What are the best "neckband" Bluetooth earphones/in-ears? January 2022

Comfortable, easy to use and offering very pleasant audio performances, Beats Flex simply does exactly what is expected of them. The integration with iOS and macOS enabled by the W1 chip is obviously a plus for owners of Apple devices, but Android aficionados can rest assured that they remain perfectly compatible with any Bluetooth source.

Libratone Track+ In-Ear Wireless

Libratone finally signs a great success in the intras with these Track+. This result is largely the result of their extremely careful design, very good comfort and support, but also their ease of use and complete controls. The picture is not as perfect in terms of sound performance, despite a rendering that is certainly well controlled, but still too flattering. It will also have to do with a somewhat weak autonomy and a discreet active noise reduction. The Danish brand still has a long way to go to compete with the tenors of the genre, such as the QC30, but it is undoubtedly heading in the right direction.

Alternatives

Bose SoundSport Wireless

The SoundSport Wireless offer sports enthusiasts excellent comfort and unfailing support. The connectivity is also excellent (possibility to pair with several devices and switch from one to another in the blink of an eye), and the remote control is very complete. When it comes to sonic performance though, be warned: it's pure Bose, hilly frequency response included. Finally, who says sport says security: their open design will not suit music lovers wishing to cut themselves off from the outside world.

AKG Y100

Mission accomplished for the AKG Y100. These Bluetooth headphones in neckband format master their subject by offering comfort, ease of use and great sound performance with a rich and well-balanced rendering. Despite a disappointing hands-free kit and perfectible reproduction of the stereo scene, the Y100s offer very good value for money. Feature-hungry music lovers can take a look at Plantronics' BackBeat Go 410, which is more complete, but also more expensive.

Plantronics BackBeat Fit 305

The BackBeat Fit 305 do indeed offer the essentials for athletes looking for a listening companion. Nevertheless, it is clear that some competing solutions are more elaborate and above all offer better sound performance. We are thinking in particular of the Jaybird X3, the Freedom or the Bose SoundSport Wireless, which are very similar in terms of price.

In the quest for 100% wireless, wired earphones and in-ear headphones have gone through an intermediate stage before becoming the so popular “true wireless”. These headphones, which we call “neckbands”, remain connected to each other by a cable, even if they communicate mainly via Bluetooth. This type of product is not as popular as the portable Bluetooth headset or the pair of true wireless earphones, but it offers an interesting alternative, whether for listening to music on the move, sports practice, effective isolation from surrounding noises or simply making calls. Our dedicated comparison is there to help you see more clearly and find the model that best suits your expectations.

Audio editor for you, forever, addicted to music, video games and cinema. Dedicates his free time to making many strings vibrate thanks to centuries-old Norman techniques.