Shenzhen TONEMAC Tech. Co., Ltd. N18 Neckband Bluetooth Earbuds, Wireless Bluetooth Review
The TONEMAC N18 packs ANC and IPX7 waterproofing into a $26 neckband. It's a gym rat's dream, but music lovers will be disappointed by the muddy, bass-heavy sound.
The 30-Second Version
For $26, you get legit ANC and IPX7 waterproofing in a hard-to-lose neckband design. Just don't expect great sound—it's bassy and muddy. A solid buy for gym rats or as a durable backup pair, but music lovers should look elsewhere.
Overview
The TONEMAC N18 neckband earbuds are a budget-friendly throwback. They ditch the charging case for a simple, flexible neckband that holds the battery and connects the earbuds. It's a design that's hard to lose and perfect for workouts where you're constantly taking earbuds in and out.
For about $26, you're getting a feature set that punches above its weight. IPX7 waterproofing, active noise cancellation, and a claimed 20-hour battery life make this a strong contender for gym rats or anyone who wants a simple, durable pair of wireless buds without the fuss of true wireless.
Performance
Performance is a mixed bag, which is expected at this price. The ANC is surprisingly decent, landing in the 84th percentile in our database. It's not going to drown out a subway, but it'll handle a noisy gym or office AC hum. The 10mm drivers deliver on the 'deep bass' promise, but our data shows music quality is its weakest area, scoring just 44.1/100. The sound is bass-forward and can get muddy; don't expect audiophile detail. Call quality is a bright spot, with the mic scoring in the 79th percentile, thanks to the ENC tech that cuts out a good chunk of background noise.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Surprisingly effective ANC for the price. 88th
- IPX7 waterproofing is legit for heavy sweat or rain. 84th
- The neckband design means you'll never lose an earbud. 79th
- Call quality is clear, even in noisy environments. 74th
Cons
- Sound quality is mediocre, especially for music.
- The 20-hour battery life underperforms compared to peers (43rd percentile).
- Comfort is just average (55th percentile); the fit won't work for every ear.
- The neckband style feels dated compared to true wireless options.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
| Wearing Style | Rounded |
| Ear Tips | l |
| Weight | 0.1 kg / 0.2 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 10 |
| Impedance | 18 |
| Sensitivity | 98 |
| Codecs | N18 Neckband Bluetooth Earbuds, Wireless Bluetooth 5.2 Headphones with Microphone, Ultra-Lightweight Comfort, IPX7 Waterproof, Deep Bass Strong Beat, 20H Playtime, Magnetic Earphones (Black) |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Wired Connector | USB |
Earbud Battery
| Battery Life | 20 |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| NC Mic | Yes |
Features
| Water Resistance | Waterproof |
Value & Pricing
At $26, the value proposition is hard to ignore. You're getting ANC and IPX7 waterproofing, features that often cost three times as much. Just temper your expectations. You're paying for utility and durability, not sonic excellence. If your main goals are not losing your earbuds and having them survive a workout, this is a steal. If pristine sound is your priority, this isn't it.
vs Competition
This isn't competing with Sony or Bose true wireless buds. Its real competition is other budget neckbands and basic true wireless models under $50. Compared to something like the Anker Soundcore Life U2i (another neckband), the N18 has better ANC but likely worse sound tuning, based on customer feedback. Against cheap true wireless buds, the N18 wins on battery life and 'never lose an earbud' security but loses on modern convenience and pocketability. It's a niche pick.
| Spec | Shenzhen TONEMAC Tech. Co., Ltd. N18 Neckband Bluetooth Earbuds, Wireless Bluetooth | Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Technics Technics EAH-AZ80 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless | Apple Airpods Pro 3 Apple AirPods Pro with Wireless MagSafe Charging | Jabra Jabra Evolve2 Buds USB-C UC Earbuds with USB-C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | 20 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | — | 16 | 16 | 18 | 24 | 25 |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP57 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | — | true | true | true | true | true |
Common Questions
Q: Is the IPX7 waterproof rating good for swimming?
IPX7 means it can handle immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, so it's great against sweat, rain, or splashes, but we wouldn't recommend actual swimming or submersion with it.
Q: How good is the noise cancellation?
It's surprisingly decent for the price. It won't match a $300 Sony pair, but it effectively reduces constant low-frequency noises like fans, gym equipment, or airplane cabin hum.
Q: Can you use just one earbud at a time?
Yes, the neckband design allows you to let one earbud hang while using the other, which is handy for staying aware of your surroundings during a run.
Who Should Skip This
Skip these if you're an audiophile or prioritize sound quality above all else. Our data shows music performance is its worst category (44.1/100). Also, if you hate the feeling of anything around your neck or want the latest true wireless tech for office use, this isn't for you.
Verdict
Buy the TONEMAC N18 if you're super active, constantly misplace small things, or just want a no-fuss, durable pair of beater earbuds for the gym or commute. Its ANC and waterproofing are legit for the price, and the neckband design, while old-school, solves real problems. It's a tool, not a luxury item.