Top five neckbands that hit the right notes
Here are five feature-packed neckbands that balance comfort, sound, and value for every kind of listener, at different price points
If you are someone who likes a steady stream of your favourite music while walking, working, or even commuting, you know the value of a good pair of headphones.
The trouble is, times have changed. With more and more smartphone brands removing the headphone jack, wired headphones are starting to feel like a thing of the past. They were once dependable, affordable, and had great sound quality. But like it or not, wireless has become the new normal.
True wireless earbuds (TWS) are small and convenient, but losing one piece is always a worry. Over-ear headphones give great sound and comfort, but they can be heavy to carry around all the time. Neckbands sit somewhere in between, giving you the best of both worlds. They have the snug fit of TWS, but you do not risk a bud slipping away on a crowded bus ride.
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The market, however, is full of choices. Too many brands, too many models – which can make picking the right neckband confusing. To help narrow things down, here are our top five picks at different price points.
Oraimo Necklace Lite
If you are after a neckband that covers all the basics without emptying your wallet, the Oraimo Necklace Lite is worth a look. It promises up to 30 hours of playtime, so you do not have to charge it every night.
The dual-device connectivity is handy if you juggle between your phone and laptop, and the Oraimo Sound app lets you make small tweaks to the sound. What makes it stand out, though, is its vibration motor. Spinning at up to 15,000 rpm, it alerts you to calls even when your phone is buried deep in a bag.
Sound quality is lively and bassy, thanks to 10mm drivers and Oraimo's HavyBass technology. Gamers will also appreciate the low-latency mode for a bit smoother syncing. With IPX4 water resistance, it is safe from sweat and splashes. All in all, it is a practical, budget-friendly option.
Where to buy: Sumash Tech
Price: Tk1,399
Soundcore Life u2i
The Soundcore Life U2i by Anker is simple but effective. The 22 hours of playtime will get most people through a few days. While it is a little less than the competition, the quick charge option makes up for it – a 10-minute top-up gives three hours of music.
The 10mm graphene drivers deliver a balanced sound with enough bass punch to keep music fun. Calls are clear as well since the microphone has AI built in to cut out background noise. Comfort is another win here.
The neckband is light, flexible, and shaped to sit naturally, so it is easy to forget you are wearing it. Add Bluetooth 5.0 for a reliable connection and IPX5 water resistance, and you get something ready for both work and workouts.
Where to buy: Rokomari
Price: Tk1,699
Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC
Realme's Buds Wireless 5 ANC aims higher than you might expect from a mid-range neckband. Its active noise cancellation goes up to 50dB, and you can pick from three levels depending on where you are. On top of that, there is environmental noise cancellation to keep calls clear as well as a 360-degree spatial audio mode for movies and music.
The 13.6mm drivers pack plenty of bass, and the 45ms low-latency mode keeps gamers happy. Battery life is impressive: 38 hours without ANC, or 20 with it on. Even better, a quick 10-minute charge can last up to 20 hours at half volume.
With Bluetooth 5.4 and dual-device pairing, it connects easily to different devices. Add IP55 dust and splash resistance, and you get a neckband that feels as ready for the gym as it is for your commute.
Where to buy: Gadget Breeze
Price: Tk2,190
Oraimo Wireless Neckband 5 ANC
The Oraimo Wireless Neckband 5 ANC is built for people who want long hours of use without the fuss. It offers up to 40 hours of playtime with ANC off and 28 with it on, making it one of the strongest contenders in this budget.
The noise cancellation here goes up to 30dB, which is not the highest, but enough to block out everyday distractions. The 360-degree spatial audio makes music and games feel more immersive, and a low-latency mode keeps audio and video in sync. One of the best bits is its fast charging – 10 minutes of charging gives 12 hours of music.
With IPX4 protection, it handles sweat and light splashes without trouble. This neckband may not be flashy, but it delivers solid performance and endurance.
Where to buy: Apple Gadgets
Price: Tk2,300
CMF Neckband Pro
The CMF Neckband Pro is where style meets substance at a friendly price. It packs large 13.6mm drivers with Ultra Bass 2.0, so the sound has plenty of punch.
The 50dB active noise cancellation is on par with some more expensive models, and switching between ANC and transparency is simple with the unique smart dial. That dial is actually one of the best things here – it controls volume and playback with satisfying feedback.
The buds also magnetically snap together to power down, which saves battery. Speaking of battery, the numbers are strong: up to 37 hours without ANC, and 20 hours with it on. A quick 10-minute charge gives up to 18 hours of playback.
The CMF Neckband Pro is light and comfortable enough for long sessions. Add dual-device connectivity and app support, and it is easy to see why this neckband feels like a great value.
Where to buy: Gadget N Music
Price: Tk3,190
