Bluetooth headphones are still quite the rage, but their bulk is prompting some customers to look for other options. Enter ‘neckphones’, or earphones attached to a Bluetooth-enabled neckband, that are lighter and easier to wear and manage, especially during workouts. Audio company Sennheiser looks like its keen to dominate the neckphone space and it recently launched the CX 7.00BT, close on the heels of its earlier neckphones — the Momentum In-ear Wireless.
The CX 7.00BT consists of a plastic neckband, thin on the arc that drapes around your neck, with the ends flaring out broadly. The left end is home to the minimal control buttons — there’s a power ON/OFF button, along with the volume rockers on either side of a small dot-shaped button that lets you play and pause music along with answering or ending calls. It has a small flap that opens to give you access to the micro-USB port for charging the set.
The earphones are attached to the band with thin cords and they do not retract into the band, which is a disadvantage and you have to be careful handling them as the cords don’t look all that durable. It also makes carrying these neckphones around in a bag cumbersome and seems to be the reason why Sennheiser has provided a soft cloth pouch in the box.
The CX 7.00BT is Bluetooth 4.1 and NFC enabled and connecting to devices is hassle-free and fast. It can connect with up to two devices simultaneously.
Audio output is impressive, but volume is limited to how loud the connected audio source device is. The silicone-covered earbuds help in cutting out ambient noise and once you have your music playing, there’s very little sound from the outside. Bass is good, and the notes sound very clear. What I liked best about the audio output was that even the underlying notes and instruments, which are otherwise mostly drowned out by the vocals or thump, are notably audible. Taking calls is also very easy; however, I experienced a slight stutter in the audio when my phone was on my desk and I was only a couple of meters away. Another niggle was that people I spoke to using these neckphones on a call complained of my voice sounding a little shrill.
The 170 mAh battery is very impressive and gave me over six hours of audio playback at one shot and lasted me almost a week when I used it during my one-hour daily workout. While we are at workouts, these neckphones are well suited for them, and the plastic build ensures that they can take some sweat too.
These neckphones can be an option for those who want a good audio experience, especially during workouts and exercise.
Price: ₹11,990
Pros: Good sound, long battery life
Cons: Not very good for calls, cords not retractable
(The article first appeared in The Hindu BusinessLine.)