Jamming on the Go: Why Suunto Sonic Makes You Feel Free, Not Just Tuned In

TL;DR

• What’s awesome: Open-ear bone-conduction keeps your ears free, letting you stay aware of traffic, nature, and run buddies—while your favorite tunes play.

• Performance perks: Lightweight (around 31 g), IP55 sweat/water resistance, up to 10 hours battery, and fast 5-minute quick-charge gives ~3 hours.

• Sound & usability: Surprisingly rich bass for bone-conduction, solid clarity in voice/podcasts; physical buttons + app add control and multipoint Bluetooth.

• Trade-offs: Not noise-isolating, some texture/vibration at high volume; proprietary charger (no USB-C); buttons can be fiddly with gloves; less bass/mix compared to over-ear options.

Let the Vibe Begin

Feeling the need for headphones that don’t turn you into a tuning-out zombie? Suunto Sonic crack open your ears—literally. The bone-conduction tech bypasses your eardrum, transmitting sound through cheekbones. So you can keep your head in the sound, and your ears on everything else happening around you.

Comfort meets functionality: the wrap-around frame (silicone + titanium-alloy) weighs just about 31 g and won’t slip during high-energy workouts. It’s designed for the outdoors—sweat, light rain, urban buzz—it powers through with an IP55 rating. And with a stellar ~10 hours of playback and quick-charge potential, it’s marathon-ready in every sense.

Photo: Suunto

Sound That Doesn’t Shut You Out

Bone-conduction usually means you sacrifice bass—but Sonic defies expectations. A new-gen transducer delivers enhanced low-end and better sensitivity with less leakage. Voices, podcasts, music tracks—even though ambient noise stays around, clarity stays intact. Just don’t expect bass to rumble like in ear-cushioning, over-ear gear.

Controls are refreshingly tactile—with actual buttons for volume and play/pause/track skip. Bonus: you can customize sound modes and multipoint connections via the Suunto app. Pair to two devices, toggle between sound profiles—nice extra flexibility for those juggling phone and music device.

Built for Sweat (and Occasional Clouds)

Sonic isn’t just sleek—it’s rugged. IP55 means you can train in all weather, sweat freely, even brave light rain. The grip-coated exterior and ergonomic design make it stay put during sprints, cycles, or trail runs.

Pairing is straightforward via Bluetooth 5.2, and multipoint lets you seamlessly switch between your watch and phone, for example. The quick-charge is clutch: five minutes top-up for three hours of play. Just watch the magnetic proprietary cable—losing it means you’re in tech-limbo until a replacement shows up.

Where It Shines—and Where It Doesn’t

There’s a freedom-first appeal here. Compared to earbuds, you’re connected to your world. Compared to other bone-conduction options, Sonic brings better bass, lighter weight, and a leaner price vs. premium models (like Suunto Wing). Still, the fit may require tweaking to hit that sweet spot on your cheekbone for optimal sound.

On the downside, vibration at higher volumes can feel odd, and sound isn’t super refined—especially for bulk bass enthusiasts. Buttons may be fiddly when gloved, and there’s no visual battery level on the device itself.

Photo: Suunto

Bottom Line

Suunto Sonic is that nimble sidekick you didn’t realize you needed: freeing your ears, keeping your music flowing, and staying with you through sweat, steps, and ambient hum. If you want solid audio that doesn’t mute your environment, quick power, and comfortable wear—this is your go-to. Just manage expectations on noise isolation, bass heft, and cable fragility.

FAQs

1. How does bone-conduction work with Suunto Sonic?
By transmitting vibrations through your cheekbones straight to your inner ear, leaving your ear canals open for ambient sound and safety.

2. What’s the real battery life and charging time?
About 10 hours on a full charge; a 5-minute quick charge boosts you for ~3 hours of playback.

3. Is the Suunto Sonic water-resistant enough for sweaty workouts?
Yes—IP55 means robust protection against sweat and light rain, though not for swimming or pressure water jets.

4. Can I connect them to multiple devices at the same time?
Absolutely. Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint support lets you pair two devices and switch between them seamlessly.

5. How’s the sound quality for music vs. podcasts?
Podcasts and voices come through impressively clear. Music is decent—especially with enhanced bass—but don’t expect thick low-end like closed-ear headphones.

6. What are the color options and weight?
Available in Black or Lime (varies by region); they weigh in around 31 g (about 1.1 oz).

7. Any issues with the charging setup?
It charges via a magnetic proprietary cable—not USB-C. Lose it and you’re stuck waiting or buying a spare.

8. How intuitive are the controls?
Buttons handle volume, play/pause, and track skipping. They’re tactile, but can be tricky with gloves or in harsh conditions.

9. Are they comfortable for long use?
Yes—reviewers say they often forget they’re wearing them, even after extended runs or hikes.

10. How do they stack up against pricier models like Suunto Wing or Shokz?
Sonic offers great performance at a lower price. It sacrifices a few extras like LED lights, waterproofing, or power-bank features that the Wing provides—but still delivers strong value for active users.