ANSTEN Swimming Headphones: Bone Conduction with 8GB MP3, IPX8 Waterproof, Bluetooth 6.0
Product description
What it is
ANSTEN Swimming Headphones are open-ear bone conduction headphones designed for swimming, running and water sports. They use cheekbone vibration to deliver audio while keeping your ears open to surrounding sounds, which can be an advantage for awareness during activities.
How it works
The device relies on bone conduction drivers and an open-ear design. It features 13mm wide-band bone conduction drivers and AI-driven 360° spatial audio calibration for a more immersive feel on dry land or poolside. When used in water, the product is IPX8 rated and submersible up to 2 metres for up to an hour. Note that Bluetooth connectivity does not work underwater, switch to MP3 mode for swimming and turn off Bluetooth on your phone.
Modes and storage
The headset offers two modes: Bluetooth 6.0 for typical day-to-day use and MP3 mode with 8GB of built-in storage, capable of holding around 1500 songs. You can pair with two devices simultaneously and switch modes with a double click.
Comfort and fit
Weighing around 26g, the design emphasises comfort with an open-ear fit that sits over memory titanium structure and flexible ear hooks. It’s designed to be glasses-friendly and secure during high activity such as swimming laps or running.
Sound quality and calls
AI-powered noise cancellation helps with clearer calls in noisy environments, though the underwater use caveat applies. The forward-facing mic directs sound to reduce leakage, which can be beneficial when you’re training in busy environments.
Battery life and charging
A 2-hour quick charge provides up to 8 hours of playback and a long standby time. It uses magnetic charging for convenient top-ups.
Practical use cases
- For swimmers who need audio while keeping ears open to lane directions, coaches or poolside chatter.
- Outdoor runners who prefer not to block ambient sound and want a lightweight headset.
- Users who want a compact dual-mode device, switching between MP3 for water activities and Bluetooth for daily use.
What to consider before buying
- Underwater Bluetooth use is not supported, MP3 mode is essential for swimming.
- Open-ear design means bass may be less intense than in-ear headphones, if deep bass is important, this may be less convincing.
- Durability and weight are strengths, but consider whether 26g feels comfortable for your head shape after extended wear.
- Compatibility with devices and the need for two devices simultaneously can influence day-to-day convenience.
Who it’s for
This product suits swimmers and runners who prioritise ambient awareness, want built-in storage for workouts, and are comfortable with bone conduction tech as a different listening experience. It’s more about practicality and openness of hearing than pure audio isolation.
Who it’s not for
If you’re after the deepest bass or a fully enclosed listening experience, or if you require Bluetooth audio underwater, this model may not meet those expectations. It’s also less ideal for those who dislike the open-ear feel.
How to choose next steps
If you prioritise open-ear listening, need MP3 storage on the go, and don’t rely on underwater Bluetooth, this is worth considering. If you require long underwater Bluetooth sessions or extremely strong bass, you may want to compare with other designs that focus on closed styles or different sport-specific features.
What to review before purchase
- Confirm comfort with the open-ear press against your cheekbones for long sessions.
- Check availability of MP3 mode and transfer of your music collection to the 8GB internal memory.
- Remember that underwater Bluetooth won’t work, plan how you’ll manage connectivity for outdoor training.
- Ensure your typical activities align with IPX8 waterproofing and a submersion depth of up to 2 metres for the durations mentioned.
Quick comparison in context
If you’re choosing between a bone conduction option with MP3 on board and a standard Bluetooth pair without storage, this ANSTEN model trades ultimate water-proof convenience and ambient awareness for the absence of underwater Bluetooth use. For pool workouts or open-air runs where you want to stay alert to surroundings, this approach can be preferable to fully closed models that block outside noise.
Is it worth it?
Final verdict
It’s a solid choice if your priorities include open-ear listening, on-device MP3 storage, and a rugged waterproof build for swimming and intense workouts. It isn’t the best option if you expect heavy bass or underwater Bluetooth streaming. In short, it fits a practical, sport-focused user who wants flexibility between water and dry-weather use.
FAQs
- Can I use Bluetooth underwater? No, Bluetooth connectivity does not work underwater, switch to MP3 mode for swimming.
- How many songs can I store on 8GB? Up to around 1500 songs, depending on file sizes.
- Will it fit over glasses? Yes, the design includes glasses-friendly thin ear hooks for a secure fit.