Kimwood HS1 Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones: Enjoy Music and Stay Alert
Published on May 13, 2023, 11:48 a.m.
Tired of blocking out the world when you listen to music on the go? Bone conduction headphones allow you to enjoy tunes while still being able to hear your surroundings. The open-ear Kimwood HS1 Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones keep you pumped up and aware - perfect for runners, bikers, and outdoor adventurers alike. Let’s take a closer look at why these innovative headphones deserve a spot in your workout kit.
Overview
The Kimwood HS1 Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones deliver premium sound through your cheekbones instead of blocking your ear canal. The titanium headphones wrap around your ears for a lightweight and secure 29g fit. With up to 8 hours of continuous playtime, IP55 sweatproof rating, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, these earphones are ideal for any active lifestyle.
Key Features
- Bone conduction technology sends audio through your cheekbones
- Lightweight titanium alloy frame (just 29g!)
- IP55 sweat and waterproof rating
- Up to 8 hours of continuous playtime per charge
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for stable pairing
- Open-ear design keeps you aware of ambient sounds
- Flexible wraparound fit stays secure during workouts
- Upgraded audio drivers reduce vibration and sound leakage
- Intuitive buttons for toggling music and calls
- Under $40 price point packs a punch
Design
Featuring an all-black color scheme, the Kimwood HS1 Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones showcase a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The lightweight titanium alloy frame provides durability while remaining comfortable during prolonged wear. The flexible wraparound shape and angled drivers are ergonomically designed to deliver solid audio transmission without bulky pods jammed into your ears. For an open-ear headphone, the Kimwood HS1 maintains a subtle, sophisticated profile.
Ease of Use
Using the Kimwood HS1 Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones is a breeze. Power on to auto-pair with your Bluetooth-enabled device, whether that’s a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The intuitive onboard controls allow you to easily toggle between music and calls with just a few clicks. Operations are seamless right out of the box.
Sound Quality
The Kimwood HS1 Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones punches above its weight class for sound. Upgraded audio drivers and an enclosed back cavity provide distortion-free delivery across lows, mids, and highs. While bone conduction limits extreme bass, many users report excellent audio quality for the price. Volume and vibration can be tuned for optimal listening. Podcast, audiobook, and music listeners alike will be impressed.
Microphone Quality
The built-in microphone enables clear call quality in quiet environments. Reviewers note the microphone performance is just average, particularly in noisy outdoor settings. Mic clarity gets the job done for quick calls but lacks noise cancellation abilities. Those needing to make longer calls outdoors may want to use their smartphone microphone instead.
Noise Isolation
As an open-ear headphone, the Kimwood HS1 Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones does not provide any active noise cancellation. The goal of bone conduction headphones is to allow ambient sound to reach your ears, keeping you aware of your surroundings especially during activities like running and biking. Use the included foam earplugs to passively muffle noise if desired.
Battery Life
The rechargeable battery delivers approximately 8 hours of continuous playback per charge. Actual battery lifespan depends on volume and vibration levels. Frequent high intensity vibration tends to drain the battery faster. Still, the quoted 8 hours allows you to get through most workouts or an entire workday without recharging.
Connectivity
The Kimwood HS1 Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones leverages Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity. This provides increased transmission speeds up to 2 Mbps and an extended connectivity range up to 800 feet compared to older versions like Bluetooth 4.2. Pairing to Bluetooth-enabled devices is quick and simple.
Controls
Onboard buttons allow you to control music play/pause, volume, calls, power, and pairing. Having these built into the headphone itself means you don’t have to fumble with your phone during a workout. The buttons are also large enough for easy identification by feel while on the move.
Water Resistance
With an IP55 rating, the headphones are both sweatproof and water resistant. They can hold up during workouts, running in the rain, and even accidental water exposure. Just don’t submerge them fully underwater. The waterproof design provides peace of mind during intense athletic activity.
Use Cases
Thanks to the bone conduction design, the Kimwood HS1 Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones are ideal for:
- Running, jogging, sprinting
- Cycling, mountain biking, road biking
- Hiking, trekking, climbing, backpacking
- Hitting the gym - lifting, classes, training
- Walking, power walking, speed walking
- Rowing, paddling, watersports
- Yoga, stretching, pilates
- Amateur and pro athletics
- Outdoor adventures and excursions
User Feedback Analysis
With over 1,300 global ratings, the Kimwood HS1 Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones have built up quite the fan base. Let’s take a nuanced look at what users highlight in their reviews.
The majority praise the comfort during extended wear. For those accustomed to earbuds that ache after an hour or large over-ears that pinch, the featherlight Kimwoods are a respite. The titanium frame is flexible enough to avoid pinching, even for glasses wearers. And at just 29 grams, you barely notice them on your head. Fans love how they can focus on their activity rather than fiddling with adjustments.
Speaking of staying fixed in place, the stability earns rave reviews across the board. Where other buds constantly need re-tucking or headphones slide around, the Kimwoods remain anchored with their wraparound fit. Users report no slipping during strenuous exercise, outdoor adventures, or just bustling through crowds.
When it comes to audio quality, buyers are similarly impressed, especially considering the sub-$40 price tag. The openness of bone conduction does limit heavy bass, but overall the sound is described as well-balanced and crisp. Some enthusiasts even prefer the natural soundscape compared to isolation. Podcast listeners are especially pleased with the clear vocal reproduction.
On battery life, the 8 hours of promised playtime deliver in real-world use. This gives marathon runners, hikers, and cyclists the freedom to venture out without battery anxiety. Even heavy use jobs like warehouse work can get through a full shift without recharging.
In terms of waterproofing, buyers confirm the IP55 sweatproof and water resistant claims hold up. Users report no issues after getting soaked in rain or sweating up a storm. Just don’t swim lengths underwater with them.
When it comes to downsides, smaller heads seem to be an ongoing issue. Those with loose fit report having to press the headphones closer to maintain sound quality. An adjustable locking mechanism could help customize the clamping force.
At high volumes, vibration rattles the titanium frame. This can muddy the audio, especially in the low end. Keeping volumes moderate provides the optimal experience.
While call quality suffices in quiet settings, the microphone performance leaves something to be desired in noisier environments. Outdoor adventurers may want to relay on their smartphone mics when possible.
All in all, buyers tout the Kimwood HS1 Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones as a stellar value packed with premium features at an affordable price point. For those seeking open-ear headphones to elevate their active lifestyles, these have become a fan-favorite pair.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sweatproof and waterproof - can withstand tough workouts
- Open-ear design allows environmental awareness
- Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Long battery life up to 8+ hours
- Great audio quality for the price
- Easy pairing and controls
Cons
- Not adjustable for smaller heads
- Excessive vibration at high volumes
- Microphone call quality is just okay
- Build feels a bit flimsy
Value
With premium features like sweatproof construction, extended battery life, and Bluetooth 5.0, the Kimwood HS1 Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones punches well above its sub-$40 price tag. You’d be hard-pressed to find comparable bone conduction headphones at double the price. For budget-conscious shoppers seeking great audio and performance for outdoor adventures, these earphones deliver impressive value.
Conclusion
For bone conduction headphones that won’t break the bank, the Kimwood HS1 Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones hits the mark. The impressive audio and extended battery life make these innovative earphones a must-have for outdoor athletes and adventurers. Just don’t be surprised when your friends are begging to borrow them for their next workout!
What’s Included
The Kimwood HS1 box contains:
- 1 pair of bone conduction headphones
- 1 charging cable (USB-C)
- 2 pairs of foam earplugs
- 1 user manual
Specifications
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery life: Up to 8 hours (unknown mAh battery capacity)
- Water resistance: IP55 sweatproof and waterproof rating
- Weight: 29g
- Color: Black
- Materials: Titanium alloy frame, unknown driver material
- Included accessories: Charging cable, earplugs, user manual
How to Use
- Charge the headphones fully before first use
- Power on and pair via Bluetooth settings on your device
- Position the headphones so the drivers rest comfortably on your cheekbones
- Adjust the volume and vibration to optimal levels
- Toggle music and calls using the onboard buttons
- Enjoy awesome audio and stay aware of your surroundings!
- Charge for 2 hours after low battery notification
- Store in a dry location away from heat to maximize battery lifespan
