6 Best Neck Speakers in 2023

If you like to listen to music on the go but don’t fancy headphones, you might want to snag a neck speaker. As the moniker suggests, these wireless speakers fit around your neck like a band. Since they don’t clamp your ears, they are far more comfortable than traditional headphones. Needless to say, neck speakers are quite popular. And, with options aplenty, you might be wondering about the best neck speakers on the market. That’s what this article is all about.

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Today, we’ll be looking at some of the best neck speakers out right now. We will consider factors such as sound quality, battery life, comfort, and features to help you find the perfect neck wearable speaker for your needs.

But first, you might want to check out the following:

1. Oraolo M110 Wireless Wearable Speaker

  • IP Rating: IPX5 | Battery Life: 12 hours (100% volume)
  • Weight: 0.58 lbs
best neck speakers Oraolo M110 Wireless Wearable Speaker

If you don’t want to spend a ton and want a budget-friendly neck speaker, then Oraolo has just the thing for you. The Oraolo Wireless Wearable Speaker offers a ton of features, is IPX7 water resistant, and packs in a punch.

The Oraolo M110 is available in either Black or Blue colorways, and it features a neckband design. As such, the speaker should stay anchored to your neck, even when exercising vigorously. The speaker is also IPX7 rated, so you can wear the M110 in the rain, or when you’re sweating it out in a gym.

You also get a built-in microphone, which can be used to take calls. Alternatively, you can also use it to trigger your smartphone’s assistant such as Siri or Google Assistant. As for the sound quality, the device packs in a dual 3W speaker system. The audio output isn’t too voluminous but that’s to be expected given the speaker’s size.

Interestingly, you don’t necessarily need to pair the Oraolo M110 with your smartphone to listen to music. We say this, as the speaker comes with a microSD card slot, thereby allowing users to listen to their favorite tunes off a TF card.

What We Like

  • Budget-friendly
  • IPX5 rated
  • Support for microSD card

What We Don’t Like

  • Cheap build quality
  • Not that loud

2. Monster Boomerang

  • IP Rating: IPX7 | Battery Life: 6 hours (100% volume)
  • Weight: 0.46 lbs
best neck speakers Monster Boomerang

If you want a more neck speaker from a more reliable brand, then you should check out Monster’s offering. To wit, the company’s Boomerang neck speaker offers comparable audio quality to the M110 prefaced above. What’s more, it offers a more robust construction too. You do have to compromise on the battery life, however.

The Monster Boomerang’s audio output is similar to that of the Oraolo M110 Neck speaker. However, the Boomerang comes with a pair of bass diaphragms that deliver enhanced lows. Consequently, if you’re a fan of meaty beats, then Monster’s offering will be right up your alley.

The Monster Boomerang offers a robust build quality too. What’s more, the speaker offers a stylish design and comes with a black body with either Golden or Silver accents. It uses skin-friendly material for its construction and is IPX7 rated. You also get a built-in microphone for taking calls, which works well, according to customer reviews.

Do note that the Boomerang’s six-hour battery backup – albeit adequate – pales in comparison to what you’d get with the M110. Add to that, the Boomerang doesn’t ship with a microSD card slot either. Ultimately, the Oraolo offers better value for money. That said, if you want a more refined audio experience from a more reliable brand, the Monster Boomerang is the way to go.

What We Like

  • Budget-friendly
  • IPX7 rating
  • Tuned for bass lovers

What We Don’t Like

  • Average battery life
  • No microSD card slot

3. Avantree Torus

  • IP Rating: NA | Battery Life: 8 hours (100% volume)
  • Weight: 0.57 lbs
best neck speakers Avantree Torus

Wearable neck speakers offer a comfortable listening experience. That said, unlike headphones, neck speakers are not ideal for public spaces. Well, what if you could switch between the two experiences, on the fly? That too, with the same product? Enter, the Avantree Torus.

Avantree is no stranger to making audio products. While the company is popular for its TWS earbuds, it does offer the Torus, which is a really good neck speaker. In fact, the speaker ships with two full-range drivers positioned on either side which envelope your ears in high-quality sound.

Spec-wise, the device supports Bluetooth 5.0 and relays audio over aptX HD. The high-fidelity aptX codec preserves sound data throughout the audio transmission. As a result, you get much better sound quality than streaming over AAC or SBC.

One of the major USPs of the Torus Neck speaker is that it also comes with built-in, retractable earbuds. So, when you need privacy to take calls, or if you don’t want to disturb others around you, you can use the earbuds too.

What We Like

  • Support for aptX-HD and LL
  • Built-in retractable earbuds

What We Don’t Like

  • No IP Rating

4. Sony SRS-NB10

  • IP Rating: IPX4 | Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
  • Weight: 0.24 lbs
best neck speakers Sony SRS-NB10

Sony was one of the first mainstream audio brands to launch a neck speaker. As is the case with most products from the brand, Sony’s SRS-NB10 neck speaker stands out from the crowd too. While neckband speakers are pretty lightweight in general, Sony’s offering pushes the envelope and weighs in at just 0.24 lbs. Needless to say, the SRS-NB10 is one of the lightest around-the-neck speakers on the market.

Thanks to its weight, the Sony SRS-NB10 is quite comfortable to use day in and day out. The speaker also comes with a premium design that not only looks good but is also IPX4 rated.

As for I/O, the neck speaker has a dedicated easy-to-use mute toggle, a volume rocker, and a power button. Interestingly, the speaker comes with a dual microphone array which, coupled with Sony’s advanced signal processing, ensures your voice is relayed clearly over to the other end.

Add to that, the speaker also comes with support for a multi-point connection. As such, you can pair it with your smartphone and laptop and quickly switch between the inputs based on your requirement. If you’re someone who constantly attends a lot of work calls from your home, this is the product for you.

As far as the audio quality is concerned, the speaker’s sound output sways in favor of highs, as pointed out by the folks over at Trusted Reviews. The unit doesn’t offer thumping bass which is synonymous with the brand. Rest assured, the speaker’s sound output will suffice for most users. But, buyers looking for the absolute best audio output should look elsewhere.

What We Like

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Support for multi-point connectivity
  • Support for Fast Charging

What We Don’t Like

  • Average sound quality

5. Panasonic SoundSlayer SC-GN01

  • IP Rating: NA | Battery Life: Bus-powered
  • Weight: 0.54 lbs
best neck speakers Panasonic SoundSlayer SC-GN01

If you’re planning to get a neck speaker for gaming, then the Panasonic SoundSlayer SC-GN01 is your best bet. We say this, as the neck speaker was created in partnership with the FINAL FANTASY XIV Online sound team.

The Panasonic SoundSlayer SC-GN01 is a neck speaker made for gamers. Unlike most speakers on the market with a dual speaker setup, the GN01 packs in a 4-channel surround speaker setup.

Add to that, the speakers also come with six dedicated sound modes. You have three gaming modes, namely RPG, FPS, or Voice Mode. If you plan to use this speaker for watching movies, you can switch to either Music, Cinema, or Stereo modes too.

When it comes to gaming speakers, it is essential to avoid any type of lag. As such, the Panasonic SoundSlayer is not wireless. Instead, the speaker relies on a 3.5mm jack for input. Thankfully, a 3.5mm to USB-A cable is provided in the box, so you won’t have to buy one separately. Add to that, the cable is approximately 9.8 ft long, so you can comfortably game even at a distance.

What We Like

  • One-touch lock
  • Great for homes with Google Home integration

What We Don’t Like

  • Not wireless
  • No IP Rating

6. Sony SRS-NS7

  • IP Rating: IPX4 | Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
  • Weight: 0.7 lbs
best neck speakers Sony SRS-NS7

If you don’t mind paying the big bucks and want a no-compromise experience, the Sony SRS-NS7 is for you. The speaker promises excellent sound quality, top-notch build quality, and minimal latency. Though, it is a bit heavy, both on your neck and on your wallet.

Unlike the NB10, the Sony SRS-NS7 is relatively heavier at 0.7 lbs. In actuality, the speaker feels featherlight and doesn’t cause any fatigue even after extended use. In terms of connectivity, the NS7 can pair with compatible devices via Bluetooth. That said, if you plan to use it with your TV, then you’re in for a treat.

To that end, the company bundles a WLA-NS7 dongle in the box. All you have to do is power the dongle via USB-C and hook it up to the Optical Audio port on your TV. Once done, your NS7 will automatically connect to it and relay audio with minimal latency and little-to-no lag.

The NS7 doesn’t disappoint in the sound department either. It has an X-balanced speaker unit for reducing distortion and a passive radiator for clear bass sound. Additionally, the headset is compliant with Sony’s 360 Reality Audio. So, you’ll revel in superb surround sound whenever you use the headset to watch movies or TV shows.

What We Like

  • Excellent sound quality
  • Lag-free connectivity with WLA-NS7
  • Premium build quality

What We Don’t Like

  • Pricey
  • Slightly heavy

FAQs on Neck Speakers

1. What are the benefits of using neck wearable speakers?

Neck wearable speakers are an excellent option for people looking for a comfortable, convenient, and safe way to listen to music or audio. It’s also great for folks who have to take a lot of calls but don’t want to use headphones all day long.

2. How do I choose the best neck speaker for me?

When deciding upon a neck speaker, ensure it is comfortable and has good sound quality. Also, if it is wireless, you’d want a speaker with good battery life too. Lastly, consider additional features such as noise cancellation or built-in microphones.

3. Can other people hear neck speakers?

Yes, other people can hear neck speakers. However, the amount of sound that others can hear will depend on the volume level of the speakers, the environment, and the design of the neck speaker.

Wear Your Sound on Your Neck

At the end of the day, there are many great neck speakers on the market right now. The best speaker for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you want the best sound quality, the Sony SRS-NB10 is an excellent option. If you don’t mind splurging, then you should definitely check out the Sony SRS-NS7. Alternatively, Oraolo and Monster’s offerings bring plenty to the table and will not disappoint budget-conscious buyers.

Last updated on 30 June, 2023

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