Search
  • Videos
  • Smart Cities
  • Windows 10
  • Cloud
  • Innovation
  • Security
  • Tech Pro
  • more
    • ZDNet Academy
    • Microsoft
    • Mobility
    • IoT
    • Hardware
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Log In to ZDNET
    • Join ZDNet
    • About ZDNet
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Smart Cities
    • Windows 10
    • Cloud
    • Innovation
    • Security
    • Tech Pro
    • ZDNet Academy
    • Microsoft
    • Mobility
    • IoT
    • Hardware
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Log In to ZDNET
      • Join ZDNet
      • About ZDNet
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet China
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Zulu Audio wearable speakers: Enjoy high quality mobile audio safely

1 of 9 NEXT PREV
  • Zulu Audio wearable speaker retail package

    Zulu Audio wearable speaker retail package

    There are some solutions available today that do not require your ears to be plugged to enjoy audio, such as bone conduction devices. I've spent a couple of weeks with the new Zulu Audio wearable speakers and found them to be very effective while also providing excellent sound quality.

    I prefer listening to music to motivate me, distract me from the pain, and keep me occupied on long runs. I also ride for many miles on trails, but don't ever wear earbuds while cycling because drivers and pedestrians are too dangerous while riding at high speeds. I also do not like to wear earbuds while running in the dark winter months so I can keep aware of animals and others who might cause problems while I'm running.

    Published: August 12, 2018 -- 12:47 GMT (05:47 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Running with the Zulu Audio speakers

    Running with the Zulu Audio speakers

    These are not the type of audio device you use on a commute with people around you, but they are great for running, biking, gardening, hiking, or doing other work where you want good quality audio and your hands free. You can purchase the Zulu Audio speakers in black or white for $99.99.

    Published: August 12, 2018 -- 12:47 GMT (05:47 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Included case, cable, and extra magnet

    Included case, cable, and extra magnet

    The retail package arrived with the speakers connected by a coated cable, three magnets (one extra is included), a carrying case, and a short microUSB cable. The two small speakers are 1.83 inches in diameter with a 0.75 inch thickness and weight of about 75 grams.

    When I was first asked if I was interested in these speakers, I hesitated since I figured they would bounc all over the place while running. However, they did look like a great solution for cycling so I decided to give them a try.

    Published: August 12, 2018 -- 12:47 GMT (05:47 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Zulu Audio wearable speakers and magnet

    Zulu Audio wearable speakers and magnet

    There is a power button on one side of the speaker with the volume buttons and microUSB charging port on the other side of the same speaker. The other speaker has no buttons or ports. Attachment is easy with soft touch round magnets that fit under your clothing and hold the speakers very securely in place.

    Product specifications of the speakers include:

    • 2W power output
    • 40HZ-20kHZ frequency response
    • IPX4 water/splash resistance
    • Bluetooth 4.1
    • 200 mAh rechargeable battery for up to four hours of battery
    Published: August 12, 2018 -- 12:47 GMT (05:47 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Speaker grill and Zulu Audio branding

    Speaker grill and Zulu Audio branding

    The speakers stayed put and never slid around my shirt while running, even when in the wind and rain. I was pleasantly surprised that the speakers did not bounce around or anything. I was also worried the speaker magnets would rub on my chest, but again they were perfectly comfortable. Bike riding was no problem as there is not much upper body movement while cycling.

    The audio quality was very impressive with true stereo sound, loud volume, and good levels of bass and treble. I paired the speakers with a Note 9 and a Garmin Fenix 5 Plus. I've had some Bluetooth limitations with the Fenix 5 Plus and earbuds, but the Zulu Audio speakers worked flawlessly while the Fenix 5 Plus was mounted on either wrist.

    Published: August 12, 2018 -- 12:47 GMT (05:47 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • IPx4 rating put to the test

    IPx4 rating put to the test

    I did not intend to fully test the water resistant rating out, but a passing rain storm hit me on a recent run. The rain was coming down hard, but the speakers kept playing flawlessly and never skipped a beat. The IPx4 rating means splash resistant and they proved themselves on this run.

    Published: August 12, 2018 -- 12:47 GMT (05:47 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Power button for pairing and more

    Power button for pairing and more

    The power button is raised so you can easily find it and use it to play/pause music or toggle the speakers on and off.

    Published: August 12, 2018 -- 12:47 GMT (05:47 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Volume buttons and microUSB port

    Volume buttons and microUSB port

    You can skip ahead by pressing and holding the volume up button, go back a song by pressing and holding the volume down button, and play/pause by pressing the power button. You can also hold phone calls through the speakers and microphone. My family members said calls sounded great.

    Published: August 12, 2018 -- 12:47 GMT (05:47 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Strap to secure around your neck

    Strap to secure around your neck

    There is also a strap connected between he cables so you can cinch things up around your neck and secure the speakers in place.

    Published: August 12, 2018 -- 12:47 GMT (05:47 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

1 of 9 NEXT PREV
  • 0
  • Zulu Audio wearable speaker retail package
  • Running with the Zulu Audio speakers
  • Included case, cable, and extra magnet
  • Zulu Audio wearable speakers and magnet
  • Speaker grill and Zulu Audio branding
  • IPx4 rating put to the test
  • Power button for pairing and more
  • Volume buttons and microUSB port
  • Strap to secure around your neck

It can be dangerous having your ears plugged or covered while working or exercising, but there are new alternatives that let you enjoy audio and still have both ears available for ambient sounds.

Read More Read Less

Zulu Audio wearable speaker retail package

There are some solutions available today that do not require your ears to be plugged to enjoy audio, such as bone conduction devices. I've spent a couple of weeks with the new Zulu Audio wearable speakers and found them to be very effective while also providing excellent sound quality.

I prefer listening to music to motivate me, distract me from the pain, and keep me occupied on long runs. I also ride for many miles on trails, but don't ever wear earbuds while cycling because drivers and pedestrians are too dangerous while riding at high speeds. I also do not like to wear earbuds while running in the dark winter months so I can keep aware of animals and others who might cause problems while I'm running.

Published: August 12, 2018 -- 12:47 GMT (05:47 PDT)

Caption by: Matthew Miller

1 of 9 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Mobility Hardware Smartphones Mobile OS Security Reviews
  • 0
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • Galaxy Note 9: Nine ways it beats the iPhone

    Smartphones

    Galaxy Note 9: Nine ways it beats the iPhone

  • Galaxy Note 9 event: First look at Samsung's new phone, Galaxy Watch, and Galaxy Home

    Mobility

    Galaxy Note 9 event: First look at Samsung's new phone, Galaxy Watch, and Galaxy Home

  • 15 amazing tech gadgets you need for your home office

    Hardware

    15 amazing tech gadgets you need for your home office

  • Best back-to-school tech for under $50 in 2018

    Hardware

    Best back-to-school tech for under $50 in 2018

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2018 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Cookies | Ad Choice | Advertise | Terms of Use | Mobile User Agreement

  • Topics
  • All Authors
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • Site Map
  • RSS Feeds
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In | Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums