The Best Neckband Bluetooth Headphones
When it comes to optimizing your headphone experience, the challenge lies in finding a pair that provides convenience and high-quality audio. If you're unwilling to compromise on either feature, neckband headphones are the way to go. These devices combine the slim fit of standalone buds with the sophistication of more advanced over-ear headsets thanks to their retractable earpieces and large drivers. While they have endless applications, neckband headphones are particularly useful while exercising because they'll stay in place, even during rigorous workouts. With all that in mind, we've rounded up a few of our favorite neckband Bluetooth headphones to make your search easier.
LG HBS-830 Tone Ultra Headset
Luxurious listening
While traditional over-ear headphones are hard to beat in terms of sound quality, the LG HBS-830 Tone Ultra is a formidable competitor at a fraction of the size. Weighing in at under two ounces, this premium stereo headset is incredibly versatile. The dual-microphone setup allows for crystal-clear audio during phone calls, and thanks to the retracting earbuds, you can wear the neckband all day and pop the buds into your ears whenever you want. Despite the tiny frame, the Tone Ultra packs a punch with over ten hours of listening and call time.
Pros:
- Despite the affordable price, these headphones boast some impressive technology. That includes LG’s proprietary Quad-Layer Speaker Technology, which helps deliver a rich, balanced sound in the mid-range and bass range.
- We appreciate that, unlike some neckband headphones, this headset can be fully recharged in less than two hours.
Cons:
- The microphone pickup loses fidelity when the unit’s battery is low, so be sure to keep an eye on the battery level if you plan to frequently use these for phone calls.
Bummd Bluetooth Neckband Headphones
Hearing is believing
This Bluetooth neckband from Bummd is a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to pay extra for unnecessary frills and features. To start, these headphones sport a flexible band that makes them easy to store, not to mention rugged enough to survive accidental falls. The actual earbuds feature durable wiring and offer a truly universal fit, although they do not retract into the device’s body. Regardless, what Bummd’s headphones lack in compact design, they more than make up for it in terms of accessibility.
Pros:
- One of this set’s unique features is the vibration setting for incoming calls. Thanks to that, even if you don’t have the earbuds in when you receive a call, the neckband will vibrate to alert you.
- If you’re prone to breaking or losing your electronics, an affordable option like this one makes sense.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, the headset does not sync with smart personal assistant services.
Beartwo Neckband Headset
Portable and powerful
Protecting your headphones while you’re traveling can be nerve-wracking, especially if they’re not particularly durable. Fortunately, Beartwo has a lightweight solution that can fit in the palm of your hand. Unlike most competitors, this device has hinges that collapse the headset to half its size. It also comes with a hardshell case for secure storage. Aside from the headset’s construction, Beartwo packs this unit with useful features like vibration alerts for incoming calls, enhanced bass, and a sweat-proof exterior. Best of all, this product comes with multiple earbud tips to fit ears of various shapes and sizes.
Pros:
- The sixteen-hour battery life for music is at the high end of the standard range.
- The headset can support Bluetooth connectivity from up to two devices simultaneously. Thanks to that, you can simultaneously control the audio output via your smartphone and a laptop, for example.
Cons:
- The Bluetooth range is somewhat limiting, but for most folks, that’s not a big issue.
Anker Soundcore Life U2
Powerful playback
Whether you frequently forget to charge your device or you have a long day ahead of you, robust battery life is one of the most useful features an electronic appliance can offer. If you’re concerned about untimely disconnects, the Soundcore Life U2 can thwart those worries. Boasting a 24-hour battery and a rapid-charge interface, Anker’s headset is a step above the rest. In addition to superior power output, this device is can handle liquid submersion for up to half an hour, and the silicon coating prevents dust buildup and nasty skin irritation.
Pros:
- If you like to really hear the bass frequencies, this one performs better than much of the competition. That’s especially bolstered by the “BassUp” mode, which you can activate to boost low-end frequencies.
- Unlike some neckband Bluetooth headphones that utilize outdated USB formats, this one uses USB-C. Thanks to that, it charges extremely fast — so much so that you can get two hours of use out of five minutes of charging time.
Cons:
- The buttons are a bit small, so they can be a bit difficult to operate — especially if you have large fingers.
Bose QuietControl 30
Block it all out
If maintaining consistent, smooth sound quality in noisy surroundings is a non-negotiable feature for you, look no further than the QuietControl 30. This headset from Bose has a unique locking system that ensures a comfortable fit for hours at a time while blocking out ambient sound. Featuring active noise cancellation technology, this device’s dampening effect can be manually adjusted with the help of the user-friendly Bose Connect app. Functionality aside, the sleek aesthetics of the QuietControl 30 are another huge plus.
Pros:
- We’re big fans of the body’s ergonomic curve because it helps prevent the headset from shifting while you’re walking.
- The decision to place the buttons directly on the wiring makes changing tracks a breeze. That definitely can’t be said about all neckband headsets.
Cons:
- Given the price, we wish the battery lasted longer. Ten hours is a bit disappointing.
Our Tips and Tricks
Plenty of people wonder whether their headphones can be used for phone calls, and typically, the answer is yes. That’s thanks to the inclusion of a microphone (or sometimes multiple microphones). But how effective a headset’s microphones are varied greatly between different models. The physical placement of a microphone is the number one factor in determining how effective it will be. To reduce feedback from breathing, always have the microphone below or to the side of your mouth. Microphones should be placed within three inches of your mouth for a clear, undistorted sound. Since most headsets are unidirectional, this means the holes in the mic must be angled towards your face as well. Fortunately, most neckband headphones place their mics near the end of the main body and angle their microphones up towards your mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are headphones safe to use for hours on end?
While headphone use isn’t discussed as much as screen usage in our tech-heavy present, heavy headphone use can cause damage over time. On the whole, doctors recommend keeping your headphones’ volume below 60% of their max level to avoid long-term damage. If you must listen at maximum volume, try to limit your exposure to no more than five minutes at a time. Damage to the inner ear is currently irreversible, and symptoms such as ringing or muffled hearing can only be slowed down once it becomes noticeable.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.