Ever since the Covid 19 became the new normal, a lot has changed in our daily life. We have accustomed ourselves to work from home culture and spend hours on group calls on platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meets, Cisco Webex, and others. This has created a new problem for some of us who find using earphones for long hours painful. Keeping that in mind, Sony has come up with a unique product called SRS-NB10 Wireless Neckband that is basically a unique and exciting product designed to be comfortable for long-duration usage. Is the SRS-NB10 Wireless Neckband really worth it? Let’s find out!
Sony SRS-NB10 Wireless Neckband Unboxing
Sony hasn’t tried anything flashy. The neckband comes in a simple eco-friendly box that also includes a charging cable and some documentation.
Sony SRS-NB10 Wireless Neckband review: Design & Comfort
The SRS-NB10 is unlike any other audio product that we have seen. As the name suggests it is designed to be worn on the neck. It seems to be inspired by the neckband earphones but the earbuds have been instead replaced with speakers. The neckband is mainly made of a rubberized material with speakers petitioned in each side pointing towards the ears.
On the right side, you will spot a toggle switch that lets you turn the mic on or off. On the left side, volume buttons are sitting alongside a function key that can perform multiple actions.
Despite all that, Sony has managed to keep the weight in check as it weighs just 113g. This ensures, even when you use it for long hours it won’t cause pain in your neck. This addresses the situation where using earphones or earbuds causes pain in sensitive ears. These are really comfortable for long calls.
Sony SRS-NB10 Wireless Neckband review: Sound & Calling
Let’s start with the latter first. The Sony neckband is second to none when it comes to calls quality. It comes with two excellent microphones supporting beamforming. This means the SRS-NB10 microphones can pick your voice from any direction and optimizes itself accordingly for a better result. To test out the calling capabilities of this distinctive Sony product, I tied making calls from a mobile phone, laptops, and SmartTV. Every time the NB10 works exceedingly well as it manages to catch every word easily.
Another thing that really impressed me is its strong Bluetooth connectivity. Once connected I was easily able to roam around my place without connection drop. Its multi-point connectivity options are worth pointing out as I manage to switch between phones effortlessly.
As far as sound quality is concerned, the SRS-NB10 is neither good nor bad. The primary focus here is on comfort and practicality rather than audio fidelity. While playing music it directs everything towards your ears. It is loud enough that your co-worker might get distracted. The sound is crisp and clear but it lacks the rumble which bass enthusiasts won’t appreciate.
Sony SRS-NB10 Wireless Neckband review: Battery & others
The neckband is rated to last for 20 hours which is more or less accurate. It can be charged via USB Type C cable which thankfully comes bundled in the box. There is fast charging support so I was able to refill about an hour’s worth of battery in just 10 minutes.
The SRS-NB10 Wireless neckband is IPX4-certified, which means it can withstand slight splashes of water without any trouble.
Verdict: Should you buy Sony SRS-NB10 Wireless Neckband?
Editor’s rating: 3.5 / 5
Sony has managed to come up with a unique product, unlike anything that existed in the Indian market. Anyone who has to attend calls and meetings for hours and has sensitive ears will definitely appreciate the convenience and see the value. For those who spend hours almost every day on calls, it’s a worthy buy for Rs 11,990.
Having said that, if it’s a nuanced music listening experience that you are after, the neckband will still fair decent but it won’t give you that same level of fidelity as you get in similarly priced wireless earphones.
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Excellent mics
- Decent Audio
- Impressive battery life
Cons
- Limited target audiance
- Not suitable for private conversation
