I went biking with this $100 bone conduction headset and it rocked for 6 hours

## Summary
Close Home Tech Wearables Headphones I went biking with this $100 bone conduction headset and it rocked for 6 hours If you're curious about bone conduction technology, the H2O Audio Tri Run is a solid entry-level pair. PT H2O Audio Tri Run 4 / 5 Very good pros and cons Pros Six-hour battery life Intuitive buttons IPX8 water resistance Low price for bone-conduction tech Cons Not designed for swimming Requires a proprietary charging cable View now at Amazon Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. One of the best ways to improve safety while listening to audio is with a bone conduction headset like the H2O Audio Tri Run . ZDNET RECOMMENDS H2O Audio Tri Run The Tri Run is one of the more affordable bone conduction headsets, with solid performance to boot.

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I went biking with this $100 bone conduction headset and it rocked for 6 hours
If you're curious about bone conduction technology, the H2O Audio Tri Run is a solid entry-level pair.
Written by
Matthew Miller,
Contributing Writer
Contributing Writer
March 26, 2026 at 9:53 a.m. PT
H2O Audio Tri Run
4
/ 5
Very good
pros and cons
Pros
Six-hour battery life
Intuitive buttons
IPX8 water resistance
Low price for bone-conduction tech
Cons
Not designed for swimming
Requires a proprietary charging cable
View now at Amazon
Follow ZDNET:
Add us as a preferred source
on Google.
With the arrival of nicer weather, it's time to get back outside. If you're like me then you enjoy music, podcasts, and audiobooks while out and about. One of the best ways to improve safety while listening to audio is with a bone conduction headset like the
H2O Audio Tri Run
.
Also:
I finally found bone conduction headphones that stay on while swimming (and they sound great)
H2O Audio has several bone conduction headsets, with the new Tri Run being its most affordable for $100. This low price is compelling for bone conduction technology and after biking with it over the past few weeks, I'm convinced it's an excellent option for anyone new to the format.
ZDNET RECOMMENDS
H2O Audio Tri Run
The Tri Run is one of the more affordable bone conduction headsets, with solid performance to boot.
View at Amazon
Fit and usability
There are a few key aspects I look for in bone conduction headsets for exercise: the most important being fit, battery life, and ease of control with physical buttons.
While audio quality and phone call support is important, bone conduction headsets are not typically able to provide a robust audio and call experience due to the technology being used to transmit the sound. The headset sounds clear and loud, but it just won't have the clarity and bass of a typical in or over the ear design.
Matthew Miller/ZDNET
The
H2O Audio Tri Run
is very comfortable, with the lightweight headset completely covered in soft-touch silicone material and a flexible wire that fits around the back of a wide range of head sizes. The ear loops fit over your ears and can be worn for hours without discomfort. There are no earbud tips to fit to your ear, and the around-the-head design provides a stable platform for even the most intense exercises.
Also:
Best bone conduction headphones: We've tested the best models for your next swim, hike, or run
For charging, it comes with a proprietary four-pin magnetic cable, but unfortunately uses a USB-A connector on one end. The Tri Run lasts for about six hours, which is good for a lightweight headset. The automated voiceover on the headset keeps you updated on the charge level.
Audio controls
Controlling audio playback is important to me as I prefer to switch songs, adjust volume, and pause on the device itself while running and biking. Thankfully, there are three distinct buttons on the bottom of the right side behind your ear with the middle button serving as the power/play/pause/answer button.
The forward and aft buttons serve to control volume and skip tracks. I was able to easily reach up to manipulate these buttons while working out. Some headsets in the past had tiny buttons or too many buttons so it was a bit frustrating to control the audio content, but thankfully all is well here with the Tri Run.
M

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- This low price is compelling for bone conduction technology and after biking with it over the past few weeks, I'm convinced it's an excellent option for anyone new to the format.
- View at Amazon Fit and usability There are a few key aspects I look for in bone conduction headsets for exercise: the most important being fit, battery life, and ease of control with physical buttons.
- While audio quality and phone call support is important, bone conduction headsets are not typically able to provide a robust audio and call experience due to the technology being used to transmit the sound.
- Audio controls Controlling audio playback is important to me as I prefer to switch songs, adjust volume, and pause on the device itself while running and biking.

### Areas for Consideration
- The Tri Run offers IPX8 water resistance so there was never any concern with rain or sweat while wearing the headset.

### Implications
- When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
- When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions.
- This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay.
- If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers audio, bone, conduction topics. Notable strengths include discussion of audio. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 1152.