Possibly the best overall bone-conduction headphone covering most use cases
Introduction
First, before I give my thoughts on these bone conduction headphones I want to provide full disclosure. Naenka sent me these headphones for review. However, they're not paying me to make this review or to use the headphones and they're not going to get a chance to preview any of my findings, drafts, or my thoughts before any of you. Also, for the full disclosure, I’m not by any means an audio expert. I’m just an average guy who loves to do sports and listen to music or podcasts while doing so. So this article will only reflect my personal views and opinion, not influenced by any third party.
Also, just recently, during testing and writing this review, Naenka decided to streamline its brand identity internationally and introduced Nank as the new brand name. So further on, I will often use Nank instead of Naenka, or both.
When I first heard about bone conduction technology, I was really intrigued. About 10-12 years ago, there was a Kickstarter campaign for a kind of wrist strap that you could pair to your smartphone and use only hands and fingers to transfer audio to your ears using bone conduction and have a phone conversation. It was mind-blowing for me at that time, but since that product, to the best of my knowledge, never reached the mass production phase I was a bit concerned when bone-conduction headphones started to enter the mainstream headphone arena. But, since I’m generally an early adopter, I did my research and decided that Nank headphones are the way to go.
In general, bone conduction technology works by sending vibrations through your cheekbones and jawbones, bypassing your eardrums and directly stimulating your inner ear. This means you can hear your surroundings while listening to your favorite tunes, podcasts, or audio-books.
Let’s not waste too much time before we dive into Nank (Naenka) Runner Diver2. As the name says, it is the 2nd iteration of the Runner Diver line. The Nank Runner Diver2 are not only bone conduction headphones but also waterproof headphones with an haveIP68 2nd generation waterproof rating. That means that it can handle being submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes, which means that you can use the Nank Runner Diver2 while swimming with no issues.
They have a built-in music player storage that can hold up to 32GB of audio files, so you don't need to carry your phone or other devices with you. They also have Bluetooth connectivity, so you can pair them with your phone or smartwatch when out of the water.
They have a hydrodynamic design that reduces drag and noise in the water. Battery life is up to 10 hours of continuous playback, provided volume is at about 60%. And they have a very decent sound quality that delivers clear and crisp audio.
Pros and Cons of Nank (Naenka) Runner Diver2
Bone Conduction Headphones
Here are some of the pros and cons of these headphones we found while using them extensively.
Pros
Comfortable fit: my experience is that the Nank (Naenka) Runner Diver2 have a flexible and lightweight design that fits snugly around your head. They do not press on your ears or cause any discomfort. After using them for almost a month now I found that you can wear them for hours without feeling any fatigue. And my head circumference is larger than average for sure.
Hygiene: Unlike traditional earbuds or headphones that go inside or over your ears, the Nank Runner Diver2 headphones do not accumulate dirt, sweat, or bacteria. They are easy to clean and maintain, and they reduce the risk of ear infections or irritation.
Situational awareness: The Nank Runner Diver2 headphones allow you to hear your surroundings while listening to your audio. This is especially important for outdoor activities, such as running, cycling, or swimming, where you need to be aware of traffic, people, or other hazards. You can also communicate with others without taking off your headphones, which could also be useful in the office or at home.
Waterproof: The Nank Runner Diver2 headphones are IP68 rated and you can use them for swimming in pools or open water, and they will not get damaged by water or sweat. They also have a hydrodynamic design that minimizes drag and resistance in the water.
Bluetooth connectivity and music player storage: The Nank (Naenka) Runner Diver2 headphones can connect to your smartphone or other devices via Bluetooth 5.3, which offers a stable and fast connection. It offers convenient multipoint pairing with compatible devices. You can also store up to 32GB of music files in the built-in memory of the headphones.
Battery life: The Nank Runner Diver2 headphones have a long battery life of up to 10 hours of music playing.
Fast charging: While Runner Diver was not equipped with fast charging capability, Runner Diver2 offers fast charging, which can deliver an additional 2h of music after 10 min charging in a low power state.
Cons
Sound leakage: The sound may leak out and be audible to others around you if you up the volume to the max. This might not be a problem if you are swimming or running alone, but it could be annoying to others if you are in a quiet place.
Reduced bass response: Intrinsically to the all bone-conduction headphones, the Nank (Naenka) Runner Diver2 headphones do not deliver the same level of bass as traditional earbuds or headphones. This is because bone conduction technology cannot reproduce low-frequency sounds as effectively as air conduction technology. If you are a bass lover, you might find the sound quality of these headphones lacking. But, when you look at this respectively to other premium bone-conduction brands, Nank (Naenka) is absolutely on pair with them.
Vibrations: Sometimes, when you increase the volume, you can feel a tickling sensation on your cheekbone. For me, it is a non-issue, but for some, this could be a bit of a problem. What is most confusing for me, these vibrations are most noticeable when turning on or off the headphones. The info voice is unnecessarily loud and with high vibration.
Proprietary charging cable: for some, this could be the issue, because it is one more cable to carry around.
No smartphone app: according to the info from Nank they are working on it, but no release date is available yet.
What's in the Package?
What exactly do you get when you buy these headphones? Let's take a look at what's in the box.
The headphones: Of course, the main attraction are the headphones themselves with their sleek design.
The charging cable: To charge the headphones, you'll need to use a magnetic proprietary charging cable. It connects to the headphones via a magnetic port that is located on the inner right side. The cable is long enough to reach most power outlets, and the headphones have an LED indicator that shows when they are fully charged.
The swimming earplugs: If you want to enhance the sound quality of the headphones, especially when you're underwater, you can use the earplugs that come with the package. They are made of soft silicone that conforms to your ear canal, creating a seal that blocks out external noise. They are also easy to insert and remove.
Sound quality enhancers: the idea behind them is to increase audio quality without completely blocking ambient sound. I rarely used them, because for me special awareness is most important, and audio quality is more than good enough for me. They come in 3 different sizes to suit your preference.
Optional – Not in the package - The carrying case: To protect your headphones from dust, dirt, or damage, you can store them in the carrying case that you can order separately from the Nank (Naenka) website. The case is made of durable fabric that has a zipper closure and a mesh pocket inside. It is compatible with all the Nank headphones, and it can fit headphones, the charging cable, and the earplugs, as well as some other small items. The case is also lightweight and compact, so you can easily toss it in your backpack or gym bag.
User manual with all necessary instructions for getting started
Here is a summary table of what's in the package:
Item | Description |
Headphones | Bone conduction headphones with waterproof design, built-in music player, Bluetooth connectivity, and long battery life |
Charging cable | proprietary cable with magnetic port and LED indicator on the headphones |
Swimming earplugs | Silicone earplugs for use when swimming. Blocks the water and improves audio quality |
Sound quality enhancers | Use them to improve audio quality without blocking all the ambient noise |
User manual | Necessary instructions for getting started |
As you can see, the Nank Runner Diver2 comes with everything you need to enjoy your audio experience. Whether you're a swimmer, a runner, or a cyclist, these headphones can help you stay motivated and entertained while you exercise.
Setup&Connection
Setup is very easy and straightforward, pretty much as with any other conventional headphones you had experience with.
Pairing with Bluetooth devices
The Nank (Naenka) Runner Diver2 headphones use Bluetooth 5.3 to connect wirelessly with your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or any other Bluetooth-enabled device like smart TV. Here's how to pair them:
Make sure your Bluetooth device is turned on and best within 10 meters of the headphones.
Turn on the headphones by pressing and holding the power button for 3 seconds. You will hear the “Welcome to Naenka bone-conduction headphones. Enter the Bluetooth mode.” sound. The indicator light flashes blue every 1 second.
On your Bluetooth device, scan for available devices and select "Naenka Runner Diver2" from the list. You will hear a voice prompt saying "The Bluetooth is connected" and see a blue light on the headphones.
Now you can enjoy your music, podcasts, audio-books, or phone calls.
You can pair the headphones with up to two devices at the same time and switch between them easily. To do this, follow these steps:
Pair the headphones with the first device as described above.
Turn off the Bluetooth function on the first device.
Pair the headphones with the second device as described above.
Turn on the Bluetooth function on the first device again. The headphones will automatically reconnect with both devices.
To switch between devices, pause the playback on one device and start it on the other device.
Using the built-in music player
The Nank Runner Diver2 headphones have a built-in music player that can store up to 32GB of your favorite songs. This is perfect for swimming workouts or any other situation where you don't want to carry your phone with you. Here's how to use it:
Connect the headphones to your computer using the USB cable provided.
Copy and paste or drag and drop your music files from your computer to the headphones folder. The headphones support MP3, WMA, WAV, APE, and FLAC formats.
Unplug the USB cable.
Turn on the headphones by pressing and holding the power button for 3 seconds.
Switch to music player mode with a triple-tap power key. You will hear a voice prompt saying "Enter the TF mode".
Use the volume + and volume - buttons to adjust the volume level. Use the power button to play or pause the music. Press and hold the volume + button for 2 seconds to skip to the next song. Press and hold the volume - button for 2 seconds to go back to the previous song.
Enjoy your music with amazing underwater audio quality.
Tip: when using headphones while swimming it would be best to turn off the Bluetooth on your smartphone to prevent it from constantly connecting and disconnecting with headphones, which will happen even when they are in .mp3 mode. This can be annoying because there is always an audio notification about Bluetooth connecting or disconnecting.
You can switch back to Bluetooth mode by triple-tapping the power button again. You will hear a voice prompt saying "Enter the Bluetooth mode".
Adjusting the fit
The Nank (Naenka) Runner Diver2 headphones have a flexible and hydrodynamic design that should ensure a comfortable fit for any head shape and size. Even though my head circumference is above average I often forget that I’m wearing them. They are really comfortable and lightweight weighing only 31g.
In the package, there is an additional silicone band that should ensure that headphones are tightly fitted, but I did not find a need to use it. Maybe it could be useful for longer swims, but only if you swim without a swim cap.
Here's how to adjust Nank Runner Diver2:
Put on the headphones so that they rest on your cheekbones, not on your ears. The ear hooks should go behind your ears and secure them in place.
Adjust the silicone by sliding it up or down until you find a snug fit that doesn't move around when you shake your head.
If you want to use earplugs to block out water or noise, you can use the ones provided or any other standard earplugs.
Charging the battery
The Nank Runner Diver2 headphones have a pretty long-lasting battery that can provide up to 10 hours of continuous playback. This playback time is highly dependable on the used volume, so it can fluctuate according to your use case. To charge them, follow these steps:
Make sure the headphones are turned off by pressing and holding the power button for 5 seconds. You will hear a voice prompt saying "Power off".
Connect the other end of the USB cable to a power source such as a computer, a wall charger, or a power bank.
You will see a breading flashing blue light on the headphones indicating that they are charging. When the blue light is always on, the headphones are fully charged.
Disconnect the USB cable.
You cannot check the battery level on the headphones itself. Only when the battery level is low at about 10%, it will give an audio announcement. But, on most smartphones or computers, you can check the estimated battery level when you enter the Bluetooth connection menu.
Comfort and Fit
One of the main advantages of bone-conduction headphones is their comfort and fit. Unlike traditional headphones that cover your ears or insert into your ear canals, bone conduction headphones rest on your cheekbones and leave your ears open. This means you can enjoy your music without blocking out the sounds of your surroundings, which is great for safety and spatial awareness.
Let's take a look at the design and ergonomics of the Nank (Naenka) Runner Diver2, one of the best swimming headphones on the market, if not the very best.
The Nank Runner Diver2 uses bone conduction technology to deliver sound through vibrations to your inner ear. The headphones have two transducers that sit on your temples and gently press against your skin. The transducers are made of soft silicone material that is skin-friendly and waterproof. They also have a hydrodynamic design that reduces water resistance and drag when you are swimming.
The headphones are connected by a flexible neckband that wraps around the back of your head. The neckband is made of memory metal that can be bent and adjusted to fit different head shapes and sizes. The neckband also has a rubber-like silicone coating that prevents it from slipping or sliding off your head. The headphones are very lightweight (31g) and comfortable to wear for long periods.
I wear glasses full-time and I found no issues with wearing them together with Nank headphones. Also, no issues were found when wearing a biking helmet.
Here are some tips on how to achieve a comfortable and secure fit with the Nank Runner Diver2:
Adjust the neckband to fit snugly around your head.
Position the transducers on your temples, just in front of your ears. Make sure they are aligned with your cheekbones.
If you are swimming, wear a swim cap over the headphones to protect them from water pressure and improve their stability.
If you are running or cycling, you can wear a hat, bandana, or headband over the headphones, but in my experience so far it was not necessary.
If you feel any discomfort or tickling sensation from the vibrations, you can lower the volume until it is comfortable.
Controls
The Nank Runner Diver2 has three buttons on the right side: power, volume up, and volume down. You can use these buttons to turn on/off the headphones, adjust the volume, play/pause the music, skip tracks and answer/reject calls. Here is a table that summarizes the functions of each button:
I found the buttons work very reliably. There is a satisfying click sensation so it is very easy to give the right command even with the gloves on. Only when swimming did I find that higher focus is needed when pressing buttons since fingers and headphones are wet and slippery, but it wasn’t hard by any means.
Battery & Charging
You don't want to run out of juice in the middle of your swimming workout or your cycling session. Nank (Naenka) Runner Diver2 headphones have a top-of-the-class battery that, as stated by Nank company, can provide up to 10 hours of music playback (based on 60% volume) and 15 hours of talk time on a single charge. Stand-by time is 180 hours. Of course, real-life battery life would depend on different use cases. In my case, I could not reach 10 hours of music playback since I use them mostly during running, and I run in a noisy environment, so I have to bump up the volume, which affects battery life. I can confidently say that I can go through one active week with a single charge. That should be more than good enough for most swimmers, runners, and cyclists.
But if your headphones run out the juice just before your workout the Nank Runner Diver2 headphones have a fast charging feature that can give you an extra 90 minutes of playback in just 10 minutes of charging. To charge you just need to connect the magnetic charging cable to the headphones and plug it into any USB port.
Call Quality
How good is the call quality of the Nank Runner Diver2, their flagship model?
The short answer is: pretty good, honestly much better than I expected. The Nank Runner Diver2 has a built-in microphone that picks up your voice and transmits it to the other person. Nank also implemented certain noise-canceling algorithms. It may pick up some background noise, such as wind, traffic, or water splashing, which can affect the clarity of your voice. In my real-life experience, numerous times I have asked the person on the other end of a call do they heard me clearly, and there were no complaints from the other side. The only issues I have experienced are during very windy conditions. Even then you can have a phone conversation, but with lower quality mostly on the receiver side.
Music/Podcast Sound Quality Opinion
One of the main concerns that people have about bone-conduction headphones is the sound quality. How do they compare to regular headphones when it comes to listening to music or podcasts? Well, I have been using the Nank Runner Diver2 for over a month now, and I have to say that I am very impressed by the sound quality of these headphones.
As I already pointed out, unlike regular headphones that deliver sound through the ear canal, bone conduction headphones transmit sound through the cheekbones and jawbones to the inner ear.
The Nank (Naenka) Runner Diver2 headphones have a pretty powerful vibration unit that delivers clear and detailed sound to your ears. The bass response is surprisingly good, considering that there is no direct contact with the eardrums especially if you compare them with other bone-conduction headphones. The overall audio experience is immersive and enjoyable, especially when listening to podcasts or audio-books.
Of course, the sound quality also depends on the Bluetooth connectivity and the quality of the stored audio files. The Nank Runner Diver2 has a stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection that ensures a smooth and uninterrupted audio transmission.
To my slight surprise, you can also enjoy your favorite tunes or podcasts while swimming, all without worrying about water damage. Bass is even stronger when you listen to music underwater. Understandably so, because water is “plugging” your ear canal in a similar fashion earplugs would. And with earplugs or with sound enhancers, bass is more noticeable for sure. I have to mention that depending on your swimming style you may hear the sound of water splashing, but in my case, it did not affect my listening experience too much.
Admittedly, bone-conduction headphones are not the first choice for audiophiles, but for me, they offer a great balance between audio quality, spatial awareness, versatility, and comfort. I think that the Nank (Naenka) Runner Diver2 are amazing headphones for anyone who loves music or podcasts. They have great sound quality, and they have a lot of features that make them versatile and convenient. They are also very durable and comfortable, making them ideal for active people.
Typical Use Cases
Bone-conduction headphones are a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy music without blocking their ears. They work by sending vibrations through your cheekbones, bypassing your eardrums and directly stimulating your cochlea. This way, you can hear both the sound from the headphones and the ambient noise around you. This makes them ideal for situations where you need to stay aware of your surroundings, such as running, cycling, swimming, and transportation.
Running
When running you want to be able to hear the traffic, the people, and the nature around you. That's why, for me, bone-conduction headphones are perfect for runners. Nank Runner Diver2 offers a really comfortable fit that won't fall off or hurt your ears, even after hours of use.
Cycling
Cycling is another activity that requires you to be alert and attentive to your surroundings, probably even more than running. You need to hear the cars, the horns, the signals, and the other cyclists on the road. You also need to communicate with your fellow riders or even listen to navigation instructions. That's why bone-conduction headphones are ideal for cyclists. They let you hear everything that's going on around you, while also delivering crisp and clear sound to your ears. Depending on the traffic, sometimes it can be challenging to hear music or voice even when you crank up the volume, but that is exactly what I want from them, no compromise with spatial awareness.
Swimming
Swimming is one of the most challenging sports to enjoy music with. Most headphones are not waterproof or suitable for underwater use. And even if they are, they often lose their connection or sound quality when submerged in water. That's why these headphones are amazing for swimmers. They can work underwater without any problems, thanks to their bone conduction technology that doesn't rely on air to transmit sound.
The Nank Runner Diver2 are the ultimate headphones for swimmers since they have an IP68 waterproof rating. They also have built-in music player storage that can store up to 32GB of songs, so you can listen to your favorite tunes without needing a phone or a device nearby.
I’m not too much into swimming, but now it could change. My main problem with swimming was that it was too monotonous for me. Now, when there is a possibility to listen to music or podcasts while swimming, I see myself swimming more often and for a longer period.
Transportation
Whether you're driving, taking public transit, or walking on the street, you need to be aware of your surroundings for safety reasons. You need to hear the traffic, the sirens, the announcements, and the people around you. You also need to be able to answer calls or messages without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. That's why bone-conduction headphones are convenient for transportation. They let you hear everything that's happening around you, while also allowing you to enjoy music or podcasts without disturbing others.
I also had a chance to use them during a plane flight and was able without issues to watch a movie I downloaded.
Watching movies, listening music (media)
I found Nank (Naenka) Runner Diver2 great for watching movies late at night when kids are sleeping for example. I couldn't notice any lag and the sound was crystal clear. I also like using them while watching sports, like basketball games, because with them I feel more immersed in the game hearing all the sounds from players to spectators.
Wrap Up
If you are looking for a pair of headphones that can accompany you in your swimming workouts, running sessions, or cycling adventures, you should definitely check out the Nank (Naenka) Runner Diver2. These headphones use bone conduction technology to deliver high-quality sound without blocking your ears. They are waterproof, Bluetooth-enabled, and have built-in music player storage for your convenience. They also have a comfortable fit, a long battery life, and a hydrodynamic design that reduces drag and noise. The Nank Runner Diver2 headphones are the ultimate headphones for swimmers, runners, and cyclists who want to enjoy their favorite tunes while staying aware of their surroundings.
Within the bone-conducting headphones niche, it would be very difficult to find better headphones with such a variety of features, even within more established brands. They are arguably one of the best bone-conducting headphones out there. Yes, you could say their price is in the higher range, but it is certainly competitive. And Nank is often having promotions, just head to www.naenka.com. The bottom line, what it offers in one package, it is hard to find in any other single headphone out there that matches its features.
If you are interested in purchasing one of Nank (Naenka) headphones you can also take advantage of promo code “DobreIN” for a 15% discount at www.naenka.com.
Comentarios