Top 11 Best Neckband Headphones

Best wireless neckband headphones in 2022 – Say no to unwieldy sets

Headphones are an integral part of our lives these days. Whether you're walking down the street, sitting on a bus or train, or at your desk working on that project for work, Bluetooth headphones can make all the difference in how you feel and how productive you are. Neckband earbuds have been popularized by fitness apps and bands, but they can also be used for everyday use when you want to listen to music or take phone calls without being tethered to your device. With so many different neckband headphones out there it's important to know what makes one better than another. 

Good neckband earbuds should meet quite a lot of criteria, including noise canceling, superior sound quality, frequency response, and so much more. Having chosen dozens of adequate options from the plethora of headphones there is in the market, our team has tested the most standing out models and created a list for your convenience. We understand that specs are not the only important thing when it comes to buying a new device, so we have also considered less obvious features such as cost and design. The list below is regularly updated, so be sure to check it for recently added alternatives if you are looking to choose a new set of earbuds.

We've put more than 300 headphones to the test, and below are our recommendations for the finest wireless neckband headphones.

Best

Treblab N8

Best neckband headphones in 2022

7h play, 1.5h charge

Passive noise-cancelling

PX5 water resistant

Secure fit for sport

Ultra-Light Bluetooth Earbuds

TREBLAB N8 running earphones for sports are super lightweight, coming in at just 0,04 lb. Made with aluminum and soft silicone, these magnetic earbuds are incredibly comfortable.

Up To 7 Hours Of Music

You won’t need to worry about these earbuds failing before you get to the end of your run or finish your call: they offer an impressive 7 hours of playback time from a single charge.

Read more about Treblab N8

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Neckband headphones - how to choose the right pair?

Neckband headphones are a compromise between regular in-ear and traditional headphone designs but they have several benefits.

Neckband headphones are very comfortable to wear - they fit around your neck and don't cause any strain on the ears or head like regular over-ear designs do, which is especially important during sports activities when you're constantly moving your body (and head). 

Neckband models also ensure that you can listen to music more than with regular wireless in-ear headphones.

The next pros of neckband earphones is better access to controls: they place all playback and volume control buttons right in front of you, giving you quick access when needed.

Finally - neckband earphones are usually more affordable than regular wireless earbuds designs because they are more compact and require fewer components.

The main disadvantage with neckband designs is that they are bigger and bulkier than regular in-ear pairs, but this should by no means discourage you from getting one!

What to Look for When Choosing the Neckband Headphones?

There are 4 main things to check:

• Build Quality 
• Sound Quality
• Noise Cancellation
• Battery Life

Build Quality - A neckband headphone should be made from durable materials such as metal and thick, high-quality plastic. This will ensure that it is strong enough to withstand regular use and workouts without falling apart or malfunctioning.

Sound Quality - The sound quality of a pair of headphones depends largely on its drivers. They should be able to produce strong, full-bodied sound without too much emphasis on the bass or treble frequencies - this is especially important if you listen to classical or vocal music genres which require accurate reproduction of high and mid-range frequencies.

Noise Cancellation - This feature will allow you to block out ambient noise when you focus on your work or music without any distractions. Neckband headphones use active noise cancellation which is more advanced and it uses external microphones to pick up on ambient sounds and then produce an "antinoise" which drowns out the original noises. 

Battery Life - A neckband headphone should be able to play sound for at least 12 hours (some models can go up to 24+ hours) before you need to recharge them, which is enough time even for the most demanding users out there.

What Types of Neckband Headphones There Are and How to Choose the Right One?

There are neckband earphones that are specifically designed for athletes, music listeners, and gamers. The quality of the sound and the material depends on what the neckband headphones are made for, and your choice should also depend on how and when you are planning to use the device. Sports activity earbuds might be the most durable as they are water and sweat-resistant, and they also provide customers with a longer battery life and better Bluetooth connectivity features. However, if you are looking for bluetooth headphones that will help you immerse into the amazing world of music and magic of the sound, the second type of earphones mentioned above will be the right choice for you and your purposes.

Do Neckband Earbuds Have a Good Mic?

It depends on the specs of a certain model. For instance, a microphone can be located where the controls are, and there are usually on the left side of the set. It can also be located at the end of the device, but it is best that the mic is just an inch above one's mouth, as it is the most convenient configuration. Check if the headphones you are looking to buy have active noise canceling feature while one is talking on the phone, and make sure that the set of neckband earphones you choose is dust-resistant so that unpleasant pieces of dust do not pollute the microphone and make the quality of the calls worse.

Which Bluetooth Version is Better?

Nowadays, the most popular version of Bluetooth used for headphones is 4.0, as it provides good connectivity, clear quality of the sound, and consumes little energy, keeping a device charged for a longer time. Bluetooth 5.0 is the newest version which is much faster and works on a longer distance, but as these features are not vital when it comes to headphones, we might advise you to consider buying a device with a 4.0 version of Bluetooth that will be much cheaper and priceworthy.

Why Should Neckband Earphones Be Waterproof?

Waterproof headphones are resistant to swear, rain, and any moisture that might be harmful to the device – therefore, such earbuds are much more durable and will serve you for a longer time. Even if you are not planning on exposing your headphones to water, sometimes, weather conditions and other factors might be quite unpredictable. The IPX4 rating would be enough for headphones, and this is the minimum rating you should consider.

2022 is a nasty blow for the world. But who said you couldn't get through it with some good music? The time is ripe to bounce back by getting your hands on the best Bluetooth neckband headphones. Let's unearth the top choices for you in the upcoming review, whether you're still cooped up inside or going active.

Although most brands jump on the bandwagon with waterproof true wireless or over-the-ear earphones this year, neckband pairs are here to stay. They can add stability to your movements while being more comfortable to carry than earbuds or bulky neckband headsets. Get to know which of an array of headphones out there make your pick of the bunch.

Treblab N8 – The best neckband headphones under $50

This is when you don’t have to consider what type of operating system – iOS or Android – your device is running on. Priced at around $30, Treblab N8 allow you to get the best of both worlds as they seamlessly work with any smartphone or tablet.

The positives of these wireless Bluetooth earphones are not confined to compatibility, though. The chances are, you will appreciate how lightweight and comfortable they prove to be. The N8 take things up a notch by offering a flexible, retractable neckband, complete with silicone ear tips, hooks, and magnetic housing, in the low-profile 0,04-lb build. If this is not what you expect from the best neckband headphones for working out, then what?

When in action, Treblab N8 harness distortion-free sound reproduction even if the environment is a bit harsh. Their water-resistance rating is IPX5, which is pretty enough for most cases that don’t involve going scuba diving. In non-water situations, the headphones’ 10mm drivers deliver a balanced audio experience and enhanced stereo quality.

For the price of several cups of Venti latte at Starbucks, you can buy the wireless earphones that last up to 7 hours. That’s not even close to the previous earbuds in this review (but heck, Treblab N8 cost way, way less!).

Best for Music Lovers: Sony WI-XB400 EXTRA BASS

These magnetic earbuds both are convenient for daily use and can provide users with a great quality of the audio. Perfect for bassheads thanks to their drivers that enhance lower frequencies and overall sound clarity, this is a gem for those looking for neckband headphones that can play their favorite music in the right way.

Built-in touch controls allow one to easily adjust volume, answer phone calls and manage audio playback. Sony WI-XB400 EXTRA BASS are compatible with any mobile devices and can be connected to them via Bluetooth. Their battery lets you continuously listen to audio tracks for 15 hours, and if that is not enough, you can use the quick charge feature not to miss out on music.

Key Features

• Battery life: 15 hours of continuous playback
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• Dynamic drivers: 11.9mm
• Built-in mic

Cheaper Alternative – Sony WI-C400

Sony WI-C400 is an average option, but its value is great for its price, as they have a relatively long battery life and are convenient for those who are looking for headphones to use while doing sports. These earbuds might not provide you with a great quality of the sound, but they are quite durable and reliable.

The design is ergonomic and would even be a great fit for runners due to its stability. These headphones are not made for gamers or music admirers, but they are a good alternative for athletes who do not pay much attention to the audio quality.

Key Features

• Weight: 0.08 lbs
• Stable fit in the ear
• Available in three color options

Best for Apple Users - Apple Beats Flex

These headphones are great for Apple lovers who do not want to buy AirPods due to their price or incompatibility with Android devices. These lightweight earbuds provide customers with tons of great features, and their light material and ergonomic design make them weigh just a bit more than 18 grams. Convenient controls, low price and good connectivity are what makes these neckband headphones fit for anyone who is not willing to spend a lot of money on earphones as well as for those who are looking for a device for everyday use and are not keen on high quality of the music.

Key Features

• 12-hour battery life
• Not waterproof
• Lightweight

Comfortable Fit - Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds 2

For what they are worth, Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds 2 provide customers with a great set of technical features. These headphones might not play music of great quality, but they are a good choice if your budget is not that high. Battery life is up to 7 hours, which is not much but appropriate for a training session. Bluetooth connectivity could also be better, but it works adequately. There are no additional features except for remote controls below the left earpiece. All in all, this neckband earpiece model has its drawbacks, although it still produces sound of good quality and are quite enjoyable.

Key Features

• 6-7-hour battery life
• Three remote controls
• 1.2m cabel

Best Microphone System - LG TONE

LG TONE is a great neckband headset that has a great design and all the features one could look for when choosing headphones – all that for a reasonable price. The audio quality is pretty good, with a neutral-leaning frequency response that is appropriate for listening to any kind of music. No matter if you are a rock fan or a pop-music lover, these headphones can perfectly suit your tastes. LG TONE is a great value for money, as it provides users with all the features that premium models have. Battery life is approximately 10 hours, and the headset has a fast charging features that allows one to get extra 3 hours of listening to music with just 10 minutes of charging the headset via USB-C. LG TONE has a noise cancellation feature, although it isolates one only from higher-pitched sounds, excluding the traffic. The quality of the in-built mic is much better than that of other models, even higher-priced ones.

Key Features

• Up to 10 hours of battery life
• Neutral-leaning frequency response
• Weight: 44g
• Bluetooth 5.0

Best Flexible Neckband for Tight Budget - Sony WI-C200

As these headphones are fairly cheap in price, their features are quite satisfying. 15-hour battery life is what surprises users the most. The sound is full and concise, and even without noise cancellation, the traffic noise cannot be heard. The headset is light and comfortable to wear due to its ergonomic construction. The earpieces are quite small, so it is convenient to wear them under a hat. Lower and higher frequencies are balanced so that Sony WI-C200 can be used for listening to any music genre or podcasts. There are three ear tips in the complect which makes it comfortable for people with any size of ears to wear the headphones without the need to constantly adjust them. There are, however, some negative reviews regarding the quality of the materials the headset consists of as well as the microphone. As there is no noise cancellation in the in-built mic, it is likely that the person you will be talking to will hear unpleasant noises.

Key Features

• Weight: 19g
• 15-hour battery power
• Bluetooth 5.0
• No aptX

Best Neckband Earbuds for Exercising - Bose SoundSport Wireless

In its price category, Bose SoundSport Wireless might be one the best headphones model in the market. Comfortable fit and light weight make these neckband earpieces perfect for active training, as one can rest assured the headphones will not fall out of the ear even while running. As the model is relatively small and does not provide a lot of space for technical features, battery life is not that high at just six hours. However, this might be enough for exercising or going out on a walk. What is vital for any headpieces for sportsmen, Bose SoundSport Wireless are resistant to sweat and have an IPX4 certification. A pleasant bonus for Android users is that these headphones have NFC, meaning they can be connected to a mobile device with just a simple touch.

Key Features

• Weight: 23g
• 6-hour battery power
• NFC supported

Best for Bassheads - Skullcandy Jib+ Wireless

Skullcandy Jib+ Wireless are an average option but appropriate for most use cases. The sound provided by this model is adequate, and the design is simple yet ergonomic enough to fit in one's pocket. This is an appropriate model for doing sports thanks to stability and ear tips of three different sizes in the complect. There are no volume remote controls, but the module on the cable is big and weighs more than it could. Unfortunately, the quality of build materials is not that good either. However, Skullcandy Jib+ Wireless is a good option for those looking for an average-prices headphones model for exercising. The developer claims that these headphones have improved lower frequency which is great for people who like to turn up the bass.

Key Features

• Bluetooth 5.0
• Weight: 17g
• Micro-USB charging cable

Sustainable Built - Samsung Level U

Samsung Level U has a great fit that is quite comfortable and stable, but that is not the only advantage of this model. The model is compact and lightweight, and the design is minimalistic yet ergonomic and appealing. The remote controls are really convenient, and these earpieces are appropriate both for exercising and for everyday use requiring answering phone calls. However, this model lacks sweat resistance, and higher volumes might not sound good enough for music lovers.

Key Features

• Weight: 33g
• Bluetooth: 4.1
• 2 microphones
• 11-hour battery power

Treblab XR700 – Shaped to keep up with your performance

These behind-the-neck earphones are just right for sporty audiophiles. Their cord is so lightweight that you can literally forget it’s there. Plus, the headphones’ design is well-planned for all things ergonomics and comes with adaptable ear hooks. By fixing the set in place, they guarantee a comfortable fit that you can’t go without when running, jumping, or brisk walking.

Bluetooth 5.0, cross-device compatibility for Android and iOS, and clear sound are only a few of the abundance of good features you can expect from the XR700. Another upside is low-latency streaming. If you’re a devoted admirer of YouTube, you’ll appreciate that.

Last but not least, these wireless headphones are top-rated in terms of water protection, according to most reviews. IPX7 is there as a guarantee that the earphones can resist the harshest conditions. You never know when stormy weather may catch you off guard, so it pays to be prepared.

Looking for wireless earbuds that are good for phone calls? Clap your hands as you no longer need to reach for your smartphone. The XR700 are on a par with the best wireless neckband headphones with mics.

Notable Mentions

Sony WI-1000XM2 has a great noise cancellation feature and are appropriate for use in an airplane thanks to improved sound quality. These headphones are small and have a fairly comfortable fit, although they might not provide sound good enough for music lovers.

OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z are praised by customers for the fast charging feature and great lower frequencies. This is a cheaper version of the developer’s more popular model, and therefore it is not stuffed with that many technical features. However, Bluetooth 5.0 and IP55 rating are what makes these headphones a decent buying option.

Sony WI-1000X have a high-quality noise canceling optimizer and a Smart Listening feature that allows one not to worry about adjusting the volume of music. The quality of the sound is actually quite good, and a voice assistant is convenient for controlling playback or answering phone calls.

The bottom line

There’s no denying that brands sometimes go overboard with their wireless behind-the-neck offerings vying for your attention. But should they? Having a wealth of great choices is one thing, but being paralyzed about which one to opt for is another.

The given review of the best neckband Bluetooth headphones is meant to help you let the music in your life. Think of it not just as a roundup of top-rated wireless earbuds but as your guide. Let it walk you through the finest models from the biggest names. Whether you’re more of an avid runner or a music geek, your best-looking choice is listed right here.