Are you tired of your earbuds falling out every time you start to sweat? I have been through countless pairs of cheap headphones that slip off during a long run or stop working the moment they get a little wet.
I decided to try the POLVCDG X9 Bone Conduction Earphones to see if they could handle my swim sessions and bike rides. This POLVCDG X9 Bone Conduction Earphones IPX8 Waterproof Open Swimming Earphones 32G Ear Hanging Earphones Tennis Running Cycling review covers whether these actually work or if they are just another cheap gadget.
What are these X9 headphones?
These are open-ear headphones that sit just outside your ear canal. Instead of pumping sound inside your ear, they use vibrations to send audio through your cheekbones.
The main draw here is the IPX8 waterproof rating and the built-in 32GB of storage. You can store thousands of songs directly on the device, so you do not even need to carry your phone while you exercise.
Real world performance
I took these for a swim in the local pool to test that waterproof claim. Since water ruins Bluetooth signals, the internal storage feature is essential.
Loading music onto the device is simple enough. You just plug it into your computer with the magnetic cable and drag your files over like a flash drive.
The sound quality is decent, though it lacks the heavy bass you get from traditional earbuds. Because your ears are open, you can hear traffic and surroundings, which is much safer for outdoor cycling or running.
Honest pros and cons
- Pros
- The 32GB of storage holds a massive library of music.
- They stay firmly in place even during intense movement.
- You can actually swim with these without worrying about damage.
- They are budget-friendly compared to big-name bone conduction brands.
- Most sellers on AliExpress offer free shipping, which is a nice bonus.
- Cons
- The magnetic charging cable is proprietary and easy to lose.
- Sound quality gets a bit buzzy at the highest volume settings.
- It takes some time to get used to the vibration sensation on your skin.
- Customer support for this brand is basically non-existent.
- The software for managing music files feels very outdated.
Who should buy these?
If you are a lap swimmer who gets bored in the pool, these are a solid pick. They are also great for runners who need to stay aware of cars and bikes on the road.
If you are an audiophile looking for studio-quality sound, look elsewhere. These are built for function and movement, not for listening to high-fidelity jazz in a quiet room.
What other users are saying
One fellow runner told me that he uses these every day for his commute. He mentioned that while the build quality feels a bit plasticky, it has held up to six months of daily sweat and rain.
Another swimmer noted that the volume is a bit muffled when you go deep underwater. She found that using silicone earplugs helped clear up the audio while keeping the water out of her ears.
Final verdict
The POLVCDG X9 headphones are a handy tool for anyone who wants a distraction-free workout. You get a lot of storage and decent waterproofing for a price that does not break the bank.
Just keep in mind that you are buying from an overseas platform. There is no local warranty, so if they break after a year, you are likely on your own.
If you can manage the learning curve of the file transfer system, they are a great addition to your gym bag. They are not perfect, but they get the job done for a fraction of what major brands charge.
