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9 Best Neckband Earbuds That Deliver Longer Battery Life for Less

You’ll get the most bang for your buck.

Headshot of Stefan VazharovBy Stefan Vazharov
neckband earbuds
Best Products; Courtesy Beats, Sony, Soundcore

True wireless earbuds are incredibly popular — they offer wire-free convenience, stellar sound, and a ton of available features, all in a multitude of price points that start below $30. But wireless neckband earbuds are a solid alternative to their ubiquitous siblings without any wires by delivering a longer battery life and more convenient controls for less — without skimping on sound quality.

We spent the past couple of weeks researching and testing sets in various price points to determine the best wireless neckband earbuds worth buying. We tested earphones from leading brands like Beats by Dre, Sony, and Soundcore, to name a few, and have chosen our top picks below. But before you invest in a pair of neckband earbuds, there are a few things you should consider.

The Best Neckband Earbuds

  • 1
    Life U2 Wireless Earbuds

    Our Top Pick

    Soundcore Life U2 Wireless Earbuds

    Shop at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    omthing Wireless Earbuds

    Best Budget

    1MORE omthing Wireless Earbuds

    Read more
  • 3
    WI-1000XM2 Wireless Earbuds

    Best Audio Quality

    Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless Earbuds

    Read more
  • 4
    Track+ (2nd Gen) Wireless Earbuds

    Most Elegant and Feature-Packed

    Libratone Track+ (2nd Gen) Wireless Earbuds

    Read more
  • 5
    Epic Sport2 Wireless Earbuds

    Best for Exercising

    JLab Epic Sport2 Wireless Earbuds

    Read more

    What to Consider

    Sound and Connectivity

    First, the more you spend on a pair of neckband earbuds, the better the overall sound quality will be. If your upgrade budget permits, you should also look for additional features like onboard noise cancellation. We only recommend products with up-to-date Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity (or higher) on board since that will ensure that the earbuds will reliably connect with the latest smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

    Durability

    You should also consider neckband earbuds with an official rating for water resistance. The higher this rating is, the more exposure to water and sweat the earbuds can handle.

    Battery Life

    We suggest that you look for products that can last at least 10 hours (or more) between charges when it comes to battery life — unless you're shopping on a very tight budget. Our top picks in the product category can deliver at least 20 hours’ worth of wireless playback. We also recommend products with a futureproof USB-C connector for easy charging.

    A good pair of buds should also be able to snap together magnetically when not in use, ensuring seamless access at all times. Find the one that best suits you among these extensively researched offerings.

    1
    Our Top Pick

    Soundcore Life U2 Wireless Earbuds

    Editor’s Choice
    Life U2 Wireless Earbuds
    1
    Our Top Pick

    Soundcore Life U2 Wireless Earbuds

    $46 at Amazon
    Pros
    • Elegant and durable
    • Great sound quality for the money
    • Fantastic battery life
    Cons
    • No onboard noise cancellation

    The Soundcore Life U2 are the best neckband earphones most upgraders should get. For less than $50, Anker’s earbuds offer impressive style and durability, surprisingly crisp and powerful sound, reliable performance during calls, and incredible battery life. You can order the magnetic buds in black or blue with contrasting gold accents.

    The Life U2 earbuds' large audio drivers deliver a sonic experience that belies their price, and we like that there’s an option to boost their bass output by simply pressing a button. Their call quality is excellent, too.

    Key Specs

    Sound10-millimeter audio drivers with dual EQ modes
    DurabilityIPX7 waterproof
    Battery LifeUp to 24 hours
    2
    Best Budget

    1MORE omthing Wireless Earbuds

    omthing Wireless Earbuds
    2
    Best Budget

    1MORE omthing Wireless Earbuds

    Now 30% Off
    Pros
    • Sleek and durable
    • Good sound for the money
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • No storage case

    The omthing wireless neckband earbuds by 1More bring a characterful design with contrasting cables, a water-resistant build, and up-to-date Bluetooth connectivity at an incredible under-$20 price point. Sound-wise, the buds perform better than their sticker suggests, thanks to large and well-tuned audio drivers.

    With up to 12 hours of battery life, the Airfree earbuds will easily make it through a day of use between charges. You can order the product with blue or yellow cables. A more understated all-black version is also available.

    Key Specs

    Sound10-millimeter audio drivers
    DurabilityIPX4 water-resistant
    Battery LifeUp to 12 hours
    3
    Best Audio Quality

    Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless Earbuds

    WI-1000XM2 Wireless Earbuds
    3
    Best Audio Quality

    Sony WI-1000XM2 Wireless Earbuds

    Pros
    • Best in class sound and noise cancellation
    • Feature-rich companion app
    • Elegant design
    • Wired playback capabilities
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • No official rating for water resistance

    The Sony WI-1000XM2 wireless neckband earbuds are in a league of their own and well worth their hefty price tag when it comes to audio quality and noise cancellation. The earphones can tune out ambient noise better than any rival, too. We only wish that their battery life was a bit longer.

    The magnetic earbuds have a companion app with elaborate sound and noise cancellation controls. You can order them in black or silver, and the package includes a storage case and an audio cable for wired playback.

    Key Specs

    SoundHybrid audio driver units, adjustable noise cancellation
    DurabilityN/A
    Battery LifeUp to 13 hours
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    4
    Most Elegant and Feature-Packed

    Libratone Track+ (2nd Gen) Wireless Earbuds

    Track+ (2nd Gen) Wireless Earbuds
    4
    Most Elegant and Feature-Packed

    Libratone Track+ (2nd Gen) Wireless Earbuds

    Pros
    • Elegant and tough
    • Great sound and noise cancellation
    • Dependable battery life
    Cons
    • Retail package lacks a storage case

    The second-generation TRACK+ wireless earbuds by Libratone deliver highly customizable noise cancellation without skimping on style, durability, and battery performance. The essential functionality has 20 levels of intensity (adjustable via an app) and a dedicated running mode that can reduce unnecessary din while keeping you aware of your surroundings.

    The earbuds’ sound quality is excellent and worthy of their hefty price tag. The same goes for their comfy fit, up-to-date Bluetooth connectivity, and clever magnetic design. The latter will turn the earbuds off when you snap them together around your neck.

    Key Specs

    Sound11.8-millimeter audio drivers, adjustable noise cancellation
    DurabilityIP54 water-resistant
    Battery LifeUp to 14 hours
    5
    Best for Exercising

    JLab Epic Sport2 Wireless Earbuds

    Epic Sport2 Wireless Earbuds
    5
    Best for Exercising

    JLab Epic Sport2 Wireless Earbuds

    Pros
    • Comfy and durable
    • Good sound with customization tools
    • Long battery life
    Cons
    • Dated microUSB charging port

    JLab’s Epic Sport2 wireless neckband earbuds are the best for exercising. The earphones have a flexible around-ear fit, additional silicone fins to keep them in place, and a stellar rating for water and dust resistance. Their sound quality is solid for a $50 product, and you can adjust it by choosing from a trio of easy-to-access presets.

    The battery life of the Sport2 is excellent, though I wish the product had a USB-C charging port instead of a microUSB. JLab’s retail package includes multiple sets of ear tips, a storage case, and cable holders.

    Key Specs

    Sound8-millimeter audio drivers
    DurabilityIP66 water- and dust-resistant
    Battery LifeUp to 20 hours
    6
    Best for Apple Users

    Beats Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds

    On Sale
    Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds
    6
    Best for Apple Users

    Beats Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds

    Now 30% Off
    Pros
    • Balanced and entertaining sound
    • Outstanding connectivity with Apple hardware
    • Cool and colorful design
    Cons
    • Retail package lacks a storage case

    The affordable Beats Flex neckband earphones are hands down the best option for owners of multiple Apple gadgets. Thanks to the tech giant’s W1 chip, the buds will seamlessly connect and switch among iPhones, iPads, and Macs that use the same iCloud account. The headset also has an easy pairing process and a companion app for Android phones.

    Like all Beats products, the Flex earphones deliver a powerful and enjoyable sound suitable for any type of content. You can choose from black, blue, gray, and yellow color options.

    Key Specs

    SoundCustom audio drivers, Apple W1 chip
    DurabilityIPX4 water-resistant
    Battery LifeUp to 12 hours
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    7
    For Exercising on the Cheap

    Skullcandy Jib XT Active Wireless Earbuds

    Jib XT Active Wireless Earbuds
    7
    For Exercising on the Cheap

    Skullcandy Jib XT Active Wireless Earbuds

    Pros
    • Very affordable
    • Secure fit
    • Powerful sound
    Cons
    • Underwhelming battery life
    • Dated charging connector

    Skullcandy’s Jib XT Active wireless neckband earbuds are an excellent option for exercising on a tight budget. The product’s noteworthy highlights include a secure fit with additional ear inserts and a neckband with adjustable length.

    Like countless Skullcandy products, the Jib XT Active delivers a powerful sound with deep bass to keep you motivated during all your workouts. We only wish the buds had longer battery life and a more up-to-date charging connector. Given their low price tag, the last-mentioned shortcomings aren’t dealbreakers.

    Key Specs

    Sound6-millimeter audio drivers
    DurabilityIPX4 water-resistant
    Battery LifeUp to 8 hours
    8
    Most Eco-Friendly

    House of Marley Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 Earbuds

    Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 Earbuds
    8
    Most Eco-Friendly

    House of Marley Smile Jamaica Wireless 2 Earbuds

    Now 33% Off
    Pros
    • Characterful design
    • Entertaining sound
    • Reasonably priced
    Cons
    • Bulky remote control

    House of Marley’s Smile Jamaica 2 wireless earbuds stand out from the rest thanks to their characterful design, sustainable craftsmanship, and reasonable price. The earphones are made using FSC-certified wood, reclaimed polyester and silicone, and easy-to-recycle aluminum. There are several colors to pick from, each option sporting different wood accents.

    Like all House of Marley offerings, the Smile Jamaica 2 earbuds deliver an enjoyable sound with a slightly enhanced bass. Because their neckband has a cable-only design, the earphones are also easy to integrate into any outfit.

    Key Specs

    Sound9-millimeter audio drivers
    DurabilityIPX4 water-resistant
    Battery LifeUp to 9 hours
    9
    For Bassheads

    Sony Sony WI-XB400 Wireless Earbuds

    Sony WI-XB400 Wireless Earbuds
    9
    For Bassheads

    Sony Sony WI-XB400 Wireless Earbuds

    Pros
    • Bass-heavy sound
    • Lightweight and comfy
    • Great battery life
    Cons
    • No rating for water resistance

    Sony’s affordable WI-XB400 wireless neckband earbuds are all about delivering a sonic experience with a powerful low range — in fact, the XB letters in the name stand for extra bass! This makes the buds great for rocking out, gaming, and watching action-packed video content. Still, be mindful that there are choices with a more balanced sound for the money.

    Other features include an understated design with handy controls, onboard magnets for easy storage, and stellar battery life.

    Key Specs

    Sound12-millimeter audio drivers
    DurabilityN/A
    Battery LifeUp to 15 hours
    Headshot of Stefan Vazharov
    Stefan Vazharov
    Senior Technology Editor

    Stefan is the senior technology editor for BestProducts.com, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015. He has more than a decade of experience covering consumer tech products, especially smartphones, tablets, laptops, and audio gear. He was previously the US editor for GSMArena.com; his work can also be found on Popular Mechanics and other Hearst publications.In the rare moments when he’s not playing with a new gadget, Stefan likes to watch live Premier League games or hang out with his cat and rabbit. He’s also an espresso snob.

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