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Nov 03, 2024

Best neckband headphones in 2024

The best neckband headphones have quality audio, long battery life, and unmatched versatility. Although not as compact as true wireless earbuds, neckband headphones are exceptionally lightweight and

The best neckband headphones have quality audio, long battery life, and unmatched versatility. Although not as compact as true wireless earbuds, neckband headphones are exceptionally lightweight and comfortable to wear, making them ideal for everyone, including those who engage in sporting activities.

And neckband headphones are available in many designs, so it doesn't matter whether you are an athlete, a gamer, or spend most of your time in the office, there's a pair to satisfy. Plus, they use advanced communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, to seamlessly pair with smartphones and audio devices for a wireless audio experience.

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Source: Apple

Best overall

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Source: Sony

Premium pick

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Source: Soundcore

Best value

Source: Amazon

Best for gaming

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Source: Sony

Best for swimming

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Source: Naenka

Best for athletes

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Source: Philips

Best for making calls

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Source: Rythflo

High-res fun

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Best overall

Seamless connectivity

They may be built by Apple for easy pairing with iPhones, but the Beats Flex are arguably the best neckbuds for Android users right now, too. Theyre compatible with Find My, have a 12-hour battery life, and their sound quality is great for the price.

Pros

Works great with Android or iOS

Easy on the pocket

Long battery life

Cons

No water or sweat-proofing

No noise cancellation

The Beats Flex are neckband headphones powered by the Apple W1 chip, enabling smooth pairing and switching for Apple devices, but they'll still work smoothly with Android phones and other hardware. They have decent sound quality, and the bass stands out overpowering in quiet environments but perfect in noisy spaces.

Of course, they dont compare to the higher-priced Beats headphones or Apple AirPods and lack some essential features like ANC and water-resistance ratings. Although the Beats Flex headphones do a good job of balancing the lows and highs, we noticed during testing they don't deliver the best mids as the sound tends to get muddled. That said, it would be great if they had an EQ to play around with for more balanced and customized audio in different listening scenarios.

There is some respite, though: the Flex have a 12-hour battery life and a USB-C charge connector (keep it up, Apple!). And with the Fast Fuel system, a 10-minute charge will give you 1.5 hours of juice. The control modules placement on the headphones feels relatively balanced, and although theres no sensor to detect movement (like the AirPods), the audio playback pauses/plays when you clasp the magnetic buds together. And if you misplace your Beats Flex, Find My can help you locate them.

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Premium pick

Supreme noise cancellation and comfort

The Sony WI-1000XM2 headphones are pricey but have lots to offer from their premium matte colors and sleek and sturdy design to a range of connectivity options. Equipped with a powerful noise-canceling processor, these headphones eliminate low-frequency noise, making them ideal for travel.

Pros

Powerful noise cancellation

Multi-pairing and multi-connectivity

Seven pairs of ear tips in the box

Cons

No water or sweat-proofing

Expensive

Battery could be better

Everything about the Sony WI-1000XM2 oozes class (except the name, obviously), and theres lots to love the premium-looking matte colors, the excellent sound quality, and the multiple pairing and connectivity options. The sleek yet sturdy design is comfortable, feels flexible, and sits lightly on the neck. They have the same noise-canceling processor as the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones that topped the charts before the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 took over, so you can expect effective low-frequency active noise cancellation (ANC), which is handy for bus, train, and flight travel.

With the Sony Headphones Connect app, you can adjust the ambient sound to just the right amount, depending on your environment, to remain spatially aware. Newer headphones usually pack better batteries, but in the WI-1000XM2s case, its the opposite the 10-hour battery lifes poorer than its predecessors. You could work around that by switching to wired connectivity (an audio cable and airplane adapter are included). Also, a 10-minute quick charge will give you close to 1.5 hours of juice. The WI-1000XM2 spoils you for choice with seven pairs of angled ear tips, but to experience maximum comfort and noise cancellation, you must pick the right size for your ears.

Audio quality is excellent overall, but the default sound profile lacks bass compared to the WI-1000XM1, making them good for music and great for podcasts. You can always use the Headphones Connect app to modify the EQ presets. And the controls are in-line, so call quality is significantly better than its predecessors, but its not the best on the market. Durability also isnt a strong suit with these headphones because they lack an IP rating. So, youll want to pack them during sweaty workouts and rain, and thats easy because theyre flexible.

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Best value

Powerful sound and good battery life

Bring your music to life on the go with the Soundcore Life U2i neckband headphones from Anker. This baby's custom 10mm drivers can reproduce crystal clear mids and highs with a booming bassline to complement. They run for 22 hours non-stop per full charge and support quick charging. In addition, the IPX5-protected headphones sport a built-in AI to filter noise out of your voice when you're on a call.

Pros

Bassy sound

Affordable

Magnetic buds

Cons

Fit issue

No multipoint connection

Soundcore has numerous portable audio solutions, and this one is one of the better ones. A flexible, portable, sweat-proof pair of headphones that can securely hang onto your body is a boon, and the Soundcore Life U21 neckband headphones are just that. Add in earbud magnets to help the buds stay together when not in use, and you have a pretty handy product. Although the fit may leave a little to be desired, these headphones are comfy, and you can use them all day, thanks to their 22-hour battery life and quick charge facility.

A 10-minute quick-charge also gives you 3 hours worth of juice. The sound is very good, pumping out mids and highs clearly while the bass keeps up with the rest. For those who prefer more bass, there's also a dedicated extra bass EQ mode that can be activated using the 10mm drivers. In addition, the headset provides clear call quality thanks to an in-built AI processor that separates your voice from background noise.

They are also safe from occasional splashes with IPX5-grade protection. Regarding connectivity, they use Bluetooth 5.0 for a pretty stable link to your phone up to around 30 feet away, even with a wall between. However, multipoint connection is missing from here.

Best for gaming

Has a game mode

Enjoy your music and answer calls effortlessly with the Exfit BCS-700 Pro. These quality neckband headphones include an intelligent game mode that customizes audio latency to give better sound when gaming. They also offer up to 23 hours of playtime (this may vary depending on the mode in use), feature automatic call answering, support fast charging, use Bluetooth 5.2, are IPX4 certified, and have ambient function for when you are outdoors.

Pros

Supports multipoint Bluetooth connection

Quality mics for clear calls

Comfortable fit

Cons

Lacks ANC

If you're after versatility, the Exfit BCS-700 Pro neckband headphones could be the perfect pick. They feature 8mm drivers that deliver decent bass, clear mids, and average treble, allowing you to feel the music. Depending on the mode that you are using, the headphones can provide about 23 hours of continuous playback per charge, making them ideal for people who are always out and about. They also support fast charging and offer up to 3 hours of playtime on a 10-minute charge. What's more, they have an IPX4 rating, meaning they can withstand sweat, light showers, and dust.

One of the things we like about the BCS-700 Pro is that they have a game mode that lowers audio latency for an immersive gaming experience. And with Bluetooth 5.2 technology, these cans can pair with two devices concurrently without signal interference. Plus, the 'phones can allow you to tune into the world around you through the ambient mode, a feature that can come in handy outdoors.

Nestled in the neckband is a sensor that allows you to pause music by gently tugging either of the earbuds. You can also use this feature when answering calls, which is great since it saves you from doing so directly from the phone. In terms of comfort, the headphones are lightweight, fit snugly in the ear, and you can wear them for long hours without experiencing any discomfort. On the downside, the Exfit BCS-700 Pro headphones don't have active noise cancellation, so external noises may affect your listening experience when in noisy places.

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Best for swimming

Unaffected by water

Although a bit expensive, the Sony NW-WS623 are incredibly durable, with IPX5/8 waterproofing and IP6X dust-proofing. They have a secure over-ear design and 12 hours of battery. The built-in storage is compatible with various audio files, and the Bluetooth connectivity ensures a seamless audio streaming experience.

Pros

IPX5/8 waterproofing and IP6X dust-proofing

3-minute charge gives an hour of battery

Supports a variety of audio files and Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

Expensive

Bulky

Sound profile could feel too energetic

The Sony NW-WS623 Walkman will help take your tunes underwater thanks to their rigorous IPX5/8 rating and secure over-ear design. You can completely submerge these headphones underwater (yes, saltwater, too) to a depth of 2 meters for up to 30 minutes or take them for a beach run (IP6X dust-proofing). The NW-WS623 are even rugged enough to withstand temperatures between 23 degrees and 114.8 degrees Fahrenheit. These headphones sound clear and have strong bass. The sound profile, however, can feel too energetic. The sound quality on these buds isnt as good as some of the top options on this list, but thats fine because durability is the priority.

With 12 hours of playtime, there's no need to worry about the battery running out between sessions. Got only a few minutes to move out with your headphones? A 3-minute charge will give you an hour of playback. The headphones have 4GB built-in storage for music and support various file formats, including MP3, AAC-LC, WMA, FLAC, and L-PCM (no high-res). When youre not in the water, you can use Bluetooth connectivity to stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks.

Also, the onboard controls are handy and dont take much time to get used to, and the microphone quality is decent. The NW-WS623 don't let much external noise in, and that could be risky whether you're in the ocean or running laps around your neighborhood. But with the Ambient Sound mode, you can filter in all the external sounds and remain aware of your surroundings. Also note that their bulky build and fit could feel uncomfortable over time, and their price tag seems steep, but they wont disappoint water babies.

Best for athletes

Swim-proof and has onboard storage

The Naenka Runner Diver 2 wireless earphones use bone conduction technology that provides easy and a comfortable listening experience. It has 32GB of onboard memory that lets you store your favorite tracks that also enables you to use it without a smartphone. Its ideal for those who actively work out, and do sports activities. Its water-resistant, and can last for up to 10 hours on a single charge.

Pros

Long battery life

Great underwater sound quality

Plenty of storage for your music

Cons

It doesn?t come with a carry case or pouch

It collects a lot of dust and hair

If youre looking to get in shape, or need something to wear while working on, you might be tempted to get a neckband headphone, and for a very good reason. Theyre comfortable, dont easily fall off, and offer a great sound quality. The Naenka Runner Diver 2 ticks most of the boxes, offering a great overall experience for a relatively affordable price tag.

The Diver 2 is a bone conduction headphone, with a triple-layered waterproof silicone. Its supposed to be worn around the back of your head, providing a secure fit regardless of the activity youre doing. Its comfortable to wear, and the earpiece rests on top of the ears, while the bone conduction transducers sit a bit higher up, providing a great fit regardless of head size or shape.

The headphones have 32GB of onboard storage that lets you store all of your favorite music and podcasts, and they can function without a smartphone. If you want to go out for a run without carrying anything but the Diver 2, you can do so completely hands-free without any other extra weight. Theyre also water resistant, and theyre a great option for swimmers looking to play their music.

The Runner Diver 2 can last up to 10 hours on a single charge, and it even has vibrating functionality that provides feedback for various activities, such as controlling the volume. For $140, it seems like a reasonable price tag. Theyre durable and built to last a long time.

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Best for making calls

Plenty of calling convenience

The Philips TAPN402BK have a built-in microphone with acoustic echo cancellation, allowing you to take calls in various conditions while ensuring vocal clarity. Their slender neckband is comfortable, and the pair also has a 14-hour battery life and an IPX4 rating.

Pros

Acoustic echo cancellation for call clarity

IPX4 water resistance

Vibration mode for call alerts

Cons

Slow power on or off

Poor control design

The Philips TAPN402BK headphones will effectively meet your phone call needs with the built-in microphones acoustic echo cancellation, allowing you to take calls in many places while ensuring vocal clarity. Their 14-hour battery life is handy, but you wont get that much juice if youre on calls often. The silver lining is that a 5-minute charge will give you 2 hours of playtime.

These headphones are comfortable and sound clear, albeit a little soft, and their IPX4 rating means you can wear them in the rain. The comfortable neckband vibrates to notify you of calls handy if you dont have your phone. But note that if the headphones disconnect from your device, you wont get any notifications, and they dont notify you upon disconnecting. Nonetheless, Bluetooth 5.0 gives the headphones a 10-meter range.

The button placement on these headphones hampers ergonomics because the control module is placed on the neckband and not on the cables. Additionally, the neckband slants inward, so pressing the buttons feels uncomfortable, and its inconvenient that youve to hold the power button down for 5 seconds to power on or off.

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High-res fun

AptX HD supports a long playtime

Channel some pro-quality audio into your busy life with the Rythflo WH02 neckband earphones. These superb headphones use Bluetooth 5.0 to stream aptX HD-coded audio from your phone to their 10mm drivers. The tangle-free magnetic-backed buds are as comfy as they are useful, offering easy access to voice assistants. With IPX7-grade waterproofing, you can enjoy up to 30 hours of playtime in rain or shine.

Pros

AptX HD codec

Qualcomm processor

IPX7 protection

Cons

Wires may be too short

No companion app

Have a lossless-tier subscription to some streaming app? Or have lossless files in storage? Enjoy them at their fullest quality using the Rythflo WH02 neckband headphones. These earphones support aptX HD codec streaming via Bluetooth 5.0, so you have access to up to 576 kbps audio at 24-bit/48 kHz sampling. Thats a lot of power-packed in a little piece.

The Qualcomm chip within the headphones can decode the high-resolution audio perfectly, and the 10mm drivers do solid justice to that quality. Although these are not audiophile-grade, you will still enjoy the output that seems to be tuned to what people like to hear most: a bassy signature underlining clear mids and slightly boosted highs.

You will need little to worry about charging these phones since they run 30 hours per full charge and support quick-charge as well. The comfortable and lightweight fit of the buds is appreciated, as well as the skin-friendly silicone material of the neckband, which doesnt chafe or cause rashes. The earphones boast IPX7-grade waterproofing, so you can easily wear them in heavy rain or use water to clean them. Whats more, the voice assistant is just a click away.

Neckband headphones are super convenient because the user can move freely without the pair falling off while providing the needed comfort for all-day wear. However, to get the best out of these devices, ensure you pick a set that matches your needs. As you've seen from the list above, each pair has something unique to offer and performs better than other models in one way or another.

The Beats Flex, the top pick, are powered by Apple's W1 chip, making them one of the best pair of neckband headphones for iPhone users. Additionally, they deliver quality audio with decent bass and well-balanced highs. As much as they lack active noise cancellation, you can comfortably use them outdoors, provided you have the correct ear tip size (there are four to choose from).

Audiophiles and premium users will no doubt like what the Sony WI-1000XM2 neckband headphones offer. They feature a powerful ANC chip, and they sound excellent, delivering decent bass and crisp mids. What's more, you can conveniently customize the EQ from the app, allowing you to feel every beat. On the downside, battery life is not great but still decent at 10 hours.

Anyone looking to get value for their money should go for the Anker Soundcore Life U2i. These headphones cost less than $30 but provide up to 22 hours of uninterrupted listening time, which is more than what most high-end options offer. They are IPX5-rated, sound great, and use AI to filter out background noises for clear calls.

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Best overall

Seamless connectivity

They may be built by Apple for easy pairing with iPhones, but the Beats Flex are arguably the best neckbuds for Android users right now too. Theyre compatible with Find My, have a 12-hour battery life, and their sound quality's great for the price.