Audio-Technica SonicSport Headphones-1

Getting fit with your favourite tunes this summer? We recently checked out Audio-Technica’s SonicSport ATH-SPORT3 waterproof in-ear headphones.

Audio-Technica SonicSport Headphones-2

Out of the box, the SonicSport ATH-SPORT3 earphones come with an assembled housing containing two ear pieces (left is easy to identify as there’s a little raised dot on the inner part). On the inside of each is marked ‘left’ and ‘right’.

Audio-Technica SonicSport3 case

As well, there’s a zippered storage case and a couple of extra sets of both Fine Fit and Active Fit silicone eartips (XS/S/L). The headphones ship with the medium eartips already in place.

Audio-Technica SonicSport Headphones-3
[L to R: Active Fit, Fine Fit eartips]

Fine fit reduces external noise; Active fit allows surrounding sound to be heard, safety first for when you’re out jogging in urban areas. The case is perfect for storing extra sets of eartips or taking your headphones on the road with an mp3 player. We found the SonicSport’s comfortable to wear for a couple of hours at a time.

The only difficulty we had with these was putting the eartips back onto the two housing areas when cleaning/swapping them out for testing the two listening options. Over time, we got the hang of it and found that at least they stay in place that way, snugly gripping over their holders. The main unit, cord, eartips and plug areas are all hand washable. In fact, the instruction guide recommends doing so regularly.

Audio-Technica SonicSport3 headphones

As long as the inside part of the housing stays dry, you can wash them under a slow-running water faucet (the headphones are IPX5 rated by the IEC meaning washable but not entirely waterproof).

We like the 1.2 meter (3.9 foot) flexible memory cable that really does conform to your ear’s shape by bending to loop over the ears. A handy clip can be moved anywhere along the cable, and the excess cord’s meant to be routed around the back of the neck. At that point, you can clip the excess cords together to keep them out of the way.

Audio-Technica SonicSport Headphones-5

Apple earbuds are so lacking this feature, a simple piece of plastic that does really make a difference. Apple’s answer? $200 PowerBeats2 in-ear headphones (adding wireless functionality, hence the higher price tag).

The L-shaped gold-plated stereo mini plug will fit just about any type of portable music device as well as a laptop.

Audio-Technica SonicSport3 headphones

We noticed only a marginal difference between the two different eartips (ridged and smooth). What we did experience however was excellent sound quality for a small unit of this weight and price point. Not only do the headphones stay put, but the sound quality is enhanced through Audio-Technica’s 10 mm drivers. With no music, standing on a residential street corner, the Fine Fit eartips did block out a decent amount of external noise.

Audio-technica provides a two-year limited warranty on its SonicSport headphones.

Audio-Technica SonicSport Headphones-4

If we could improve one thing

We’d love it if the left and right markings stood out more (perhaps an L and R in red or white?) or the raised dot on the left were enlarged.

Audio-Technica SonicSport3 headphones

Available online and via various retail shops in North America, the Audio-Technica SonicSport 3 is available in both red and black and retails for CDN $99.99.

Audio-Technica sent us a pair of SonicSport earphones to test drive for this feature. Opinions, as always, are our own. Non-watermarked images courtesy of Audio-Technica.

3 Comments

  • Comment by ken — June 19, 2015 @ 8:15 pm

    great headphone, i will take it soon.thanks for sharing

  • Comment by Ethan — April 2, 2016 @ 12:35 am

    Hi,
    Superb In-Ear Headphones, sound quality is awesome. I just checked purchased now.
    Thanks for sharing !
    – Ethan

  • Comment by Kathy — August 25, 2016 @ 4:42 pm

    Great headphone. It looks very nice. I will buy it soon.
    Thank for share !

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