Compare H2O Audio TRI 2 PRO Headphones vs Cleer ARC 5

Reviewer opinion is split by use case: underwater and swim use often sounds good or even impressive, while several reviewers criticize above-water sound as tinny, muddy, or below regular earbuds.

Most reviewers found the ARC 5 unusually capable for open-ear earbuds, with several calling the sound excellent or class-leading. One detailed test strongly disagreed, criticizing weak definition, limited vibrancy, and performance below the premium price.

Passive isolation depends on the open-ear tradeoff: awareness is strong, but external noise can drown out playback unless earplugs are used.

Passive isolation is intentionally minimal because the earbuds leave the ear canal open. That supports awareness but makes them a poor choice for buyers wanting outside sound blocked.

Bass is highly inconsistent: some reviews praise punch or improved bass in water, while others say land playback lacks low-end impact or becomes woolly and hollow.

Bass is generally punchier and fuller than expected from an open design, and several reviewers liked its warmth and workout-friendly impact. The main caveat is limited deep-bass rumble, with one reviewer finding the low end poorly defined and too dominant.

Sound leakage is mixed: pool use appears discreet, but above-water leakage can appear at higher volumes.

Sound leakage and driver positioning were judged better than average for the open-ear category in the one detailed assessment. The design still cannot contain sound like sealed earbuds.

EQ customization is essentially absent, with reviewers explicitly noting no EQ or presets to tune the sound.

The app and case provide substantial EQ flexibility, including custom tuning and multiple bands. Reviewers liked the control, although the available band count is not class-leading.

Call quality is a weak point overall; some calls are usable, but several reviewers report quiet, distant, or incomplete microphone pickup.

Call quality is widely praised, with voices coming through clear and natural during walks, workouts, and public use. Outdoor performance is generally above average for open-ear earbuds.

Setup is mixed: drag-and-drop loading can be easy, but Playlist+, app handling, and troubleshooting are often described as clumsy or time-consuming.

Pairing is quick and straightforward, and basic use requires little setup. The deeper feature set can become more complex once app, case, gesture, and spatial options are explored.

Controls are divisive: some reviewers found them reachable or simple, while many criticized stiff buttons, accidental presses, and unreliable secondary commands.

Physical buttons complement the touch controls and give users flexible ways to manage playback and calls. Most found them useful, though one reviewer needed time to learn the case and control layout.

The app is adequate but limited; some found it easy to navigate, while others wanted clearer instructions, more customization, or smoother access to stored music.

The Cleer+ app offers extensive control over EQ, gestures, case settings, battery information, and health features. Most found it useful, though one reviewer criticized its confusing layout.

Bluetooth experiences vary sharply: pairing can be easy on phones and laptops, but underwater use, stutters, random disconnections, and clumsy setup hurt reliability.

Bluetooth is mostly stable, quick to pair, and free of noticeable lag. One outdoor range test reported dropouts at roughly 32 feet, so long-range performance may vary.

Instrument separation is weak in critical listening, with strings, guitar, and bass parts getting lost or failing to cut through the mix.

Reviewers who discussed imaging found it easy to locate instruments and effects, with precise stereo placement and clear directional cues.

Midrange and vocals range from clear and full in some testing to static, under-defined, or not very cutting in more critical reviews.

Vocals and mids usually come through clean, natural, and forward enough for podcasts, calls, and music. Reviewers especially liked the clarity of male and female voices.

Treble is serviceable but not consistently crisp; reviewers mention rolled-off, grainy, or missing high-end detail, with a few brighter elements coming through well.

Treble is commonly described as clean, detailed, and non-fatiguing rather than sharp or sibilant. One reviewer heard reduced energy and buried higher details in denser songs.

Included accessories are useful, especially earplugs, a protective case, and clear documentation that improve swim use and setup.

The box includes the expected charging cable, guide, case, and earbuds. The printed multilingual instructions were considered useful but somewhat difficult to follow.

Case quality is mostly praised as nice, protective, or convenient, though one reviewer found the standard case bulky.

The AMOLED touchscreen case is one of the most praised features, offering useful phone-free access to battery, playback, EQ, spatial settings, and more. Its size and reversed left/right docking orientation are the main annoyances.

Multi-platform compatibility is positive in the review that paired the headset with both a Google Pixel phone and a MacBook.

The ARC 5 works across iPhone, Android, computers, and other Bluetooth sources. Reviewers valued the flexibility for switching between work, entertainment, and mobile devices.

Volume is adequate for some voices and workouts, but multiple reviewers had to raise it high, noticed vibration, or found volume changes distracting in water.

Volume is strong enough for quiet and moderately active settings, but open-ear physics limits it around traffic, transit, and other loud environments. One reviewer found the maximum level unable to compete outdoors.

Stability is a major strength in water and workouts, although one reviewer with fit issues felt less secure while running.

Most reviewers found the fit exceptionally secure during running, jumping rope, gym sessions, and normal movement. One tester experienced an unstable, front-heavy fit on one ear, suggesting ear shape matters.

Water readiness is the strongest consensus area, with reviewers repeatedly praising pool, underwater, and waterproof performance.

IPX7 protection makes the earbuds well suited to sweat, rain, and demanding workouts. Reviewers treated them as durable for active use, while still advising against swimming.

Android compatibility is supported by a reviewer pairing successfully with a Google Pixel phone.

Android users receive the fullest codec experience, including LDAC and Snapdragon-related options. iOS remains usable and solid but is limited to SBC and AAC.

Portability is supported by a compact, gym-bag-friendly case in the review that discussed it.

The redesigned case is easier to carry than earlier ARC generations, but opinions depend on the comparison point. Some called it compact and pocketable, while another considered it unusually large and heavy for earbuds.

Design works well for aquatic use and looks clean to some reviewers, but fit gaps and sizing for smaller heads create caveats.

The ARC 5 looks cleaner, slimmer, and more premium than earlier open-ear designs. Reviewers liked the polished styling and refined hook profile.

Comfort is generally strong thanks to low weight and soft contact, though a few reviewers report long-wear soreness or fit quirks.

Comfort is the strongest consensus: the thinner hooks, open fit, and balanced design remain comfortable for full workdays, workouts, travel, and long listening sessions. Many reviewers said the earbuds nearly disappear once worn.

Build quality is a strength, with reviewers describing sturdy construction, flexible durability, and soft-touch or sleek materials.

Materials and construction feel premium, with soft-touch surfaces, sturdy components, and a design that avoids looking cheap. Reviewers generally considered the build suitable for regular active use.

Weight comfort is a clear strength; reviewers repeatedly call the headset lightweight enough for running, swimming, and extended workout use.

At about 11.5 grams per earbud, the ARC 5 generally feels light and low-pressure. A few reviewers still noticed the size or weight, especially when the fit was imperfect.

Battery life is mostly good for workouts and swims, though one review found real-world drain below the stated claim.

Battery life is a standout strength, commonly lasting a full workday and reaching about 60 hours with the case. Reviewers repeatedly described the endurance as impressive or category-leading.

Charging feedback is positive where reviewed, with magnetic connection clarity and roughly one-to-two-hour charging times.

Fast charging is highly practical, restoring roughly two hours from a five-minute top-up. The main complaint is the lack of wireless charging.

Value depends heavily on the use case: swimmers often get enough benefit, while land users and audio-focused buyers face better-value alternatives.

Value is the most divisive issue. Supporters believe the comfort, battery, codecs, spatial audio, and smart case justify the premium, while critics say better music quality is available for much less.

Charging and transfer cable feedback is mixed, from necessary for waterproofing to inconvenient proprietary limitations and one failed USB loading experience.

The Find My function grows progressively louder and can help locate misplaced earbuds around a home. Reviewers found it practical, with the sensible warning not to activate it while wearing them.

Adjustability is limited, with one reviewer wishing the band could be adjusted for a looser fit.

Head-gesture controls work reliably for actions such as changing tracks or answering calls with a nod. They are convenient hands-free, though one reviewer felt repeated head movements could look awkward in public.

Maximum-volume playback is a recurring weakness, with distortion, muddiness, overpowering tracks, or bone-conduction tickle appearing at louder levels.

Offline playback is the product's defining advantage for swimming, but Playlist+ recording and syncing can be cumbersome or unreliable.

Overall sentiment is strongly positive for comfort-first, awareness-focused use, with repeated praise for features, battery, and usability. Satisfaction drops among listeners who prioritize audiophile music quality, deep bass, compactness, or low price.

The default flat tuning earned praise, and the rock preset helped bring guitars and vocals forward. Another reviewer found the presets made little noticeable difference, so their usefulness appears listener-dependent.

The open-ear fit keeps traffic, coworkers, family, and other surroundings audible without requiring a transparency mode. Reviewers repeatedly called this especially useful for running, cycling, office work, and all-day listening.

Touch controls are responsive and easy to trigger without many accidental taps. The control scheme may take a day or two to become natural, but customization helps.

Codec support is unusually broad for the category, including premium Android-oriented options. Reviewers saw this as a major strength, though the open design may limit how much fidelity is realized in noisy places.

Multipoint switching between phones, tablets, and computers is consistently viewed as convenient and seamless, reducing the need to re-pair devices.

Frequency balance is not very accurate; reviewers describe the response as not crisp and noticeably unbalanced.

The microphone system usually suppresses wind, traffic, construction, and other background noise effectively while keeping speech understandable. Very loud surroundings can still intrude because the ears remain open.

Several reviewers heard a wide, spacious presentation with convincing directional placement, especially in movies and games. One critical review found the soundstage unexpectedly narrow and lacking expansion.

Spatial audio is a major differentiator, producing convincing depth and positional effects for movies and games. Music reactions are more mixed, with some reviewers preferring standard stereo or questioning the value in noisy environments.

Voice commands worked smoothly for playback and volume changes, making hands-free control especially useful during outdoor work and daily routines.