Tevese X9 Review: Open-Ear Bone Conduction for Swimming
The Tevese X9 is a specialized pair of open-ear headphones engineered for swimmers, featuring IPX8 waterproofing and a 32GB MP3 mode for untethered underwater listening.
By Elvis Dicki
Updated October 20, 2026
For swimmers seeking to transform their laps into an immersive audio experience, the Tevese X9 presents a focused solution. These are not your typical headphones; they are specialized open-ear, bone conduction devices built from the ground up for aquatic environments. This review analyzes the specifications, design, and user feedback for the Tevese X9 to determine if its unique feature set delivers a reliable and safe audio companion for pool training and open-water swimming. For athletes who prioritize situational awareness and phone-free operation, the X9 offers a compelling blend of underwater durability and versatile above-water connectivity.
Prime Tevese Bone Conduction Swimming Headphones IPX8
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Tevese X9 at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Tevese X9 |
| Audio Technology | Bone Conduction Driver |
| Water Resistance | IPX8 Waterproof |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 6.0 (Above Water) & 32GB MP3 Player |
| Form Factor | Open-Ear |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 Hours |
| Control Type | Button Control |
| Compatibility | Works with Swim Caps & Goggles |
| Enclosure Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
| Warranty | 2-Year Manufacturer |
Design and Build
The Tevese X9 is built with a clear purpose: to withstand rigorous swimming while providing a secure and comfortable fit. Its construction utilizes Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), a durable plastic known for its impact resistance, which is crucial for a device used in active environments. The defining characteristic is its open-ear design, which places the transducers near the cheekbones instead of inside the ear canals. This design philosophy is central to its use case, as it keeps the ears free, enhancing comfort during long sessions and, more critically, maintaining the user’s environmental awareness for safety in pools or open water.
The ergonomics are tailored for intense activity. The headphones are designed to stay firmly in place, and a key selling point is their compatibility with swim caps and goggles, allowing for an uninterrupted training session without constant adjustment. The IPX8 waterproof rating is the cornerstone of its build, representing the highest level of ingress protection commonly cited for consumer electronics. This rating guarantees reliable performance during prolonged submersion, making it suitable for lap swimming and training. The control scheme uses physical push buttons, which are generally easier to operate by feel when wet compared to touch-sensitive surfaces.
Performance and Features
Audio Performance and Bone Conduction Technology
The Tevese X9 employs precision bone conduction technology to deliver audio. Instead of using speakers that project sound waves through the air into the ear canal, bone conduction transducers create vibrations that are transmitted directly through the cheekbones to the inner ear. This method is what allows for the open-ear design and situational awareness. According to user feedback, the sound quality is described as clear, with good vocal and instrument separation, and remains consistent even when ears are submerged during strokes like breaststroke. It is important to note that audio quality from bone conduction can differ from traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones, often prioritizing clarity and safety over deep bass response.
Dual-Mode Connectivity
A core feature of the X9 is its dual-mode operation, which directly addresses the limitation of Bluetooth signals being unable to transmit underwater. For above-water use—such as gym workouts, running, or commuting—the headphones utilize Bluetooth 6.0. This version offers benefits like stable connectivity, low latency, and improved power efficiency. When entering the water, the user must switch to the dedicated MP3 mode. This mode leverages the substantial 32GB of built-in storage, capable of holding thousands of songs, allowing for completely phone-free listening during swims. This seamless transition between a wireless audio device and a standalone MP3 player is a significant functional advantage for multi-sport athletes.
Battery and Endurance
The manufacturer lists an average battery life of up to 10 hours, supporting extended use across both Bluetooth and MP3 modes. The charge time is listed as approximately 3 hours. User reviews corroborate the robustness of the battery, with reports of multiple days of office use on a single charge. This extended life is crucial for swimmers who may have long training sessions and do not want to worry about frequent recharging.
Setup, Support and Ownership
Setup appears straightforward based on product descriptions. The Bluetooth pairing process for above-water use is noted by users as easy and instantaneous. Loading the internal MP3 storage would involve connecting the headphones to a computer via the included magnetic charging cable, which doubles as a data transfer port. The package includes the necessary cable, eartips (likely for optional use or hygiene), and a user manual. Tevese provides a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, which offers a degree of long-term security for an electronic device designed for wet environments. A potential consideration for long-term ownership is the magnetic charging port, which could be susceptible to debris accumulation in pool or outdoor settings, though this is not a reported issue in the available data.
What Owners Say
Owner sentiment for the Tevese X9 is overwhelmingly positive, reflected in its high average rating. The distribution shows a vast majority of perfect scores, with very few critical reviews. Users frequently praise the product as a “must-have for swimming,” highlighting the crystal-clear audio quality underwater with no muffled effects, which makes lap swimming more enjoyable. The secure and comfortable fit during intense activity is another consistently noted strength. Interestingly, several reviews also commend its value and performance for daily office use, citing comfort for long hours, clear audio for podcasts and music, and the benefit of maintained situational awareness in a workplace environment. The dual-mode functionality and reliability for both swimming and everyday wear are common themes in user satisfaction.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Open-ear design ensures comfort and critical environmental awareness.
- IPX8 waterproof rating guarantees reliable performance during submersion.
- 32GB built-in MP3 storage enables fully independent underwater listening.
- Stable Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity for above-water activities.
- Secure, ergonomic fit compatible with swim caps and goggles.
- Extended battery life supports long training sessions.
Cons
- Bluetooth does not work underwater, requiring a manual switch to MP3 mode.
- Bone conduction audio quality differs from traditional in-ear options.
- Magnetic charging port design may be prone to debris in wet environments.
- Control relies on physical buttons rather than touch controls.
- Primarily designed for swimming, which may limit appeal for some general users.
- Specific frequency response details are not listed by the manufacturer.
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)
The Tevese X9 is an ideal purchase for swimmers, triathletes, and water sports enthusiasts who want to listen to music or podcasts during their workouts without sacrificing situational awareness. It is perfectly suited for those who prefer a phone-free experience in the pool thanks to its large internal storage. It also serves well as a comfortable, open-ear option for runners, gym-goers, and office workers who need to stay aware of their surroundings. For more insights on audio gear for different environments, explore our Tech Gear category.
Conversely, those seeking the highest fidelity audio with powerful bass for critical music listening should skip these, as bone conduction technology prioritizes clarity and safety over traditional acoustic performance. Users who want a single device that streams audio seamlessly both in and out of the water without any mode switching will be disappointed, as the Bluetooth limitation is a fundamental physical constraint. If your primary use is stationary, indoor listening, a standard pair of headphones from our Reviews section might offer better sound quality for the price.
Final Verdict
The Tevese X9 successfully fulfills a specific niche with a well-executed design. It is not trying to be the best-sounding headphone on the market; instead, it aims to be the most reliable and safe audio companion for aquatic athletes. By combining a high-grade waterproof build with the inherent safety of open-ear bone conduction audio and the convenience of substantial onboard storage, it removes the friction from swimming with sound. The positive consensus from a large pool of users strongly suggests it delivers on its core promises of durability, comfort, and clear underwater audio.
While it requires understanding its dual-mode operation, this is a necessary compromise for current technology. The added versatility of stable Bluetooth for land-based activities makes it a compelling multi-sport accessory. For its intended purpose, the Tevese X9 stands out as a thoughtfully engineered product that can genuinely enhance the swimming experience, making it a strong contender for anyone looking to add a soundtrack to their laps. For other expert-tested gear recommendations, check out our guides on the best monitors and best desk chairs.
FAQs
Can you use the Tevese X9 for phone calls?
Yes, the Tevese X9 supports phone calls when used in Bluetooth mode above water. User reviews indicate that phone calls come through clearly. However, this functionality is not available when the headphones are in MP3 mode underwater, as the Bluetooth connection is inactive.
How do you get music onto the built-in MP3 player?
Music and audio files are transferred to the 32GB internal storage by connecting the headphones to a computer. This is done using the provided magnetic charging cable, which facilitates data transfer. The device will appear as a removable drive, allowing you to drag and drop your audio files.
Are the Tevese X9 headphones comfortable for all-day wear?
Based on user feedback, the open-ear, non-ear-hook design is reported to be very comfortable for extended periods, such as in an office setting, without causing ear fatigue. The lack of pressure in the ear canal is a key benefit of the bone conduction design for long-term wear.
What does the IPX8 waterproof rating mean for swimming?
The IPX8 rating means the Tevese X9 is protected against the effects of continuous submersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer. In practical terms, this makes them suitable for swimming, including lap swimming and training where they will be fully submerged for prolonged periods.
About the author
Elvis Dicki writes reviews and buying guides for CyberSecLabs.