If you want a dedicated underwater audio experience with massive built-in storage for pool laps, choose Rhyfell Bone Conduction Swimming; if you need all-day comfort with superior call clarity and app customization for land-based sports, choose JBL Endurance Pace. This isn't a situation where you pick based on what's cheapest or what has the most stars; it is about matching the hardware to your specific environment. As someone who spends hours on the water, I have analyzed the hard specs of these two distinct devices to help you decide which one belongs in your tackle box or gym bag.
• Rhyfell Bone Conduction Swimming: Its superpower is the ability to play 8,000+ songs offline without a phone thanks to 32GB internal memory, making it ideal for swimming. The trade-off is the lack of microphones for calls and reliance on bone conduction technology rather than dynamic drivers.
• JBL Endurance Pace: Its strength lies in the JBL OpenSound technology with adaptive bass boost and dual beamforming microphones for crystal-clear calls during outdoor runs. The trade-off is that it requires a Bluetooth connection to a phone or device to play music, as it lacks internal storage.
• Who it is for: The Rhyfell is strictly for swimmers and triathletes who need waterproof isolation from the surface world. The JBL is designed for runners, hikers, and anglers who need to stay connected via calls while keeping their ears open.
The Rhyfell Fit 5 is engineered for a very specific niche: the swimmer who wants to leave the phone behind. What sets this device apart immediately is its 32GB of high-speed storage. In my analysis of the data, this capacity allows for over 8,000 songs to be transferred at speeds 18 times faster than previous generations. This means you can load your entire workout playlist onto the headphones themselves and dive into the pool without carrying a single piece of electronics. It operates in MP3 mode, creating a seamless underwater concert hall experience that is impossible for standard Bluetooth-only earbuds to match.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-26 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
The construction focuses heavily on aquatic durability. With a certified IP68 rating, this unit is designed to be fully submerged up to 2 to 5 meters. While many "waterproof" headphones are only splash-resistant, the Rhyfell is built for immersion. The frame weighs a mere 28 grams, utilizing liquid silicone material to ensure an ergonomic fit that stays secure even during high-intensity training like surfing or triathlon. You won't find a heavier unit that offers this level of stability in the water.
However, you must understand the limitations before buying. This device relies on bone conduction technology, which transmits sound through your cheekbones rather than into your ear canal. While this keeps your ears open for ambient safety, it does not produce the same frequency response as a traditional dynamic driver. Furthermore, there are no microphones listed in the specifications. If you plan to take work calls while in the pool, this unit cannot handle them. It is a single-purpose tool for audio playback during water activities, and it excels at exactly that.
The JBL Endurance Pace is built for the active lifestyle that spans across multiple environments, particularly land-based exercise and outdoor adventures like fishing. The standout feature here is the combination of the titanium memory metal neckband and the JBL OpenSound technology. The memory wire ensures the headphones keep their shape regardless of how you wear them, providing a comfortable fit that lasts all day without fatigue. This is crucial for long fishing trips where you might wear them for hours while waiting for a bite.
Audio quality is handled by a sensitive 18x11mm dynamic driver, which delivers crisp highs and rich mids, backed by an adaptive bass boost algorithm. Unlike the bone conduction approach, this uses directional sound to minimize leakage, meaning your music stays private while you still hear the birds chirping around you. The inclusion of two beamforming microphones is a game-changer for anyone who needs to take calls while moving. Whether you are jogging through a park or standing on a boat deck, these mics cancel out ambient noise to transmit your voice clearly.
Battery life is another area where the JBL shines for the daily user. It offers up to 10 hours of continuous music playback or a full workday of calls. Even better, the quick charge feature provides four hours of use from just a 10-minute charge. The device also integrates with the JBL Headphones app, allowing you to customize the EQ or select a Relax Mode for post-workout recovery. However, it lacks internal storage, so you must carry your smartphone to listen to music. If you leave your phone behind, this device becomes a silent companion.
• Best for underwater swimming → Rhyfell Bone Conduction Swimming. Only the Rhyfell can function fully submerged up to 5 meters with preloaded music and zero phone dependency.
• Best for call quality → JBL Endurance Pace. The dual beamforming microphones on the JBL provide clear voice transmission, whereas the Rhyfell has no calling capability.
• Best for battery flexibility → JBL Endurance Pace. While both offer 10 hours of playtime, the JBL supports quick charging (4 hours in 10 minutes), offering more utility for busy days.
• Best for storage independence → Rhyfell Bone Conduction Swimming. With 32GB of onboard memory, you never need your phone for music, unlike the JBL which requires a constant Bluetooth link.
• Best for bass and tonal richness → JBL Endurance Pace. The dynamic driver and adaptive bass boost provide a fuller sound profile compared to the bone conduction vibration method.
• Best for lightweight comfort → Rhyfell Bone Conduction Swimming. At 28 grams, it is slightly lighter than the JBL's 33.15 grams, though both are designed for minimal intrusion.
• Best for customization → JBL Endurance Pace. The dedicated app allows for EQ adjustments and sound modes, features completely absent from the Rhyfell's control scheme.
• Best for rugged durability → Tie. Both units boast an IP68 rating, ensuring they can withstand sweat, rain, salt water, and dust equally well.
I would buy the Rhyfell Bone Conduction Swimming if my primary goal was to train for a triathlon or simply enjoy uninterrupted music while swimming laps. The ability to detach from my phone entirely and submerge myself in the water makes it a unique tool that the JBL simply cannot replicate. However, for general outdoor use, specifically for fishing, I would choose the JBL Endurance Pace. The superior microphone array allows me to take calls from shore without removing the headphones, and the dynamic drivers offer a richer audio experience that enhances the rhythm of casting and reeling. The JBL's versatility for land-based activities and its robust connectivity make it the more practical choice for the average angler who values communication and sound quality over underwater isolation.
Only the JBL Endurance Pace supports calls effectively. It features two beamforming microphones designed to isolate your voice from wind and background noise, whereas the Rhyfell lacks any microphone hardware.
Yes. The Rhyfell includes 32GB of internal storage, allowing you to transfer thousands of songs directly to the device and swim without needing a phone or Bluetooth connection nearby.
The JBL Endurance Pace generally offers better bass performance due to its 18x11mm dynamic driver and adaptive bass boost algorithm, compared to the bone conduction technology used by the Rhyfell.
Both devices require a power source, but the JBL Endurance Pace packaging explicitly states that the charging cable is not included. You will need to verify the Rhyfell's accessories list separately to ensure you have the right cable ready.
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