Looking at the slow disappearance of the 3.5mm jack, and the shift in tech, one might end up in a dilemma on whether to purchase a TWS or a neckband for their next headphones. If you are one among this list, then you are not alone. Here lets take a look at the similarities, differences and which one is best suited for whom...
Similarities
Both TWS and Neckbands use Bluetooth as we know it. With the latest tech, both sound almost similar but definitely not as good as a wired headset. Both the headsets experience a negligible latency that's slightly felt while gaming. At last, both the types of headsets require that they are charges unlike wired headsets.
Coming to the Differences
Let's compare them based on the below criteria - comfort & convenience, sound quality, call and music functions, battery capacity, overall life, unique features to each
Comfort & Convenience
In comparison to a wired headset, both TWS and a Neckband offer better comfort and convenience as they do not come with tangling wires (even though a neckband has wires, they are short and are considered wireless) and are connected using Bluetooth.
Both TWS and Neckband offer instant connectivity but with little differences.
For instance a TWS need to be taken out of case and plugged into ear whereas a neckband stays around the neck and is easy to reach out.
The same reason is also a drawback to a few sometimes as, although its light weight and hardly felt, the earpieces are hanging around the neck which could be bothering at times. On the other hand, its easy to slide the TWS case into pockets and carry around to be used as and when needed.
Another good thing about a Neckband is that its difficult to lose a neckband as its always around the neck. It makes neckbands easy to reach out to connect during calls, as unplugging the magnetic backs switches them ON and attaching the magnets at the earpiece switches them OFF (This also gives them an edge in terms of Battery Management). Whereas, a TWS can fall from ears or slip from hand when taking out of the case or placing it back.
The Buttons in a neckband are better and easily felt by fingers while handling calls or switching music unlike a TWS which generally have touch sensors and mis-touches are possible as the sensors are not in sight when worn.
Point Of View
When it comes to easy portability and a truly wireless experience, the TWS have an upper hand on the Comfort and convenience.
When it comes to convenience in taking calls, better Battery Management and secure fits, the Neckbands definitely out weigh a TWS.
Sound Quality
Since both TWS and Neckbands are wireless, there is always a slight difference in the quality of Music that one can get from using a wired headset.
However, the recent versions on TWS and neckbands offer various features to boost the sound quality with a good bass for music lovers and tech like ANC for having good call quality. These are very good offerings that encourage people to make a shift from wired headsets.
In the Latency front, recent R&Ds are trying to bring down the delay milliseconds numbers, however the mild latency while playing fast paced games can still be felt.
Point Of View:
Even though wireless, both TWS and Neckbands offer decent sound quality in comparison to a wired headphone.
Call & Music Functions
Few of the best in class functions include Fast Pair, Parallel pairing between 2 devices, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode etc.
Both TWS and Neckbands have a combination (If not all) of the above features.
But as mentioned earlier, the buttons are easy to reach out and chances of wrong buttons being pressed are far less then the mis-touches that can happen with a TWS.
Point Of View:
In terms of easy access to the functions, neckbands are better than TWS as mis touches cannot happen with buttons. Also the Mic placement in Neckbands is near to the mouth giving better call quality.
Battery Capacity
The battery capacity area is a bit tricky and a person can come up with the right choice by only considering their personal preferences.
A TWS has a battery in each ear piece that can last easily between 3 to 6 hours before having to be placed into the case to be charged. The case usually comes with a decent battery pack so as to recharge both ear pieces multiple times. In some cases when battery is low, the user can place 1 earpiece in the case and charge it for 10 minutes and charge the other bud for the next 10 mins which would usually give a charge for another 1 to 2 hours easily.
Neckbands are a bit different where their battery capacity is larger than the ear bud battery but still smaller when compared to the battery in a TWS case. Hence, a neckband can hold on charge easily for a range of 10 to 15 hours or more based on usage before having to be charged for a minimum duration like 10 or 15 mins to extend the usage by another 3 to 6 hours approximately.
Point Of View:
When it comes to continuous usage without a break to even charge for a few minutes, TWS have an upper hand. Although its not recommended to use any headset for continuous periods of time.
However, when it comes to a decent battery life much higher than that of a TWS earbud (without case), along with a requirement to charge for few minutes would give another couple of hours, a neckband follows close pursuit.
Overall Life:
The aspect of Overall life is definitely relative to the usage. That being said, assuming a fairly decent usage, a TWS should last for a duration of 1 to 2 years provided the charging ports do not get oxidized leading to earbuds not charging. Also few complaints that one could face with careless usage include the case lid breaking off, battery failing due to usage etc.
A neckband too has its drawbacks. Even though built harder that normal wored headsets, the wires could lead to continuity issues. Also the buttons could get worn out easily due to frequent usage.
Point Of View:
In terms of longevity, TWS have an edge due to the absence of physical buttons and wires. However, if the case or the terminals are damaged, it might render the earbuds useless.
Neckbands come with wires that might give rise to continuity issues. Still the wires are, in general, better built and tangle free than normal wired headsets and if used well, can give a decent life.
Unique Features
As mentioned above both TWS & Neckbands offer unique features that benefit specific usage type. Below are a few features to look out for...
IPX Rating:
If the purpose is for good workouts, Its better to have a device with IPX rating as the sweat can deter or repair a headset. Both TWS and Neckbands have models that offer an IPX rating.
Active Noise Cancellation
For a clear and enhanced call and media quality, its better to have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) as the secondary mic receives and cuts out the surrounding noise to a certain extent.
Transparency Mode
This is an innovative feature and is the opposite of Noise cancellation.Here the secondary Mic captures the surrounding sound and plays back into the ear making it easy for the user to listen if a person talks to them during a call or while listening to Music.
Multi Device Connect
For people who work in multiple devices like Laptops and Mobiles at the same time, its important to consider this feature as the headset connects simultaneously with two devices and automatically switches between the two based on usage. It comes in handy when we are working in our laptop and have to attend an incoming call from our mobile, both using the same headset without having to disconnect from either devices.
Summary
Both TWS and Neckbands have their own Pros and Cons. Based on ones need & preference, each headset offers the best value for the spend. The Pros and Cons of both TWS & Neckbands are summarized below.
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