We all have bought speakers at one point in our lives which plays a significant role in our lives in the form of audio entertainment. But have you heard about neckband speakers? Yes, you heard it right, neckband speakers are the next new thing that has revolutionized the industry of speakers.
Today we will be finding out the audio technologies used in this masterpiece and find out what things to consider while purchasing a neckband speaker so that you don’t get dissatisfied or disappointed. We will also be listing out the best neckband speakers for you to choose the best fit for you ultimately.
Queue the music!
What Are Neckband Speakers?
Neckband Speakers is an audio accessory that wraps around your neck to give you a personalized audio hearing experience that no machine has offered before. This accessory comes in a shape hair band-type structure that can be wrapped around your neck and has speakers near the ear.
The use of neckband speakers has been trendy in the market due to several factors. Number one is that they are very convenient and portable which makes a popular choice for people on the go. Whether you’re exercising, commuting, or simply walking around, neckband speakers allow you to enjoy your favorite music or podcasts without the hassle of carrying bulky headphones or dealing with tangled cables.
Number two is that, neckband speakers completely remove the usage of your smartphone to control the neckband speakers as the controls are already built on it.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Neckband Speaker
It is very obvious that we go through a few parameters before purchasing something, so we have listed those parameters for you to consider before making the purchase.
Sound Quality
The main aim of purchasing neckband speakers is definitely the sound quality, make sure to check the sounds they are offering have a balanced sound profile with clear highs, detailed mids, and impactful bass customer reviews also play a major role in understanding the real sound quality of the neckband speaker.
Comfort and Fit
It is very important to consider the comfort and fit of our neckband speaker because the majority of the time, this speaker will be on your neck so choosing the one with the right ergonomics and materials that will not cause any irritation on the longer process is very ideal in this situation. Adjustable neckband speakers are also better as you can adjust them however you feel it is convenient.
Battery Life
Battery life is another crucial factor to consider while purchasing a neckband speaker. You must check how much it lasts after giving a single charge because it might affect you when you are traveling and charging is not an option so a single charge must be able to give a backup of a proper amount of time.
Connectivity Options
Ensure that the neckband speakers have the connectivity options you require. Most models offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly connect to your smartphone or other devices. Some may also have additional features like NFC pairing or the ability to connect via a wired connection using a 3.5mm audio cable.
Controls and Functionality
Make sure to check the controls on the neckband speaker if it is easily accessible for adjusting volume, changing tracks, or answering calls. Some models also offer voice control or touch-sensitive controls for added convenience.
Water Resistance and Sweat Proof
It is very important to purchase a neckband speaker that has a water resistance level of IP67 or above because these levels can resist a good amount of water or sweat upon making contact.
Additional Features
Check for extra features such as active noise cancellation for better immersion in noisy environments, ambient sound modes to stay aware of your surroundings, or built-in microphones for hands-free calling. Purchase the one that suits your specific requirements.
Audio Technologies Used – For The Tech Savvys!
Wireless audio technologies come with codecs, there are several popular codecs that are commonly used to transmit high-quality audio over Bluetooth connections. Here are some of the most widely known codecs used in these neckband speakers.
Please note that the codecs mentioned below have to be compatible with your phone, laptop, PC, or any other device you prefer connecting your neckband speaker to for getting the best audio performance.
SBC (Subband Coding)
SBC is the default and mandatory codec for Bluetooth audio. It provides basic audio streaming and is supported by all Bluetooth devices. But it offers relatively lower audio quality compared to other codecs and is considered a more generic option.
aptX
aptX is a codec developed by Qualcomm that aims to provide higher-quality audio with lower latency compared to SBC. It uses a more efficient compression algorithm, which gives better sound reproduction. Both the transmitting and receiving devices need to support aptX for it to work, which may limit compatibility.
aptX HD
aptX HD is an enhanced version of aptX that supports high-definition audio. It can transmit audio at higher bit rates and provide improved sound quality, closer to that of a wired connection. Just like aptX, both the transmitting and receiving devices must support aptX HD for it to be utilized.
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)
AAC is a widely used audio codec that offers high-quality audio compression. We can often see it used in Apple devices and is supported by most Bluetooth headphones and speakers. AAC comparatively provides better sound quality than SBC but is not as widely compatible as SBC due to its association with Apple products.
LDAC
LDAC is a codec developed by Sony that supports high-resolution audio transmission. It can transmit audio at a higher bit rate compared to other codecs, which gives better sound quality. LDAC is backward compatible, meaning it can work with devices that support SBC or AAC, but for the best performance, both the transmitting and receiving devices should support LDAC. meaning that your phone must be compatible with your neckband speaker to get the best performance.
The Top Best 7 Neckband Speakers
Sony SRS-NB10
Sony produces the slickest-looking designs when it comes to Neckband Speakers
Features
- Has a dedicated mute, volume adjustment, and power button for you to easily work from home.
- Made with premium materials to give the best look while maintaining the lightweight.
- A magnificent trajectory of sound passing through a full range upward-facing unit.
- With the precise voice pickup technology now you can talk in the most subtle way.
- Has an integrated mute button which comes in handy during calls.
- Has 20 hours of battery life with a USB Type-C charging port.
- With the multi-point connection feature, you can connect it to multiple devices at once.
Panasonic SC-GN01PP
This Panasonic Neckband Speaker is made for having a three-way ideal experience of gaming, movies, and music with a dedicated built-in microphone.
Features
- Has the most detailed audio quality for gaming, movies, and music all together.
- The True Majestic Augmented Gaming Environment Sound System (TRUE MAGESS) technology with 4-channel surround speakers will make you feel that you are inside the game.
- With the echo-canceling microphone, you can now comfortably rely on it for communicating while playing games.
- Has three gaming sound modes (RPG, FPS, and Voice Mode) developed in partnership with the Final Fantasy(R) XIV (FFIXV) Online sound team with Music, Cinema, and Stereo modes to the best out of all modes of audio.
- Gives an eye on the children on what they are listening to while playing games.
Zulu Audio Magnetic Wearable Bluetooth Speaker
Zulu has made neckband speakers for athletes out there who are out there grinding yet have a magical audio experience.
Features
- A dynamic design that sits on your clothes and provides the best sound to your ears.
- Has magnetic clips that sit on your clothes and prevent you from falling while you are running, biking, or walking.
- Seamlessly connects with any Bluetooth device for a wireless audio experience.
- Gives 4 hours of backup charge in 75% volume and has a micro-USB charging port.
- IPX4 water splash and sweat resistant.
- Has an in-built microphone to answer calls on the run.
Oraolo Wireless Wearable Speaker
Oraolo has True 3D Stereo Sound incorporated in their neckband speaker which gives the listener an ultimate dimension of audio experience.
Features
- Has built-in 3W*2 which gives the user a rich sound and an enhanced bass.
- 3D theater sound from the upward-facing design.
- Soft silicone material gives the ultimate comfort on the neck.
- Has IPX5 water resistance and is suitable for outdoor sports.
- Has a TF card slot that can be switched between Bluetooth and TF card mode instantly.
- Has 4 buttons to navigate the neckband speaker such as volume up/down, previous/next music, answer/hangup or reject calls, and play/pause music.
- Gives a clearer sound with its built-in active noise cancellation feature.
- 24 hours of playtime at 60% volume with a whopping 1000mAh battery.
- Crafted with premium silicone material for utmost comfort in the neck maintaining lightweight.
Sony SRS-NS7
Sony has an inbuilt home theater wrapped around your neck to have a premium theatrical experience.
Feature
- A personalized home theater wrapped around your neck.
- Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer technology will give you a 3D audio experience if you have the WLA-NS7 transmitter and a BRAVIA XR TV model sold separately.
- With the wireless TV adaptor included, experience lag-free audio.
- Get a crystal clear sound with an upward-facing X-Balanced speaker unit.
- Has 12 hours of charge backup on a single charge.
- Has a built-in microphone for easier communication.
Avantree Torus Wearable Wireless Neck Speaker
Avantree Torus gives the lowest latency audio with retractable earbuds and has 3D surround stereo music.
Features
- A 3D experience for you to get entertained with a full range speaker on both sides of the neck speaker giving a theatrical ambiance.
- Get a better-than-CD audio quality with the aptX-HD processing unit.
- With the ergonomic design, you will not even feel that there is a neckband speaker wrapped around your neck because of its lightweight.
- Has a retractable built-in earbud as an alternate option for use. You can switch to the earbuds mode whenever you need privacy or do not want to disturb others.
Monster Boomerang Neckband
Monster Boomerang Neckband has an IPX7 Waterproof rating which makes it a supreme kind of neckband speaker.
Features
- With a 3W speaker system and 2 bass diaphragms, experience a full range speaker on both sides of the neck speaker wrapping your ears to give you a surreal 3D theater sound quality.
- The ergonomic design of Monster will give you the utmost comfort without having to worry about slippage during any physical activity.
- The IPX7 Waterproof feature gives the divine powers of being completely water resistant and can be submerged underwater up to 3.3 feet and can also float on water without any problem.
- The hands-free calling system is the ultimate comfort because now you can talk on the phone without even having to use your hands. Just place the boomerang on your neck and talk seamlessly.
- The speaker can operate for up to 12 hours from a single charge at half volume and 6 hours at full volume.
- The sound from the speaker blasts in upwards motion directly to your ears giving you the best sound.
- This monster won the European Design Award back in the 2022 RedDot Award.
- It supports Bluetooth 5.0 connection.
Bottom Line
And to conclude this article today we would love to say that this piece of absolutely magnificent creation has revolutionized the industry of headphones and earbuds.
Neckband speakers have been spreading around the markets of the globe and receiving positive feedback as it has the utmost comfort giving listeners an unreal feeling of a theater.
With IPX7 Waterproof ratings, it has proved that it will dominate the headphone and earbuds market in the foreseeable future.
