H2O Audio Tri Run Workout Headphones Review: A Little Underwhelming

Source: Wired

Fit, Weight, and Controls

I’ve tested enough open headphones to know that weight distribution is key to achieving a comfortable and secure fit for activities when you’re moving at different paces. Get it wrong and you’ll be regularly reaching a hand up to nudge them back into prime position.

At just 1.3 oz, the Tri Run is only slightly heavier than the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, and that’s a good thing. The balance of titanium and silicone feels just right to keep them snug and in place. I’ve worn them for longer than an hour on several occasions, and I never had to readjust them on the move.

You will want to reach up to use the controls, which thankfully are physical buttons placed on the underside of the headphones. These controls let you adjust volume, play/pause audio, or skip back and forward a track. This is the same control setup most other bone‑conduction headphones adopt because it works well.

You won’t want to take them for a swim, simply because water and Bluetooth don’t mix, but the Tri Run has an IPX8 waterproof rating. That protection guards against heavy sweat and rain. I’ve spent a few hot, sweaty running sessions with them and am happy to report that I didn’t suffer any connection dropouts as sweat poured down from my head and face.

Middle of the Road

[Image: H2O Tri Run headphones]
Photograph: Michael Sawh

I connected the Tri Run to an iPhone 17, a Samsung Galaxy S23, a Garmin watch, and an Amazfit smartwatch and experienced zero pairing issues. You do miss out on the ability to pair with multiple devices simultaneously like you can on the Tri Pro. This doesn’t feel like a deal‑breaker, and I’m sure it won’t be for most either.