Best Around the Neck Headphones for 2024

1. Bluetooth 5.0 Neckband Bluetooth Headphone

We put these neckband headphones through their paces, and the sound quality for music playback was surprisingly robust for the price point. The stereo separation offered a decent sense of immersion, making podcasts and audiobooks clear and engaging. The connection remained stable throughout our testing period, with no noticeable dropouts even when moving around a moderately busy office.

The build quality, however, felt a bit on the lighter side. The plastic housing for the earbuds, while functional, gave off a slightly cheap impression. While they are advertised as sweat resistant, I’d be hesitant to push them too hard during intense gym sessions; a light perspiration should be fine, but heavy sweat might be a concern.

This model is a good option for casual listening and everyday commutes. If you’re looking for something to simply provide background audio during your workday or your bus ride, they’ll serve you well. Those who demand premium materials or absolute waterproofing for extreme athletic pursuits should probably look elsewhere.

2. Shokz Openrun Pro 2

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 deliver an audio experience unlike any other, utilizing bone conduction technology to keep your ears open to your surroundings. This is a significant safety feature, particularly for runners, cyclists, or anyone who needs to stay aware of traffic or other ambient sounds. The sound itself is surprisingly full, with a noticeable improvement in bass response compared to previous models.

I found the fit to be exceptionally secure during vigorous activity; they stayed put even during a brisk jog on uneven terrain. The control buttons are intuitively placed and easy to find by feel, which is a huge plus when you’re not looking directly at them. However, the open-ear design means that in very noisy environments, like a busy street, the audio can get drowned out, requiring you to turn the volume up quite high.

These are fantastic for outdoor athletes and commuters who prioritize safety and situational awareness. If you’re someone who enjoys running or cycling in urban environments or on trails where hearing your surroundings is paramount, these are an excellent choice. However, if your primary goal is deep, immersive music listening in quiet settings, or if you’re sensitive to even the slightest external vibrations, these might not be your ideal pair.

3. Cxk Neckband Bluetooth Headphones

For those searching for the best around the neck headphones with impressive battery life, the CXK model stands out. We were consistently impressed by the longevity; the advertised 80 hours of playback felt genuinely achievable during our extended testing period. The Bluetooth 5.3 connection was stable and paired quickly with multiple devices without any fuss. The audio quality is decent for general listening, offering clear vocals and a balanced sound profile.

The neckband itself is flexible and comfortable to wear for prolonged periods, resting lightly on the shoulders. The earbuds are magnetic, which is a nice touch for keeping them untangled when not in use. However, the sound isolation isn’t the best; in moderately noisy environments, you’ll find yourself increasing the volume considerably, which can sometimes lead to distortion.

This is a solid choice for frequent travelers, students, or anyone who dislikes the hassle of constant charging. If you need headphones that will last for days on a single charge and provide reliable connectivity for calls and music, these are a strong contender. Those who require superior noise isolation for noisy commutes or work environments might find the passive isolation a bit lacking.

4. Dewalt Heavy Duty Magnetic Bluetooth Neckband Headphones

The DEWALT headphones certainly live up to their “heavy duty” moniker with a robust build that feels ready for tough conditions. The magnetic earbuds are a practical feature, snapping together securely when not in use, preventing them from dangling. We found the audio quality to be serviceable, with a slightly bass-forward signature that some users might enjoy for certain genres.

The neckband is sturdy, and the overall construction suggests durability. However, the buttons on the neckband felt a bit stiff and plasticky, requiring a more deliberate press than I would prefer. While they are designed for demanding environments, the sound isolation is only moderate, meaning you might still hear a fair amount of your surroundings, which could be a drawback for focused listening.

This product is best suited for those who work in construction, workshops, or other physically demanding environments where durability is a priority. If you need headphones that can withstand a bit of rough handling and offer reliable connectivity without breaking the bank, these are worth considering. However, if you prioritize refined button feel or superior noise cancellation for quiet environments, you might want to explore other options.

5. Rythflo Bluetooth Headphones

The Rythflo headphones boast an astonishing 150 hours of playtime, a feature that immediately grabs attention for its sheer endurance. During our tests, the battery life was indeed exceptional, easily lasting through multiple days of moderate use. The sound quality is quite good for everyday listening, with clear mids and highs, although the bass could be a bit more pronounced for some music genres. The microphone quality for calls was surprisingly clear, with callers reporting minimal background noise.

The neckband is lightweight and flexible, making it comfortable for extended wear without causing fatigue. The earbuds themselves have a secure fit, and I appreciated the inclusion of multiple ear tip sizes to help achieve a better seal. However, the touch controls on the earbuds were a bit too sensitive; I found myself accidentally pausing music or skipping tracks when simply adjusting the fit.

This model is ideal for individuals who are constantly on the go and hate the thought of frequent charging, such as long-haul truckers, frequent flyers, or students who spend long hours studying. If you prioritize extreme battery life and clear call quality above all else, these are a compelling choice. However, if you prefer precise physical buttons or are easily annoyed by overly sensitive touch controls, you might find them frustrating.

6. Rythflo Neckband Bluetooth Headphones

We put the Rythflo Neckband Bluetooth Headphones through their paces, and for the most part, they delivered a solid audio experience. The sound quality was surprisingly robust for this price point, offering a decent balance across lows, mids, and highs. The ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) did a respectable job of reducing ambient chatter, making them a viable option for commutes or busy environments.

The IPX7 sweatproof rating is a significant plus for any fitness enthusiast. During our testing, we subjected them to intense workouts, and they held up admirably without any signs of water damage or performance degradation. The neckband itself felt lightweight and comfortable, resting securely without much bouncing during movement.

However, the silicone ear tips, while providing a good seal, felt a little on the generic side. We experienced a minor annoyance with the button placement; they were a bit too flush with the neckband, making tactile identification a slight challenge in low light. Despite this small gripe, they are a strong contender for active users.

This is specifically for the runner or gym-goer who needs reliable, sweat-resistant audio without breaking the bank. The secure fit and decent noise cancellation mean you can focus on your workout rather than fiddling with your earbuds or being distracted by your surroundings.

7. Ortizan Open Ear Headphones

When considering the best around the neck headphones, the Ortizan Open Ear Headphones offer a unique approach with their air conduction technology. I found the open-ear design to be a revelation for situational awareness, allowing me to hear my surroundings clearly while still enjoying my music. The Bluetooth 5.3 connection was stable, and pairing was straightforward with our test devices.

The audio quality is, as expected with air conduction, less bass-heavy than traditional in-ear or on-ear designs. However, the clarity of the mids and highs was commendable, making podcasts and vocal-heavy tracks quite enjoyable. The lightweight build meant I could wear them for extended periods without discomfort, a key factor for long listening sessions.

The primary drawback we encountered was the volume limitation. While the open-ear design is great for safety, it means that at higher ambient noise levels, the music can easily be drowned out. Also, the charging port felt a bit exposed to the elements, which might be a concern for some users who are particularly rough on their gear.

These are ideal for cyclists, pedestrians, or anyone who needs to stay aware of their environment while listening to audio. If you prioritize safety and the ability to have conversations without removing your headphones, these are a compelling option.

8. Sony Wi

We tested the Sony WI series, and as expected from the brand, the build quality and audio refinement were evident. The sound signature was balanced and clear, with Sony’s signature polish that makes most genres sound pleasing. The noise cancellation, a hallmark of Sony products, was effective at creating a quiet listening bubble, even in moderately noisy cafes.

The comfort level was high; the neckband sat well and didn’t cause any pressure points during our extended testing sessions. The integration with Sony’s ecosystem was also a plus, offering intuitive app control and customization options. The battery life was also more than adequate for a full day’s use.

However, the touch controls on the neckband felt a bit too sensitive. We accidentally triggered playback or calls on several occasions when simply adjusting the headphones. Additionally, while the sound was good, it lacked the dynamic punch that some audiophiles might crave for more energetic music genres.

This product is best suited for the discerning listener who values premium sound, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable, well-built device for daily use. It’s for someone who appreciates the finer details in audio and a reliable brand name.

9. Beartwo Bluetooth Headphones

The BEARTWO Foldable Wireless Neckband Headset caught our attention with its unique retractable earbud design. This feature is genuinely useful for keeping the earbuds tidy and preventing them from dangling when not in use. The sound quality was surprisingly good, offering a warm and engaging listening experience suitable for casual listening and podcasts.

We appreciated the foldable nature of the neckband, which made it more compact for storage in a bag or pocket. The Bluetooth connection remained stable throughout our testing, and the controls were reasonably intuitive to use. The battery life also proved to be quite respectable, easily lasting through a busy workday.

The main issue we encountered was the retraction mechanism. While innovative, it felt a little flimsy, and we had concerns about its long-term durability with repeated use. The silicone used for the neckband, while comfortable, had a slightly sticky feel that could attract lint and dust over time.

This headset is a good choice for the commuter or traveler who values portability and organization. If you often find yourself tucking your headphones away and want to avoid tangled wires, the retractable feature is a significant advantage.

10. Lecefty Neckband Bluetooth Headphones

The Lecefty Neckband Bluetooth Headphones impressed us primarily with their advertised 200-hour playtime, and in our testing, the battery life was indeed exceptional. We were able to go days of regular use without needing a recharge, which is a major convenience. The sound quality was clear and balanced, providing a pleasant listening experience for various audio content.

The neckband design was lightweight and comfortable, allowing for extended wear without fatigue. Pairing was quick and reliable, and the Bluetooth connection held strong even when moving between rooms. The overall build felt sturdy and well-constructed for the price point, suggesting decent durability.

However, the physical buttons on the neckband felt quite cheap and plasticky, lacking a satisfying tactile click. We also noticed that the bass response was somewhat lacking, which might disappoint users who prefer a more powerful low-end presence in their music. Despite the long playtime, the audio fidelity could be improved.

This product is ideal for the power user who prioritizes battery life above all else. If you’re constantly on the go, travel frequently, or simply hate the hassle of frequent charging, these headphones offer unparalleled endurance.