H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Review – Over-ear ANC headphones for fitness with detachable ear-cups

There are probably hundreds of excellent ANC earbuds that are suitable for fitness. The vast majority of earbuds nowadays have some IP rating to protect them from liquid ingress.

There are a growing number of alternative styles, including bone conduction headphones and open-ear earbuds and the recent trend of clip-on/ear-cuff earbuds.

But, if your preference is over-ear / on-ear headphones, then there are very few choices.

The H2O Audio RIPT Ultra are by far the most appealing pair of headphones that are suitable for fitness.

That being said, they are far from perfect.

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Specification

• Active Noise Cancellation (30dB) minimises distractions – H2O Audio’s patent-pending
• Real Isolation Performance Technology
• Custom 45mm drivers deliver immersive sound and deep bass.
• Versatility – washable, interchangeable ear cushions made of silicone for active wear and leather for casual use.
• Ultra-long battery life of 50 hours.
• Premium sound with enhanced bass clarity.
• Wireless Bluetooth with a built-in microphone.
• 100% Sweatproof, durable design for even the toughest workouts.

Features

Experience Immersive Workouts with RIPT (Real Isolation Performance Tech)
Enjoy a truly immersive workout experience with RIPT Ultra headphones, featuring Active Noise Cancellation that reduces external noise by up to 30 dB. This technology allows you to focus entirely on your training, whether you’re at the gym or outdoors.

100% Sweatproof Design with Removable and Washable Silicone Ear Cushions
The headphones are designed with a fully sweatproof build, making them ideal for intense exercise sessions. The removable and washable silicone ear cushions (Patent Pending) ensure hygiene and comfort, even during the most demanding workouts.

Included 2 Interchangeable Ear Cushions
RIPT Ultra comes with two sets of ear cushions: 100% sweatproof silicone for active use and premium leather for all-day wear. This versatility allows you to switch between a sporty feel and a more comfortable option for extended use.

Powered by Custom-Developed 45mm Drivers
The headphones are equipped with custom-designed 45mm drivers that deliver rich, detailed sound with deep bass. Whether you’re listening to music or taking calls, the audio quality remains consistently high.

Ultra Long Battery Life of 50 Hours
With a battery life of up to 50 hours, RIPT Ultra ensures you can enjoy uninterrupted music and calls throughout your day. This makes them perfect for long training sessions, travel, or daily use without frequent recharging.

Wireless Bluetooth with Built-In Microphone
The wireless Bluetooth connectivity provides seamless pairing with your devices, while the built-in microphone allows for clear and convenient calls. Stay connected without compromising on sound quality or comfort.

Complete with a Protective Case for Travel
Each pair of RIPT Ultra headphones comes with a protective case, making them easy to carry and store. This added convenience ensures your headphones stay safe and secure, whether you’re commuting or travelling.

Designed for the 24/7 Athlete Lifestyle
RIPT Ultra is crafted to support an active lifestyle. Whether you’re working out at the gym, focusing on your race, travelling, or relaxing at home, these headphones are built to keep up with your needs. Their durable design and versatile features make them a reliable companion for any activity.

Unboxing / Design

The RIPT Ultra headphones have a very plasticy design, which doesn’t feel as premium as other headphones, but this prioritises durability for active use. The headband uses a combination of flexible plastic and metal reinforcement, striking a good balance between durability and weight.

The standout design feature is the interchangeable ear cushions system. The ability to swap between silicone (for workouts) and leather (for casual use) cushions adds versatility to these headphones. The attachment mechanism feels secure and easy to remove.

At the time of writing, H20 Audio sell a variety of accessories and spare points but doesn’t currently list spare ear cups. I would hope/expect that they will list replacements sooner or later.

The controls are positioned on the right earcup, featuring physical buttons rather than touch controls. While this might seem less modern, physical buttons are often more reliable during workouts when hands might be sweaty.

On the left earcup is the button for the ANC control.

Comfort / Fit / Cleaning / Maintenance

One of the main selling points of the RIPT Ultra headphones is their comfort and ease of maintenance. The removable ear cups make cleaning and maintenance straightforward, and H2O Audio includes a spare set of cushions, which is a thoughtful addition. The silicone cushions are particularly easy to clean, as they can be washed with soap and water. The leather cushions, while not washable, can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

The fit of the headphones is secure, thanks to the adjustable headband and well-padded ear cups. They stay in place during vigorous activities, making them suitable for running, cycling, and other high-intensity workouts. The lightweight design also contributes to the overall comfort, ensuring that the headphones don’t feel cumbersome even after hours of use.

I am cursed with overheating easily and sweat a lot, so over-ear headphones are not to my personal tastes, but I have used these for gym work, including weight lifting, indoor cycling on my Tacx Neo, and treadmill running. My ears do get hot, and everything gets sweaty, but the headphones have performed perfectly well, and I have had no problems keeping them clean.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the H2O Audio RIPT Ultra is a mixed bag, offering both strengths and areas for improvement. Equipped with custom-developed 45mm drivers, the headphones deliver a dynamic audio experience characterised by deep bass and clear midrange tones. This makes them particularly well-suited for genres like electronic music, hip-hop, and pop, where bass plays a prominent role. For fitness enthusiasts, the punchy low-end response can enhance motivation during workouts, providing an energetic backdrop to intense physical activity.

However, the sound profile is not without its drawbacks. While the bass is powerful, it occasionally overshadows the higher frequencies, leading to a slightly imbalanced mix. This can result in less clarity for vocals and intricate instrumental details and generally sound muddy, which may disappoint audiophiles or those who prioritise a more neutral sound signature.

There is a notable difference in the sound when you enable ANC. Without it on, I found the bass to be more recessed, and the overall sound quality is fractionally better due to the lack of muddiness.

The ANC works well, but it does deepen the bass quite a bit.

Despite these limitations, the overall audio performance remains satisfactory for the target audience. The headphones handle phone calls and podcasts reasonably well, with the built-in microphone delivering clear voice reproduction. For users who value bass-heavy sound and are primarily focused on fitness or casual listening, the RIPT Ultra’s sound quality is likely to meet expectations. However, those seeking studio-grade accuracy or a more refined audio experience may find the headphones lacking in certain areas.

Active Noise Cancellation

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature on the RIPT Ultra headphones is effective and better than I expected. H20 audio claim these reduce external noise by up to 30dB. This makes them suitable for use in noisy environments, such as gyms or busy streets.

With my usual synthetic tests of laying aeroplane cabin noise on my Edifier S3000 Pro speakers, the headphones did an impressive job.  They do well at blocking out the low-frequency hum of the plane engine, but they are less effective at cancelling higher-frequency noises, which is common for most ANC headphones.

Overall, the ANC performance is solid and should work well for working out in noisy environments when you want to focus on your workout and not be distracted.

As a personal note, I like ANC during fitness as I have a bad habit of listening to music too loud in an attempt to amp me up. With ANC on, the reduced background noise means I don’t listen to music quite as loud.

Battery Life

In real-world usage, the battery life holds up well under various conditions. With active noise cancellation enabled, the headphones maintain a runtime of approximately 40 hours, which is still more than sufficient for most users. Even during intensive use, such as continuous playback at high volumes or frequent Bluetooth pairing, the battery degrades predictably and consistently.

A 15-minute charge can provide several hours of playback, ensuring minimal downtime even if the headphones are not fully charged.

While the 50-hour claim may be achievable under optimal conditions, actual performance may vary depending on usage patterns. Factors such as volume levels, ANC activation, and Bluetooth connectivity can influence battery consumption.

Price and Alternative Options

The H2O Audio RIPT Ultra are available to buy now directly from H20 Audio for £242.

There are very few competing over-ear headphones that are designed for sports use. The two options I found were:

• I have previously reviewed the Adidas RPT-01 Sports On-Ear Headphones and was happy with them. These are still available for around £100.
• Treelab Z2 has been available on Amazon for quite a long time and currently sells for a bit over £190. These seem to be the best alternative option but they lack removable earcups.
• PHILIPS A4216BK/00 have been on Amazon for a few years and are IP55 and cost just £40.
• Boom by MIIEGO is available for £131

Overall

If these headphones didn’t have such a unique selling point, I wouldn’t think they are very good. The sound quality is not great for a pair of £242 headphones.

However, the sound quality isn’t awful, and the ANC is good. Considering that nothing else directly competes with these headphones, these are good for buyers who want ANC over-ear headphones for fitness.

Overall, if you specifically want over-ear headphones for fitness, then I can give these a solid recommendation (especially if you sweat a lot).

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.