Zygo Z2 Underwater Headphones Review 2026: Are The...

Zygo claims to resolve one among swimming’s largest limitations: listening to audio underwater. We put the headphones to the take a look at

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As somebody who grew up as a aggressive swimmer, the thought of streaming music whereas coaching would have felt utterly out of the realm of risk (as a result of years in the past, it was). Music pre-loaded on underwater gadgets first got here on the scene to all bored swimmers’ delight, however now, Zygo has taken leisure to the subsequent stage with its patented underwater Bluetooth audio system.

We not too long ago examined Zygo’s newest Z2 Waterproof Headphones ($329), which let you stream music, audiobooks, podcasts or audio from different apps straight out of your cellphone through a charging case that doubles as a transmitter. The headphones loop across the again of your head, over or beneath a swim cap, and use bone conduction expertise to ship sound. They arrive with the case/transmitter, a pair of earplugs and a charging cable, and so they’re additionally HSA/FSA-eligible.

Preserve studying under for our sincere evaluation of the Zygo Z2 headphones (which landed on Time journal’s Greatest Innovations of 2022 checklist) and the way they examine to Shokz and H2O Audio’s waterproof choices.

Zygo Z2 Waterproof Headphones Evaluate: Professionals & Cons

Zygo Z2 Waterproof Headphones Evaluate: The Backside Line

For swimmers who wish to stream music, podcasts and different audio, and have the power to get one-way communication with a coach, the Zygo Z2 waterproof headphones are well worth the funding.

Zygo Z2 Waterproof Headphones Evaluate: The Setup Course of

I made a decision to place the Zygo headphones to the take a look at with a swim at a local lap pool. Earlier than my swim, I charged the gadget and introduced the complete case to the pool. In comparison with rivals like H2O Audio, which is restricted to solely streaming pre-loaded music, you’ll be carrying just a little extra to the pool with Zygo as a result of dimension of the transmitter/charging case. It nonetheless comfortably matches in a gymnasium bag, although, and is sufficiently subtle on the pool deck that different swimmers didn’t bat a watch once I tucked it towards the wall.

As soon as I took a number of steps to pair the headphones with the case and get the Bluetooth going, it was easy crusing (swimming?) from there.

Zygo Z2 Waterproof Headphones Evaluate: Sound High quality, Match & Battery Life

Zygo’s streaming high quality is nice, significantly when paired with earplugs. It’s on par with different underwater gadgets, simply don’t count on Bose QuietComfort-level audio. I had no points with static or dropouts, and the music stayed constant all through my complete swim. The transmitter case can stream throughout a complete Olympic-length pool (roughly 50 meters) and as much as 2 to three toes under the water floor, whereas your cellphone may be as much as 30 toes away from the case.

The headphones have a comfortable match and are available two sizes: Normal (for heads with ear-to-ear distances of 28.5cm or beneath) and Giant. Even after aggressive flip turns, mine stayed put lap after lap. Zygo has a noticeably firmer construction than rivals, which I’ve discovered to be extra versatile and bendable.

Zygo Z2 battery life is roughly 6 hours per cost, which is greater than sufficient for many swim classes and even a number of exercises between expenses.

Zygo Z2 Waterproof Headphones Evaluate: Utilizing the App & Lap Counter

Zygo went a step additional and solved what was lengthy the bane of many swimmers’ coaching classes: counting laps. In the free version of the app, you possibly can view your rapid lap rely.

In case you pay for a Zygo subscription, it can save you historic swims and even entry audio lessons, teaching classes and a walkie-talkie, which permits somebody on the pool deck to talk on to a swimmer whereas within the water. Excellent for coaches, dad and mom or coaching companions, this characteristic has the potential to avoid wasting voices from pool deck shouting and permit for stay teaching cues mid-lap.

Zygo Z2 Waterproof Headphones vs. Shokz & H2O Audio: Value & Options Comparability

The Zygo Z2 waterproof bone conduction headphones retail $329 and consists of the headset and the transmitter/charging case. The non-compulsory app subscription is $14.99, or $120 per 12 months for a reduced annual plan.

Whereas the Z2 is dearer than alternate options reminiscent of H2O Audio ($199) and Shokz OpenSwim Pro ($179.95), Zygo stays the one choice available on the market that streams audio in actual time underwater. For an additional $130-150, unlocking the power to vary your audio at-will is value it to me, significantly as somebody who listens to new podcasts or music whereas understanding.

Zygo Z2 Waterproof Headphones Evaluate: The Closing Verdict

In case you swim usually and love listening to music throughout exercises, Zygo’s Z2 waterproof headphones can stage up your exercise with unprecedented streaming capabilities. The flexibility to stream music, podcasts and even stay teaching cues mid-lap brings a wholly new dimension to swimming.

Purchase the Zygo Z2 headphones for $329 on-line at shopzygo.com.

Zygo Z2 Waterproof Headphones Specs:

• Value: $329
• App subscription value (non-compulsory): $14.99/mo. or $120/12 months
• Bluetooth streaming vary: As much as 100 meters away at 2-3 toes under floor
• Battery life: Most 6 hours
• Included equipment: 1 headset, 1 charging case/transmitter, 1 pair of earplugs, 1 USB-C charging cable
• Guarantee: One 12 months; 30-day satisfaction assure
• HSA/FSA eligible: Sure