Compare H2O Audio RIPT Ultra vs Nothing Headphone (a)

The ear cushions can be swapped and replaced easily, which supports longer ownership and lets users move between workout and everyday pads. Headband replacement was not discussed.

The pads are not officially replaceable, and reviewers specifically note that Nothing does not sell replacement cushions.

LDAC is not supported, limiting high-resolution Bluetooth options for compatible Android devices.

LDAC can produce a cleaner, clearer presentation than standard AAC on compatible devices, and reviewers value seeing it at this price.

The fixed sound profile cannot be adjusted with an equalizer or vocal preset. That is especially frustrating for reviewers who wanted to tame bass, lift vocals, or correct the darker tuning.

The advanced EQ is a standout feature, offering unusually deep frequency and Q-factor control for wireless headphones. It can substantially improve the stock tuning, though a few reviewers find it fiddly or constrained.

Voice prompts are a recurring annoyance because they are loud, vague, and cannot be disabled or volume-adjusted. Mode announcements can also interrupt music and calls.

Mode-change audio cues are exceptionally clear and avoid the ambiguity or annoying spoken prompts found on some headphones.

There is no functional companion app for these headphones, which most reviewers saw as a major omission at this price. One tester appreciated the simpler app-free experience, but customization remains extremely limited.

Nothing X is repeatedly praised as a clean, fast, capable companion app with unusually deep control over sound and headphone behavior.

Removable cushions are central to the design and usually twist off for washing or replacement. Reinstallation can take practice, and one reviewer could not find official spare pads for sale at the time.

The ear cushions cannot officially be replaced, which is a meaningful long-term ownership drawback.

The headphones fold or hinge into a compact shape, and some cups rotate flat. That makes the bulky over-ear design much easier to pack.

Portability is a weak spot because the headphones do not fold inward and remain bulky in a bag, even though the cups can rotate flat.

The software feature set is sparse compared with similarly priced headphones. There is no companion control suite for personalized settings or feature expansion.

The headphones pack in a broad modern feature set, and reviewers who discuss the software breadth consider it unusually rich for the price.

Hi-res wireless playback and USB DAC-style audio modes are absent. Buyers seeking higher-resolution digital playback will need a different model.

USB-C high-resolution playback can add a small improvement in separation and detail, though the reviewer considered the difference minor.

Headband padding is thick enough to spread pressure comfortably without becoming cumbersome. Reviewers found it well matched to the secure workout fit.

The thin headband padding can create pressure on the top of the head during longer sessions.

The headphones play very loudly, with more than enough output for workouts and noisy environments. Reviewers did not struggle to reach motivating volume levels.

One reviewer found the maximum loudness a little restrained and wanted a few more volume steps for very loud listening.

Most versions include a protective carry case or bag plus space for cables and spare cushions. The case is useful for travel, though one reviewer found it only moderately protective and another called it sizable.

The drawstring pouch is one of the most repeated complaints. Reviewers generally see it as flimsy or inadequate protection compared with a proper hard case.

The click-adjust headband usually holds its setting securely and offers precise sizing. A serious exception is smaller heads, where even the minimum setting may remain too loose.

Headband adjustment works, but multiple reviewers find the slider friction, top-mounted sizing, or general adjustment process fiddly.

Glasses may break the ear-cushion seal, allow sweat to pool, and press the arms against the head. One commenter reported no issue, but the main review considered glasses compatibility potentially uncomfortable.

Glasses compatibility depends on fit: one reviewer found little pressure on glasses, another found them comfortable over spectacles, while seal loss bothered a different tester.

Value is the biggest dividing line. The specialized sweatproof design can justify the premium for committed over-ear workout users, but several reviewers felt the sound, ANC, and missing app fell short of the price.

Value is a major strength across the review set. Reviewers repeatedly say the $199/£149 positioning delivers unusually strong battery, controls, features, and sound for the money.

Microphone noise reduction is a weak spot. Traffic, strong fans, wind, and heavy breathing may remain audible, although one tester reported decent fan handling.

Background-noise suppression can be impressively strong, including traffic, fans, and wind in some tests, but other reviewers found the voice processing less reliable.

The black and gray versions offer a more discreet gym look than the bright orange Zwift model, which attracts considerably more attention.

The design remains conspicuous rather than discreet. Reviewers who want headphones that blend in caution that these are intentionally attention-grabbing.

The hinge and frame felt robust overall, but one active-use test produced occasional squeaking and crackling noises during movement.

The revised swivel hinges were specifically described as sturdier than the predecessor's.

At louder listening levels in quiet spaces, sound leakage can become noticeable to people nearby.

Sound leakage is context-dependent: two reviewers noticed some bleed at louder levels, while another found virtually none.

Instrument separation was one of the more disputed sound traits. A few testers could isolate individual parts easily, but others heard instruments smushed together or pushed into the background.

Instrument separation is usually described as clean and easy to follow, though it does not consistently reach the layering precision of more audiophile-focused rivals.

Clamping is firmer than average to support movement, but reviewers who fit the headphones properly did not find it painful. The pressure generally feels purposeful rather than excessive.

Clamping force is a recurring comfort concern. Some find the grip secure and well judged, but several describe it as too firm during extended wear.

Reports on multipoint conflict: some reviewers say it is absent, while others paired multiple devices or reported dual-device support that worked smoothly. Buyers who depend on true simultaneous multipoint should verify the behavior they need.

Multipoint is generally easy and reliable once enabled, with reviewers praising quick switching between a phone and laptop or other paired devices.

Styling is polarizing: the Zwift edition earned praise for its bold orange design, while the standard blue-accented models looked too sporty or plain to others. The design favors workout identity over sleek minimalism.

The retro-futuristic, transparent styling earns substantial praise for being distinctive and fashion-forward. It is deliberately bold, so buyers who prefer conventional headphones may not share that enthusiasm.

Android can provide a precise battery percentage that the headphones’ own voice feedback lacks, adding a useful compatibility benefit.

Android pairing is especially smooth with Google Fast Pair, which worked seamlessly in the review test.

Call voices were usually clear, sometimes even clearer than a phone alone. Outdoor traffic, fan noise, and wind can still reach the other person because microphone noise suppression is limited.

Call quality is inconsistent across tests. Some reviewers hear clear, usable speech, while others report muffling, compression, or poor intelligibility in noisier conditions.

Fit security is excellent for many medium-to-large heads, staying put through running, lifting, and cycling. Smaller heads are the clear risk: several testers experienced slipping, and one pair flew off during power cleans.

Once adjusted, the fit can stay securely in place while walking without unwanted shifting.

Sweat resistance is the defining strength: the silicone cushions protect the drivers, wipe or rinse clean, and survived demanding workouts. There is no formal IP rating, and sweat can still pool inside the cups during long sessions.

IP52 is useful for sweat and light drizzle, but reviewers consistently caution that it is not protection for heavy rain or serious water exposure.

Most listeners enjoyed the strong, punchy low end, but a few heard bass bleed, crackling, or excessive thickness. Bass-heavy tracks are the biggest test of whether this tuning will suit you.

Bass is one of the most divisive traits: many enjoy its punch and sub-bass weight, while others find the default tuning boomy, muddy, or overly dominant.

Wind handling is mixed. One runner found outdoor wind and fan noise controlled well, while another reviewer said wind remained a problem for calls.

Wind handling is inconsistent: some microphone tests suppress wind remarkably well, while another reviewer found wind routinely cut through during outdoor use.

Most testers found the weight well balanced or surprisingly light in use, though one reviewer considered the 304g frame and thick silicone pads noticeably heavy. Comfort depends more on heat and fit than raw weight.

At roughly 310g, the headphones are lighter than their predecessor but still heavier than many rivals, so some reviewers remain aware of the weight over time.

Long-wear comfort is one of the strongest themes, especially with the softer leather-style pads. Heat and small-head fit issues are the main reasons some users may not stay comfortable for extended workouts.

Long-session comfort is highly head-dependent. Many reviewers wore them for hours or flights comfortably, while others needed breaks because of pressure, weight, or heat.

The plastic-heavy construction can look and feel less premium than conventional headphones at this price. Its practical durability softens that criticism but does not erase it.

The plastic-heavy construction does not feel flagship-premium, and multiple reviewers notice the downgrade in material luxury compared with the Headphone (1).

Physical buttons are generally easy to locate and more dependable than touch controls with sweaty hands. Downsides include awkward placement, loud spoken interruptions, and an ANC button that stuck on one sample.

The Roller, Paddle, and physical buttons are one of the strongest points of agreement. Reviewers repeatedly call them intuitive, tactile, distinctive, and easier to use than touch controls.

Soundstage is highly source- and listener-dependent: some heard a wider presentation with ANC, while others found it narrow and crowded. Spaciousness is not a consistent strength.

Soundstage impressions are mixed. Some hear a notably open or wider-than-expected presentation, while others find it close, narrow, or only average for closed-back headphones.

Two reviewers criticized the lack of high-resolution options, while one video reviewer reported an “AEX HD” codec that worked reliably. The conflicting descriptions leave advanced codec support unclear.

Codec support is useful but not exhaustive: LDAC is a welcome inclusion at this price, while one reviewer wished Qualcomm codecs were also available.

The Zwift edition worked well for indoor racing and paired smoothly with Discord, offering clear playback and a usable built-in microphone.

Gaming performance is promising in the test that covered it, with clear positional cues and useful low-latency behavior.

The built-in microphone and call controls make it easy to answer, reject, or end calls without reaching for a phone.

The integrated microphone array can capture speech clearly in favorable conditions, although broader call-quality tests are more mixed.

ANC was widely praised for suppressing gym clatter, fans, aircraft hum, and office distractions, though a few found it only average. Performance can weaken with silicone pads, and long sweaty sessions produced crackling for some users.

ANC is widely considered good to very good for the price, especially on low-frequency travel noise. It usually trails premium Sony and Bose models and can let more voices or higher-frequency sounds through.

Treble impressions ranged from crisp and clean to rolled-off, thin, or lacking sparkle. It avoids harshness well, but detail lovers may want more air and presence.

Treble is often praised for crispness and detail, but several reviewers also report sibilance or abrasive upper frequencies on certain tracks.

When the tuning worked, reviewers heard an even, balanced response with clear articulation. Track-to-track performance was less consistent for one tester, especially with bass-heavy material.

The tuning lands between balanced and consumer-friendly V-shaped depending on the reviewer, with bass and treble emphasis keeping it from being truly neutral.

The thick over-ear cushions provide strong passive isolation before ANC is even engaged. That seal helps cut gym, travel, and office noise without using extra battery.

Passive isolation can be quite effective with a good seal, but glasses or fit issues can weaken it noticeably.

The included 3.5mm input is a valuable backup for airplanes, receivers, and low-latency listening. Wired sound can be strong, although one tester heard ground-loop hum when ANC was active.

The 3.5mm input is genuinely useful for wired listening, including plane use while keeping ANC active.

Transparency mode is useful for outdoor awareness and quick conversations, and several reviewers found it natural enough for safety. One tester heard muffled mids, rolled-off treble, and hiss.

Transparency is usable for conversation and awareness, but opinions range from natural and effective to boxy, dark, or slightly artificial.

Most reviewers recommend the headphones for people who specifically want sweatproof over-ear workout audio. Recommendations become much more cautious for audiophiles, smaller heads, long hot sessions, or shoppers focused on maximum value.

The overall recommendation is strongly positive: reviewers repeatedly call these an easy recommendation, a great pick, or a no-brainer in their price class.

USB-C charging is convenient, and one review reported several hours of playback from a 15-minute charge. The port is charging-only, with no USB audio mode.

Fast charging is excellent: several reviewers highlight that just a few minutes on USB-C can provide hours of playback.

USB-C charging was praised as convenient and painless, with ordinary cables working as expected.

USB-C is especially useful because it handles both charging and digital audio while retaining physical-control functionality in the tested setup.

Sound quality drew unusually divided reactions: some heard crisp, balanced, energetic audio, while others found it muddy, tinny, or merely passable for the price. The tuning seems better suited to workout motivation than critical listening.

Most reviewers find the sound enjoyable and impressively capable for the price, especially after a little EQ work. Critical listeners still hear some loss of refinement versus pricier models.

ANC changes the sound noticeably for some listeners. It often adds bass, impact, and richness, but can also deepen muddiness or introduce hum in wired mode.

ANC and transparency can slightly alter the tonal balance, especially by changing bass weight, but the effect is described as noticeable rather than disastrous.

Long battery life, folding construction, wired playback, and a protective case make these strong travel companions. The softer pads also help them transition from workouts to flights and daily use.

Travel use benefits from the huge battery and competent ANC, with reviewers reporting comfortable multi-hour or flight use in favorable fits.

The two cushion sets are a standout: silicone for sweaty training and softer leather-style pads for everyday wear. Reviewers liked the secure fit, easy cleaning, and flexibility to trade breathability for comfort.

The large ear cushions provide plentiful padding and enough room to keep ears from feeling cramped.

Most testers expected the sweatproof plastics and washable pads to last through repeated workouts, and one unit remained reliable for months. The major concern is intermittent ANC crackling reported on multiple long, sweaty rides, including a replacement pair.

Early durability impressions are positive, including flexible headbands, a sturdier feel, and one harsh accidental-impact test that left no visible mark.

Vocals and mids were generally clear, warm, and easy to follow. A few reviewers thought voices sounded slightly dark or lost detail when arrangements became dense.

Vocals and mids are generally clear and well controlled, though a few reviewers hear recessed body or odd upper-mid emphasis in the stock tuning.

Bluetooth connections were consistently stable across phones, tablets, watches, and normal household distances. Reviewers reported easy pairing, no meaningful dropouts, and little noticeable latency.

Bluetooth performance is a strength in the positive tests, with rock-solid connections, seamless switching, and no noticeable lag reported.

The package is generous, with alternate cushions and other workout or travel essentials treated as thoughtful additions.

The included cables make a positive impression, with one reviewer specifically surprised by their high quality.

Battery life is a major strength, commonly lasting a week or many long workouts without recharging. Real-world results around 40-50 hours with ANC were considered more than sufficient.

Battery life is the clearest consensus strength. Reviewers repeatedly call the 75-hour ANC figure and roughly 135-hour maximum class-leading, with real-world use generally supporting the claim.

Overall satisfaction is high among users who prioritize sweatproof over-ear comfort, battery life, and workout stability. Satisfaction drops when fit is loose, heat builds up, or sound and software are judged against similarly priced lifestyle headphones.

Overall sentiment is strongly positive, although not unanimous. Most of the explicit satisfaction comments are enthusiastic, while one reviewer remains clearly lukewarm on the sound.

The sealed over-ear design frequently traps heat and moisture during hard workouts. Several testers found the silicone pads hotter than normal, with sweat pooling around the ears on longer sessions.

Heat buildup is a recurring comfort weakness. The synthetic pads and closed design can make ears or the sides of the head warm, especially during longer sessions or workouts.

Construction generally feels solid, with metal reinforcement and durable plastics suited to exercise. Some units creak or feel cheaper than their price suggests, but most reviewers still considered them well made.

Despite the move to more plastic, build quality is generally rated as sturdy and better than the price suggests. The construction feels less luxurious than flagship models but not broadly flimsy.

Low-frequency noise such as aircraft hum, fans, and gym machinery is reduced effectively in many tests. Other reviewers heard only a small improvement, and silicone pads can weaken the seal.

ANC itself avoids obvious hiss in one test, while another reviewer hears a moderate background hiss in the strongest mode.

ANC’s effect on the tuning varies sharply: one reviewer heard improved depth and a wider stage, while another preferred the cleaner, less muddy sound with ANC off.

Turning ANC or transparency on can subtly change the sound signature, most noticeably by adding some bass weight.

One tester reported no meaningful latency during wireless use, making video playback feel properly synchronized.

Video use showed excellent sync in the tested cases, with reviewers reporting no noticeable Bluetooth lag during everyday playback and editing.

Bluetooth and wired 3.5mm playback give the headphones useful flexibility for phones, airplanes, and other everyday sources.

Connectivity is unusually versatile, combining Bluetooth with USB-C digital audio and a 3.5mm wired option.

The headphones connected smoothly across smartphones, an iPad, and a Garmin watch, showing strong compatibility beyond a single platform.

The feature set works well across Android and iPhone, making the headphones a strong cross-platform option rather than a single-ecosystem accessory.

Pairing and setup were effortless in the one detailed test, with multiple devices connecting quickly and reliably without confusing steps.

Setup is consistently easy, with quick pairing and straightforward first-use behavior across the reviews that tested it directly.

Wear-detection auto-pause is missing, an omission reviewers consider surprising at this price.

PCMag awarded the headphones its Editors' Choice for midrange noise-cancelling headphones.

The included cables are mostly praised as sturdy or high quality, although one reviewer questioned the strain relief.

Fine detail is only average for the class: reviewers hear enough clarity for casual listening, but several note softer resolution and less precision than more expensive or hi-fi-oriented models.

The sound is lively and dynamic, with energetic playback that gives pop and electronic music plenty of momentum.

The cups rotate for around-the-neck wear, but one reviewer found the rectangular shells rub or knock together when rotated.

Nothing-phone integration adds extra shortcuts such as Channel Hop, but some functions work best inside Nothing’s own ecosystem rather than equally across Android devices.

The launch feature set feels thin for a premium-priced model, especially because the app, EQ, Find My, and other extras are missing.

There is no Find My function, which one reviewer considered a notable omission at this price.

Imaging is strong enough for positional gaming cues such as footsteps and gunshots to come through clearly.

The presentation can feel immersive for music, even if the dedicated spatial processing is less consistently liked.

Even when pushed loud, the headphones were praised for staying composed rather than falling apart with obvious distortion.

The preset options are useful starting points, with Balanced often taming excess bass and the bass-focused modes appealing more to listeners who want extra low-end weight.

The missing wear sensor is a clear hardware omission because the headphones cannot detect removal for automatic pause behavior.

The smart feature set is broad and potentially useful, though one reviewer questions how often extras such as AI-oriented functions will matter in everyday listening.

There is no automatic Smart Pause when the headphones are removed, and reviewers explicitly criticize that omission.

The glossy black finish can collect fingerprints and dust extremely quickly.

Spatial modes are mostly a mixed-to-negative extra: several reviewers hear hollow, processed, or echoey results, while a minority find the Concert effect useful for expanding the presentation.

Repairability takes a hit because replacement ear cushions are not officially sold, limiting an obvious wear-part replacement path.

The dedicated assistant control is appreciated as a convenient physical shortcut by the reviewer who discussed it.

Automatic pause on removal is absent and repeatedly called out as a feature reviewers miss.

Wear-detection performance is effectively absent because the headphones do not detect removal for automatic pausing.

Xbox use is only partial: wired game audio works, but the reviewer could not get the headset microphones to function through the controller setup.