Best Wearable Neck Speakers vs Neckband Earbuds | Comparison | 2022 Buyer’s Guide

Wearable Neck Speakers vs Neckband Earbuds — which is the best solution for listening to music, watching TV, and playing games? In a nutshell, neck speakers create a sound field enveloping the user without blocking out ambient noise. Whereas the second option requires you not only to wear a neckband around your neck, but also to insert earbuds into your ears. There are a number of trusted brands on the market, with each having its own perks.

The Bluetooth-enabled Bose speaker delivers rich sounds and is ideal for listening to music. For more immersive gaming, we recommend the Sony speaker system with a vibration feature. The ergonomic JBL model is great for watching movies on TV. The product includes the BTA unit, which can be connected to a TV to stream the signal via Bluetooth. For those who are often on the go, the JVC speakers with a 20-hour rechargeable battery are an excellent solution.

As for the neckband earbuds, the best bet is a super lightweight LG Tone. It uses the Meridian technology that makes earbuds sound as if they were large speakers. And finally, if you are not going to spend more than a few dozen bucks but want to try neckband headphones, go for the Mpow with Bluetooth 5.0 technology and a noise-cancelling microphone.

Wearable Neck Speakers & Neckband Earbuds | Comparison

What is the Difference Between Neck Speakers and Neckbands with Earbuds

First of all, they have different functions. While earbuds are designed to play music just for you and are good at blocking out the ambient noise, speakers are completely the opposite. They allow the outside noise to mix naturally with sounds they produce, simulating the experience of listening to full-fledged loudspeakers in your home.

Neck speakers may not be the best choice for listening to music outdoors, but they are a great portable solution for indoor use. You can enjoy our favorite songs and, at the same time, do your household chores or exercise on your treadmill. Moreover, you will be aware of what is going on in the house, whether your kids are fooling around or whether there is someone at the door.

Accordingly, neck speakers and neckband earbuds have different designs. What they have in common is a neckband that is meant to be placed around your neck. In this regard, features contributing to better comfort, such as a static-free cover of the Bose model or an ergonomic design of the JBL Soundgear, are essential for both types of devices. The difference is that neck speakers are equipped with built-in external speakers, which nevertheless are smaller than conventional ones. The other option, neckband earbuds, has the speakers incorporated in the earbuds, which are a pair of tiny devices for each ear.

Many people find it uncomfortable to have something in their ears for hours, which is why neck speakers are becoming increasingly popular now. And finally, there is a big difference in prices. Neckband earbuds are more affordable and will cost you $30 or $80 (LG Tone) depending on the model. Neck speakers are much more expensive and you will have to shell out some $300 out of pocket to get such a device.

Comparison: Bose Soundwear vs. JBL Soundgear vs. Sony Wearable Speaker System vs. Mpow Jaws vs. LG Tone

To begin with, these products belong to two different types: wearable neck speakers and neckband earbuds. While the Bose, JBL Soundgear, and Sony models are equipped with external speakers, the Mpow and LG Tone have speakers mounted in the earbuds. Since we have already discussed the main distinctions between these two types in the section above, here we will focus on some perks of each product.

Technologies Used

The Bose Soundwear Companion speaker features patented waveguide technology that produces a truly rich and high-quality sound. The device comes with 2 drivers connected with 2 acoustic waveguides. As one of the users rightly put it, this technology “adds another level of depth to music”.

One of the perks of the Sony Wearable Speaker System is the passive radiator vibration plate that creates a realistic experience. With this function turned on, low frequencies are translated into vibrations, making your immersive experience more intense. The vibration function has different levels of sensitivity and can be disabled when not needed.

The LG Tone is made with Meridian technology delivering a balanced and rich sound. With this technology, small earbuds sound as if they were large speakers, creating a realistic sense of space. This feature will be especially appreciated by gamers and movie-lovers.

The most inexpensive item on the list, the Mpow Jaws, is equipped with an 8mm dynamic speaker system delivering powerful and intense bass. The CVC6.0 noise-canceling microphone reduces the ambient sound and enhances the caller's voice. But note that it is the listener, not the caller, who can appreciate the advantages of this technology.

Bluetooth Capability

All these are Bluetooth products, except for the Sony speaker system which has no Bluetooth included. Instead, this product comes with cords that connect to smartphones and other devices. As for the Bose Soundwear, it offers a Bluetooth range of 30 feet (9 meters). This gives the Bose model a competitive edge over the Sony speakers, considering they come in the same price brackets.

The LG Tone headset features quick and easy Bluetooth pairing, with a prompt appearing on your smartphone. The Mpow neckband headphones are based on Bluetooth 5.0 technology that delivers faster speeds and a greater range. This makes it a good choice for playing games and watching movies.

Weight

Since you will be wearing the device around your neck, the weight matters, too. The most lightweight product in this selection is the LG Tone, which weighs as little as 1.5 ounces. It is followed by the 2.3-ounce Mpow Jaws. Objectively, wearable speakers are bulkier than headphones, so no wonder that the Bose and Sony are about 5 times heavier. That said, the Bose Soundwear is more lightweight than the Sony speakers: 9 ounces against 12 ounces.

Review of the Best Wearable Neck Speakers and Neckband Earbuds

Below, you will find a review of the best wearable neck speakers at a price ranging from $30 to $300. There are high-end feature-packed models from Bose and Sony, ergonomic JBL speakers, a long-lasting JVC model for under $100, and cheaper neckband earbuds.

Bose Soundwear Companion Wireless Wearable Speaker | Best Bose Wearable Speaker

This speaker is amazingly comfortable and comes with 3-button control allowing you to play music, make calls, and access the Google Assistant on your smartphone. With an IPX4 water-resistance rating, the speakers can be used in any weather conditions. Moreover, you can do workouts or jogging with this device around your neck as it is sweat-resistant, too.

The speakers are made with a dust-proof and static-free stretchable cover so that neither your hair nor dust could cling to them. With a Bluetooth range of 30 feet, the device features digital signal processing and patented waveguide technology to deliver an immersive sound. Powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery, the speakers have a run time of up to 12 hours on a charge while charging takes no more than 3 hours.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars, this product has got over 2,700 customer reviews. What users appreciate most is Bluetooth connectivity, battery life, and sound quality. One of the buyers says that he is constantly connected to audiobooks and music and this device is perfect for his needs. The speakers are loud enough but, at the same time, cannot be heard by people who are not too close to the user. Both the sound and call quality are amazing, he notes.

Bose Soundwear Companion: Check the current price

Sony Wearable Speaker System: Wireless Over Neck Speaker - SRS-WS1 | Best for Gaming & Home Theater

Crafted with a passive radiator vibration plate, this model will allow you to enjoy a truly cinematic sound. The technology detects low frequencies and translates them into vibrations, creating an unforgettable listening experience. The speakers can be connected to any device that comes with analog and digital audio outputs, whether it is a TV, a PC, or a smartphone. The RF technology minimizes an audio lag so that you hear exactly what you see. The sound remains high-quality even at a low volume.

Another advantage of the SRS-WS1 is a small weight. The 12-ounce speakers are comfortable to use and have a flexible shape. The inner cushion adds to the comfort even more. And finally, the device is easy to set up and has 3 buttons: on/off, volume, and vibration. You can press the buttons without taking off the speaker.

With a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, this product is equally great for both home theater and gaming. One of the buyers, Veronica, says that it is excellent for gaming. According to her, with the SRS-WS1, gaming becomes a more personalized experience. In particular, shooter games feel more intense due to vibration. There is a downside, though: it has no Bluetooth.

Sony Wearable Speaker System: Check the current price

LG Tone Style HBS-SL5 Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Neckband Earbuds | Best for Noisy Environments

What fundamentally differs this product from the above-described is that it is made with retractable earbuds. You can extend or retract the earbuds in one simple action — by just pulling them. Note that there are no external speakers. In addition to earbuds, the product features dual microphones allowing you to be heard better when making calls. The battery lasts long and boasts 8 hours of playtime. But what we like most is that it has a fast-charging option. After as little as 10 minutes of charging, the neckband can be used for up to 3 hours.

Made with Meridian technology, the device will give you a rich and balanced sound. The speaker unit consists of a strong metal layer for high-frequency sounds and a plastic layer for deeper bass. And finally, it is super lightweight and has a slim design. The weight of the item is just 1.5 ounces compared to 9 to 12 ounces of Sony and Bose speakers. That said, the price is 3 times lower, which makes this device an ideal option for those who are looking for reliable technology but do not want to spend too much money. The LG Tone has received over 1,300 customer reviews. Buyers like the comfort it gives, the battery’s long life, and the quality of the sound.

LG Tone Style HBS-SL5: Check the current price

JBL Soundgear BTA - Hands-Free Speaker with Dual Mic Conferencing and BT Adapter | Best Ergonomic

You will surely enjoy the ergonomic design and comfort of this model. It features an ergonomic shape and an amazing pleasant-to-touch fabric finish. The device is Bluetooth-enabled while all the controls are intuitive and easy to reach. It comes with the BTA unit, which can be connected to a TV to stream the signal wirelessly, through Bluetooth, with a range of 30 feet. Another clear benefit is an echo-canceling dual microphone that enables clear phone calls.

The downside compared to other products on the list lies in shorter battery life — no more than 6 hours on a single charge. That said, it takes just 2 hours for the battery to recharge, so this may not be an issue for you.

JBL Soundgear BTA: Check the current price

JVC SPA10BTB Wearable Speaker, Lightweight Design Neckband Speaker | Best for Running

If you are always on the go, battery life can be a big deciding factor in choosing your speaker. In this case, the JVC SPA10BTB seems to be the best-suited model. Equipped with a battery lasting up to 20 hours, it can be connected to your computer or other devices via Bluetooth. Measuring 11 x 9 inches, the speaker has a compact design and weighs a little bit over 3 ounces. It delivers premium sound, with the diaphragm unit significantly increasing the bass potential. The voice assistant control and a minimal number of buttons make the use of this product simple and user-friendly. And last but not least, the speaker is sweat-resistant so you can safely wear it while running or exercising.

Overall, it is a great wearable speaker under $100, with almost 60% of customers giving it 5 stars in their reviews. Buyers like the fact that it is “extremely lightweight” and allow them to listen to music for hours without the need to put anything on the ears. However, some of them are not satisfied with the sound quality, claiming that it is not good enough.

JVC SPA10BTB Wearable Speaker: Check the current price

Best-Selling Wearable Neck Speakers and Neckband Earbuds | Comparison Table

Mpow Jaws Gen5 Bluetooth Headphones 18H Playtime | Best Cheap

Like the LG Tone, this is a different type of device and is not actually a neck speaker. There are no external speakers on the neckband, nor can it be connected to room speakers. The speakers are incorporated in the earbuds that fit inside the ear, meaning you will still need to put something in your ears. These Mpow neckband headphones use advanced Bluetooth 5.0 technology that ensures a stable wireless connection. The powerful 220mAh battery lasts for up to 18 hours when used continuously or 450 hours in standby mode.

With a weight of just 2.3 ounces, it is easy to control and has only 3 buttons. The device is made with an 8mm dynamic speaker system for enhanced bass sound and a CVC6.0 noise-canceling microphone minimizing the background noise. The earbuds are equipped with magnets so that they could stay in place in the neckband when not in use. On top of that, you will not miss a call as the headset vibrates when someone is calling. It is noteworthy that the Mpow Jaws Gen5 Bluetooth Headphones are the most popular product on the list, with 21,600 customer reviews.