The Zwifty socials were all abuzz last week when Mathieu van der Poel donned Zwift-branded headphones for his TdF TT warmup. Turns out, these headphones are a collab with H2O Audio, headquartered in San Diego, California just a bit south of Zwift’s Long Beach headquarters.
Mathieu’s headphones basically match the in-game headphones which were originally available via the Big Spin 2024 prize spinner:
Unlock In-Game Headphones
The in-game headphones are available through some time in August as a reward for completing one of the Tour Fever or Watch the Femmes Workout of the Week events. See upcoming events at zwift.com/events/tag/tourfeverwotw
Get the Real-Life Zwift Headphones
The real-life version of these headphones showed up on H20 Audio’s website last week, available for $249.99 (but we have a discount code, see below).
Wireless, Bluetooth, with active noise cancellation and a built-in microphone for seamless calls (and Discord!)
100% sweatproof design with removable and washable silicone ear cushions (Patent Pending)
Powered by custom-developed 45mm drivers that deliver rich sound and deep bass
50h battery life
To be clear: this isn’t Zwift getting into a new line of hardware. These are simply a Zwift-branded version of H20 Audio’s flagship “RIPT Ultra” headphones.
The most popular response to over-the-ear (OTE) headphones + Zwift seems to be “it will be too sweaty.” (It reminds me of the concerns people have with Zwift and virtual reality glasses. The concepts have merit – virtual reality, high-quality audio – but there are potential sweaty downsides…)
Riders are concerned about possibly damaging their expensive headphones or experiencing discomfort caused by sweat accumulating around the ears. Both valid concerns, which I share as well.
H2O Audio claims this a 100% sweatproof design, and I’ve got a set arriving today to test. I’ll be wearing them in some very sweaty Zwift heat training sessions in the coming days… for science! Watch this space for a full review.
Questions or Comments?
These headphones are eliciting some very polarized opinions. Most Zwifters seem to be saying either, “Take my money!” or “Way too sweaty!”
What about you? Thoughts on this product? Share below…
Eric runs Zwift Insider in his spare time when he isn't on the bike or managing various business interests. He lives in Northern California with his beautiful wife, two kids and dog. Follow on Strava
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