These headphones are a perfect fit for exercise and travel – plus they're a steal

ANC stands for Active Noise Cancellation and is used mostly to keep you focused on your music (or other audio/video content) by blocking external sounds. Different earbuds and headphones accomplish this in various ways, and I’ve found ANC can be either very effective or hit-and-miss.

In the case of the H2O Audio RIPT Ultra headphones, the ANC makes all the difference.

The specs

• 45mm drivers
• 100% sweatproof
• Bluetooth 5.4
• 30dB of active isolation
• 50 hours of playtime
• Two interchangeable ear cushions
• Includes a protective travel case, USB-B charging cable, and 3.5mm cable

My experience

When I first unboxed the RIPT Ultra and connected them, via Bluetooth, to my Pixel 9 Pro, I tapped play on the song I always play first when reviewing earbuds or headphones — “Analog Kid” by Rush. Given my experience with H2O Audio, I was expecting to be impressed with the sound.

I was not impressed.

Initially, these over-the-ear headphones sounded hollow and flat. After a couple of verses, I decided to try connecting the RIPT Ultra to the H2O Audio app and tweak the EQ. Unfortunately, the headphones wouldn’t connect to the app.

But I was convinced these headphones could be and do more, so I continued my quest for a resolution.

The resolution came in the form of an ANC. H2O Audio claims the RIPT Ultra has “Extreme Noise Cancellation” along with Real Isolation Performance Tech (RIPT), which gives you 30 dB of active noise isolation. That’s great because external noise can put a damper on the music I listen to.

But the RIPT Ultra headphones’ ANC doesn’t simply block ambient noise; it vastly improves the sound of whatever you’re listening to. Once ANC was enabled (by pressing a button on the left earcup), the sound was richer, with more depth on the low end, smoother mids, and crisper highs; also, the soundstage seemed to widen a bit. 

Also: These Beyerdynamic headphones deliver premium and rich sound while undercutting the competition

Next, I connected the included 3.5 mm cable and plugged the headphones into my Outlaw Audio receiver so I could listen to vinyl through the headphones. Because I’d already been listening to the original Alien Romulus score, I decided to keep spinning that vinyl. 

I was surprised at how well the headphones were able to play the music with a fairly high level of accuracy. I wouldn’t place these headphones anywhere near the audiophile classification, but at $249, they do impress. And when you add the sweatproof design with washable earpads and 50 hours of playtime on a full charge, these headphones start to stand out. 

One thing to keep in mind: The H2O RIPT Ultra headphones are designed for workouts and similar activities. This becomes obvious when you put the headphones on — their fit is relatively tight (and I have a small head). That means the RIPT Ultra headphones will stay in place as you run, lift, race, or do just about anything.

The tight fit doesn’t equate to discomfort, at least not in the short term. I wore the headphones for roughly an hour during my first test, and although I had to re-seat them a couple of times (for comfort), I didn’t find them at all painful. The fit also makes them great for travel because they won’t fall off your head when you’re on the go.

Also: The best over-ear headphones: Expert tested and reviewed

After enjoying the Romulus score, I switched to Van Halen’s “Poundcake” and found the RIPT Ultra headphones quite adept at keeping up with the band. I would have liked a bit more high-end because Alex Van Halen’s cymbals didn’t shimmer as much as I prefer, but that’s picking at some serious nits.

Next, I spun what I consider to be one of the greatest live performances of all time, Prince And The Revolution, playing “Purple Rain” at Syracuse, NY. This nearly 20-minute rendition of the song is beyond glorious. The RIPT Ultra headphones enabled me to pick out all the instruments, even hearing some fairly subtle bass that I’d not heard before.

ZDNET’s buying advice

Given the battery life, the fit, and the sound, these headphones are a steal at $249.  Although the RIPT Ultra headphones aren’t going to best a pair of Beyerdynamic headphones sound-wise, they will be more capable of remaining on your head and aren’t nearly as bulky. As long as you keep the ANC on, you’ll be impressed with the sound. Although the RIPT Ultras might shy away from the crisp highs I prefer, the depth of bass and smooth mids make up for it.

Also: These earbuds sound way too good for their price point. And that’s not even their best feature

These aren’t perfect, but at this price point, perfection isn’t an achievable goal. If you’re looking for a pair of over-the-ear headphones with outstanding battery life that will remain on your head when active, these are what you want.