H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro Review: The Ultimate Swimming Headphones for Water Lovers

Experience unmatched underwater sound quality and secure fit with H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro, designed specifically for swimming enthusiasts.

Why Underwater Audio Deserves a Spot in Your Swim Gear

If you’re serious about swimming and crave tunes during your laps, the H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro might just be the perfect companion. Unlike typical headphones, these have no standard headband; instead, they clip firmly onto your swim goggles' strap, staying put through every stroke. This clever design isn’t just a neat trick—it’s a game-changer for underwater audio gear.

Bluetooth signals notoriously flop underwater, so the Sonar 2 Pro tackles this by ditching typical streaming in favor of onboard storage and some neat playback features. However, let’s be upfront: these headphones shine underwater but don’t double as your everyday earbuds. They won’t deliver audiophile-level sound on land, and their form factor limits general use.

For those wanting a versatile pair, H2O Audio’s Tri 2 Pro models work better on both runs and swims. But if your world is the pool, finding something better for swimming is a tall order. Let’s dive into why.

First Impressions: Compact, Comfortable, and Ready to Swim

I was surprised by the compact size straight out of the box—smaller than an AirPods case, accompanied by a tiny soft pouch. The package includes the headphones, a charging cable, and waterproof earplugs. The look is unconventional: instead of a hard frame, a thick, flexible blue cable runs behind the head, connecting the two bone conduction transducers.

Each transducer is housed in a black clip-on casing. Controls are split between the two: the left side features a mode switch (Bluetooth or internal memory) and track buttons, while the right houses power, play/pause, and volume controls.

Built for the pool, the device boasts an impressive IPX8 water resistance rating, meaning it handles depths up to 3.6 meters without a sweat. Serious divers may want to think twice, though—pressure at deeper depths could affect performance.

The Underwater Audio Challenge and Clever Workarounds

Bluetooth underwater? Yeah, it’s basically a no-go. To sidestep this, H2O Audio packed in an 8GB built-in player. Uploading MP3s via cable might feel like a throwback to the early 2010s, but it’s effective.

Here’s the cool part: the exclusive Playlist+ feature for the Pro version. Rather than just wireless playlist transfer, it’s more like a digital tape recorder. Double press the volume-up button (or control via the phone app) to start recording, then play your tracks or podcasts on the phone. When done, hit stop. The app reads metadata and neatly names each recording—making it a genius, legal way to capture your streaming favorites for offline swimming sessions. A DIY mix tape, but for the pool!

Sound Quality — Bass-Focused but Clear for the Water

Whether playing from Bluetooth or onboard memory, the sound quality stays consistent. Thanks to bone conduction tech, pairing the headphones with the included waterproof earplugs lets sound travel directly through your cheekbones to your inner ear, delivering a richer experience.

Underwater, the soundstage opens up nicely. That said, don’t expect crystal-clear audiophile sound—this is pool gear, after all. The bass is surprisingly heavy, which might be intentional to pump up your training tempo. Sometimes, classic rock tracks transform into bass guitar showcases, and electronic beats can overpower other instruments with their booming kick drums.

A bummer? There’s no built-in equalizer for internal playback (Bluetooth mode lets you tweak settings on your phone). Mids and highs do stay fairly crisp underwater, but a dedicated EQ in the app would have made these headphones nearly perfect.

Fit and Function: Locked and Loaded for Intense Swim Sessions

Despite the bass debate, the fit is what really sells me on the Sonar 2 Pro. Clipped onto goggles, they feel rock-solid—no shifts, no slipping, even during vigorous swimming in an Olympic pool. Trust me, as someone who’s tested loads of audio gear, this kind of stability underwater is rare and precious.

The companion app is simple: it shows battery level, controls memory tracks, and activates Playlist+. Battery life clocks in around 9–10 hours, which, given its intended use and soft case without charging capabilities, is more than enough for serious swim sessions.

Specs at a Glance

• Transducers: Bone conduction
• Active Noise Cancellation: None
• Battery Life: Up to 9 hours
• Weight: 29 grams
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
• Frequency Range: 30 Hz – 18 kHz
• Water Resistance: IPX8 (up to 3.6 meters)
• Special Features: 8 GB storage, built-in player, Playlist+ recording, app support

Availability and Pricing Insights

Currently, the Sonar 2 Pro isn’t officially sold in many markets but can be imported from the USA via shipping services or international sellers on marketplaces. With shipping and fees factored in, prices hover around $200 USD. Keep in mind, warranty servicing might not be available locally.

The standout Playlist+ feature works flawlessly regardless of location since the headphones simply record whatever plays on your phone via Bluetooth. For streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, users will need active international subscriptions, usually managed with foreign payment methods.

Price and Competition

Priced at $150 USD (roughly $200 after import fees), the Sonar 2 Pro offers solid value for its niche. Comparable competitors like Shokz OpenSwim Pro retail for about $180 and come with a built-in player but lack the Playlist+ recording. Plus, their design sticks with the traditional hard headband.

H2O Audio’s own Tri 2 Pro sits at around $200, targeting runners and swimmers alike, featuring Playlist+ but without goggles attachment.

Ratings Snapshot

Alternative Options to Consider

• Shokz OpenSwim Pro: Great alternative with the classic headband design and built-in player, but no Playlist+ recording.
• H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro: Versatile for running and swimming, supports Playlist+, more expensive, and doesn’t clip to goggles.

My Personal Experience Testing the Sonar 2 Pro

After a couple of weeks swimming with these, including intense sessions and underwater sound tests spanning genres from hip-hop and electronic to rock and acoustic, my verdict is clear: these are tailored for swimmers who won’t settle for sloppy fit or mediocre sound underwater.

The headphones stayed firmly in place through every turn and dive. The Playlist+ feature was surprisingly handy, offering a creative way to enjoy music offline without fuss. Coming from years of audio gear testing, I can confidently say the Sonar 2 Pro tackles its niche brilliantly.

"This model is built specifically for those who can't imagine life without the pool. The form factor solves the biggest issue—headphones that don’t budge, even during sharp turns."

— A dedicated audio gear tester

FAQ

• What makes Sonar 2 Pro different from other swimming headphones?
  Its unique clip-on design attaching directly to goggles and built-in 8GB player with Playlist+ recording set it apart.
• Can I use these headphones outside the pool?
  They are optimized for underwater use; sound quality and comfort may not be ideal on land.
• How does Playlist+ work?
  It records whatever plays on your phone over Bluetooth into the headphones’ memory, creating offline playlists.
• Are these headphones suitable for diving?
  They are rated for swimming depths up to 3.6 meters but may not withstand deep diving pressures.
• Is the sound quality good underwater?
  Yes, sound is clear with emphasized bass, though it’s not audiophile-grade.

If you love the vibe of your favorite swim tunes and want to display your passion, consider shopping for your favorite album cover poster at our store Architeg Prints. It’s a perfect match for every music fan’s space!