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The Nank Runner Diver2 Pro bone conduction headphones are designed for active users who want to enjoy music while maintaining awareness of their surroundings. These headphones are the first bone-conduction headphones I am aware of that feature active noise cancellation.
You may wonder how well ANC can work on open-ear style headphones like bone conduction, and this review will hopefully help provide some answers.
Features
- Open-Ear & Noise-Cancelling Mode: The headphones feature 35-degree adjustable ear hook design, allowing users to switch between open-ear and noise-cancelling modes. This flexibility is particularly useful for adapting to different environments, from quiet indoor settings to noisy outdoor activities.
- IP69 Waterproofing: With an IP69 rating, these headphones offer top-level water resistance. The combination of nano waterproof coating and ultrasonic welding provides protection that exceeds industry standards, making them suitable for swimming and diving.
- Bluetooth 5.4 and MP3 Player: The Runner Diver2 Pro functions as both Bluetooth headphones and a standalone MP3 player. With 32GB of built-in storage, users can store a substantial music library directly on the device.
- Battery Life: The headphones offer up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge. Fast charging technology provides 120 minutes of use from a 10-minute charge.
Nank Runner Diver2 Pro vs Runner Diver2 Specification
| Runner Diver2 Pro | Runner Diver2 | |
| Noise Cancellation | Yes | No |
| Waterproof | IP69 | IP68 |
| Play Time | 10 hours | 10 hours |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Listening Modes | MP3 & Bluetooth | MP3 & Bluetooth |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| RRP | £150 | £105 |
| Price on 23rd Sept | £120 | £85 |
The new Pro model has some significant upgrades compared to the non-Pro model. The main benefit is the new active noise-cancelling functionality.
The IP69 rating is also an impressive upgrade; I don’t think I have seen a pair of headphones with this rating before.
Unboxing / Design / Fit
The Runner Diver2 Pro comes in a sleek package containing the headphones, a charging cable, shaped ear plugs, and a user manual. The design is streamlined and sporty, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and scratches.
The headphones feature a wraparound design that sits comfortably on the back of the head. The adjustable ear hooks are a standout feature, allowing users to fine-tune the fit for optimal comfort and sound quality (and control the ANC). The lightweight construction (about 30 grams) ensures that the headphones remain comfortable during extended wear.
One potential drawback is that users with smaller heads might find the fit slightly loose, even at the tightest setting. However, this is a common issue with many bone-conduction headphones and doesn’t significantly impact performance for most users.
Sound Quality
Bone conduction technology inherently sacrifices some depth in bass compared to traditional in-ear headphones. That said, the Nank Runner Diver2 Pro delivers impressive clarity. While the bass is not as pronounced, the mids and highs come through cleanly, making it a great choice for podcasts, audiobooks, and most genres of music. For those who prefer deep bass, this may not be the ideal choice (which is true for all bone conduction headphones), but for balanced audio and general listening, it performs admirably.
MP3 Player
The built-in MP3 player is a standout feature of the Runner Diver2 Pro. With 32GB of storage, it can hold thousands of songs, making it ideal for activities where carrying a phone is impractical, such as swimming or intense workouts.
Transferring music to the device is straightforward, using the included USB cable. The headphones appear as a removable drive on your computer, allowing for easy drag-and-drop file transfer. The transfer speed is incredibly slow at around 1MB/s so you will want to make sure you plan your music transfers well before starting exercise.
Switching between Bluetooth and MP3 modes is done with a triple tap on the multi-function button. The controls are intuitive, though it may take some time to memorise the various button combinations for different functions.
Waterproofing and Swimming Performance
The IP69 rating of the Runner Diver2 Pro sets it apart from many competitors. This level of waterproofing allows for use in various water activities, including swimming and diving.
I haven’t been swimming in years, so I didn’t use them for swimming but used them in the bath to try and replicate the environment. The sound quality underwater is surprisingly good, though it’s worth noting that bone conduction technology naturally works better in water than traditional headphones.
Noise-Cancelling Feature
The Runner Diver2 Pro introduces a new approach to noise cancellation, which is an unexpected but welcome feature in bone conduction headphones. The 35° adjustable ear hook activates or deactivates the noise-cancelling mode. Unlike traditional noise-cancelling headphones that block out ambient noise by sealing off the ears, this model reduces external sound while keeping the ears open, which enhances situational awareness—vital for outdoor runners and cyclists.
The performance is nowhere near as good as you will find with standard ANC headphones but it does help improve the sound.
It is reasonably effective at reducing wind noise which is something that causes significant issues with open ear headphones during sports. It is also helps at reducing the hum of traffic slightly. In noisier environments, the reduction is noticeable but may not be sufficient for those seeking complete isolation. For swimmers, however, this feature may not be as useful, as earplugs are often worn in conjunction with headphones.
Battery Life
The Runner Diver2 Pro lives up to its claimed 10-hour battery life, which is decent for bone-conduction headphones. In real-world use, they easily last through a full day of intermittent listening or several long workout sessions.
The fast-charging feature is particularly useful, providing two hours of playtime from a 10-minute charge. This can be a lifesaver when you’ve forgotten to charge the headphones before a workout.
Price and Alternative Options
The Nank Runner Diver2 Pro have a RRP of £150, and they are available directly from Nank. At the time of writing, they were listed at £120.13, and there was an additional 15% off voucher.
The Runner Diver2 have an RRP of £105 and was listed at £84.09, and these had 10% off available.
I previously reviewed the H20 Audio Snowpro Headphones, which can be used underwater, and they have the Tri Pro Multi-Sport with Playlist+, which are identical. These are available for £138.
If you don’t need the built-in MP3 player, then the Creative Outlier Free Pro+ are superb value for money at £70.
Shokz has the OpenSwim, which lacks MP3 and is £139. Then they also have the new OpenSwim Pro which has Bluetooth and 32GB of MP3 storage for £169.
Verdict
The Nank Runner Diver2 Pro are a good pair of bone conduction headphones.
The IP69 rating and MP3 player make them usable for swimming, which is only possible with a small number of competing options.
These are slightly cheaper than the H20 headphones while offering superior performance. The only thing they lack is the Playlist+ function, which allows you to record content from Spotify.
The ANC function helps them compete well for outdoor activities compared to bigger brands like Shokz and Creative. I generally prefer the sound quality of the Shoks OpenRun, but they are more expensive, lack an MP3 player and can’t be used underwater.
In conclusion, the Nank Runner Diver2 Pro offers a solid mix of features, durability, and sound quality, making it a strong contender in the bone conduction headphone market, especially for those who need versatile, multi-functional sports headphones.
Nank Runner Diver2 Pro Bone Conduction Headphones Review
Summary
The Nank Runner Diver2 Pro is an excellent choice for anyone who specifically wants to swim. Additionally, the ANC functionality helps reduce things like wind noise, which is something that has plagued open-fit headphones when doing outdoor activities. While it may not match traditional headphones in audio quality, it offers a balanced solution for those prioritising awareness and versatility in their listening experience.
Overall
75%-
Overall - 75%75%
Pros
- IP69 waterproofing for swimming and diving
- Built-in 32GB MP3 player
- Active Noise Cancellation feature
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- 10-hour battery life with fast charging
- Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
Cons
- Bass performance limited compared to traditional headphones
- Fit may be loose for users with smaller heads
- Slow file transfer speed for MP3 player
- ANC effectiveness limited compared to closed-back headphones
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.
