Suunto Aqua Review

In the world of sports technology, the idea of swimming headphones might seem impossible at first glance. Suunto Aqua unique headphones don’t even go inside your ears! Instead, they work using a fascinating mechanism that allows you to swim, run, or engage in any activity while listening to music. The question remains: why do these headphones even exist?

The Problem with Traditional Bluetooth Earbuds for Swimming

Many people listen to music while running, lifting weights, or biking, but when it comes to swimming, the options are limited. Even the most waterproof Bluetooth earbuds are unusable in the water. This isn’t because they fall out or because of comfort issues; the main problem is that Bluetooth simply doesn’t work underwater. Normal speakers require air to transmit sound, which makes listening to music while swimming a challenge.

In addition, swimming workouts are often seen as less engaging due to the repetitive nature of the exercise, especially without music. While some swimmers appreciate the meditative aspect, many would find their workouts more enjoyable with a soundtrack. This led to the development of swimming-specific headphones enter the Suunto Aqua.

Suunto Aqua: How It Works

The concept behind the Suunto Aqua headphones is truly innovative. Instead of traditional in-ear earbuds, these headphones use bone conduction technology. You wear regular silicone earplugs in your ears, and the headphones rest above your ears. Music is then transmitted via vibrations through the bones in front of your ears, allowing your body to perceive sound. Interestingly, water acts as a great conductor for the vibrations, enhancing the overall listening experience while swimming.

The sound quality is surprisingly good, even under water. I was curious to see how well this technology would work, and after testing it, I can say it’s better than I expected. While it might seem like an odd concept, it actually works quite well for both swimming and other activities like running or biking.

Design and Comfort

Suunto Aqua headphones are designed with comfort and stability in mind. They fit snugly over your ears and don’t interfere with swim caps or goggles. Despite initial concerns that they might fall off or move around during swimming, I found that they stayed in place remarkably well. Whether you’re doing laps or open water swimming, they remain securely in position.

The headphones are made from a titanium frame and a silicone body, making them light and flexible. Both models the Suunto Aqua and Suunto Aqua Light are comfortable for most people, with a large sweet spot for fitting. I have used them for various swimming strokes, and they never fell off, even during intense movement in the water.

Controls and Functionality

The headphones feature a simple control scheme with a button located on the front and a few additional buttons behind your right ear for volume adjustments. While these buttons aren’t the most intuitive, they function well once you get used to them. You can play, pause, skip songs, adjust the volume, or even switch to offline mode, though the latter takes a little practice.

One of the standout features is that they can work in offline mode when you’re swimming. This is crucial since Bluetooth does not function underwater. To use them for swimming, you need to load music onto the headphones manually. This was a bit of a hurdle, as I initially tried using Spotify or Apple Music, only to discover that these services can’t be used for offline playback on the Suunto Aqua. Instead, you’ll need to transfer MP3 files or albums directly to the device using a computer.

Although the process is a bit old fashioned, with 32GB of storage, you can store a lot of music. The headphones’ internal memory is more than sufficient for most users. However, one downside is the lack of intuitive music management songs play in the order they were transferred, and there is no easy way to shuffle or organize playlists on the device.

App Integration and Features

The Suunto app works seamlessly with the Aqua headphones, offering a range of features to customize the listening experience. You can connect multiple devices, such as a smartphone or smartwatch, and adjust sound settings for different environments. For example, the “underwater” mode offers a distinct sound profile that’s much clearer underwater than when out of the water.

The app also provides features like dual device connection, volume control, and a swimming tracker. The Aqua model has additional features like tracking your head and breathing angles, providing valuable insights for improving swimming technique.

However, the Aqua Light model, being a more budget-friendly option, lacks some of these advanced features, like neck fatigue alerts or detailed swim tracking. Still, the Aqua Light is a solid choice for swimmers looking for basic functionality without breaking the bank.

Sound Quality

When it comes to audio quality, the Suunto Aqua headphones deliver impressive results, especially considering they are designed for use in the water. Underwater, the sound is well-balanced, allowing you to hear vocals, instruments, and bass clearly. It’s not audiophile-quality sound, but it’s more than adequate for most users, especially when you consider the context of swimming.

The headphones work well above water too, though they don’t provide the same sound quality as traditional in-ear Bluetooth earbuds. When running, biking, or hiking, the sound is decent, but not as rich or detailed as earbuds that go inside your ears. However, they excel in outdoor environments where you need to stay aware of your surroundings, like on a run or bike ride. You can still hear the music while being alert to the sounds around you for safety.

Battery Life and Durability

Both the Suunto Aqua and Aqua Light models offer up to 10 hours of battery life, which is more than enough for most swimmers. I typically charge them once a week, and the battery life holds up well even with frequent use. The Aqua model includes an additional battery bank, similar to a Whoop strap, which can provide two extra charges on the go. However, the Aqua Light uses a proprietary charging cable, which might be easier to lose.

Both models are rated IP68, meaning they can handle submersion in water up to 5 meters for 2 hours, which is more than sufficient for typical swim conditions. The headphones are durable and will withstand regular swimming activities without any issues.

Article Summary

The Suunto Aqua headphones are a fantastic solution for anyone looking to enhance their swimming experience with music. While there are some quirks, like the old fashioned music transfer process and limited music management options, they offer a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to music while swimming. The Aqua Light, at a more affordable price, is a great choice for those who don’t need the advanced tracking features of the Aqua model. For swimmers, these headphones are absolutely worth the investment. Whether you’re training in the pool or enjoying a leisurely swim, the Suunto Aqua headphones make swimming much more enjoyable.

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