If you want better Find My
Choose SoundPEATS Cove Pro. It scores 5.0 vs 1.0 for Find My, with a 3.8 overall score.
H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Review
Bottom Line
Choose the RIPT Ultra if you want sweatproof over-ear headphones that stay secure, last for days, and block gym noise. Skip them if you prioritize audiophile detail, cool-running pads, small-head fit, app-based EQ, or maximum value.
Best for
Gym users and indoor cyclists who insist on over-ear headphones, sweat heavily, and value washable pads, strong battery life, physical controls, and a secure fit.
Not for
Audiophiles, smaller-headed users, and people doing long workouts in hot rooms may prefer lighter alternatives. It is also a poor fit for anyone who expects app-based EQ, polished voice prompts, or class-leading value.
Verdict
The H2O Audio RIPT Ultra succeeds where ordinary over-ear headphones often fail: it tolerates heavy sweat, stays secure for many athletes, offers washable cushion options, and delivers excellent battery life with generally effective ANC. Comfort is strong with the softer pads, and the folding design, case, USB-C charging, and 3.5mm input make it useful beyond the gym. The tradeoff is consistency. Sound ranges from punchy and balanced to muddy, bass-crackling, or narrow, while the sealed silicone pads can become hot and sweaty. Smaller heads may struggle with a loose fit, the loud voice prompts are intrusive, and there is no dependable app or EQ system. Its specialized design can justify the price for committed over-ear workout users, but conventional headphones often deliver better sound, software, or ANC value.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
66 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.017 (26%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.429 (44%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.47 (11%)
-
Negative 1.5-2.410 (15%)
-
Very negative below 1.53 (5%)
Pros highlights
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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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.
-
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.
Cons highlights
-
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.
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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.
-
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.
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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.
-
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 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.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Over-Ear Headphones, this product is above average in Water/sweat resistance rating, Replaceable pads/headband, Portability/foldability, near average in Active noise cancellation, Overall recommendation, below average in Find My, Equalizer customization, Built-in DAC and hi-res playback.
Comparison summary
66 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher21 (32%)
-
Same as average within 0.3 pts23 (35%)
-
Below average 0.4+ pts lower22 (33%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find My | 1.0 | 3.9 | -2.9 |
| Water/sweat resistance rating | 4.7 | 2.3 | +2.4 |
| Equalizer customization | 1.3 | 3.9 | -2.6 |
| Built-in DAC and hi-res playback | 1.5 | 4.0 | -2.5 |
| App | 1.8 | 4.0 | -2.2 |
| LDAC | 1.0 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
| Glasses and hat compatibility | 2.0 | 4.1 | -2.1 |
| Voice prompts/feedback | 1.8 | 3.8 | -2.0 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better LDAC
Choose CMF Headphone Pro. It scores 4.6 vs 1.0 for LDAC, with a 4.0 overall score.
If you want better Built-in DAC and hi-res playback
Choose Nothing Headphone (1) Pro. It scores 5.0 vs 1.5 for Built-in DAC and hi-res playback, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better Value for money
Choose SonoFlow SE HQ31 Wireless Headphones. It scores 4.6 vs 3.2 for Value for money, with a 3.9 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
Apple Airpods Pro
- Worse: active noise cancellation The RIPT Ultra’s ANC was judged noticeably stronger than AirPods Pro.
- Worse: sweat durability and long-term performance The RIPT Ultra is positioned as a more durable workout option than AirPods Pro.
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds
- Better: battery life and price Audio-Technica offers longer battery life for considerably less money.
Beats Studio3
- Similar: overall sound quality The RIPT Ultra sounded comparable to Beats Studio3 within the same budget range.
FAQ
Are the RIPT Ultra headphones waterproof?
They are designed to resist heavy workout sweat, and the silicone cushions can be removed and cleaned. They have no formal IP rating and should not be submerged or used for swimming.
Are they comfortable for long workouts?
Most reviewers found them comfortable, especially with the softer leather-style pads. The silicone pads can trap heat and sweat, and smaller heads may experience a loose, unstable fit.
How good is the sound quality?
Opinions are split. Many heard punchy bass, clear mids, and energetic sound, while others reported muddiness, narrow staging, weak detail, or bass crackling on demanding tracks.
Does the active noise cancellation work well?
ANC generally reduces gym equipment, fans, aircraft hum, and office noise effectively. It can weaken with the silicone pads, alter the bass balance, and has produced intermittent crackling during some long, sweaty rides.
How long does the battery last?
Battery life is a major strength, with many reviewers seeing roughly 40-50 hours or a full week of regular use. USB-C charging is convenient, and one test reported several hours of playback from a 15-minute charge.
Is there an app or equalizer?
No dependable companion app or EQ system was available in testing. The physical controls handle core functions, but sound, button behavior, and voice prompts cannot be meaningfully customized.
Can they be used wired or with multiple devices?
A 3.5mm cable is included for wired listening. Reports on multipoint conflict: some reviewers found no multipoint support, while others reported smooth switching or dual-device connection.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - Andy's Tech Tone
- Review score
- 3.7
YouTube - Coach Helder Review's Stuff
- Review score
- 5.0
Article Reviews
gearstylemag.com
The H20 Audio Ript Ultra headphones offer excellent functionality and comfort in an over the ear design. Ergonomically sound, these...
- Review score
- 4.3
techradar.com
The H20 Audio Ript Ultra are designed to survive any kind of exercise — but with compromises along the way
- Review score
- 2.8
tomsguide.com
The H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Headphones are a sweatproof solution when you need motivational workout music. Just make sure your tracks aren’t too...
- Review score
- 3.2
road.cc
The H2O Audio Zwift x RIPT Ultra are excellent headphones for indoor use, with Active Noise Cancellation and exceptional sound quality. As...
- Review score
- 4.6
zwiftinsider.com
How do these Zwifty headphones sound, and just how sweaty do they get?
- Review score
- 3.4
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