We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-01 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
If you want a headphone you can literally swim in, choose Sudroid Bone Conduction Headphones; if you need open-ear awareness with a phone-free music mode for the pool, you'll want to weigh the C5G CSG True carefully. Let me be blunt up front: these two look like they compete, but they don't really. The Sudroid is a bone conduction swim headset with built-in memory. The C5G CSG True is a true-wireless in-ear sport earbud. If you're searching for IPX7 waterproof headphones, the rating matters — but so does the format. Let's break down which one actually fits your routine.
• Sudroid's biggest strength: IP68 waterproofing plus 16GB of built-in memory, so it works as a standalone MP3 player with no phone nearby — genuinely useful in water.
• Sudroid's biggest trade-off: Bone conduction sends sound through your cheekbones, so bass is thinner than in-ear designs, and the wraparound band is a distinct fit some people never get used to.
• C5G CSG True's biggest strength: Bluetooth 5.3, touch controls, a built-in mic, and a charging case that extends total playtime well past a single session.
• C5G CSG True's biggest trade-off: It's an in-ear earbud with an IPX7 rating — water-resistant, not something I'd submerge for laps.
• Who each pick is for: Sudroid for swimmers and open-ear fans who want their ears uncovered; C5G for gym-goers, runners, and commuters who want sealed in-ear sound.
The Sudroid Bone Conduction Headphones are built around one idea: sound travels through bone to your inner ear instead of firing into your ear canal. The open-ear hook design leaves your ears completely free, which is the whole point — you stay aware of traffic, gym surroundings, and other people while music plays. In my opinion, that awareness is the strongest reason to pick this model over any sealed earbud.
The build is a titanium alloy wraparound headband with adjustable silicone, and it weighs 42g. It supports a 10m wireless range, a 20Hz–20kHz frequency range, touch volume controls, and it ships with a USB cable. There's a 1-year warranty. Who should buy it: swimmers, open-water and pool lap swimmers, and anyone who wants audio without blocking their ears. Who should skip it: if you want deep, sealed bass or you dislike a band running around the back of your head, this isn't your pick.
C5G CSG True: Who It's For
The C5G CSG True is a true-wireless sport earbud, and it plays to a different set of needs. It uses Bluetooth 5.3 with a stated range up to 49 feet, which is a longer wireless leash than the Sudroid's 10 meters. The earbuds are rated for up to 8 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge, with roughly a 1.5 hours charge time — and the carrying case adds a claimed 24 hours of extra battery. That combination is the real selling point: you can leave the case in a bag and top up between sessions without hunting for a wall outlet.
The fit is in-ear with ergonomically shaped ear tips, and the package includes two replacement eartips plus a USB-C charging cable and a wireless charging case. Sound is described as high-fidelity with deep bass and crisp treble — the kind of tuning sealed earbuds can deliver more easily than bone conduction. You also get intuitive touch controls for music, calls, and voice assistant, plus a built-in microphone for hands-free calls. The IPX7 rating protects against sweat and rain, which is exactly what a workout earbud needs.
Who should buy it: runners, gym regulars, cyclists, and commuters who want sealed sound, a mic for calls, and the convenience of a charging case. Who should skip it: swimmers who want to submerge their headset for laps — IPX7 is water-resistant, not built for continuous underwater use — and anyone who needs to keep their ears open to their surroundings. Worth noting: the spec sheet lists no warranty on this one, which is a real consideration if long-term coverage matters to you.
• Best for swimming → Sudroid Bone Conduction Headphones — IP68 plus 16GB MP3 storage means it keeps playing where Bluetooth can't.
• Best for open-ear awareness → Sudroid Bone Conduction Headphones — the open-ear hook design leaves your ears uncovered.
• Best for sealed, bass-forward sound → C5G CSG True — in-ear tips with a hi-fi, deep-bass tuning.
• Best for battery flexibility → C5G CSG True — 8 hours per charge plus a charging case rated at 24 extra hours.
• Best for calls → C5G CSG True — it has a built-in microphone; the Sudroid's noise control is listed as sound isolation only.
• Best for wireless range → C5G CSG True — Bluetooth 5.3 at up to 49 feet versus the Sudroid's Bluetooth 5.0 at 10 meters.
• Best for phone-free listening → Sudroid Bone Conduction Headphones — the onboard memory makes it a standalone player.
• Best for warranty peace of mind → Sudroid Bone Conduction Headphones — it carries a 1-year warranty; the C5G lists none.
If I had to pick one, I'd buy the Sudroid Bone Conduction Headphones — but only if water is part of your routine. In my opinion, IP68 plus 16GB of built-in memory is a combination the C5G simply can't match for pool use, and the open-ear design is the safer choice for outdoor workouts. If you mostly train on land and want sealed, bass-heavy sound with a mic and a charging case, I'd point you to the C5G CSG True instead. Match the format to your activity first, then check the current price on Amazon before you commit.
are headphones waterproof
It depends on the model. The Sudroid Bone Conduction Headphones carry an IP68 rating, which is the higher water protection of the two and supports use while swimming. The C5G CSG True is rated IPX7, which handles sweat and rain but isn't intended for continuous submersion.
are headphones water resistant
Yes — both of these are water resistant to some degree. The C5G CSG True has an IPX7 rating that protects against sweat and rain, ideal for workouts and outdoor activities. The Sudroid goes further with IP68, so it's the better pick if water exposure is a regular part of your training.
Yes, that's its standout use case. It's rated IP68 and has 16GB of onboard memory so it plays music in MP3 mode without Bluetooth, which doesn't work underwater. The 6–8 hour battery and 2-hour charge time cover most swim sessions.
That's exactly what it's built for. The IPX7 rating handles sweat and rain, the ergonomic in-ear tips stay put, and 8 hours per charge plus a 24-hour charging case covers long sessions. Just don't swim in it — IPX7 is water-resistant, not submersible.
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