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My new favorite headphones for swimming come bundled in a unique charging accessory
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Zygo Z2 headset is available for $329
- You can stream all your subscription music, the headset stays firmly in place, coaching is available for a small fee, and audio quality is good in the water
- The headset range doesn’t support open water swimming, your phone and transmitter need to be near the pool, and the headset only works with the paired transmitter.
One significant challenge to enjoying music while you swim is finding non-DRM MP3 files to load onto the internal storage of the headset, since most people today use one of the popular music streaming services. Zygo has solved that problem with its new Zygo Z2 headset, which allows you to stream audio content from your smartphone to the headset. I have been swimming with it in Colorado for the past week.
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Bone conduction headphones are my preferred type of headset for running because my ears stay open, increasing my level of safety and awareness. Bone conduction technology is also key to enjoying audio content in the water, and I’ve tested several waterproof models in the past. These worked for me because I have a rather extensive collection of offline MP3 files, collected over more than 20 years of using mobile devices.
Rigid accessory
Zygo’s Z2 headset is a rigid accessory available in two sizes. I used the sizing guide to measure my head so that I could test the pair that fit me best, and it turns out the large size fits perfectly. Unlike other bone conduction headsets, there is no flexibility in the design, but the rigid frame fits around your head and in front of your ears while staying securely in place, even as water flows quickly over your head. You can also wear the Zygo headset under or over your swim cap.
The Zygo headset doesn’t function as a standalone headset but requires the included Zygo transmitter container connected to your smartphone via the Zygo app. The box stores and charges the headset and a pair of included earplugs. On the back of the container is a retractable large antenna that you flip up and raise before turning on the transmitter integrated into the container.
Also: Finally, I found bone-conduction headphones that are perfect for runners and swimmers alike
Pair the container to the Zygo smartphone app, and then the Zygo transmitter sends the audio to the headset while you swim. There is no direct connection between your phone and the headset.
Sound is better when submerged
Two buttons are integrated onto the center back of the headset to control the volume while in the water. The buttons are also used for the pairing and setup process, but while swimming, I never touched them after setting a volume that I found perfect for the pool.
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The headset doesn’t sound great out of the water and is much better while your head and headset are submerged, with the transmitter supporting depths up to two feet.
In addition to solving the MP3 challenge, Zygo provides coaching and training workouts in the app, similar to a Hydrow or Peloton experience. The subscription is affordable at just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, with a free two-week trial available to try it out in the pool before you subscribe.
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I was expecting to test the headset to enjoy music from Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and more, so I was pleasantly surprised by the coaching aspect. I performed a few coaching and training sessions with the coach audio integrated with music, which helped take my focus off the strain experienced during long lap swimming sessions.
Even if you are not interested in listening to music while swimming, the coaching may be worth the price.
There is also a cool function in the Zygo app called Walkie Talkie. Your coach or a family member watching you complete laps can pick up your connected phone and talk to you while you swim. This is an excellent capability for those who have coaches who can view them swimming from the side of the pool and then provide specific guidance to perfect their stroke.
ZDNET’s buying advice
Bone conduction is a fantastic technology, and I’m a huge fan of using it for running, cycling, and swimming. I enjoy swimming, but swimming laps for extended periods is tough for me without the motivation and distraction of music. Zygo’s Z2 headset provides seamless music streaming capability and a “Peloton of the pool” coaching experience that is well worth the cost of less than one coffee a month.
The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
Also: Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what’s next. Here’s what we know
Headphones and wearable devices, which are predominantly manufactured in these regions, are now subject to tariffs as high as 54% on Chinese imports and 46% on Vietnamese goods. As a result, consumers may see price increases of approximately 20% on these items.
Manufacturers are exploring options like relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, but such shifts are complex and may not provide immediate relief. In the short term, shoppers should anticipate higher costs for headphones and wearables due to these trade policies.
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