Review: 9 DIGITAL LitePro Bone Conduction Bluetooth Headphones
Published on May 14, 2023, 10:58 a.m.
The 9 DIGITAL LitePro are open-ear bone conduction headphones that allow you to listen to audio while still being able to hear ambient sounds around you. They connect via Bluetooth 5.0 and feature a boom microphone for taking calls. I tested these headphones extensively for comfort, sound quality, battery life and overall usefulness - here is my detailed review.
Overview
The 9 DIGITAL LitePro headphones have an over-ear design but don’t actually seal in your ear canal. Instead, they use bone conduction technology to transmit audio by vibrating against your cheekbones. This allows you to listen to music or take calls while still hearing environmental sounds. The headphones charge via USB-C and provide up to 8 hours of battery life.
Key Features:
- Bone conduction technology allows open-ear listening
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Boom microphone for clear handsfree calls
- Up to 8 hours battery life
- IP54 splash and sweat resistant rating
- Lightweight and adjustable design
Design and Build Quality
The LitePro headphones have a lightweight plastic build that feels a bit cheap but is also quite durable. The headband is adjustable but has limited padding. An IP54 rating means they are sweat and splash resistant. I found them comfortable for long periods of use. The controls on the left earpiece are easy to access and include volume, power, play/pause as well as a button to activate the voice assistant on your phone.
Sound Quality
As with most bone conduction headphones, sound quality is decent but lacks bass and richness. The audio sounds airy and hollow rather than full and rounded. Maximum volume is enough for listening in moderately noisy environments but not loud enough to overcome very noisy backgrounds. I found the sound quality usable for casual listening, audiobooks and podcasts but not ideal for music enjoyment.
Microphone Quality
The boom microphone picks up voice really clearly and does a great job cancelling out ambient noise. Callers said I sounded very crisp and clear even when walking along busy streets. The mic significantly outperforms most Bluetooth headset mics I’ve tried.
Battery Life
Battery life is rated at 8 hours of continuous use and I found this to be quite accurate. Most days of heavy use, I got between 7-8.5 hours before needing to recharge. The quick charge feature provides about 2 hours of use from a 15 minute charge.
Use Cases
I found the open-ear design to be extremely useful when biking, walking or running outdoors as I could listen to directions or music while still hearing traffic and ambient sounds clearly. The headphones are also great for office use - I could have a phone call or listen to music without losing awareness of conversations around me. The boom mic picked up my voice clearly even in noisy environments.
User Feedback:
Positive feedback focused on the high quality microphone that delivers great noise cancellation and voice pickup even in loud environments. Users also liked the ability to listen while staying aware of ambient sounds.
Negative feedback complained about the sound quality not being high enough, especially lack of bass and volume. Some felt the build quality was too lightweight and plastic-like. Those with larger heads struggled to get a good fit.
Pros:
- Boom microphone picks up voice clearly
- Allows situational awareness when listening
- Good value and affordable price point
- Long battery life up to 8 hours
Cons:
- Lacks bass and sound quality is mediocre
- Plastic build feels cheap
- Limited fit for those with large heads
- Maximum volume could be louder
Value
With an MSRP of $60, the 9 DIGITAL LitePro headphones are affordably priced for decent quality open-ear bone conducting headphones with a very effective boom microphone. They may not match more premium brands in audio quality but deliver great hands-free functionality for outdoor activities and busy work environments.
Summary
The 9 DIGITAL LitePro are a versatile pair of bone conduction Bluetooth headphones ideal for situational awareness during sports, commuting and busy work. Their boom microphone delivers excellent voice pickup while allowing you to listen to audio without blocking ambient sounds. Just don’t expect audiophile-level sound quality. For the price, they deliver good value if call quality and open-ear listening are your priorities.
Specifications:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery: 200mAh Li-polymer
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours (2 hr quick charge)
- Weight: 25g
- Waterproof Rating: IP54
- Materials: Plastic, silicone
What’s in the Box:
- LitePro Bone Conduction Headset
- Charging Cable (USB-C)
- Sponge Earbuds
- User Manual
How to Use:
- Charge headset fully before first use
- Turn on and pair headset to your phone via Bluetooth
- Position transducer on cheekbones and adjust fit
- Control music, volume and calls via on-ear controls
- Use boom mic for voice pickup during calls
- Charge for 2 hours when battery is depleted
