For the first review of this new blog, I'm going to talk about the Motorola S10-HD Bluetooth Stereo Headphones, which may just be the best option on the market right now for anybody looking for Bluetooth headphones that won't die when they get wet. Though they won't sound as good as wired headphones in this range, they have some of the best sound you'll get out of Bluetooth! These have been my favorites for a while now, let me tell you why.
Pros
- Bluetooth connectivity means no wires
- Built to resist sweat and other moisture, and does so excellently
- Great fit; won't come off during workouts
- Easy to connect to your device, ridiculous range
- Very long battery life
- Play, Skip, and Pause buttons
Cons
- Better than other options, but it's still Bluetooth quality audio
- Not the greatest mic for making calls
These are usually around $180, but Amazon has them for waaaay less with FREE shipping!
= > > Check The Price Here!
The Best Sweat Proof Bluetooth Option Right Now
I've been using Bluetooth headsets pretty consistently since they hit the market, but for the longest time I couldn't find one I could really jog with. Every pair I had would either fall off my head, or die after being drenched with a critical amount of sweat. When I heard about these headphones back in 2010, I had to own a pair. It took a minute to adjust to these, but they've remained my go-to phones for pretty much any activity since then. I've tried some others, but none have compared.
The S10-HDs have a hydrophobic mesh and speakers enclosed with silicon seals to protect them from being destroyed when you start exercising. They come with 4 sizes of gel earbud cushions, and it's really important to use the right size ones to maintain the watertight seal. I was using a size too small at first, and I was not expecting these to work out because sweat kept getting in my ears. When I used the right size, they fit better, sounded better, and no sweat got in.
I really don't think I'd risk taking a swim with these, but I have been out when it started raining pretty heavily, and they didn't miss a beat. I kept expecting them to crackle out, but it never happened.
They're very comfortable. I thought they were a little tight at first, but I think maybe they conform to the shape of your head after you wear them a while, because they now feel like they were made for my own head! They're not uncomfortably snug, but THEY'RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE DURING MY WORKOUT!
Sounds Good, Connects Easily
The promo material mentions acoustic design, digital tuning, and ENHANCED BASS. The first two I'm not impressed with; I mean, what other types of design and tuning would they use for stero Bluetooth headphones? The bass thing, though, I believe. Bluetooth audio quality has steadily improved over the years, and these things sound way better than the ones I was using before. The bass is much better when you use the right size earbuds so the BOOM doesn't leak out.
I had no trouble at all connecting to these with either my iPhone 4 or my girlfriend's Evo 4g. I can't speak for other phones, but I'd imagine it was just as easy. I'll be honest: when I'm using my laptop, I really prefer my Beats by Dr. Dre Studios
If you get a call while you're listening to music, it will automatically pause what you're listening to until the call is over. I actually didn't know it had this feature until someone called me the first time, but it's really convenient. Likewise for the Play, Pause, and Skip buttons on the side.
The range is really great. Though I typically run around with my phone strapped to my arm, I've found I can actually leave this thing in my bag on the edge of the court when I play tennis. Awesome.
Oh, and battery life is fantastic. The official material says you get 8 hours of music listening time or 9 hours of talk time, and 10 days of standby time. That sounds about right. I plug them in every few days, and I've only had them die on me once when I kept using them for about a week without plugging them into the charger.
Any Downsides?
Well, the behind-the-head design makes it more comfortable than other headphones when it comes to active use, but it's not a good match for anybody wearing glasses, because they'll fight each other for space on your ears. Also, the mic isn't the greatest, but I've never had any problems with people understanding me over the phone.
As I've said, you can't (currently) get the same high quality sound you get from wired headphones. I'm sure they're working on it right now, but until then you'll have to settle for the best you can find, and this is the best I can find at the moment.
Don't Get Ripped Off!
I paid $90 for mine when I got them, and they've actually gone up in price at the big box electronics store down the street, but as of this writing Amazon has them for less than I even paid. Honestly I'd buy them again if I had to at the regular price, but if they ever crap out on me I hope this deal is still running. I don't expect to need new ones, though. Oh, and because it's Amazon you get that FREE SHIPPING! Seriously, for me it typically means anything I buy from them is cheaper than in the stores.
Anyway, the point I'm trying to drive home with this S10-HD review is that these are really some of the best waterproof Bluetooth headphones on the market right now, and have been my headphones of choice for a while now. If you're looking for something that sounds good, fits well, and lets you be active and get really sweaty, these represent the BEST VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY! The best price I've seen, by far, is over at amazon.com
Marty on March 16, 2013 at 8:42 pm said:
Hi,
Looking for Bluetooth headphones to use in my hot tub. Plan to be listening to music from my iPhone and the occassional phone call. Will be used almost daily. Range requirement will be 10-15 feet. I am trying to decide if these conditions are as tough as swimming, as they will usually not be submerged and there is not that much motion going on. Maybe analagous to heavy rain?
What is your recommendation?
admin on January 28, 2014 at 6:08 pm said:
Hi, Marty. I think they would work in a hot tub as long as you use the right earbuds to keep the seal nice and tight. Now, that said, I would actually avoid dunking my head under while I was wearing them. Some heavy splashing, steam, and sweat shouldn’t be a problem, though.
Springer Rider on May 23, 2013 at 7:27 pm said:
I have had the S-9's for years. My only complaint, and a serious one is that the earbuds fall off. What makes it serious is that Motorola charges $10 plus S&H for replacements. That is rediculas for two little pieces of rubber that they sell you to make up for a design flaw.
admin on January 28, 2014 at 6:03 pm said:
I’ve heard that complaint about the S-9’s before, and I agree that it’s ridiculous to charge more for a design flaw. Thankfully, the issue seemed to have been fixed with the release of the S10’s.