Neckbands are easily the most overlooked type of wireless headphones, mainly because people assume neckband-style earbuds will be uncomfortable to wear, which isn't the case if you wear them for normal activities.
The latest neckband style earbuds on the market are the Key Series N33, which have the same practical design as the AUKEY Key Series B33, featuring a silky-like rubbery finish, magnetic backing, oval nozzle tips and Key Series logo silver etchings on the front panels of the earbuds.
While the Key Series' N33 and B33 look alike, there are subtle differences between the two, including tiny perforated metal grills on the front panel of the Key Series N33. And, of course, the major difference being the Key Series N33 feature active noise cancellation and dual drivers (1 dynamic + 1 balanced armature).
The Key Series B33 doesn't have ANC other than an onboard three-mode EQ, which the Key Series N33 also has (and better at that).
Other than that, both the Key Series N33 and B33 weigh similarly (40 grams), have the same button arrangement with four mechanical buttons. Button pressing does require a bit of force, although this is not an issue since the buttons are on the neckband and not on the front of the earphones where you would end up jamming the earbuds into the ear canal.
The Key Series N33 have dedicated volume buttons which also control the skipping of tracks forwards and backwards. The ANC button is jam-packed with functionality, controlling the ANC, ambient sound mode, EQ, and voice assistant. Each button press on the ANC button toggles from ANC mode on (orange led turns on), Ambient mode on and ANC mode off.
The ANC button also controls a 3-mode equalizer (normal, movie and classic). The first EQ (normal) produces overpowering boomy bass. The second EQ (movie) produces a surround like effect, emphasizing the midrange and treble. The third EQ (classic) produces balanced sound. The movie EQ is probably the most exciting mode because of the wide soundstage it creates similar to the experience you get with open-back headphones.
The Key Series N33 ANC performance is only suited for reducing car, fan type noises, not background chatter or baby crying. The Ambient Sound mode works well too, although it depends on the environment because Ambient Sound mode amplifies everything a little bit too much; hence in a very loud environment, the sound coming in may sound distorted.
Speaking of background noise, the Key Series N33 have dual MEMS microphones (one per earbud), which sound better and more amplified than the single MEMS microphone on the Key Series B33. Being MEMS microphone, they integrate noise reduction filtering so, a decent amount of environmental sound is reduced.
You can reject, mute and place calls on hold, as well as switch between the earbuds microphone and the phone microphone. The Key Series N33 bluetooth 5.0 chip, surprisingly doesn't integrate aptX though, like the Key Series B33 do. Instead, the N33 model only has SBC and AAC codecs to choose from.

The Key Series N33 charging port is located at the base of the right stem and accepts 5V/0.5A input, taking a total of 60 minutes to fully charge the internal 130 mAh lithium polymer battery. The charging port is sealed with a flat rubber flap that provides IPX6 water/sweat resistance.
The Key Series N33 support 10-minute quick charge, which provides 2 hours of playtime and a total of 8 hours playtime with ANC turned off, 50% volume and using SBC codec (AAC consumes a lot more power on an Android device). With ANC turned on, you can expect around 6 hours of playtime.
The Key Series N33 neckband earbuds have a total length of 36cm from the top of the neckband down to the earbuds. The cabling itself measures 18cm long and has a rubbery flat sleeve that makes it anti-tangle. The neckband has a nice flex to it and, it's bendable making it easy to place around the neck. The neckband has a 14-inch circumference so, it dangles at the level of the collarbone. Depending on the length of your torso, the Key Series N33 earbuds will dangle at the bottom of the sternum (breastbone).
The only real scenario where neckband-style earbuds might be uncomfortable is for situations when you are lifting weights where you need to put a barbell behind the back of the neck. For cardio or anything involving lots of movement, neckband-style earbuds won't be ideal either because the neckband will be bouncing around your neck.
If you like working out while listening to music, neckband-style earbuds like the Key Series N33 are probably not the best solution. For exercising, true wireless earbuds or regular wireless earbuds (with cable) are a super convenient option. That said, when choosing true wireless earbuds, you should look to the IP rating for the intended sport.
For instance, for swimming you will need IPX8 for 100% waterproof resistance. For inland activities like running where you will sweat a lot, you will want an IPX6 water resistance like on the B80 wireless earbuds. For more strenuous sports like crossfit, you should look to earbuds with earhooks or earwings/wingtips like the AUKEY B60 for a more secure fit.
The included USB-A to USB-C charging cable also has the same rubbery soft silicone finish on the cable sleeve and plugs. Not only the cable feels premium but it's also anti-tangle.
There is also a large drawstring pouch included to stow away the Key Series N33 earbuds. The pouch is made of PU leather with a soft finish and the Key Series brand logo etched in the centre of the pouch. The drawstring pouch measures 17cm high by 14.5 wide. If the brand Key Series is not familiar that is because it is a relatively new brand owned by AUKEY who are also behind the Aipower Wearbuds, KSOUND K06 TWS and the T10 Key series earbuds. You can buy the Key Series N33 neckband earbuds on amazon

The TrueConnect 2 pick up where the first generation TrueConnect left off, retaining the same snazzy silky soft rubbery finish and stylish quirky-looking earbud stem design reminiscent of mini tennis rackets. From the back, the TrueConnect 2 earbuds look like cute tiny saucepans.
The design of the TrueConnect 2 design is, definitely, a plus as it makes them stand out (in a good way) from the sea of true wireless earphones. Thanks to the soft rubbery finish, the TrueConnect 2 are extremely comfortable to wear (weighing just 6 grams each). That said, they have short, stocky nozzle necks which aren't angled; hence they aren't as secure in the ears for sports and fitness activities that require a lot of movement.
That said, the TrueConnect 2 aren't marketed for fitness enthusiasts so, it's not likely potential buyers are going to be buying the TrueConnect 2 for exercising or working out in the gym. The RHA TrueConnect 2 are IP rated though. They have IP55 dust and water resistance, which means the TrueConnect 2 have protection against both dust and moisture (i.e. sweat, water).
Most wireless earphones actually don't have dust protection other than sweat/water protection; hence their IPX rating. It's surprising though, why most wireless earphones don't come with dust protection when ingress of dust is a major cause of damage to electronics.
The TrueConnect 2 have two microphones per earbud. One mic is placed at the very tip end of the stem and the other mic on the front of the earbud above the touch control area. The TrueConnect 2 have four microphones in total with a good DSP processor that does a very good job of isolating your voice while suppressing everything else loud going around you.
The microphone sound quality is better than the TrueConnect 1 and, you can regulate the volume also audio during a call, which is something you cannot do with the vast majority of true wireless earphones. There is also no re-connection delay with the TrueConnect 2 and because the TrueConnect 2 can stay connected to phone inside the charging case, you can quickly take them out of the case and answer calls instantly. Another nice thing about the TrueConnect 2 zero re-connection delay is that the transition from mono to stereo listening is seamless and instantaneous.
The RHA TrueConnect 2 earbuds are fully functional independently; hence you can use them standalone since each earpiece contains a bluetooth chip and microphones for taking calls over your smartphone. The status led is located on the inside of the earbud rather than on the outer front like on most true wireless earbuds. The good thing about having the status led on the inside is that the flashing/blinking light is out of sight.
The TrueConnect 2 charging case takes 3 hours to fully charge and can store 35 hours worth of power. The TrueConnect 2 earbuds take 1 hour to fully charge and feature 10-minute quick charge and 15-minute quick charge, which provides the TrueConnect 2 earbuds with 60 minutes and 3 hours and 30 minutes worth of playtime respectively. When fully charged, each earbud can provide 4.5 hours of playtime at 50% volume.
The TrueConnect 2 use capacitive touch technology, which works just like the capacitive touch screen of a smartphone. This means, the TrueConnect 2 touch controls can only be operated with a naked finger. You won't be able to use gloves to operate the touch controls like you can with the TrueConnect 1, which have physical buttons.
While being able to use gloves with true wireless earbuds is nice, it is also nice having touch functionality so, you don't have to jam the earbuds into the ear-canal. The touch controls on the TrueConnect 2 are really precise, making it easy to navigate through functions. There is also volume support, which is nice, although it requires a double tap, instead of a long press, which is even more convenient.
Once the charging case lid is slid open, it triggers automatic pairing for the earbuds so, you can pair the earbuds to a phone without having to physically take them out.
Instead of a standard hinge, the TrueConnect 2 charging case has a swivel hinge mechanism that makes the lid slide open upwards at an angle. The charging case opening style isn't only unique but functional too since you can open the case with one hand. Taking the earbuds in and out of the charging case is effortless.
The TrueConnect 2 deliver brighter sound with better instrument separation than the TrueConnect 1.They also have punchy bass but not as bass heavy as the TrueConnect 1, making the TrueConnect 2 a better performer for a broader genres of music.
RHA TrueConnect 2 have a newer bluetooth 5.0 chip, although it does not support multipoint connection nor aptX. The only codecs supported by the TrueConnect 2 are SBC and AAC, whereas the TrueConnect 1 only support SBC. AptX support is great for Android devices because of hi-resolution and lower lag when watching videos via the YouTube app.
The AAC codec is compatible with Android devices too. And, while it offers comparable audio/lag performance to aptX, the AAC battery drain in Android devices is super high. The AAC codec works great in the Apple iOS ecosystem for listening to iTunes and watching videos via the Apple Music app without lag.
As far as streaming videos via the YouTube app though, AAC doesn't remove latency in iOS either unless the streaming is done via SBC. Problem is though, you cannot select codecs from an iOS device like you can with an Android device.
The first generation of TrueConnect is currently available for purchase; hence it's not obsolete. In fact, the first generation of TrueConnect is currently on sale with a substantially reduced price tag. While both TrueConnect 1 and TrueConnect 2 are identical and are available in the same blue and black colorways, TrueConnect 2 hardware/software has been refined, making TrueConnect 2 a smarter purchase.
The TrueConnect 2 also retain the same top notch built quality with an aluminium charging case (79 grams), while improving the functionality of the earbuds with better IP rating and touch controls, which is a nice touch (pun intended!).
A good amount of eartips has been included, although not as generous as the TrueConnect 1, which come with comply eartips. A non-branded USB-A to USB- cable is also included. You can buy the TrueConnect 2 from RHA Audio and Amazon.