If you want better Value for money
Choose SonoFlow SE HQ31 Wireless Headphones. It scores 4.6 vs 3.2 for Value for money, with a 3.9 overall score.
H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Review
Bottom Line
Choose the RIPT Ultra if you want sweatproof over-ear headphones that stay secure, last for days, and block gym noise. Skip them if you prioritize audiophile detail, cool-running pads, small-head fit, app-based EQ, or maximum value.
Best for
Gym users and indoor cyclists who insist on over-ear headphones, sweat heavily, and value washable pads, strong battery life, physical controls, and a secure fit.
Not for
Audiophiles, smaller-headed users, and people doing long workouts in hot rooms may prefer lighter alternatives. It is also a poor fit for anyone who expects app-based EQ, polished voice prompts, or class-leading value.
Verdict
The H2O Audio RIPT Ultra succeeds where ordinary over-ear headphones often fail: it tolerates heavy sweat, stays secure for many athletes, offers washable cushion options, and delivers excellent battery life with generally effective ANC. Comfort is strong with the softer pads, and the folding design, case, USB-C charging, and 3.5mm input make it useful beyond the gym. The tradeoff is consistency. Sound ranges from punchy and balanced to muddy, bass-crackling, or narrow, while the sealed silicone pads can become hot and sweaty. Smaller heads may struggle with a loose fit, the loud voice prompts are intrusive, and there is no dependable app or EQ system. Its specialized design can justify the price for committed over-ear workout users, but conventional headphones often deliver better sound, software, or ANC value.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
66 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.017 (26%)
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Positive 3.5-4.429 (44%)
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Neutral 2.5-3.47 (11%)
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Negative 1.5-2.410 (15%)
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Very negative below 1.53 (5%)
Pros
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Bluetooth connections were consistently stable across phones, tablets, watches, and normal household distances. Reviewers reported easy pairing, no meaningful dropouts, and little noticeable latency.
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The headphones fold or hinge into a compact shape, and some cups rotate flat. That makes the bulky over-ear design much easier to pack.
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Bluetooth and wired 3.5mm playback give the headphones useful flexibility for phones, airplanes, and other everyday sources.
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The ear cushions can be swapped and replaced easily, which supports longer ownership and lets users move between workout and everyday pads. Headband replacement was not discussed.
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The headphones play very loudly, with more than enough output for workouts and noisy environments. Reviewers did not struggle to reach motivating volume levels.
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One tester reported no meaningful latency during wireless use, making video playback feel properly synchronized.
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The headphones connected smoothly across smartphones, an iPad, and a Garmin watch, showing strong compatibility beyond a single platform.
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Pairing and setup were effortless in the one detailed test, with multiple devices connecting quickly and reliably without confusing steps.
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Battery life is a major strength, commonly lasting a week or many long workouts without recharging. Real-world results around 40-50 hours with ANC were considered more than sufficient.
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The two cushion sets are a standout: silicone for sweaty training and softer leather-style pads for everyday wear. Reviewers liked the secure fit, easy cleaning, and flexibility to trade breathability for comfort.
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Long battery life, folding construction, wired playback, and a protective case make these strong travel companions. The softer pads also help them transition from workouts to flights and daily use.
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Sweat resistance is the defining strength: the silicone cushions protect the drivers, wipe or rinse clean, and survived demanding workouts. There is no formal IP rating, and sweat can still pool inside the cups during long sessions.
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USB-C charging is convenient, and one review reported several hours of playback from a 15-minute charge. The port is charging-only, with no USB audio mode.
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The package is generous, with alternate cushions and other workout or travel essentials treated as thoughtful additions.
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USB-C charging was praised as convenient and painless, with ordinary cables working as expected.
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The included 3.5mm input is a valuable backup for airplanes, receivers, and low-latency listening. Wired sound can be strong, although one tester heard ground-loop hum when ANC was active.
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Headband padding is thick enough to spread pressure comfortably without becoming cumbersome. Reviewers found it well matched to the secure workout fit.
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Long-wear comfort is one of the strongest themes, especially with the softer leather-style pads. Heat and small-head fit issues are the main reasons some users may not stay comfortable for extended workouts.
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Most reviewers recommend the headphones for people who specifically want sweatproof over-ear workout audio. Recommendations become much more cautious for audiophiles, smaller heads, long hot sessions, or shoppers focused on maximum value.
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Removable cushions are central to the design and usually twist off for washing or replacement. Reinstallation can take practice, and one reviewer could not find official spare pads for sale at the time.
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ANC was widely praised for suppressing gym clatter, fans, aircraft hum, and office distractions, though a few found it only average. Performance can weaken with silicone pads, and long sweaty sessions produced crackling for some users.
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Overall satisfaction is high among users who prioritize sweatproof over-ear comfort, battery life, and workout stability. Satisfaction drops when fit is loose, heat builds up, or sound and software are judged against similarly priced lifestyle headphones.
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Physical buttons are generally easy to locate and more dependable than touch controls with sweaty hands. Downsides include awkward placement, loud spoken interruptions, and an ANC button that stuck on one sample.
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Vocals and mids were generally clear, warm, and easy to follow. A few reviewers thought voices sounded slightly dark or lost detail when arrangements became dense.
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Most versions include a protective carry case or bag plus space for cables and spare cushions. The case is useful for travel, though one reviewer found it only moderately protective and another called it sizable.
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The click-adjust headband usually holds its setting securely and offers precise sizing. A serious exception is smaller heads, where even the minimum setting may remain too loose.
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When the tuning worked, reviewers heard an even, balanced response with clear articulation. Track-to-track performance was less consistent for one tester, especially with bass-heavy material.
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The thick over-ear cushions provide strong passive isolation before ANC is even engaged. That seal helps cut gym, travel, and office noise without using extra battery.
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Most listeners enjoyed the strong, punchy low end, but a few heard bass bleed, crackling, or excessive thickness. Bass-heavy tracks are the biggest test of whether this tuning will suit you.
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Construction generally feels solid, with metal reinforcement and durable plastics suited to exercise. Some units creak or feel cheaper than their price suggests, but most reviewers still considered them well made.
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Most testers expected the sweatproof plastics and washable pads to last through repeated workouts, and one unit remained reliable for months. The major concern is intermittent ANC crackling reported on multiple long, sweaty rides, including a replacement pair.
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Most testers found the weight well balanced or surprisingly light in use, though one reviewer considered the 304g frame and thick silicone pads noticeably heavy. Comfort depends more on heat and fit than raw weight.
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Transparency mode is useful for outdoor awareness and quick conversations, and several reviewers found it natural enough for safety. One tester heard muffled mids, rolled-off treble, and hiss.
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Sound quality drew unusually divided reactions: some heard crisp, balanced, energetic audio, while others found it muddy, tinny, or merely passable for the price. The tuning seems better suited to workout motivation than critical listening.
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Fit security is excellent for many medium-to-large heads, staying put through running, lifting, and cycling. Smaller heads are the clear risk: several testers experienced slipping, and one pair flew off during power cleans.
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Call voices were usually clear, sometimes even clearer than a phone alone. Outdoor traffic, fan noise, and wind can still reach the other person because microphone noise suppression is limited.
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Clamping is firmer than average to support movement, but reviewers who fit the headphones properly did not find it painful. The pressure generally feels purposeful rather than excessive.
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The black and gray versions offer a more discreet gym look than the bright orange Zwift model, which attracts considerably more attention.
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Android can provide a precise battery percentage that the headphones’ own voice feedback lacks, adding a useful compatibility benefit.
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The Zwift edition worked well for indoor racing and paired smoothly with Discord, offering clear playback and a usable built-in microphone.
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The built-in microphone and call controls make it easy to answer, reject, or end calls without reaching for a phone.
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ANC changes the sound noticeably for some listeners. It often adds bass, impact, and richness, but can also deepen muddiness or introduce hum in wired mode.
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Reports on multipoint conflict: some reviewers say it is absent, while others paired multiple devices or reported dual-device support that worked smoothly. Buyers who depend on true simultaneous multipoint should verify the behavior they need.
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Treble impressions ranged from crisp and clean to rolled-off, thin, or lacking sparkle. It avoids harshness well, but detail lovers may want more air and presence.
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Low-frequency noise such as aircraft hum, fans, and gym machinery is reduced effectively in many tests. Other reviewers heard only a small improvement, and silicone pads can weaken the seal.
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ANC’s effect on the tuning varies sharply: one reviewer heard improved depth and a wider stage, while another preferred the cleaner, less muddy sound with ANC off.
Cons
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Styling is polarizing: the Zwift edition earned praise for its bold orange design, while the standard blue-accented models looked too sporty or plain to others. The design favors workout identity over sleek minimalism.
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Value is the biggest dividing line. The specialized sweatproof design can justify the premium for committed over-ear workout users, but several reviewers felt the sound, ANC, and missing app fell short of the price.
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Soundstage is highly source- and listener-dependent: some heard a wider presentation with ANC, while others found it narrow and crowded. Spaciousness is not a consistent strength.
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Two reviewers criticized the lack of high-resolution options, while one video reviewer reported an “AEX HD” codec that worked reliably. The conflicting descriptions leave advanced codec support unclear.
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Wind handling is mixed. One runner found outdoor wind and fan noise controlled well, while another reviewer said wind remained a problem for calls.
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The hinge and frame felt robust overall, but one active-use test produced occasional squeaking and crackling noises during movement.
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Instrument separation was one of the more disputed sound traits. A few testers could isolate individual parts easily, but others heard instruments smushed together or pushed into the background.
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Microphone noise reduction is a weak spot. Traffic, strong fans, wind, and heavy breathing may remain audible, although one tester reported decent fan handling.
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The sealed over-ear design frequently traps heat and moisture during hard workouts. Several testers found the silicone pads hotter than normal, with sweat pooling around the ears on longer sessions.
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The plastic-heavy construction can look and feel less premium than conventional headphones at this price. Its practical durability softens that criticism but does not erase it.
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The software feature set is sparse compared with similarly priced headphones. There is no companion control suite for personalized settings or feature expansion.
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The launch feature set feels thin for a premium-priced model, especially because the app, EQ, Find My, and other extras are missing.
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Glasses may break the ear-cushion seal, allow sweat to pool, and press the arms against the head. One commenter reported no issue, but the main review considered glasses compatibility potentially uncomfortable.
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At louder listening levels in quiet spaces, sound leakage can become noticeable to people nearby.
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There is no functional companion app for these headphones, which most reviewers saw as a major omission at this price. One tester appreciated the simpler app-free experience, but customization remains extremely limited.
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Voice prompts are a recurring annoyance because they are loud, vague, and cannot be disabled or volume-adjusted. Mode announcements can also interrupt music and calls.
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Hi-res wireless playback and USB DAC-style audio modes are absent. Buyers seeking higher-resolution digital playback will need a different model.
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The fixed sound profile cannot be adjusted with an equalizer or vocal preset. That is especially frustrating for reviewers who wanted to tame bass, lift vocals, or correct the darker tuning.
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There is no Find My function, which one reviewer considered a notable omission at this price.
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LDAC is not supported, limiting high-resolution Bluetooth options for compatible Android devices.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Over-Ear Headphones, this product is above average in Water/sweat resistance rating, Portability/foldability, Replaceable pads/headband, near average in Overall satisfaction, Stability, below average in Find My, Equalizer customization, Glasses and hat compatibility.
Summary
65 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher23 (35%)
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Same as average within 0.3 pts21 (32%)
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Below average 0.4+ pts lower21 (32%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water/sweat resistance rating | 4.7 | 2.0 | +2.7 |
| Find My | 1.0 | 4.0 | -3.0 |
| Equalizer customization | 1.3 | 3.9 | -2.6 |
| Glasses and hat compatibility | 2.0 | 4.7 | -2.7 |
| Built-in DAC and hi-res playback | 1.5 | 3.9 | -2.4 |
| App | 1.8 | 4.0 | -2.2 |
| LDAC | 1.0 | 3.1 | -2.1 |
| Voice prompts/feedback | 1.8 | 3.7 | -1.9 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better LDAC
Choose JBL Tour One M3 Headphones. It scores 4.5 vs 1.0 for LDAC, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better Built-in DAC and hi-res playback
Choose DALI IO-12 Headphones. It scores 4.5 vs 1.5 for Built-in DAC and hi-res playback, with a 4.1 overall score.
If you want better Voice prompts/feedback
Choose Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones. It scores 4.5 vs 1.8 for Voice prompts/feedback, with a 4.2 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
Apple Airpods Pro
- Worse: active noise cancellation The RIPT Ultra’s ANC was judged noticeably stronger than AirPods Pro.
- Worse: sweat durability and long-term performance The RIPT Ultra is positioned as a more durable workout option than AirPods Pro.
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds
- Better: battery life and price Audio-Technica offers longer battery life for considerably less money.
Beats Studio3
- Similar: overall sound quality The RIPT Ultra sounded comparable to Beats Studio3 within the same budget range.
FAQ
Are the RIPT Ultra headphones waterproof?
They are designed to resist heavy workout sweat, and the silicone cushions can be removed and cleaned. They have no formal IP rating and should not be submerged or used for swimming.
Are they comfortable for long workouts?
Most reviewers found them comfortable, especially with the softer leather-style pads. The silicone pads can trap heat and sweat, and smaller heads may experience a loose, unstable fit.
How good is the sound quality?
Opinions are split. Many heard punchy bass, clear mids, and energetic sound, while others reported muddiness, narrow staging, weak detail, or bass crackling on demanding tracks.
Does the active noise cancellation work well?
ANC generally reduces gym equipment, fans, aircraft hum, and office noise effectively. It can weaken with the silicone pads, alter the bass balance, and has produced intermittent crackling during some long, sweaty rides.
How long does the battery last?
Battery life is a major strength, with many reviewers seeing roughly 40-50 hours or a full week of regular use. USB-C charging is convenient, and one test reported several hours of playback from a 15-minute charge.
Is there an app or equalizer?
No dependable companion app or EQ system was available in testing. The physical controls handle core functions, but sound, button behavior, and voice prompts cannot be meaningfully customized.
Can they be used wired or with multiple devices?
A 3.5mm cable is included for wired listening. Reports on multipoint conflict: some reviewers found no multipoint support, while others reported smooth switching or dual-device connection.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - Andy's Tech Tone
- Review score
- 3.7
YouTube - Coach Helder Review's Stuff
- Review score
- 5.0
Article Reviews
gearstylemag.com
The H20 Audio Ript Ultra headphones offer excellent functionality and comfort in an over the ear design. Ergonomically sound, these...
- Review score
- 4.3
techradar.com
The H20 Audio Ript Ultra are designed to survive any kind of exercise — but with compromises along the way
- Review score
- 2.8
tomsguide.com
The H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones are a sweatproof solution when you need motivational workout music. Just make sure your tracks aren’t too...
- Review score
- 3.2
road.cc
The H2O Audio Zwift x RIPT Ultra are excellent headphones for indoor use, with Active Noise Cancellation and exceptional sound quality. As...
- Review score
- 4.6
zwiftinsider.com
How do these Zwifty headphones sound, and just how sweaty do they get?
- Review score
- 3.4
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