Swimming laps can get boring really fast when you are just staring at the blue tiles at the bottom of the pool. I used to rely on counting my strokes to keep my mind busy, but that got old. When I found the POLVCDG X7 Bone Conduction Headset, I figured it was worth a shot to see if I could actually listen to music underwater.
What is the X7 bone conduction headset?
This device is a pair of waterproof headphones designed for swimming, running, and cycling. Unlike earbuds that plug into your ear canal, these rest on your cheekbones and send vibrations to your inner ear. The POLVCDG X7 Bone Conduction Headset IPX8 Open Headset Bluetooth 5.3 Swimming with Microphone Waterproof 32GB Memory MP3 2024 New review shows it is a budget-friendly option for people who want to listen to music without blocking out the world around them.
Most of these units ship from overseas, and I managed to find one with free shipping. It arrived in about two weeks, which is standard for this type of store. The main appeal here is having 32GB of built-in storage, meaning you can leave your phone in the locker while you hit the pool.
Features that actually matter
The biggest benefit of this headset is the internal MP3 player. Bluetooth signals do not travel through water, so you cannot stream from your phone while swimming. You have to connect the device to your computer with the included cable and drag your music files onto it. Once the files are loaded, you have hours of music right on your head.
Being able to hear your surroundings is a huge plus for outdoor runners. Since your ears are open, you can hear traffic or people talking while your playlist runs in the background. The IPX8 rating means it is truly waterproof, so you do not have to worry about sweat or a deep dive ruining the electronics.
Honest pros and cons
- Pros
- The battery lasts through my longest swim sessions without needing a charge.
- Having 32GB of storage holds thousands of songs, so I never get bored.
- It stays securely on my head even when I am doing flip turns in the pool.
- The open-ear design feels much more comfortable than shoving rubber tips into my ears.
- Cons
- Shipping takes a long time since it comes directly from the manufacturer.
- Customer support is nearly impossible to reach if you have a technical glitch.
- The sound quality is weaker than high-end earbuds, especially the bass.
- You have to manually download MP3 files to the device because streaming does not work underwater.
Who should buy this?
If you are a lap swimmer who wants to spice up your workout, this is a solid choice. It is also perfect for casual runners who want to stay aware of cars and bikes on the road. The price point makes it accessible if you are not ready to drop a lot of cash on the big-name brands.
You should probably skip this if you are a serious audiophile. The bone conduction technology just cannot compete with the sound clarity of traditional headphones. If you are not comfortable managing your own music files on a computer, you might find the MP3 storage feature frustrating to set up.
What buyers are saying
I talked to a few other swimmers who picked up the X7 recently. One person mentioned that they loved how light the headset felt during their morning jog. Another user complained that they had a hard time figuring out the button controls at first because the manual was not very clear.
Most people seem to agree that it serves its purpose for the price. It is not perfect, but it does exactly what it claims to do for a fraction of the cost of store-bought gear.
Final verdict
Is the POLVCDG X7 worth the money? For the price, I think it is a great deal if you keep your expectations realistic. You get a waterproof player that handles water and sweat with ease. Just be patient with the shipping time and take the time to organize your music files before you head to the pool.
If you just want to listen to a podcast or some upbeat music while you swim, this device gets the job done. It is not a premium piece of audio equipment, but it makes my time in the pool much more enjoyable. Keep your expectations in line with the low price, and you will likely be happy with the results.
