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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Nank Runner Diver2 Pro is available on Amazon for $122.99.
- This bone conduction headset has 32GB of storage for phone-free use, a 10-hour battery life, and design features that enhance the audio performance.
- If you don’t have your own mp3 collection, you won’t find much use for the phone-free mode.
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In 2022, I tested the Naenka Runner Diver bone conduction headset, praising it for how well it was able to withstand immersion in water or sweat. The launch of the Runner Diver2 Pro<!–> headset comes with a change of brand name from Naenka to Nank and some improvements to the design. I have been running and biking with this new headset for the past few weeks, but since it’s winter, have not yet tested the device’s waterproof capabilities beyond my bathtub.
Also: The best bone conduction headsets
Bone conduction headsets’ open-ear design changed my activities for the better a few years ago and now they are the only type of headsets I wear when I run, bike, and swim. With the darkness of these cold winter months, I prefer to have my ears open to my surroundings, so I’m aware of runners or bikers, cars approaching from behind, or other creatures of the night.
At first glance, the Nank Runner Diver2 Pro looks like a typical bone conduction headset. However, the company has added the capability to rotate the ear hook up to 35 degrees to provide a noise-canceling mode. This is not an ANC mode like you can enjoy on advanced earbuds and headsets, but a mode that reduces outside noise with the bone conduction piece moving further into your ears.
When you switch into this mode, the music becomes more immersive, and the volume increases, but there’s another benefit, as well. When you press on the ear hook and rotate into noise-canceling mode, the hook around your ear tightens up, and the headset becomes even more secure.
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The headset is covered in soft-touch material and stays securely in place during its 10-hour battery life. It has a high waterproof rating of IP69 and a USB charging cable connecting magnetically to the right side’s interior. Nank even advertises that you can use the headset in salt water, making it a great pick for ocean swimmers. However, make sure to rinse the headset off in fresh water after your workout.
The headset also supports fast charging, giving you up to 120 minutes of playtime with just 10 minutes of charging. This means you can easily charge the headset for your next workout while you lace up and prepare, assuming the headset battery was depleted — and that has never happened to me.
There are three control buttons on the bottom of the right ear hook, and the center one is a bit larger than the volume controls on either side. However, I prefer to have a multi-function button somewhere on the outside of the ear hook so that I can quickly pause my music or activate a voice assistant. Maybe Nank can add that button in the next model.
Also: These are the only earbuds you should be exercising in this year
The Nank Runner Diver2 Pro is optimized for music while working out, but the headset does have a microphone for calls. Callers said I sounded like I was in a box and, given the high level of water resistance, that was expected. I don’t recommend this as an office headset. However, if you can find some MP3 music, load it up and enjoy your next pool or open-water swim.
ZDNET’s buying advice
Bone conduction headsets with onboard music support are the prime option for swimmers, but runners and bikers also might want to consider these headsets for safety. The Nank Runner Diver2 Pro<!–> also has a cool swivel option to improve audio performance and the price is very reasonable for a headset with these features and performance levels.
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