Product generously provided for review by Naenka
Previously I reviewed the Runner Diver2 bone conduction headphones by Naenka and I was given the opportunity this time to review the more budget friendly Runner Neo bone conduction headphones. This will be a full review but in the end I will compare the two and give a recommendation.
What’s In The Box?
When you unbox these headphones, you'll find them right at the forefront. But, if you dig a bit deeper, you'll discover all the familiar extras that came with the Runner Diver headphones. Inside, you'll get the headphones themselves (no surprises there), sound enhancers (check the picture above for those), ear plugs, a user manual, and a wireless charging cord. I’m not sure why this pair includes ear plugs since they're not entirely waterproof, but hey, I'll gladly keep them – I'm always misplacing mine.
Aesthetics And Build Quality
Let me break it down for you – these red ones? They really pop, much better than the gray ones I used to have. Sure, they're a bit bulkier, and you can't really hide them, even if you go for a more subtle color. But that bulkiness isn't a downside. It feels like they can take a beating, you know? I'm not worried that a random pocket drop will jumble up all the tech inside; these headphones are surprisingly robust despite being so lightweight.
And about the volume, I can't tell if it's because of the thicker conduction piece or if the fully waterproof ones have some sound restrictions. Whatever the reason, these have a slight edge in volume. Whether it's music, podcasts, or shows, everything comes through crystal clear. Just a heads up, though – don't expect crazy bass from these. They're not built for that, and honestly, I'm not sure it's even doable or healthy.
Special Features
These headphones are next-level cool. If you’re not familiar, they're bone conduction, so forget about stuff in or covering your ears. They perch on your cheekbone and send out your tunes through vibrations. It's like the future is here, right? Super handy when you need to stay aware but still crave your favorite sounds.
Now, this particular pair isn't fully waterproof like the Diver2, but they're no slouch. They're all about resisting sweat, moisture, and dust, making them your go-to for any sport, be it indoors or outdoors. Plus, with up to 10 hours of playtime on a full charge, you're set for your gym sesh, a basketball game, or just a marathon day of travel. Cool, huh?
What It Could Have Done Better
So, maybe it's just me getting used to these bone-conducting headphones, but they always leave my ear feeling a bit funny afterward. At the beginning, the vibrations are a tad too much until I adjust, but that lingering tickle in the ear is the main thing to keep in mind. Of course, it could just be me not being entirely accustomed to the sensation.
Verdict
Alright, time for a face-off between these and the Diver2. If you're counting your dollars, these are the wallet-friendly choice at $129.99, compared to the Diver2's $189.99. Looks-wise, I'd say the Diver2 has the sleeker, more stylish vibe. When it comes to cranking up the volume, the Runner Neo takes the cake with a bit more oomph. But honestly, my top pick is still the Runner Diver2, mainly because they're fully waterproof – that's the game-changer. However, if waterproof isn't a deal-breaker for you, the Runner Neo is a solid option in any other scenario.
The Naenka Runner Neo Bone Conduction Headphones are available now on their website for $129.99 with a temporary discount bringing them down to $77. 99
