By Erin Bashford

Copyright tomsguide

Skip to main content

Tom’s Guide

Newsletters

View Profile

Search Tom’s Guide

You May Like

I tested the EarFun’s open-ear buds for a week — and they’ve changed the way I listen to music when working out

These open-earbuds are the most secure I’ve tried for working out — and they’re cheaper than Bose and Beats

Soundpeats Air5 Pro review: Sound way better than $79

Phone Insights

Phone Best Picks

Phone Deals

Phone Face-Offs

Phone How-Tos

Phone Reviews

Network Carriers

Android Phones

Google Phones

Motorola Phones

OnePlus Phones

Samsung Phones

Nothing Phone

TV Best Picks

TV Face-Offs

Audio Insights

Audio Best Picks

Audio Deals

Audio Face-Offs

Audio How-Tos

Audio Reviews

Over-Ear Headphones

Bluetooth Speakers

Entertainment

Streaming Devices

Prime Video

Paramount Plus

Playstation

Gaming Peripherals

Connections

Computing Insights

Computing Best Picks

Computing Deals

Computing Face-Offs

Computing How-Tos

Computing News

Computing Reviews

VPN Best Picks

VPN Face-Offs

VPN How-Tos

VPN Reviews

Operating Systems

Malware & Adware

Smart Glasses

Chromebooks

Gaming Laptops

Apple Desktops

Gaming Desktops

Android Tablets

Computing Brands

AI Insights

AI Best Picks

AI Face-Offs

Google Gemini

Apple Intelligence

Mattress Best Picks

Mattress Deals

Mattress Face-Offs

Mattress How-Tos

Mattress News

Mattress Reviews

Mattress Care

Mattress Toppers

Pillows & Bedding

Smartwatches

Fitness Trackers

Smart Rings

Apple Watch

Home Insights

Home Best Picks

Home Face-Offs

Home How-Tos

Home Reviews

Home Topics

Home Appliances

Home Office

Home Security

Home Brands

Popular Brands

View Phones

Phone Insights

Phone Best Picks

Phone Deals

Phone Face-Offs

Phone How-Tos

Phone Reviews

Network Carriers

View Network Carriers

Android Phones

View Android Phones

Google Phones

Motorola Phones

OnePlus Phones

Samsung Phones

Nothing Phone

TV Best Picks

TV Face-Offs

Audio Insights

View Audio Insights

Audio Best Picks

Audio Deals

Audio Face-Offs

Audio How-Tos

Audio Reviews

Headphones

View Headphones

Over-Ear Headphones

View Speakers

Bluetooth Speakers

Entertainment

View Entertainment

View Streaming

Streaming Devices

Prime Video

Paramount Plus

View Gaming

Playstation

Gaming Peripherals

Word Games

Connections

View Computing

Computing Insights

Computing Best Picks

Computing Deals

Computing Face-Offs

Computing How-Tos

Computing News

Computing Reviews

VPN Best Picks

VPN Face-Offs

VPN How-Tos

VPN Reviews

View Hardware

View Software

Operating Systems

View Security

Malware & Adware

View VR & AR

Smart Glasses

View Laptops

Chromebooks

Gaming Laptops

View Desktops

Apple Desktops

Gaming Desktops

View Tablets

Android Tablets

Computing Brands

AI Insights

AI Best Picks

AI Face-Offs

AI Engines

Google Gemini

Apple Intelligence

View Wellness

Mattresses

View Mattresses

Mattress Best Picks

Mattress Deals

Mattress Face-Offs

Mattress How-Tos

Mattress News

Mattress Reviews

Mattress Care

Mattress Toppers

Pillows & Bedding

View Fitness

Smartwatches

Fitness Trackers

Smart Rings

Apple Watch

Home Insights

Home Best Picks

Home Face-Offs

Home How-Tos

Home Reviews

Home Topics

Home Appliances

Home Office

Home Security

View Outdoors

Home Brands

Popular Brands

Exclusive Apple Interview

iPhone 17 Pro
Wordle Today
Best laptops

Best Mattress

Don’t miss these

I tested the EarFun’s open-ear buds for a week — and they’ve changed the way I listen to music when working out

These open-earbuds are the most secure I’ve tried for working out — and they’re cheaper than Bose and Beats

Soundpeats Air5 Pro review: Sound way better than $79

AceFast AceFit Pro review

I wasn’t expecting much from these $69 budget earbuds — but they actually impressed me with their punchy sound

We’ve tested the best cheap running headphones for exercise on a budget

I swapped my Airpods Pro 2 for the new Shokz OpenDots One — here’s my verdict

I test audio gear for a living — these open-ear earbuds have better sound quality than my AirPods for just $69

I ran with these open earbuds for 9 miles — here’s 3 things I like (and 2 I don’t)

The best running headphones in 2025

We’ve tested the best sports headphones to help boost your motivation

I finally tested Denon’s flagship earbuds and they’re the perfect choice for audiophiles on a budget

I usually give budget earbuds a tough time, but not this $29 pair — here’s why I won’t stop until everyone owns them

I’ve used the Sony WF-C710N earbuds for three months — here are 3 things I like and 2 I don’t

Mixx StreamQ C4 headphones review: A one-way ticket to Tinny City

I wasn’t expecting much when I tested these inconspicuous H2O Audio workout earbuds — but they hooked me instantly

I hate running, but these earbuds made me want to jog every day

Erin Bashford

12 September 2025

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Recommended

(Image: © Tom’s Guide)

Tom’s Guide Verdict

The H2O Audio RIPT-Lite earbuds are hybrid buds designed for both working out and everyday use. Usually, hybrid buds excel at one style of use and sacrifice sound quality, but not the RIPT-Lites. I was pleasantly surprised with the sound quality, even if the ANC and premium features are lacking. For just $99, the H2O Audio RIPT-Lite earbuds are really impressive.

$99.99 at Amazon

Check Walmart

Comfortable fit

Compact and lightweight design

Good sound quality for the price

ANC is nothing to shout about

Bass sometimes overpowers tracks

Best picks for you

We’ve tested the best cheap running headphones for exercise on a budget

What are the best workout headphones? I’m a fitness expert and these are my top picks

The best running headphones in 2025

Why you can trust Tom’s Guide

Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what’s best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Cheat sheet

Price & availability

Design & controls

Features & connectivity

Audio quality

Call quality

I thought the H2O Audio RIPT-Lite would be like other workout/everyday earbuds I’ve tried: decent at the fitness features, but disappointing in terms of audio. Happily, that’s not the case.

While, no, the RIPT-Lites won’t impress audiophiles, they were never designed to. For just $99, the RIPT-Lite could be some of the best earbuds for working out and music out there. Thanks to the compact and lightweight design, the earbuds fit in my ears perfectly during workouts and the bass-heavy sound profile got the blood pumping when I was running.
If you want a more premium earbud, though, these still aren’t for you. Instead, those looking for a cheap bud they can toss in their gym bag might want to keep reading this H2O Audio RIPT-Lite review.

H2O Audio Ript-Lite (Black) at Amazon for $99.99
H2O Audio RIPT-Lite review: Cheat sheet

What is it? A workout-slash-music earbud from H2O Audio — but it’s not suitable for swimming
Who is it for? Perfect for those who want a cheap earbud to keep in a gym bag
What does it cost? $99 / £96
What do we like? The sound is surprisingly strong, plus they’re comfortable, stable and affordable
What don’t we like? I wish the ANC was better
H2O Audio RIPT-Lite review: Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4

5 hours (buds), 30 hours (case)

1.4 ounces (charging case)

1.7 x ¼ x 2 inches

Compatibility

iOS, Android
H2O Audio RIPT-Lite review: Price & availability
The H2O Audio RIPT-Lite earbuds are $99 from Amazon U.S. and £96 from Amazon U.K. This makes them relatively affordable for (mostly) decent workout-forward earbuds.

The RIPT-Lite earbuds are $150 cheaper than the new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 (our best workout earbuds), but unfortunately $75 pricier than our best cheap running earbuds, the JLab Go Air Pop.

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
However, the RIPT-Lite earbuds have some spec improvements over the $24 JLab Go Air Pop. The H2O Audio offering boast 30 hours of battery life compared to the JLab’s 24 hours; 13mm drivers compared to the JLab’s 6mm; IPX5 compared to the JLab’s IPX4. The $36 JLab Go Pods ANC are also an excellent budget-friendly choice, with great ANC and IP66, and I’d always recommend those as the best super-cheap earbuds on the market.
If you want to save as much $$$ as possible, then the JLab Go Air Pop or the Go Pods will treat you right. However, they’re not dedicated workout earbuds (whereas the RIPT-Lite are workout/audio hybrids), and therefore lack some of key features, which I’ll get into in-depth later on.

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
H2O Audio RIPT-Lite review: Design & controls

Super tiny earbuds
Comes with a silicone accessory that feels very weird
Responsive enough touch controls
The first thing I noticed when I first used these earbuds was their size. They are TINY. Like, oh-my-gosh-they-are-going-to-fall-out-of-my-ear-holes tiny. Usually, one of my complaints with earbuds is that they’re too big and uncomfortable after a few hours of wear… oh boy, not the H2O Audio RIPT-Lites. They’re minuscule.
Because they’re tipless, like the AirPods 4, they are perfect for those who don’t get on with the AirPods Pro 2’s silicone ear tips.
I got my tape measure out and compared the RIPT-Lites against my AirPods Pro 2 just to show you how tiny these buds really are.

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Header Cell – Column 0

AirPods Pro 2

Concha nozzle width (from tip to stem)

Concha nozzle depth (from seam)

I immediately doubted the RIPT-Lite’s ability to remain in place during workouts, but they actually stayed really well in my ears. The extra bass — which I’ll discuss more in the ‘Audio quality’ section — was beneficial when I was running, as it was louder than my (very) labored breathing.
While working out, the RIPT-Lites are actually quite easy to control, too. Unfortunately, the touch controls aren’t customizable, but I get on well with H2O Audio’s presets, so it’s not an issue. The left and right buds control different things: ANC is controlled by the left bud and play/pause is controlled by the right bud. Unlike other budget buds I’ve tried, the touch controls are responsive.

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Weirdly, the RIPT-Lite earbuds come with a silicone accessory that slides around the tip of the bud. I assume this is for people with larger ears who need a bit more stability during workouts. I never needed to use this as my ears are quite small, and it actually just prevented the bud from fitting properly in my ear.
I’ll discuss this more in the ‘ANC’ section, but because of the tiny size, the RIPT-Lites’ ANC is pretty disappointing. When the tip isn’t snug or sealed in my ear, there’s no way that the ANC would work. Sound will get into my ear through the gaps around the earbuds themselves, no matter how proficient the ANC itself is.
Finally, the charging case. As with the buds, it’s very small, but not in a way that negatively affects usage. There’s a tiny screen on the front of the case that shows how much charge is remaining in the charging case, which is a wonderful feature.
H2O Audio RIPT-Lite review: Features & connectivity

Easy to connect, but no multipoint

Unlike H2O Audio’s other offerings, the RIPT-Lite buds are not waterproof. You cannot wear these earbuds while swimming. They are IPX5 rated, which means they’re sweatproof, nothing more.
This is the same as the EarFun Air 2 and EarFun Air 2 NC buds ($49, $69 respectively), which sound great and are sweatproof too. However, the EarFun buds aren’t specifically designed for working out, so if you want some workout-focused buds, they’re not the ones for you. However, I think the EarFun and H2O Audio offerings are comparable in pretty much every way.

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
One exception is that the H2O Audio RIPT-Lites do not have multipoint connectivity. I mean, it’s kind of a given, right? For starters, they’re $99, and for seconders, they’re mostly intended to be workout buds. You’re likely not going to be switching between your phone and your laptop while at the gym, right? As a result, if you’re after a more versatile pair of earbuds, then I’d recommend checking out the EarFun offerings I mentioned above.
H2O Audio RIPT-Lite review: Audio quality

Loud bass, sometimes muddy
No tinniness whatsoever
Great sound quality for the price
To test the H2O Audio RIPT-Lite headphones, I listened to a range of genres on Qobuz, our best streaming service for audiophiles.
I don’t usually expect much from $99 earbuds, let alone workout-slash-everyday $99 earbuds. I’ve tested $180 workout earbuds (OneOdio OpenRock X) that sounded like they should cost $50. However, the RIPT-Lite buds pleasantly surprised me.
The buds have 13mm drivers, which result in pounding, if sometimes muddy, bass. These would be great, cheap earbuds for those who love bass. However, in some tracks I found the bass a little too much: it muffled the clarity of the soundscape. It’s worth noting that this didn’t happen in every genre, or with every artist, and when I was working out, I actually enjoyed the extra bass.

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
In ‘Dark Corner Dance Floor’ by Phantastic Ferniture, the summery, dense guitars were a touch fuzzy, but the vocal performance was clear and harmonious. This fuzziness was most apparent in the chorus, with a heavier, more layered soundscape. However, the bassline wasn’t affected by this.
To test this odd fuzziness, I played one of the more fuzzy tracks in my repertoire. ‘The Lick’ by Shame is a lazy punk track with a rotating bassline and husky, spoken-word vocals. While the kick drum was loud and clean, the tom drums were a little flat, like an old YouTube music video.
However, for just $99 workout-focused earbuds, I didn’t mind this. After the guitar-heavy tracks, I went to my usual bass-testing track, ‘flight fm’ by Joy Orbison. This song is almost entirely bass, so it’s the best way to evaluate bass performance. I was really impressed with the clarity of the squelching bassline and surprised when I could hear the (rare) treble notes.

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
After ‘flight fm’, I listened to ‘Breathe’ by Jamie xx, which has a wobbly, spacey bassline overlaid with a spoken-word mindful meditation routine. This track was clear and bassy, as expected from electronic tracks on these earbuds, but it wasn’t as expansive or immersive as perhaps Jamie xx intended. However, as I’ve said before, these earbuds are predominantly workout buds, so it’s forgivable.
‘POP’ by Miso Extra is (if you couldn’t guess) a pop track with glittering keyboard notes and bubble sound effects. While the nuance of the bubbles weren’t as loud as they were through my AirPods Pro 2, for this price point, it’s an easy sacrifice.
Overall, the music performance is good considering the $99, but it’s nothing mind-blowing. I wouldn’t say you have to buy these earbuds over the EarFun Air Pro 4 if you primarily want a music earbud. However, if you want hybrid music-and-workout earbuds, then the RIPT-Lites sound surprisingly good.
H2O Audio RIPT-Lite review: ANC

Pretty disappointing ANC
‘ANC on’ and ‘ANC off’ modes
I’m going to make this clear now: I wouldn’t recommend the RIPT-Lite earbuds for ANC. In terms of comfort and sound, yes, definitely. But if you want a pair of earbuds that can block out the world, I think you’ll be sorely disappointed.
I’ve tested other earbuds without ANC that blocked more sound than the RIPT-Lites. But I don’t think that’s because of the ANC itself. It’s 100% due to the fit. Because the RIPT-Lite earbuds are so tiny, they can’t create that seal in my ear canal that blocks external sound. If sound waves can burrow into my ear around the earbuds themselves, then the ANC won’t be able to balance this.

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Often, I wasn’t sure if my ANC was on or off, and found myself accidentally deactivating it when I thought I was turning it on.
While I don’t think you should use ANC on outdoor runs or cycles, if you wanted a versatile office/workout hybrid pair of earbuds, you might be better off with some dedicated ANC buds like the EarFun Air Pro 4.
H2O Audio RIPT-Lite review: Call quality

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)

Good for calls
A little fuzzy in loud environments
Not the best, but also nowhere near the worst
To test the call quality of the RIPT-Lite earbuds, I called my boyfriend. He’s been the test subject for pretty much every earbud I’ve ever reviewed, so he is a control test in my process now.
He said the earbuds sounded good and he could hear everything I was saying, but there was a little fuzziness in the back of my speech. However, this didn’t negatively affect his ability to understand my speech, and overall, the earbuds performed their job well.
I would compare this mic quality to the $69 EarFun Air 2.
H2O Audio RIPT-Lite review: Battery

5 hours in the buds
30 hours in the case
Mediocre buds battery life
My AirPods Pro 2 have some of the most disappointing battery life for premium earbuds, at 6 hours in the buds and 24 hours in the case. The RIPT-Lite earbuds have a shorter battery life, at just 5 hours in the buds, but easily beat Apple’s case battery.
However, I think 5 hours is a conservative estimate. I was using these earbuds for about 5 hours and they only dropped to half charge. Then, when I charged them back up, the case only dropped to 85%.

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
If you want earbuds with seriously unbeatable battery life, EarFun’s Air 2 and Air 2 NC ($49 and $69, respectively) tap out at an impressive 40 hours. However, for workouts, I think the 5-hour (or more) H2O RIPT-Lite is good enough.
H2O Audio RIPT-Lite review: Verdict
Considering the H2O Audio RIPT-Lite earbuds are workout/everyday hybrid buds, I didn’t have high expectations. Usually, earbuds that try to do it all majorly lack important features like decent sound quality.

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
While I wish there were a few more premium features like better ANC, wear detection, and a companion app, this isn’t the end of the world. The RIPT-Lite earbuds perform excellently for $99 workout earbuds, and I could see myself using them as everyday earbuds if I didn’t have AirPods. While, yes, I think the EarFun Air 2, EarFun Air 2 NC, and the JLab Go Buds are excellent earbuds for the price, if you want a super tiny earbud that is comfortable for long periods, the RIPT-Lite will suit you better.
I was really shocked by how good these earbuds actually sound. If, like me, you have your doubts about workout/music earbuds, then give the RIPT-Lite the benefit of the doubt — I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

H2O Audio Ript-Lite: Price Comparison

$99.99View

No price informationCheck Walmart

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

powered by

Erin Bashford

Social Links Navigation
Staff Writer, Reviews

Erin Bashford is a staff writer at Tom’s Guide, covering reviews. She has a Masters in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from the University of East Anglia. As an ex-barista and avid home cook, she’s got a soft spot for coffee and home tech; as a proud music nerd, she’s always on the hunt for the best headphones, speakers, and earbuds. In her spare time you can find her reading, practising yoga, writing, or stressing over today’s NYT Games.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

I tested the EarFun’s open-ear buds for a week — and they’ve changed the way I listen to music when working out

These open-earbuds are the most secure I’ve tried for working out — and they’re cheaper than Bose and Beats

Soundpeats Air5 Pro review: Sound way better than $79

AceFast AceFit Pro review

I wasn’t expecting much from these $69 budget earbuds — but they actually impressed me with their punchy sound

We’ve tested the best cheap running headphones for exercise on a budget

Latest in Earbuds

Here’s your first look at the Nothing Ear 3 earbuds launching next week

Beats reportedly set to expand Powerbeats line with more affordable Fit earbuds coming later this fall

If Back to the Future Part II had earbuds, this would be them — but the sound profile got left in 1985

I tried a pair of $99 earbuds and they sound almost identical to my AirPods — I’m blown away

AceFast AceFit Pro review

Beats could release new colors just in time for iPhone 17 — but I want the ones from this K-pop superstar

Latest in Reviews

TP-Link Archer GE650 review: affordable Wi-Fi 7-powered gaming

The HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 blends premium gaming features with audiophile-quality sound — and it’s compatible with Xbox, Switch, PS5 and more

Desloc D110 Plus review

Is the Sony Bravia 8 II really the King of OLEDs? I tested the set for two weeks to find out

I wasn’t expecting much when I tested these inconspicuous H2O Audio workout earbuds — but they hooked me instantly

I tried AirPods Pro 3 — these are the upgrades that actually matter

LATEST ARTICLES

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max pre-orders are now live — here’s the deals I recommend

What to know before watching ‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’

This hidden iPhone Air design feature could be a big deal for iPhone Fold — here’s how

Prime Video top 10 shows — here’s the 3 I’m binge-watching this weekend

Claude AI just got the office productivity upgrade all other chatbots need — this will save you time

Tom’s Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Terms and conditions

Contact Future’s experts

Privacy policy

Cookies policy

Accessibility Statement

Advertise with us

Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street,

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait…