On the hunt for new gym headphones? Stick around – this is our H2O Audio RIPT Ultra review.
For any gym-goer, investing in a solid pair of headphones is a non-negotiable. From loose fits that slip mid-set to sweaty ear pads that leave you swimming in a puddle of your own making – the pain points are real.
So, when H2O Audio dropped their new Ultra headphones as part of the RIPT Series, I knew I had to put them to the test.
Specifically designed with workouts in mind, these headphones promise a “100% sweat-proof fit” and next-level noise cancellation. Bold claims.
Did they deliver? Here’s my full H2O Audio RIPT Ultra review. And before we jump in, a quick tip: you can save 20% at checkout with the code GYMFLUENCERS.
What’s In the Box
The H2O Audio RIPT Ultra headphones come loaded with all the bells and whistles: a semi-firm protective travel case, USB charging cable, an aux cable for wired listening (hello, retro aesthetic), and two sets of interchangeable ear cushions.
Wondering why there are two sets? It all ties back to H2O Audio’s hardcore stance on sweat. One set is made from sweat-proof silicone, perfect for high-intensity workouts. The other is a premium leather option, ideal for everyday use or longer listening sessions.
Swapping them out is easy – just twist counterclockwise and lift off. Popping on a new set is just as straightforward: line up the four slots, press gently, and listen for the click.
Fit & Comfort
My biggest gripe with most over-the-ear headphones? The fit. It’s usually one of two extremes: either my temples feel like they’re being crushed in a car compactor, or the headphones are so loose they’re halfway across the gym before I finish my first set.
Thankfully, that wasn’t the case here.
The RIPT Ultra headphones sat securely on my head through a full tester session – running, deadlifts, bench press… even a pretty enthusiastic clean and jerk didn’t throw them off.
Comfort-wise, I had zero complaints. Both cushion sets were surprisingly cosy and offered plenty of padding between my ears and the plastic frame. No pinching, no slipping – just a snug, stable fit from start to finish.
I’d say I have a medium-to-large head, so I can’t speak for all my pea-sized warriors out there — but the one-size-fits-most approach H2O Audio has taken worked just fine for me.
H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Review: Sound & Noise Cancelling
The gym can be an incredibly overstimulating and distracting place. Treadmill belts whirring, barbells crashing to the floor, and have-a-go personal trainers sharing blatant fitness mistruths you can’t help but overhear.
So, in this H2O Audio RIPT Ultra review, the biggest test was always going to be: Can these headphones actually drown all of that out?
The RIPT Ultra comes with three audio modes:
- Noise cancelling
- Transparency mode
- Noise cancelling off
All controlled by a single button on the left side.
And let me tell you – one touch of that button does magical things.
Now, I’m no audiophile, so don’t come at me with talk of drivers and decibels – I simply won’t understand it. But as someone who’s trained in more gyms than I care to count over the past decade, I can say this: these headphones do the business.
Switching to noise cancelling mode creates a bubble where it’s just you and your music – everything else just fades away. It’s honestly a game-changer for focus.
The transparency mode, while standard in most high-end headphones, is a smart inclusion too. Great for staying aware of your surroundings – particularly handy when walking home from the gym in low light or crossing busy roads.
In general, the controls are intuitive and easy to use. My only minor gripe? The voice prompts are very loud and tell you what’s happening with every button press. Not a dealbreaker, but a little jarring – thankfully, H2O Audio says a future software update will sort this.
Battery Life
I’ll keep this section short and sweet, because there’s really not much else to say: the battery life is great.
Each charge promises 50 hours of uninterrupted, high-quality audio. Have I timed it down to the minute? Absolutely not – I’ve got a life to lead.
But I’ve used these headphones for multiple workouts already, and every time I power them on, they cheerfully announce that the battery’s still going strong. No complaints here.
H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Review: The Bottom Line
Are these headphones comfy? Yes. Do they cancel noise? Absolutely. Are they easy to use? Another tick.
The only thing we haven’t covered in this H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Review is whether they’re sweat-proof.
While there’s naturally some sweat buildup, it doesn’t feel like it’s being absorbed by the silicone pads. I found it super easy to wipe away whenever my head was uncontrollably dripping.
Now, I wasn’t expecting these pads to magically stop me from sweating (and honestly, that’d be an unrealistic expectation of any gym headphone).
What I will say is that the RIPT Ultra makes it easier to deal with sweat when it inevitably happens – and more hygienic, too.
Overall, I found these headphones to be a solid gym buddy, and one I’d definitely recommend to anyone in the market for a new pair.
Priced at $249.99, the value for money is impressive – especially with all the bonus goodies that come with them. If you want to try them for yourself, head to H2O Audio’s website, and don’t forget to use code GYMFLUENCERS for 20% off.
SEE ALSO: Introducing The H2O Audio RIPT Series – Next-Level Performance For Gym Lovers
