Neckband earbuds serve as a comfortable wireless option for listeners who aren’t ready to make the switch to true wireless earbuds yet or who find traditional wireless earbuds too cumbersome to handle.
There are plenty of options out there, but we’ve highlighted the best options for athletes, iPhone users, and everyday consumers, so you can spend more time listening and less time researching.
Best Neckband Headphones for Phone Calls
1. Sony WI-1000XM2
The Sony WI-1000XM2 wireless headphones have earned a reputation as a premium choice in the neckband earbuds segment.
They’re an upgraded version of the Sony WI-1000X wireless, with improved controls and a more flexible neckband.
They feature excellent noise-canceling thanks to Sony’s HD QN1 processor, a flexible neckband for all-day comfort, and a built-in microphone for hands-free calling.
They offer a long-lasting battery life of up to 10 hours and a quick-charge feature that gives you 80 minutes of playback time in just 10 minutes.
Easy voice access with Alexa support, and smart features that adjust ambient sound based on your activity. Plus, the Sony Connect app lets you customize your sound profile with EQ and presets.
The neckband includes earbuds of various sizes, a carrying case, an in-flight plug adapter, and a USB cable.
Overall, the Sony WI-1000XM2 wireless headphones offer a great balance of comfort, convenience, and impressive sound quality.
2. Beats Flex earbuds
The Beats Flex are tangle-free, so you don’t have to worry about them getting tangled in your pocket.
The Beats Flex is one of the most affordable in the Apple ecosystem, and it integrates seamlessly with iOS devices, with hands-free access to Siri, improved battery life, and seamless device switching.
You can also use Audio Sharing with other Beats and AirPods products.
According to our battery life test, it can be used for 10 hours and 24 minutes. If the battery is low, a 10-minute charge will give you 90 minutes of playback.
The Beats Flex charges using a USB-C cable, so you can keep it up to date. Those considering exercising may want to be careful because this product is not waterproof.
The entire set weighs only 18.6 grams, making it really light. The onboard sound does not emphasize the highs, providing a sound that focuses more on the lows. This is the sound that Beats fans will prefer.
3. DEWALT Wireless Bluetooth Neckband Headphones
This Bluetooth wireless headset uses cVc 8.0 noise reduction technology to suppress noisy background noise during calls, so you can focus on the task at hand.
This Bluetooth headset with a microphone lasts all day, so you can listen to music and take calls throughout your workday.
The wireless neckband is so lightweight and comfortable that it almost feels like it’s not there.
The flexible neckband adjusts to your comfort level, making these wrap-around headphones ideal for use on the job site.
With an IPX6 rating for sweat and water resistance, these DEWALT headphones are built to withstand the rigors of any jobsite.
Includes additional interchangeable ear cushions if you need a neckband earbud for small or large ears, plus a Type C charging cable.
4. Sony WI C100
If you’re on a budget, these might be the perfect neckband headphones for you. They come with a bunch of smart features.
You can choose audio presets to match the type of music you’re playing, and you can even create your own in the Sony app.
Even if you lose them, you can still ‘ring’ them or check their location on your phone.
As an added bonus, these headphones are IPX4-rated, so they can withstand splashes of water or light rain.
When you’re done using them, the flexible neckband makes them easy to fold up and store. The headphones are available in white, charcoal, blue, and black.
5. Mpow Jaws Upgrade Gen5
If you’re looking for something really cheap, the Mpow Jaws are a great choice. They may have a lot of plastic, but the performance definitely outweighs the price tag.
The Mpow Jaws are under $30 and are a perfect choice for anyone who loves bass.
The Mpow Jaws feature a rather unusual design, with two plastic arms that resemble shark jaws and a rubber neckband that connects the two arms.
The arms have magnetic tips so you can attach the earbuds when not in use.
The comfort is almost perfect. Once you find the right tips, the earbuds stay firmly in your ears. The neckband doesn’t move around too much and is comfortable enough for working out.
The most noticeable upgrade compared to the previous version of the Mpow Jaws is the different button layout. The Gen 5 features a simple three-button layout.
It’s very easy to use and very responsive. You can use these three buttons to control playback and volume, answer calls, and activate Siri.
The charging port and built-in microphone are also located on the right neckband arm. The neckband vibrates when you turn it on or off and when paired with your phone.
The latest version of the Jaws headphones features Bluetooth 5.0. It provides a stable and reliable connection. The uninterrupted range is over 50 feet.
Pairing is simple. You can pair two devices at the same time (multipoint pairing). NFC pairing is not supported.
The battery is another big upgrade. The advertised playback time is 18 hours, but it only lasts 15.5 hours at 50% volume.
Charging takes less than 3 hours. Fast charging and auto-shutdown are not supported. These headphones are compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
The microphone works very well. The neckband vibrates when you get a call. The voice on the other end may sound a little thin, but you can hear it perfectly. Overall, the microphone performance is more than satisfactory.
The previous version of the Mpow Jaws had a pretty strong bass. This one has bigger drivers and stronger bass. If you don’t have a strong bass, you won’t like it.
The bass boost extends all the way to the mids and lows. The rest of the mids are well-balanced and very clear.
The treble reproduction is probably the worst part of the sound. It’s very inconsistent and lacks a lot of detail. It sounds lifeless. I was impressed with the passive isolation that these earbuds provide. Leakage is minimal.
6. Evolve 65e
Compatible with Microsoft Teams and UC certified, Jabra’s Evolve 65e is one of the best neckband headphone sets for remote and office work.
It’s pricier than some of the others you can buy, but you get some great features for the extra investment.
The right cable has a red ‘do not disturb’ light, making it ideal for business meetings and important calls. Plus, there’s a built-in mute button and vibration alerts.
The Jabra app lets you adjust the audio to suit your surroundings, and the brand claims it also reduces wind noise when you’re out and about.
Known for its excellent microphone system, this neckband is ideal for calls, music, and even the gym, thanks to its IP54 rating.
Its 13-hour battery life will get you through the day, and it features special Unified Communications and Microsoft-certified versions for better compatibility with platforms like Skype.
While it doesn’t quite block out low-frequency noise like the Sony WI-1000XM2, its noise-canceling feature does a great job of reducing high and mid-frequency sounds.
7. Sennheiser HD1 In-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
The headphones look very premium. The neckband is wrapped in Nappa leather with red stitching, which is very attractive. The earbuds are made of aluminum, which feels solid and durable.
The overall build quality is very good. The only issue is the wire that connects the earbuds to the neckband. It’s not as durable as the neckband and earbuds.
The button layout is a bit odd. All the buttons are on the inside of the left neckband arm and take some time to get used to.
The good thing is that the controls are quite intuitive and easy to use. There are four buttons: one for power/pairing and three for playback/volume/call control.
You can also use the middle button to activate Siri or Google Assistant.
Before the Sennheiser Smart Control app was released, there was an app called Sennheiser Cap Tune that was compatible with the HD1 in-ear headphones and allowed you to adjust the EQ settings.
The new app does not support the HD1, so you will only be able to adjust the EQ settings using some third-party software.
The headphones feature Bluetooth 4.1. The connection is stable and reliable. Pairing is simple, and if your device supports NFC pairing, you’ll be happy to know that the HD1 supports it too.
The headphones are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. They support AAC, SBC, and aptX Bluetooth audio codecs. Finally, the HD1 headphones support multipoint pairing.
The battery life is very good. The HD1 headphones offer up to 10 hours of playback time and recharging takes less than 2 hours.
The sound quality is one of the biggest highlights. The HD1 headphones are not audiophile-grade, but the sound signature is very enjoyable and fun. The bass is accurate, powerful, and dynamic.
The treble frequencies are a bit high, which can cause a bit of boom when playing bass-heavy tracks. The low mids are also a bit high due to the bass emphasis.
The rest of the mids are well-balanced and clear, but the vocals are pushed back a bit. The treble response is not great.
The lows are recessed and lack detail, while the highs are elevated, which can result in some sibilance when playing tracks with strong treble. Sound leakage is minimal and isolation is satisfactory.
8. JBL TUNE 215BT
Another affordable option, JBL’s Tune 215BT headphones are available for under £50.
Like some more expensive headphones, these headphones feature multi-connectivity, allowing you to switch between two devices with minimal hassle.
Simply use the voice assistant or the three-button remote to control your music or calls. These headphones come in a number of fun colors, including blue, green, and gold.
9. SOL REPUBLIC Shadow Fusion
The SOL REPUBLIC Shadow Fusion might just be the best-looking around-the-neck headphones on the market. It’s not as feature-packed as the Sony WI1000X headphones, but it’s still a good choice
if you’re looking for something attractive. The biggest highlights are its gorgeous design, solid construction, stable Bluetooth connection, and bass-heavy sound.
The Shadow Fusion headphones have an elegant design. They are very attractive and eye-catching. The neckband is wrapped in a so-called knit fabric, which looks very luxurious.
It is also flexible and durable. The same goes for the wire and earpieces. The headphones are IPX5 certified, which makes them perfect for exercise.
Comfort is not an issue. The neckband is soft and not too tight. The earpieces feature an angled design, which provides a very secure fit.
The button layout is very simple. There are three buttons on the left neckband arm, which can be used to control playback and volume, answer calls, and activate Siri or Google Assistant.
All buttons are responsive and easy to reach. There is also a USB-C charging port on the left neckband arm.
The headphones use Bluetooth 5.0 and provide a stable wireless connection within a standard 30-foot range. They are compatible with iOS and Android devices.
Unfortunately, the headphones do not support multipoint pairing and NFC. They also do not support advanced Bluetooth audio codecs. They only support AAC and SBC.
The battery lasts up to 10 hours on a single charge. Charging takes less than an hour. Thanks to the USB-C connection, the headphones support fast charging. A 15-minute charge will give you 3 hours of playback.
The most interesting and unexpected feature of the SOL REPUBLIC Shadow Fusion headphones is the Tile tracking technology. If you lose your headphones, you can use the Tile app to find them.
The microphone is usable, but not perfect, and it cannot separate voices from surrounding noise, especially when there is a lot of noise around you.
The Shadow Fusion headphones offer a sound with a strong bass. The bass extension is not great, but the response is high and expansive.
The low mids are a bit muddy, but the rest of the mids are very accurate and balanced. The highs are a bit recessed and lack detail, but they are not dull or lifeless.
10. LG Tone Flex XL7
The LG Tone Flex XL7 is a top-of-the-line wireless neckband headset. It can upscale lower-resolution files to 32-bit high-resolution audio for optimal streaming quality.
Meridian Audio Technology delivers a neutral frequency response that works well with almost any music genre. If you want a wireless headset with little compromise, this is a stylish choice.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of the best neckband headphones of 2024/2025, it’s clear that personal audio is getting more comfortable, convenient, and quality.
Each model has a different set of needs to suit everyone. To extend the life of your headphones, remember to clean and store them properly and avoid rough handling.