OUFUNI SBCH-B Swimming Bone Conduction Headphones
Update on Oct. 18, 2024, 8:14 p.m.
With more people looking to listen to music and take calls while swimming, bone conduction headphones like the OUFUNI SBCH-B have become a popular option. These headphones transmit sound through your cheekbones, allowing you to hear music and audio clearly while keeping your ears open to hear your surroundings. In this review, we’ll take a look at the key features and performance of the OUFUNI SBCH-B bone conduction swimming headphones.
Design and Comfort
The SBCH-B headphones have an open-ear design that doesn’t plug your ears, making them comfortable for extended wear. They’re extremely lightweight at just 0.06 pounds. The flexible silicone ear hooks keep the headphones securely in place. For swimming, a snug swim cap is included to keep water out.
Overall, the open design is comfortable and non-intrusive for all-day wear. The streamlined structure won’t weigh you down during intense activity.
Bone Conduction Technology
Bone conduction technology is a revolutionary way of listening to audio that bypasses the traditional method of sound transmission through the eardrum. Instead, it utilizes vibrations transmitted through the bones of the skull (specifically the cheekbones) to directly stimulate the inner ear. This allows for open-ear listening, which means you can enjoy your music while still being aware of your surroundings. This is a significant advantage for safety, particularly during activities like swimming, cycling, or running where being alert to your environment is crucial.
While bone conduction technology might offer a different sound experience compared to traditional headphones, it is particularly beneficial for individuals who may have certain types of hearing loss or discomfort with in-ear headphones. It also allows for a more comfortable listening experience during physical activities as it doesn’t block the ear canal.
Customer Feedback: Some users have reported that the sound quality of bone conduction headphones may not be as rich or bass-heavy as traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones. This is a common characteristic of bone conduction technology due to the way sound is transmitted.
IP68 Waterproof
The IP68 waterproof rating is the highest level of protection against water and dust ingress. The “6” indicates complete protection against dust, while the “8” signifies protection against submersion in water beyond 1 meter deep. This makes the OUFUNI SBCH-B headphones truly waterproof and ideal for swimming and other water sports.
Customer Feedback: While the headphones are designed for underwater use, some users have reported issues with sound quality or functionality when the headphones are submerged. This could be due to individual fit or improper sealing of the earbuds. It’s crucial to ensure a proper fit to maximize the waterproof capabilities of the headphones.
Built-in MP3 Player
The built-in MP3 player with 16GB of storage is a valuable feature, especially for swimmers. Since Bluetooth signals cannot travel effectively through water, having a local music storage option ensures uninterrupted music playback during swimming sessions. This eliminates the need to carry your phone or other devices while enjoying your favorite tunes in the pool.
Customer Feedback: Some users found the process of transferring music to the MP3 player slightly cumbersome. Ensuring a stable connection and properly ejecting the device from the computer is essential to avoid data transfer issues.
Bluetooth 5.1
Bluetooth 5.1 technology offers several improvements over previous versions, including increased range, faster data transfer speeds, and improved connection stability. This ensures a seamless and reliable wireless listening experience when using the headphones with your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices outside of the water.
Lightweight and Comfortable
The lightweight design and use of soft silicone material contribute to the overall comfort of these headphones. This is particularly important for extended wear during physical activities. The headphones are designed to stay securely in place without causing discomfort or pressure on the ears.
Customer Feedback: While the headphones are generally considered comfortable, some users with specific head shapes or sizes mentioned that the fit could be improved. It’s essential to consider your individual preferences and head size when assessing the comfort level of these headphones.
Value for Money
With a retail price around $50, the OUFUNI SBCH-B presents a compelling value proposition for those seeking an aquatic headphone solution. While audio fidelity is merely average according to reviews, the IP68 waterproofing and MP3 storage at this price point make these headphones a cost-effective option.
The open-ear bone conduction design enables safe situational awareness during swimming and workouts, a handy bonus feature. Given the limitations in sound though, buyers should temper expectations on audio quality.
For those willing to compromise sound for safety and water protection at a budget-friendly cost, the SBCH-B delivers excellent versatility and functionality per dollar. Just don’t expect sonic excellence equaling premium headphones. Ultimately you get your money’s worth in aquatic utility.
Conclusion
Overall, the OUFUNI SBCH-B bone conduction headphones deliver quality sound and reliable Bluetooth connectivity in a lightweight, waterproof package ideal for swimming and outdoor sports. While the audio performance has some limitations, the open-ear comfort and situational awareness these headphones provide make them a great choice for active lifestyles.