I know your feelings, and I bet you don’t feel good. You’ve searched the internet high and low to find the best behind-the-neck headphones, and until now, you’ve had a rough go of it with your quest.
You want a top quality neckband with great reviews and all the latest benefits and features.
Even more important, you don’t want to spend a small fortune for the privilege of owning quality headphones.
I’ve taken it upon myself to review the top 9 behind the neck headphones below.
Stick around to discover the finest options available today.
Quick List: Top 9 Best Behind The Neck Headphones
- Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds – Best Overall
- Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds– Runner up
- LG Tone Style HBS-SL5 – Great Value
- Sony WI-C310 Wireless in-Ear Headset/Headphones – Cheapest
- Sony WI-1000XM2 Behind-Neck Ear Headset
- Beyerdynamic Blue BYRD in-Ear Headphones with Neckband
- RoomyRoc Wireless Neckband Headset
- Sennheiser HD1 Wireless Headphones
- Amorno Foldable Wireless Neckband
Researching the Best Behind the Neck Headphones
I usually keep my research methods close to the vest but I’m going to fill you in on my thought process today.
Why?
You deserve to know the things that I took into consideration when I picked the products that I’ve recommended.
Take features as a prime example. If I’m going to spend my hard earned money on a neckband headset, my eventual choice has to come with the best features.
So I look at things like whether or not it has fast charging, its Bluetooth range, the price, how well it performs, other reviewer’s opinions, and whether it’s comfortable to wear or not.
Besides all of the incredible positive aspects of a particular behind the neck headset, I also tend to focus on the potential negative characteristics as well.
I consider things like:
- Is the cord too short?
- Is the bass too soft?
- Is the treble harsh and scratchy?
- Is the overall sound quality poor?
- Is the neckband too bulky?
I only want to tell my readers about the best behind the neck headphones and nothing more. Anything else isn’t worth my time or yours.
Other headset options you might be interested in are easy to use bluetooth headsets for truckers and our favorite headphones for sleeping.
One of the best behind the neck headphones are the Bose Quietcontrol 30 wireless noise cancelling headphones. Bluetooth & NFC pairing makes wireless connections simple & the lithium ion battery offers up to 10 hours of listening time.
Not everybody can afford to spend that much so that is why we showcase nine excellent options covering different price ranges below.
The Best Behind the Neck Headphones in2024
1. Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds – Best Overall
- Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance....
✔️ What we like: Sweat resistant with an IPX4 ratings, NFC pairing and 6 hours battery life
❌ What we don’t like: The product no longer held its charge after a year
There is much to love about the Bose SoundSport wireless earbuds, including the impressive EQ volume controls. A remote control directly built into the headsetmakes it simple to adjust the volume, switch tracks on your MP3 player, and pause or play your favorite songs. The convenience of this feature is terrific because you can access your audio files without ever needing to turn on your phone or the listening device.
Bluetooth pairing is pretty attractive with this device as well. Believe it or not, it has voice prompts that aid when pairing one or more devices. The prompts will tell you the following steps for swift and effective connectivity. Other devices make pairing their headsets with Bluetooth-enabled audio MP3 players and smartphones hard.
I can’t get enough of these earbuds because of their design specifications. They created them using exclusive Stay Here technology, which prevents the headset from falling off my head during a challenging workout. I can get my heart rate pumping and my body moving and keep my headset firmly in place.
The only issue is potential longevity problems. One reviewer claimed that his headset no longer held its charge after a year. While this never happened to me personally, it did happen to someone so it certainly bears repeating and keeping this information in mind.
If you’re going to invest $100 in a new Bose SoundSport Wireless headset, you should know all of the facts.
2. Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds – Runner up
- BATTERY LIFE - Up to 12 hours of listening time
✔️ What we like: Comfortable and stable, Reduces noise like office chatter
❌ What we don’t like: No EQ, No multi-device pairing
If you’re searching for a neckband-style headset that won’t break the bank, consider the Beats Flex Wireless. Technically, these headphones have a thin, flexible wire rather than a hard neckband, which might translate to a more pleasant all-day experience. They’re particularly enticing to Apple consumers since they have the W1 chip, which enables easy pairing with other Apple products in your ecosystem.
These headphones provide a bass-heavy sound profile that adds punch and depth to your music, making them a good choice for genres like trap and RnB. They’re made to last, with an 11-hour battery life on a single charge, and are available in different colors to match your taste.
However, they lack active noise cancellation (ANC) and may struggle to filter out lower-frequency noises like engine noise throughout your trip. Furthermore, because of their in-ear fit, they perform an excellent job of suppressing workplace talk.
The Beats Flex headphones are comfortable. Their shallow in-ear fit and lightweight cable make them comfortable to wear.
The controls are decent. All the control buttons are located on the left and right modules of the neckband and might require some combination of presses to execute the desired commands.
Like most in-ear headphones, these wireless buds provide excellent breathability. While they may trap some heat in your ear canal, it’s generally not noticeable, especially during physical activities.
In terms of build quality, the Beats Flex impresses with its construction. Primarily made of silicone and plastic, they offer flexibility and durability, making them resilient enough to withstand a few accidental drops.
3. LG Tone Style HBS-SL5 – Great Value
- Sound by meridian-experience three-dimensional audio that’s remarkably close to the original recording with rich bass and clear treble.Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size...
✔️ What we like: Three-dimensional audio, fast charging option, dual microphones, and vibration alert
❌ What we don’t like: Connecting to Bluetooth devices requires multiple attempts before connection is achieved
The ever dependable LG Tone Style wireless neckband has a number of great features including quick charging, retractable earbuds, and it’s gorgeously designed. It’s also a bargain right now below $50, which is practically a steal since it used to sell for around $100 about a year ago.
The quick charging capability is the thing that you have to love the most about this neckband headset. If you forget to charge it the night before heading out on a long drive or bus trip, you can plug it in for 10 minutes and gain three hours’ worth of juice to help you kill the boredom of sitting for long hours without having anything to do. But even better, you get 8 hours’ worth of playtime after plugging it in for a full charge. So you never have to worry about running out of power because it charges so quickly.
Bluetooth connectivity leaves a lot to be desired, unfortunately. Some reviewers weren’t very impressed because it took 3 to 5 tries before they could connect to their other Bluetooth devices. While a bit annoying sometimes, it shouldn’t be a deal breaker for a high-quality device like the LG Tone Style HBS-SL5.
4. Sony WI-C310 Wireless in-Ear Headset/Headphones – Cheapest
- Wireless Audio with Bluetooth technology
✔ What we like: Decent audio reproduction, Portable and flexible, Good battery lifespan
❌ What we don’t like: Slightly cheap quality, Control buttons are mushy, Always on the side-tone when using the microphone
The Sony WI-C310 is our top pick among neckband earphones if you’re looking for budget-friendly headphones. Like the Beats Flex Wireless, these headphones have a neck cable design with a lightweight and flexible cable connecting the earbuds.
Although they lack active noise cancellation (ANC), they do a commendable job of reducing mid-range noise, such as background conversations. With approximately 17 hours of continuous battery life, they’ll quickly see you through your workday and commute.
In terms of sound, they lean more towards a neutral profile compared to the Beats headphones. This results in clearer and brighter vocals and instruments, making them an excellent choice for content centered around voices, like podcasts. Unfortunately, they lack a companion app and features like an EQ or sound presets for customization, which could be a drawback if you enjoy fine-tuning your headphone’s sound.
Comfort-wise, the WI-C310 headphones are reasonably comfortable for in-ear. Thanks to their tiny buds, they don’t penetrate too deeply into your ear canal and avoid applying pressure inside. The headphones feel lightweight, although some users might find the lengthy cables bothersome. They come with three different tip sizes to help you discover the most comfortable fit, although the in-ear design may be more comfortable for extended wear.
The in-line remote on the WI-C310 is straightforward, featuring a 3-button layout. You can play/pause your music and handle calls with the center button, double-tap it to activate your device’s voice assistant and adjust the volume. Holding the volume buttons can be used for track skipping or going back.
5. Sony WI-1000XM2 Behind-Neck Ear Headset
- Industry-leading noise canceling with HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1.Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your...
✔️ What we like: Flexible silicone neckband, In-line remote, Different sized silicone and foam tip options
❌ What we don’t like: Lower battery lifespan than the previous model
These headphones represent the next evolution of Sony’s WI-1000X Wireless series, boasting more user-friendly controls and a more adaptable neckband design. They exude a sense of durability and come equipped with a robust protective case for when you’re on the move. Thanks to their active noise-canceling (ANC) technology, they excel at minimizing unwanted background noise, whether you’re in the office or on your daily commute.
With a battery life of approximately eight and a half hours on a single charge and the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, these headphones offer great convenience.
In terms of comfort, these headphones closely resemble the Sony WI-1000X Wireless model. The flexible silicone neckband is lightweight and comfortable, although it may occasionally catch on longer hair if not handled carefully. On the other hand, the in-ear fit might lead to discomfort during extended use. Fortunately, they come with seven different tip options to help enhance your listening experience.
The 1000XM2 features an in-line remote control rather than controls on the neckband. This design simplifies tasks like adjusting volume, and the “C” button below activates noise canceling by default. If this configuration doesn’t suit your preferences, you can remap the “C” button to start voice assistance. The feedback system is well-designed, utilizing voice prompts and beeps for user guidance.
In terms of build quality, the Sony WI-1000XM2 headphones are solidly constructed. Unlike the WI-1000X, which incorporates a sturdy combination of plastic and metal, the 1000XM2 adopts a flexible silicone neckband and flat cables. Despite this shift, they still convey a sense of durability, even when folded into their accompanying carrying case.
6. Beyerdynamic Blue BYRD in-Ear Headphones with Neckband
- High-performing beyerdynamic sound and excellent microphone with Qualcomm cVc and sidetone function for impressive speech intelligibility
✔️ What we like: Comfortable in-ear design, Balanced sound, Great clarity because of the Qualcomm cVc
❌ What we don’t like: They lack ANC, Lackluster design
The Beyerdynamic Blue BYRD may not attract your attention with its look, but it delivers sound quality. They have a well-balanced sound profile that complements the majority of pop songs.
Plus, they excel at connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2, offering high-quality wireless audio, low power consumption, compatibility for numerous devices, and low latency for a pleasant listening experience. They should meet most people’s listening demands with a massive 14-hour battery life, and a rapid 10-minute charge provides you 2 hours of gameplay.
They lack active noise cancellation (ANC). However, their noise isolation is compelling. They come with five different ear tip sizes, and having the perfect fit may improve noise isolation dramatically. These neckband earphones have a flat in-ear design, making them highly comfortable even when lying down. They also have an IPX4 certification, which means they can withstand sweat and moderate rain but not much more.
The Blue BYRD excels in call quality thanks to Qualcomm cVc technology, especially in calm circumstances with clear vocals. However, they lack noise reduction, so you’ll still hear some background noise in busy environments.
Additionally, you can utilize the MIY Beyerdynamic app to access information on your headphone usage duration and loudness to ensure you’re not causing harm to your ears. Of course, the app also allows you to tailor the sound profile to your personal preferences.
7. RoomyRoc Wireless Neckband Headset
- Hi-Fi STEREO SOUND WIRELESS BLUETOOTH HEADSET: Designed with Bluetooth 4.2 technology with advanced CSR8635 chips, with the most stable signal and HD & HiFi sound. CVC6.0 noise reduction technology,...
✔️ What we like: Hi-fi stereo sound, long-lasting battery, intelligent voice navigation
❌ What we don’t like: Made of inflexible plastic that tends to break in six months
I appreciate the long battery life made available using the RoomyRoc wireless neckband. I tend to travel a lot while using public transportation, and the 12 to 16 hours of battery life means I could listen to an entire audiobook in one sitting if I’m taking a long flight or spending hours on the bus daily.
The noise cancellation technology is also a fantastic feature you can’t help but love. With other neckband headsets, you’ll have a lot of background noise bleeding into your ears, which ruins the listening experience. This neckband headset does a great job of blocking out most unwanted noise.
So you get to talk on the phone, listen to music, or listen to your favorite audiobook or podcast without disturbing sounds bleeding into the background.
On a more negative note, the plastic used to create the RoomyRoc Wireless Neckband Headset isn’t very flexible. Some unhappy users had the unfortunate problem of snapping their headset in half after using it for about 6 months. While this doesn’t happen to everyone, it has happened to a few reviewers, so it seemed worth pointing out.
8. Sennheiser HD1 Wireless Headphones
- Ergonomic around the neck design features soft stitched sheepskin nappa leather neckband offering all day listening comfort.Connectivity Technology: Wireless
✔️ What we like: Faster charging for 10 hours battery life and sleek design
❌ What we don’t like: Difficult to pair with other Bluetooth devices
I appreciate the HD1 headset for its beautiful design, long 10-hour battery life, and excellent Bluetooth 4.1 long-range connectivity capabilities. I can leave my phone on the other side of the room and still hear lucent audio coming from my Bluetooth headset without any static to think of. And even at that range, the audio isn’t going to cut out while endlessly annoying me and ruining my listening experience.
Even more to the point, I love the ergonomic design because comfort is something I always consider when buying a headset of this nature. They use soft sheepskin leather on the neckband, which makes it very comfortable to wear and hardly noticeable. Other devices that incorporate too much plastic are uncomfortable and far too bulky, but this model isn’t one of them.
Finally, it bears repeating that one or two reviewers had difficulty pairing the Sennheiser HD1 Wireless Headphones with their phones. No one likes having to attempt to pair their device over and over again before it finally works. So you should keep this in mind because it‘s a potential problem that could happen to you.
9. Amorno Foldable Wireless Neckband
- [Foldable and Lightweight]: The bluetooth headphones is foldable, more flexible and convenient to carry in your bag or pocket; It weight only 53g, more lighter weight than other neckband headphones in...
✔️ What we like: Comfortable to wear around the neck and easy foldable storage
❌ What we don’t like: Faulty earbud retraction and lacking noise cancellation feature
You’ll grow to love this wireless neckband headset for many reasons, but you’ll particularly appreciate the long battery life for talking and listening. If you fully charge the battery, you can listen to MP3s and YouTube videos for 10 hours before the battery runs out. If you save the battery strictly for talking, it will last about 12 hours before it finally goes kaput.
Besides the incredible battery, you’ll also appreciate the vibration reminder feature that makes things easy and convenient. How so? The headset will instantly vibrate as soon as a phone call comes through. So you can press the button on the side of the device and now answer the phone if you choose. Or you can look at your device and screen your calls by pressing the button to ignore it. Having this option is always a nice benefit, as you’ll soon see.
The earbud retraction feature was faulty for a couple of reviewers. After a while, one or more earbuds would no longer retract into the Amorno Foldable Wireless Neckband. While indeed a little disappointing, it didn’t happen to everyone, so it’s not like this is a faulty feature that always happens. Just a few people complained about it.
A Guide to Choosing the Best Behind the Neck Headphones
It isn’t shocking to learn that neckband earbuds are somewhat different than conventional headsets. Some people like to get over-ear headphones, while others prefer in-ear devices. Both types are available with various neckband styles, so you’ll need to know a little bit more about your personal preference before you can decide to buy one product over another.
But there are many other factors to consider when making the right choice for the best behind-the-neck headphones. You have to consider sound quality, why you’re leaning toward a particular model, whether or not it’s durable, how long the battery life will last, and whether it matches your specific style.
For certain people, some of these features aren’t going to cross their radar because they just don’t care about style or durability as two possible examples. But other people will see things differently and having a durable neckband that can withstand a heavy workout will be an absolute must.
With these things in mind, we’ll now look at a few considerations to help you determine the best behind the neck headphones to buy based on your personalized wants and needs.
What are Your Reason for Buying a Neckband Headset?
Do you specifically know what you’ll use the headphones for? That is the question of the hour that needs to be answered. If you plan on using the headphones while going for a run or a hike in the mountains or working out at the gym, you’ll need to get behind the neck headphones that are known for staying in place.
As you can imagine, some headsets stay in place much better than others. So find the best option designed for sports enthusiasts and workout aficionados. They were created with durability in mind and they were designed to be ideally suited for playing sports and exercise.
Do you plan to buy a headset for relaxing, easy listening? Are you going to use them in your house or in the car during your daily commute? If you plan to use them indoors, you undoubtedly aren’t going to focus too much on durability or whether they are good for sports or not. In this case, you’ll want a set of high quality headphones that are comfortable, lightweight, and easy to operate. This will make the relaxation and listening experience pleasant and certainly more enjoyable.
What Other Reasons Might Hold You Back from Buying a Neckband?
If you’re an audiophile or a member of the music profession, you’ll probably focus on the best headset with impeccable sound quality. On the other hand, price could play a major part when choosing your next set of the best behind the neck headphones.
How about battery life? Do you typically spend a lot of time away from home during the day? You may want to focus on a headset that has a battery life of a minimum of 10 hours, preferably more if you commute long distances.
And if you have a tendency to break things, you’ll likely focus more on durability. If you’re going to drop your headset and step on it more often than not, you’ll definitely need a pair of earbuds that are built to last.
Ultimately, you should mull over your reasons for picking up a new neckband and factor them into your decision-making process. Consider one or more key points and use this information to choose the best headset based on price, durability, sound quality, and purpose.
The Bottom Line Quality Behind the Neck Headphones
Discovering the best behind the neck headphones is never simple. You could spend hours upon hours combing through review websites online and feel even more confused by the time you’re through.
I wanted to simplify the process for my readers and that’s exactly what I accomplished today. I shared nine of the best neckband headsets that I could currently find with great ratings, affordable price points, and all of the best bells and whistles that you’d appreciate in a product of this caliber.
You may have felt lost and unsure of yourself before reading this, but you’re now armed with the knowledge and information needed to make a sound purchasing decision. Choose one of our recommendations or use our handy guide to pick a neckband using your own reasoning and intuition.
Just know that I’ve shared something for everyone above, so look them over and you should have no trouble finding incredible neckband headphones that will withstand the test of time and last for many years to come.
Further Reading:
- Unveiling the Magic: How Do Noise Canceling Headphones Work?
- Best Bluetooth Headphone Adapter: Top 5 In 2024 (All Under $30)
- 6 Best Over Ear Headphones Under $200 (Quality & Affordability)
- 6 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100 (Comfy & Affordable)
- 6 Best Budget Wireless Earbuds Under $100 (Quality & Affordability)
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.