When it comes to fitness, music isn’t just background noise, it’s a tool for focus, energy, and endurance. Whether you’re hitting the weights, diving into the pool, or running on your favorite trail, the right pair of headphones can push your performance to the next level. That’s where H2O Audio comes in with two exciting new releases for 2025: the RIPT Series and the TRI 2 Multi-Sport Series. These headphones are designed to meet the demands of active users who want premium sound and true durability.
In this review, we’ll explore both series, break down the features, and help you decide which model best fits your lifestyle. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these headphones a standout in the crowded audio market.
What Makes H2O Audio Different?
H2O Audio isn’t just another headphone brand. It’s a company built around performance, reliability, and innovation—especially in extreme environments. Founded in San Diego in 2003, H2O Audio has spent over 20 years perfecting its waterproof and sweatproof audio gear for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
Instead of designing for everyday use and slapping on water resistance as an afterthought, H2O Audio engineers their products to thrive under pressure, whether that means a marathon sweat session, a rainy bike ride, or even a swim.
The company continues this tradition with its newest lines: the RIPT Series, featuring over-ear headphones and wireless earbuds, and the TRI 2 Series, built with advanced bone conduction technology.
RIPT ULTRA: Over-Ear Headphones Built for Endurance
The RIPT ULTRA is designed for athletes who demand both comfort and power from their headphones. Right out of the box, these over-ear headphones make a strong impression with a sleek, sport-ready design. The most eye-catching feature? Washable and interchangeable ear cushions. One set is made from breathable silicone, ideal for sweaty workouts, and another offers soft leather cushions for casual listening.
Here’s what we loved about the RIPT ULTRA:
Real Isolation Performance Technology (RIPT): This active noise cancellation blocks up to 30 decibels of background noise. Perfect for gym sessions when you want to zone out.
50-Hour Battery Life: That’s right—50 hours of playback on one charge. These headphones are made for long weekends, multiple workouts, and even travel.
Durability: Fully sweatproof and tough enough for high-intensity training sessions.
Sound Quality: The 45mm drivers pack a punch, delivering deep bass and crisp highs, all while staying stable on your head during movement.
The RIPT ULTRA is ideal for weightlifters, runners, and travelers who want premium audio without sacrificing comfort or battery life. It’s one of H2O Audio’s most advanced designs and feels built for serious athletes.
RIPT-LITE: Feather-Light Wireless Earbuds for Daily Use
If over-ear headphones aren’t your thing, the RIPT-LITE earbuds offer a compact and ultra-light option. Weighing only 3.7 grams per earbud, these are perfect for fast-paced workouts, quick runs, or daily commuting. The ergonomic design stays snug in your ears—even during tough routines.
Highlights of the RIPT-LITE:
Ergonomic Fit: Designed specifically for movement, these earbuds stay put without causing discomfort.
Noise Cancellation: Advanced RIPT noise isolation, powered by six microphones, ensures your calls and music stay crystal-clear.
Battery Life: 5 hours per charge with an additional 30 hours from the sleek charging case.
Touch Controls: Adjust volume, skip tracks, or answer calls with a simple tap.
Whether you’re hitting the trail or tuning in during a busy day on campus, the RIPT-LITE offers the portability and performance you need. H2O Audio clearly understands what active users are looking for in wireless earbuds.
TRI 2 Series: Bone Conduction That Breaks the Mold
For swimmers, triathletes, or anyone who needs open-ear awareness, the TRI 2 Multi-Sport Series delivers something unique: high-quality bone conduction sound. Instead of sitting inside your ears, these headphones rest against your cheekbones and send vibrations through your bones. This keeps your ears open while still delivering sound directly to your inner ear.
Key benefits of the TRI 2 and TRI 2 PRO:
Submersible Waterproofing: Certified beyond IPX8, these can handle depths of up to 12 feet. You can swim, surf, or sweat without worry.
8GB Memory and PLAYLIST+ (PRO only): Download music and stream directly from the app—even when offline. Yes, that means listening underwater without a phone.
9-Hour Battery Life: Enough juice for long-distance training or race days.
Comfort and Design: Soft silicone body and redesigned buttons make extended use a breeze.
If you’re serious about multisport training or want an open-ear alternative to traditional earbuds, the TRI 2 line is one of the most compelling options available in 2025. And again, H2O Audio has taken athlete feedback to heart, improving comfort, button placement, and battery life over earlier models.
Sound Quality Across All Models
Let’s talk audio. With both the RIPT and TRI 2 series, H2O Audio has invested in sound clarity, bass response, and isolation. The RIPT ULTRA feels like a home theater on your head, while the RIPT-LITE surprises with its rich sound despite its tiny form factor. The TRI 2 models, meanwhile, offer a balanced sound profile that doesn’t overwhelm, which is perfect for when you want music but still need to hear your surroundings.
You won’t get the noise-bleeding or weak bass you often find with waterproof or workout headphones. Whether you’re in the middle of a set or swimming laps, the sound stays consistent and clear.
Real-World Performance: RIPT vs. TRI 2
We tested both models across different activities:
Weight Training & Indoor Cardio: The RIPT ULTRA delivered unbeatable comfort and battery life, even during back-to-back sessions.
Running & Cycling: The RIPT-LITE’s lightweight fit never caused fatigue, and we loved the touch controls for on-the-go adjustments.
Swimming & Open Water: The TRI 2’s bone conduction was ideal. The open-ear format meant we were safe around others while still enjoying our tunes.
In all cases, H2O Audio impressed us with how well these devices performed under stress. Sweat, motion, and water didn’t seem to faze them at all.
The Bottom Line: Who Should Buy These?
If you’re an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or just someone who wants audio gear that can keep up, the new releases from H2O Audio are worth a serious look.
Choose RIPT ULTRA if you want long battery life, deep sound, and premium comfort in an over-ear design.
Go with RIPT-LITE if you want maximum freedom, compact size, and excellent sound in a sleek earbud package.
Opt for TRI 2 or TRI 2 PRO if you train in water, need bone conduction, or want built-in music storage.
Across the board, these products prove H2O Audio’s dedication to high-performance, athlete-driven design. And with features like Playlist+, washable ear cushions, and true waterproofing, they bring something fresh to the market.
Where to Buy and Learn More
The RIPT and TRI 2 Series are available now on H2OAudio.com, Best Buy, and Amazon. Prices range from around $99 for RIPT-LITE earbuds to $199 for the TRI 2 PRO. All models come with generous warranties and real customer support.
If you’re ready to upgrade your active audio experience, H2O Audio has you covered. Their focus on durability, comfort, and innovation makes them a top choice for 2025 and beyond.
