There was a time when neckband headphones were all the rage, as people transitioned from wired earphones to neckbands for their stylish appearance and convenience.
However, TWS earbuds have now surpassed neckbands in popularity. So, is this shift in trend beneficial?
If you are uncertain about whether to choose a neckband or TWS earbuds, we’re here to clarify things for you. Here’s a detailed neckband vs TWS earbuds comparison to help you decide which option is best for your needs.
Neckbands
Pros:
- Easy to carry
- Excellent sound quality
- Convenient to use in busy environments
- No risk of accidental touches due to physical buttons
- Better call quality compared to TWS earbuds
- Great battery life
Cons:
- Lacks the true wireless experience
- Cannot be charged while in use
- Limited availability in the market
TWS Earbuds
Pros:
- Convenient to use
- Provides a truly wireless experience
- Most models are feature-packed
- Deliver great sound quality
- Impressive combined battery life
- Can charge the case while in use
- A wide range of options available
Cons:
- Easy to lose
- Average call quality on budget models
- Big carrying cases may not fit in pockets
Which Is More Comfortable: Neckbands or Earbuds?
Comfort with earphones is highly subjective and can vary based on the size and shape of your ears.
During our testing, we found that while most neckbands and TWS earbuds offer a comfortable fit, some TWS earbuds were uncomfortable to wear for extended periods, specifically those with a non-stem design.
These earbuds sometimes feel like they protrude slightly from smaller ears, causing discomfort. In contrast, stem-style earbuds generally fit well across all ear sizes without issues.
The situation with neckbands is similar; while some older models caused discomfort, most current neckbands are designed to provide a comfortable experience.
Overall, both neckbands and TWS earbuds have seen significant design improvements. While earlier models might have caused discomfort, today, around 90% of neckbands and TWS earbuds are designed to be comfortable.
However, if we had to compare the two, we believe that neckbands generally offer better comfort during extended music sessions.
Which Is More Convenient?
Using a neckband is more convenient. You just put it around your neck and start using it. When not in use, you can remove the buds from your ears, and they magnetically attach, allowing you to wear them around your neck like a necklace.
This way, you won’t easily lose your neckband, and it’s much easier to carry around.
TWS earbuds are also convenient, but they require a carrying case at all times. When not in use, you have to put the earbuds in the case.
Some TWS earbuds come with bulky cases, which can be uncomfortable to carry in your jeans pocket, so you might end up carrying the case in your hand or bag.
Because TWS earbuds are completely wireless, there’s a higher chance of losing them, which is a common problem for many people. Once lost, the only option is to buy a new pair.
For actions like receiving calls and changing songs or volume, neckbands are more convenient because they have physical buttons. TWS earbuds often rely on touch controls, which can be less reliable and prone to accidental touches.
While TWS earbuds feel more convenient for listening to music due to their wireless nature, neckbands generally offer more overall convenience in daily life.
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Which Is Better for Calling?
TWS earbuds have improved significantly over time, with most models now featuring ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) to eliminate background noise during phone calls.
Premium TWS earbuds like Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Samsung Buds 3 Pro offer excellent call quality. However, most users opt for budget to mid-range TWS earbuds, which generally deliver average call quality.
If you spend $20 to $50 on TWS earbuds, you can expect average performance in terms of call quality.
Neckbands, while not extraordinary, typically offer better call quality compared to TWS earbuds. This is because the microphones on neckbands are positioned closer to the mouth, resulting in clearer calls. Additionally, you can physically adjust the mic closer to your mouth for an even better experience.
It’s important to note that Bluetooth earphones, whether neckbands or TWS, cannot surpass wired earphones in call quality. A $15 wired earphone can easily outperform a $50 TWS or a $30 neckband in this regard.
Nevertheless, Bluetooth neckbands still provide a better calling experience than TWS earbuds.
Which Has Longer Battery Life?
If we exclude the battery of the carrying case and compare the earbuds directly with the neckband, there’s no contest—the neckband will have significantly more battery life.
Most neckbands offer 20, 30, or even more than 40 hours of battery life, which is impressive.
However, when we include the battery life of the carrying case, the comparison becomes closer, and both neckbands and earbuds are more evenly matched.
On average, you can get about 20 hours of total music playback from earbuds, which is quite good.
While the overall battery life is similar, one area where earbuds have a clear advantage is charging convenience. For example, while watching a movie, attending a call, or listening to music, you can use one earbud while the other charges. Then, you can switch to the other earbud, allowing continuous use without interruption. This is not possible with neckbands.
In addition to this convenience, many TWS earbuds support fast charging, which further enhances their usability.
Although the battery life of neckbands and earbuds is comparable, the charging flexibility and fast-charging capability give TWS earbuds an edge.
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Which Offers Better Sound Quality: TWS or Neckbands?
If this question had been asked a few years ago, neckbands would have been the clear choice, especially in the budget segment. However, the landscape has changed significantly.
Today, manufacturers are heavily investing in TWS earbuds and continuously improving their technology. As a result, TWS earbuds have become competitive with neckbands.
Modern TWS earbuds under $20 from brands like Tozo can easily outperform neckbands in the same price range. Spending around $50 or more on TWS earbuds often provides additional features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which further enhances audio quality.
This isn’t to say that neckbands sound inferior—they offer excellent sound quality. However, the advancements in TWS earbuds have made them increasingly impressive.
Many mid-range TWS earbuds now deliver such rich and full sound that they often don’t feel like mid-range products.
Overall, while neckbands continue to offer great sound, TWS earbuds have reached and even surpassed their level due to the concentrated efforts of manufacturers. As companies continue to focus on improving earbuds, we can expect even better performance in the future.
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Which One Offers Better Value for Money?
Both neckbands and TWS earbuds offer good value for money. However, the market trends are shifting.
The growing popularity of TWS earbuds means that while neckbands won’t disappear entirely, they are becoming less trendy.
Neckbands still have significant advantages over TWS earbuds, particularly in terms of battery life and ease of use. However, TWS earbuds have largely caught up, especially in audio quality.
As competition in the TWS market intensifies, we expect these earbuds to deliver even greater value to consumers.
Please note that we’re not biased toward either option, but the widespread adoption of TWS earbuds suggests they will continue to offer enhanced value as technology and competition drive improvements.
Are Earbuds Better Than Neckbands?
Neckbands are convenient and difficult to lose, and they typically offer longer battery life on a single charge. However, we’ve never regretted purchasing TWS earbuds.
They are also easy to use, provide good sound quality, and you won’t run out of battery as long as you keep the case charged.
While TWS earbuds might not excel in call quality, most buyers are aware of this limitation. Once you adjust to using TWS earbuds, their benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
So, are TWS earbuds better than neckbands?
In the range of $20 to $30, both neckbands and TWS earbuds offer comparable value. However, if you spend over $30, TWS earbuds generally provide better overall performance than neckbands.
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Conclusion and Pros & Cons
Both neckbands and TWS earbuds have their own advantages and disadvantages. However, if we had to choose, we would recommend TWS earbuds.
While there may be some compromises on paper, in practice, these are minimal and often not noticeable. Once you adapt to using earbuds, any initial issues, like average call quality, become less significant, and the convenience they offer outweighs these drawbacks.
TWS earbuds have improved significantly over time and now provide excellent sound quality if chosen wisely. Therefore, in our honest opinion, TWS earbuds are the better choice compared to neckbands.
That said, if you prefer a neckband, there’s no reason not to choose one. Neckbands also offer great features and can be an excellent choice on their own.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Choose based on your specific needs and preferences. Regardless of your choice, make sure to compare different models to ensure you get the best product at the best price.
Neckbands
Pros:
- Easy to carry
- Excellent sound quality
- Convenient to use in busy environments
- No risk of accidental touches due to physical buttons
- Better call quality compared to TWS earbuds
- Great battery life
Cons:
- Lacks the true wireless experience
- Cannot be charged while in use
- Limited availability in the market
TWS Earbuds
Pros:
- Convenient to use
- Provides a truly wireless experience
- Most models are feature-packed
- Deliver great sound quality
- Impressive combined battery life
- Can charge the case while in use
- A wide range of options available
Cons:
- Easy to lose
- Average call quality on budget models
- Big carrying cases may not fit in pockets
FAQs
1. What are the main differences between neckbands and TWS earbuds?
Neckbands are designed to rest around your neck with wired earbuds attached. They generally offer longer battery life and can be easier to keep track of. On the other hand, TWS earbuds are completely wireless and come with a carrying case that also serves as a charger. TWS earbuds provide a more seamless, wireless experience, but they may have a shorter battery life and can be easier to misplace.
2. Which offers better sound quality, neckbands or TWS earbuds?
Both neckbands and TWS earbuds can offer excellent sound quality, but TWS earbuds have seen significant advancements and can now compete closely with neckbands. High-end TWS earbuds often provide superior sound with features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). However, mid-range neckbands can still deliver great sound, often with a focus on robust bass and clarity.
3. Which is more comfortable for long listening sessions?
Neckbands are often more comfortable for extended use because they rest around your neck and offer a more secure fit. In contrast, TWS earbuds, particularly those with a compact, non-stem design, may be less comfortable since they don’t always fit well in every ear.
4. Are TWS earbuds worth the extra cost compared to neckbands?
Based on our experience, TWS earbuds are indeed worth the extra cost due to their added convenience and features. While neckbands are also a solid choice, considering current trends and advancements, investing in high-quality TWS earbuds often provides better value and a more modern experience.
5. What should I consider when choosing between neckbands and TWS earbuds based on my personal needs?
Consider factors like battery life, comfort, sound quality, and how you use the earphones. If you value long battery life and a secure fit, neckbands might be better. If you prefer a completely wireless experience and portability, TWS earbuds may be the way to go. Evaluate your priorities and choose based on what fits best with your lifestyle and usage patterns.
So, neckband vs TWS earbuds, which is better? We hope this comparison has clarified things for you.
If you still have any questions or doubts, feel free to ask us in the comments section.
Do you agree or disagree with the points mentioned? We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback.