Choosing the right hydrophone depends on what you need it for, how demanding your recording environment is, and your budget. This page compares every AquaHear hydrophone model side by side so you can make the right call quickly.
AquaHear Hydrophone Comparison
| Feature | AquaHear 1.0 | AquaHear 1.5 | AquaHear 2.5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $59.90 | From $99.90 | $149.90 |
| Directivity | Direction-oriented | Direction-oriented | Omnidirectional ★ |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20Hz – 90kHz ★ |
| Sensitivity | −194 dB @ 1–5kHz −208 dB @ 6–20kHz |
−195 dB @ 1–15kHz −208 dB @ 16–25kHz |
−212 dB @ 1–46kHz |
| Contact Mic Function | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Waterproof | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Best For | Beginners, pool leak detection, casual recording | Intermediate users, clearer high-freq detail | Professional use, research, demanding environments |
| Kit Options | Classic Kit, Complete Kit, Pool Leak Kit | Classic Kit, Complete Kit | Classic Kit, Complete Kit |
| Buy AquaHear 1.0 | Buy AquaHear 1.5 | Buy AquaHear 2.5 |
Which AquaHear Hydrophone Is Right for You?
Choose the AquaHear 1.0 if…
You’re new to hydrophones, you need a reliable unit for pool leak detection, or you want to try underwater recording without a large upfront investment. The 1.0 delivers excellent value — it handles most common use cases and ships in both bare-hydrophone and full-kit configurations.
Choose the AquaHear 1.5 if…
You want noticeably better high-frequency detail. The disk piezo element in the 1.5 provides a higher resonance point (~19kHz), which translates to crisper sound when recording underwater wildlife, capturing acoustic detail in streams, or monitoring equipment. It’s the middle-ground choice for users who’ve outgrown the 1.0 but don’t need the full professional spec of the 2.5.
Choose the AquaHear 2.5 if…
You’re doing serious research, professional field recording, or acoustic monitoring that demands the widest frequency range and most accurate reproduction. The 2.5’s omnidirectional pickup pattern and extended frequency range (20Hz–90kHz, vs. 20kHz on the 1.0 and 1.5) make it the right tool for scientific applications, marine biology work, or any environment where capturing the full acoustic picture — including ultrasonic frequencies — matters.
Hydrophone Kit Options
Every AquaHear model is available as a standalone hydrophone or as part of a bundled kit. Kits include a preamplifier, cables, and (for complete kits) compatible headphones — everything you need to start recording immediately.
Classic Kits
Hydrophone + preamplifier + cables. Bring your own headphones.
Kit 1.0 → Kit 1.5 → Kit 2.5 →Complete Kits
Everything in Classic, plus headphones included. Ready out of the box.
Kit 1.0 → Kit 1.5 → Kit 2.5 →Pool Leak Detection Kit
Specialized kit for detecting pool leaks — hydrophone, preamp, headphones, cables.
View Kit →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an amplifier with my hydrophone?
Most hydrophones — including all AquaHear models — produce a low-level signal that benefits from a preamplifier before it reaches your recorder or headphones. Our kits include a preamplifier. If you buy the hydrophone alone, you can add the HiFi Headphone Amplifier separately.
Can I use these hydrophones with my phone or laptop?
Yes. All AquaHear hydrophones use a standard 3.5mm jack output (via included adapter) and are compatible with phones, laptops, portable recorders, and audio interfaces.
What’s the difference between the 1.0 and the 2.5?
The main differences are transducer design and frequency response. The 1.0 uses a cylindrical piezo element well-suited for general use. The 2.5 uses an omnidirectional configuration with an extended frequency range, making it better for professional or scientific applications where capturing the full acoustic spectrum matters.
Not Sure Which to Pick?
Browse our full hydrophone range or contact us — we’re happy to recommend the right model for your use case.
Shop All Hydrophones Start with AquaHear 1.0