FOLEY X7 Bone Conduction Headphones: Affordable yet Limited
Published on June 27, 2023, 8:05 a.m.
Looking for a pair of headphones to wear while swimming or running without blocking ambient sounds? Bone conduction technology allows you to listen while still hearing your surroundings. The FOLEY X7 open ear bone conduction headphones are designed for sports and feature Bluetooth streaming plus onboard storage. Let’s dive in to see if these waterproof wireless headphones can keep up with your active lifestyle.
Overview
The FOLEY X7 bone conduction headphones deliver audio via vibrations to your cheekbone rather than directly into your ears. This open ear design lets in ambient sound while you listen, ideal for sports and activities where hearing your environment is crucial. With an IPX8 waterproof rating, Bluetooth 5.3 wireless connectivity, built-in MP3 storage, and lightweight comfortable fit, these headphones aim to be the perfect workout buddy.
Design - Simple and Secure
The FOLEY X7 open ear bone conduction headphones have a lightweight open ear design with the transducer resting in front of your ear. Soft silicon tips ensure secure and comfortable fit. Red accents on the black headphones provide a sporty look. While not the most subtle for everyday wear, the over-ear fit keeps them firmly in place when exercising.
Features - Wireless Streaming and Onboard Audio
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.3 provides wireless connectivity to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Stable transmission and improved audio processing enhances streaming quality.
Onboard MP3 Storage
With 32GB of built-in memory, you can load MP3s directly for phone-free listening. Great for swimming where phones can’t come along. Volume and sound quality are better in MP3 mode.
Controls and Microphone
Buttons on the right earpiece control playback, volume, calls, and voice assistants. The built-in microphone enables clear calls.
Waterproof For Underwater Use
Thanks to the IPX8 rating, the FOLEY X7 open ear bone conduction headphones can be submerged up to 1 meter deep. Perfect for swimming laps while listening to your workout playlist.
Ease of Use - Music On Tap
Bluetooth pairing takes just seconds for instant streaming from your devices. Controlling playback and volume with the intuitive onboard buttons becomes second nature. Transfer MP3s easily by plugging into your computer’s USB port. Once loaded with tunes, just press play and enjoy cable-free listening freedom.
Sound Quality - Crisp Stereo Streaming
Bluetooth 5.3 ensures rock-solid connectivity and optimized audio processing. While bass impact is limited due to bone conduction, mids and highs come through with surprising clarity. Vocals really shine, making the FOLEY X7 open ear bone conduction headphones ideal for podcasts and audiobooks. Situational awareness from the open ear design does allow some ambient noise. But the stereo separation still provides an immersive soundscape.
Microphone - Hear and Be Heard
The built-in mic enables crisp call clarity. Friends say you sound loud and clear, even in noisy or windy conditions. Voice comes through naturally thanks to dual mic beamforming. No need to ever miss a call on the go.
Noise Isolation - Let The World In
With an open ear design, the FOLEY X7 open ear bone conduction headphones make no attempt to block exterior noise. Whether jogging along city streets or swimming laps in a pool, you’ll stay aware of your surroundings. This does allow some distracting sounds to intrude at loud volumes. But safety and spatial awareness are the priorities here.
Battery - Power For The Daily Grind
The long-lasting battery keeps the music pumping for 6-8 hours of continuous use. For the average day of tunes, take calls, and voice assistance, you’ll never run out of juice. The quick 2 hour charge has you back at full power for your next activity.
Connectivity - Wireless Freedom
Bluetooth 5.3 gives you cable-free convenience and rock-solid transmission. Pair in an instant with your phone, watch, tablet or computer. The extended 10 meter wireless range means your device can be in your bag or left on the pool deck. Untether your tunes and leave the cables behind!
Use Cases
The FOLEY X7 open ear bone conduction headphones are perfect for swimmers who want to listen to music in the pool. The open ear design allows you to hear whistles and other swimmers while still enjoying your playlists underwater.
Runners and bikers will also love the ambient awareness these headphones provide. Cars, traffic, and pedestrians can be heard clearly even while listening to podcasts and audiobooks.
For any active lifestyle, the FOLEY X7 open ear bone conduction headphones deliver tunes without isolation. Wear them on your morning run and keep them on at the gym. The lightweight comfort and waterproof rating make them ideal for all fitness pursuits.
User Reviews Analysis
Overall, the FOLEY X7 open ear bone conduction headphones get very positive feedback, especially from swimmers. The waterproof design delivers long-awaited underwater audio to pool enthusiasts. Many praise the comfort and secure fit even while swimming laps vigorously. Others use them for running, biking, and gym workouts with good results.
Sound quality earns mixed reactions. The open ear bone conduction does limit bass impact and allows in ambient noise. But for audiobooks and podcasts, the vocals come through with surprising clarity. Some users compare them favorably to AfterShokz models costing twice as much. Serious audiophiles find the fidelity lacking for immersive music listening.
Most are impressed with the Bluetooth connectivity and range. Pairing is quick and streaming is stable even while exercising. The onboard controls are intuitive after some practice. Battery life meets 6-8 hour claims for all day use.
Comfort and fit get rave reviews. The ultra lightweight over-ear design stays put during even intense activity. Silicon tips cushion cheekbones and users say they “disappear” on your head after a short while. Those with glasses also report no issues wearing them.
The waterproof rating makes the FOLEY X7 open ear bone conduction headphones a swimmer’s dream. Users are finally able to listen to music in the pool without earbuds falling out or getting wet. Many wish for a way to load playlists wirelessly rather than by USB cable. But being able to swim and tune in is a revelation.
In summary, for cyclists, runners, swimmers, and gym enthusiasts, the FOLEY X7 open ear bone conduction headphones provide fantastic comfort and situational awareness. Casual listeners and audiophiles may desire better fidelity. But active users give the FOLEY X7 open ear bone conduction headphones top marks for their intended sport and workout purpose.
Pros
- Waterproof and lightweight for swimming
- Allow situational awareness during workouts
- Good clarity for spoken audio
- Onboard MP3 storage for phone-free listening
- Secure over-ear fit stays put exercising
Cons
- Bass lacks depth due to bone conduction
- Ambient noise can intrude during loud activities
- Load MP3s directly, no wireless transfer
- Sound leakage due to open ear design
Value
With Bluetooth capability, onboard storage, waterproof design, and a comfortable secure fit, the FOLEY X7 open ear bone conduction headphones deliver lots of functionality for the price. While serious audiophiles may want more fidelity, for casual listening during workouts they strike a great balance.
Recommendation - A Swimmer’s Dream
For swimmers and athletes needing audio without isolation, the FOLEY X7 bone conduction headphones are a solid choice. The waterproof design and onboard MP3 storage are perfect for the pool. Just don’t expect audiophile-grade sound. If you want tunes during your water workouts or need awareness of your surroundings when running or biking, these wireless open ear headphones deliver.
What’s In The Box
- FOLEY X7 Headphones
- Charging Cable
- Eartips (S/M/L)
- User Manual
- Carry Pouch
Specifications
- Driver: Bone Conduction Transducer
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3
- Wireless Range: 10m (33ft)
- Battery: Unknown capacity lithium polymer
- Playback Time: 6-8 hours (varies by volume)
- Charge Time: 2 hours
- Waterproof Rating: IPX8
- Onboard Storage: 32GB
- Weight: 28g
