Swimming laps can get pretty boring when it is just you and the blue tiles for forty minutes. I used to rely on waterproof pouches for my phone, but they were bulky and kept falling off.
I finally picked up the POLVCDG X9 bone conduction swimming earphones to see if they could actually make my pool time more fun. After using them for a few weeks, I have a much better idea of how they handle the water and the road.
What are these X9 swimming headphones?
These are open-ear headphones that sit right outside your ear canal. Instead of jamming a bud inside your ear, they use vibrations against your cheekbone to send sound directly to your inner ear.
The main appeal here is that they are totally waterproof and have 32GB of built-in storage. You can drag and drop your music files directly onto the device, which is great because Bluetooth does not work well underwater. Plus, the price is very budget-friendly compared to big-name brands, and I managed to get free shipping when I ordered mine from AliExpress.
Real world performance
The first time I jumped into the pool with these, I was surprised that the sound stayed clear even when my head was under. Bone conduction is weird at first, but once you find the right spot on your temples, the bass is surprisingly punchy.
Having 32GB of space is plenty for thousands of songs. I do not have to carry my phone to the gym or on a run, which makes my workouts feel a lot lighter. The frame is flexible and stays secure even when I am doing flip turns in the pool.
Pros and Cons
- Pros
- They are truly waterproof for swimming laps.
- Plenty of storage space for high-quality audio files.
- Very light and comfortable for long runs.
- Much cheaper than major name-brand alternatives.
- Cons
- The charging cable is a proprietary magnetic connector, so you are in trouble if you lose it.
- The volume can sound a bit buzzy on your skin if you crank it up to the max.
- Shipping from overseas can take a long time depending on your location.
- There is practically no customer support if the unit stops working after a few months.
Who should buy these?
If you are a casual swimmer who just wants some tunes to pass the time, these are a solid pick. They are also great for runners or cyclists who want to hear ambient traffic noise for safety while listening to music.
However, skip these if you are a serious audiophile. You will not get the same deep, rich sound quality that you get from high-end noise-canceling headphones. These are designed for utility and movement, not for sitting in a quiet room enjoying a symphony.
What other buyers are saying
I talked to a few other people who bought these to see if my experience was just luck. Most users seem to agree that for the price, the sound quality is totally acceptable.
One buyer mentioned that the buttons are a little stiff at first, which makes skipping tracks while swimming a bit of a challenge. Another user pointed out that they work perfectly for outdoor runs in the rain, which is a nice bonus if you live in a wet climate.
Final verdict
Is the POLVCDG X9 worth your money? If you want a dedicated pair of swimming headphones that will not break the bank, yes.
Just remember that you are getting a budget-friendly device. Do not expect premium build materials or an easy warranty process if something goes wrong. If you are okay with those trade-offs, they are a fun way to bring some music into your workout routine.
