H2O Audio Surge+ Waterproof Sport Headphones Review: Are They Worth Your Money?

When I first unboxed the H2O Audio Surge+ waterproof sport headphones, I'll admit I was skeptical. As someone who's tested over two dozen waterproof audio products in the past three years, I've developed pretty high standards for what constitutes a worthwhile investment in this niche market. The Surge+ retails at $129.99, positioning itself in the mid-range category, but does it deliver enough value to justify that price tag? Let me walk you through my experience with these headphones during various workouts and why they might—or might not—be the right choice for your active lifestyle.

I took these headphones through what I call my "triathlon of testing"—swimming laps at my local pool, sweating through intense gym sessions, and enduring a rainy morning run. The Surge+ claims an IPX8 rating, meaning they should withstand immersion in up to 3 meters of water for 30 minutes. During my 45-minute swim session, they performed flawlessly, with no water leakage whatsoever. The bone conduction technology, which transmits sound through cheekbones rather than ear canals, creates an interesting auditory experience—you get decent audio quality while maintaining awareness of your surroundings. I found this particularly useful during outdoor runs where hearing traffic is crucial for safety. The battery life clocked in at just over 6 hours during my testing, falling slightly short of the advertised 7-hour runtime but still respectable for most training sessions.

Thinking about the psychological aspect of training with reliable gear reminded me of basketball player Oftana's perspective when he said, "Hindi ko talaga iniisip. Parang magiging pressure sa sarili ko 'yun. Pero it's the work that I did. Every training, every morning, waking up, just blessed to wake up every morning and just blessed na meron akong mga kasama na sinusuportahan ako." There's something to be said about gear that simply works without adding mental clutter to your routine. The Surge+ achieves this beautifully—once you pair them and start your workout, they fade into the background, becoming an extension of your movement rather than a distraction. I've used cheaper alternatives that constantly made me worry about whether they'd survive sweat exposure or sudden rain, but with these, that anxiety completely disappeared after the first few uses.

Now, let's talk about the drawbacks because no product is perfect. The audio quality, while sufficient for podcasts and most workout playlists, lacks the depth and richness you'd get from high-end traditional headphones. Bass-heavy tracks particularly suffer, with the low frequencies coming across somewhat thin and underwhelming. The fit can be tricky too—during my most intense HIIT session involving burpees and jumping jacks, I had to readjust them twice when the vibration from impact movements slightly displaced the transducers. They come with multiple ear hook options, but I wish H2O Audio included more sizing variations for those with smaller or larger head shapes. At this price point, I'd expect slightly better accessories and maybe a more premium carrying case rather than the basic pouch they provide.

After putting these headphones through their paces for three weeks, I've reached a conclusion that might surprise you given the criticisms. Despite their flaws, I've actually incorporated them into my regular rotation of gear. There's something genuinely liberating about not having to baby your equipment during workouts. Whether I'm dripping sweat during a hot yoga class or caught in unexpected rain during a trail run, the Surge+ consistently delivers reliable performance. Are they worth $129.99? If you're primarily a swimmer or someone who frequently exercises in wet conditions, absolutely—they're among the best I've tried for aquatic activities. For land-based athletes, I'd suggest considering whether the waterproof feature justifies the premium over standard wireless headphones. Personally, I've come to appreciate the peace of mind they offer, and that intangible benefit has made them worth the investment for my varied training regimen. They might not be perfect, but sometimes good enough—and reliably so—is exactly what we need to focus on the work itself, much like Oftana's approach to his craft.