ear plugs for the best audio seal, and get swimming. No fuss, no garbled audio—it just works. The headset doesn’t interfere with your goggle straps, and once submerged, it stays put.
H2O Audio even offers an optional charging protective case. This clever add-on can both store and recharge the Tri 2, adding roughly two full charges (about 27 hours total) to your traveling toolkit.
The Verdict
Bone conduction used to mean settling for tinny, hollow audio. With the Tri 2, that’s changed. This headset packs genuinely good sound, comfortable wear, user-friendly controls, and a feature set that doesn’t just hold its own—it leads the pack. The Playlist+ function is a brilliant nod to the streaming era, giving you off-the-grid access to your music no matter if you’re on a bike, in a workshop, or underwater.
In short, the Tri 2 makes life easier, tunes richer, and your activities more enjoyable. That’s a solid win in my book.
H2O Audio
