Swimming laps can get pretty boring when it is just you and the blue tiles for forty minutes. I have tried waterproof cases for my phone, but they usually just get in the way or leak. This is where I found the POLVCDG X9 bone conduction headphones.
These are not your typical earbuds that jam into your ear canal. They sit right on your cheekbones, which keeps your ears open to the world around you. After using them for a month, I have some thoughts on whether they are worth the money.
What are these X9 headphones?
These are specialized audio devices built to survive being fully submerged in water. They use bone conduction technology to send vibrations through your skull directly to your inner ear. Since there is no speaker plugging your ear, you stay aware of your surroundings while you listen to music.
The best part is the 32GB of internal storage. You do not need to bring your phone with you to the pool or the track. You simply drag and drop your files onto the device like a flash drive. Getting them delivered was simple, and the free shipping options on AliExpress are a nice bonus for a budget-friendly pick.
Real world testing
Using these in the water feels strange at first because the sound quality changes when your ears are underwater. Once you get used to the vibration against your skin, it is actually quite clear. I find that they work best when you have a swim cap on to hold them tight against your head.
The controls are simple physical buttons on the side. When you are moving fast or your hands are wet, touch sensors usually fail, so buttons are much better. Battery life is solid for a few long workouts, and the magnetic charger is easy to snap into place.
Honest pros and cons
These headphones are great for a specific type of person, but they are not perfect. Here is what I noticed during my time with them.
- Pros
- You can store hundreds of songs directly on the device.
- They stay in place even during flip turns in the pool.
- Being able to hear traffic while running makes them much safer.
- The charging cable is magnetic and easy to clean.
- Cons
- The audio lacks deep bass compared to regular earbuds.
- Shipping from overseas can take a few weeks to arrive.
- There is no local warranty if something breaks after a month.
- Customer support can be slow since they are based abroad.
Who should buy these?
If you are a lap swimmer who gets bored easily, these are a solid investment. They are also perfect for runners or cyclists who want to listen to a podcast but still need to hear cars or other people nearby. You get a lot of technology for a low price compared to the big name brands.
However, skip these if you are an audiophile who needs perfect sound quality. If you are looking for booming bass or high-fidelity audio, you will be disappointed. These are for utility and motivation, not for sitting in a quiet room to enjoy a symphony.
What users are saying
People seem to agree that these are a decent middle-ground option. One user mentioned that they were surprised by how well the sound held up after several weeks of daily swimming. Another person pointed out that it takes a little while to learn how to organize the music files, but once that is done, it works perfectly.
Most people say the biggest hurdle is just getting used to the sensation of bone conduction. It feels like a light buzzing on your face. Once you get past the first hour of use, most people forget they are even wearing them.
Final verdict
I think the POLVCDG X9 bone conduction headphones are a great deal if you keep your expectations realistic. You are getting a waterproof MP3 player that stays on your head during exercise for a fraction of what major brands charge. They are not perfect, and the shipping wait is a real thing you have to deal with.
If you are okay with waiting for your package and you do not mind that the sound is not studio-quality, you will likely enjoy them. They have definitely made my morning laps much more interesting. Just make sure you are comfortable with the lack of a local return policy before you click buy.
