One brand making a lot of noise in the outdoor audio market is Outdoor Tech. This Southern California-based company specializes in manufacturing rugged audio products and accessories for you to enjoy in the great outdoors.
Named after the hardened African Rhino, today we’re looking at the Outdoor Tech Mini Rhinos Headphones. These headphones are designed to sound good and survive just about anything you can throw at them.
The Design
The Mini Rhinos is an on-ear headphone featuring a durable rubberized cover. The rubber not only offers protection but also gives the headphones a premium feel and aesthetic. At first glance, you get the feeling the Mini Rhinos are more durable than the average headphone.
The Outdoor Tech Mini Rhinos come with an IPX6 waterproof rating. This rating is higher than most headphones on the market.
IPX6 means your headphones will survive jets of water from all directions. While you might not be able to use the Mini Rhinos in water, you can get away with using them in the shower. Sweat definitely won’t be an issue either.
One of the most impressive features is the Mini Rhinos’ durability. The headphones can be bend and twisted to some extreme without showing any signs of breaking. The only other headphone we have seen close to this is the V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Metal, which we featured as one of our best bass headphones.
Battery Life
The Outdoor Tech Mini Rhinos features a 12-hour battery, which is more than enough for most flights and outdoor adventures. Unlike other manufacturers who gauge playing time at 40 or 50% volume, the Mini Rhinos will give you 12 hours at max volume. So, if you use these headphones at lower levels, you can expect to get even more juice out of the battery.
Controls and Connections
With the Mini Rhinos, you have the option of Bluetooth or ⅛-inch AUX for audio inputs. The Outdoor Tech Mini Rhinos features Bluetooth Version 5.0, which is the latest version available.
On the ear cup, you’ll find the main controls. There are five buttons in total, including a multi-function button with the Outdoor Tech logo. Using the controls, you can pair Bluetooth, adjust volume, skip tracks, power the headphones on/off, activate voice assistants (Siri, Google, etc.), and manage incoming calls.
What Do The Outdoor Tech Mini Rhinos Sound Like?
When it comes to sound quality, the Mini Rhinos produce a fairly average sound. The bass is lacking with the Mini Rhinos. The mid-range and treble are clear and forward in the mix, but the headphones get harsh above 60% volume. While these headphones can get seriously loud, the harshness means you can’t listen for very long without getting a headache.
The Mini Rhinos sound quality isn’t terrible; the headphones lack some warmth from the low end, leaving you with a thin sound. Some people won’t mind the sound quality, but for those who like big bass, the Mini Rhinos definitely aren’t headphones for you.
One thing that does sound good is the Mini Rhinos’ built-in speakerphone. Voices come through clear on both ends, and you can hold a decent conversation with the headphones.
What’s in the Box?
- Mini Rhinos headphones
- Micro-USB charging cable
- ⅛-inch cable for wired connections
Conclusion
For outdoor enthusiasts looking for the ultimate durable headphone, the Mini Rhinos certainly delivers. The IPX6 waterproof rating means you don’t have to worry about rain, sweat, or getting the Mini Rhinos wet at all (expect submersion, of course).
Sound quality is adequate for a headphone at this price point. While they might lack bass, they’re still going to be adequate for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who need the extra durability the Mini Rhinos provide.
