Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise, engaging muscles you didn’t even know you had! Any workout involving water tends to provide a full-body challenge, making it even more rewarding. It used to be that water and tech didn’t mix, but thankfully, we now have gadgets designed for aquaphiles. The Suunto Aqua is one such device, bone conduction headphones that let you enjoy music, podcasts, and audiobooks without blocking your ears.
The Suunto Aqua is lightweight and comfortable. The fit is secure but not too tight, making them ideal for swimming, running, or cycling. You don’t have to worry about them slipping off mid-stroke or during a workout. Bone conduction works by sending sound vibrations through your cheekbones, allowing you to hear music without blocking external sounds. However, there’s one tech limitation we still can’t fully overcome Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater. The Suunto Aqua has an IPX8 rating (waterproof up to 5 meters for 2 hours), but once submerged, Bluetooth connectivity cuts off.
Suunto solves this with 32GB of offline audio storage, meaning you can preload your favourite tracks and listen underwater. Keep in mind, you’ll need actual music files (MP3, WAV, etc.), so dust off your CDs or purchase downloads via Amazon Music. If you’re doing laps, playing music in offline mode is a must, otherwise, the constant cutting out as your head dips underwater will be frustrating. Underwater, the sound is surprisingly clear. It’s almost meditative, hearing music without plugging your ears creates a unique experience. While the sound quality won’t match high-end over-ear headphones, it performs well for its purpose. Higher frequencies come through better than deep bass, and midtones are clear and enjoyable, making it ideal for spoken content and mid-range music rather than bass-heavy tracks.
The battery lasts up to 10 hours on a full charge, with a charging case that doubles as a power bank, extending usage to 30 hours total. Suunto also integrates smart tracking features, analysing stroke posture, head pitch angle, breath frequency, and glide time via the Suunto app. Beyond swimming, the Head Movement Control feature lets you answer calls or change tracks hands-free, perfect for cycling or running. The multifunction button and volume controls take some getting used to, but they’re customisable in the app.
The Suunto Aqua is an excellent choice for water lovers who want quality audio, built-in storage, and fitness tracking, all without blocking ambient noise. It’s well-made, comfortable, and packed with useful features. Whether you’re a swimmer, triathlete, or outdoor enthusiast, these durable, open-ear headphones are a fantastic investment. RRP £175
- Fully waterproof (IPX8 Rated)
- Bone conduction technology
- 32GB offline audio storage
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Great battery life with power bank charger
- Smart tracking features
- Hands-free controls
- Control buttons can be fiddly to begin with
