10 Real-World Tips to Improve Sound Quality of Your Neckband

Improve Sound Quality of Your Neckband — Let’s Be Honest: It Doesn’t Sound Like It Used To

Ever feel like your neckband just doesn’t sound as good as it used to? Maybe the bass feels flat, the vocals seem dull, or calls sound muffled. Don’t worry — you’re not imagining things. Over time, even the best neckbands lose their punch, especially if we ignore a few small details that matter more than we think.

If you’re looking for practical, no-nonsense ways to improve your neckband’s sound quality, this guide has you covered. And no, I’m not going to tell you to rush out and buy a brand-new one (unless it’s truly done for).

Whether you’re using a budget model like Boult, boAt, or Realme — or something premium like Sony or JBL — these tips are easy fixes that can help bring back that satisfying audio experience.

Most people assume the sound you get out of the box is the best your neckband can deliver. But that’s rarely true. Small tweaks — like changing ear‑tips, cleaning the driver mesh, or switching to the right Bluetooth codec — can turn a “meh” sound into something surprisingly rich.

Over the years, I’ve tuned everything from ultra‑budget boAt models to premium OnePlus and Sony neckbands. The pattern is clear: five minutes of small adjustments often work better than spending on a new pair. In this guide, I’ll show you the exact steps I use when friends hand me their “underperforming” neckbands.

Want deeper bass, clearer vocals, or just louder volume without distortion? These simple fixes cost little—or nothing—and can unlock better sound from the neckband you already have.

1. Start with the Basics – Just Clean It!

This might sound like something your mom would say—but it’s true: dirt can ruin your sound. Dust, sweat, and earwax often sneak into the speaker mesh and block sound without you realizing it.

Here’s what to do:

Grab a dry cotton swab or a soft brush (even an old toothbrush works!) and gently clean around the eartips and speaker holes. You’d be surprised how much better your neckband sounds after just 2 minutes of cleaning.

If one side sounds muffled, there’s a good chance something is stuck inside the mesh. Try playing a soft tone or song, then lightly brush the speaker grill with a clean, dry toothbrush. For sticky dirt, use a cotton swab with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol—just be careful not to let any liquid drip inside.

Real user review – boAt 255 Pro+:

“Thought my right earbud was dying. A quick mesh clean brought back the highs and saved me from buying a new pair.” — ★★★★☆

2. Use the Right Eartips — No, Really!

Don’t just stick with the default tips your neckband came with. The fit makes a huge difference. If they don’t seal your ears properly, you’ll lose out on bass and let outside noise sneak in.

Try this:

Test all the eartip sizes that came in the box. You’re looking for a snug fit — one that feels comfy after 10 minutes but doesn’t fall out when you nod your head.

A good seal can instantly improve sound quality — more bass, clearer vocals, and better noise isolation.

Your eartips are the unsung heroes of your neckband’s sound. A loose fit lets bass escape and outside noise ruin the vibe. Try the biggest size that still feels comfortable — larger tips often create a tighter seal and deeper sound. If the silicone ones feel too slippery, you can grab memory foam tips online for under ₹300. They shape perfectly to your ear for a snug, noise-blocking fit.

Real user review – OnePlus Z2:

“Switching to foam tips doubled the bass punch and cut outside chatter by half. Didn’t know these drivers had it in them.” — ★★★★★

3. Don’t Ignore Bluetooth Codecs (It’s Easier Than It Sounds)

Okay, this might sound technical, but don’t worry — it’s not as complicated as it seems.

Your phone and neckband communicate using something called a codec — kind of like a language for sending sound. Some codecs are super basic (like SBC), while others offer way better sound (like AAC, aptX, or LDAC).

Here’s the deal:
Most phones use SBC by default, which squashes the sound to save space. But if both your phone and neckband support a better codec, you’ll hear a clear upgrade — sharper vocals, punchier instruments, and more “life” in your music.

Try this on Android:

1. Go to Settings > About phone
2. Tap ‘Build Number’ seven times to unlock Developer Options
3. Now open Settings > Developer Options > Bluetooth Audio Codec
4. Choose the highest one your neckband supports (like AAC, aptX, or LDAC)

Note: Better codecs may use slightly more battery, but the sound boost is totally worth it.

4. Tweak the Equalizer — Don’t Just Use Factory Sound

Let’s be honest — your neckband’s default sound settings aren’t made for your ears. Everyone’s taste is different. Some people love heart-thumping bass, while others want vocals to sound crystal clear.

Good news? You don’t need new earphones — just a quick equalizer (EQ) tweak can make a big difference.

Here’s what to do:

Most music apps — like Spotify, YouTube Music, or Apple Music — let you change the sound to your liking.

• Want clearer vocals? Try lowering the treble a bit and boosting the mids.
• Love bass? Add a gentle bump to the low end, but don’t go overboard — too much bass can drown out everything else.

Try these EQ apps:

• Wavelet (Android) – Great for presets that match your headphones
• Poweramp – Best if you listen to local MP3s
• Or use your phone’s built-in EQ settings

Quick tip:
Start with presets like “Bass Boost” or “V-curve.” Then adjust things slowly. A little boost (+1 dB) in treble can add sparkle, but too much might make the sound harsh. Play around until it sounds just right for you.

5. Keep the Battery Above 30% — It’s Not Just About Power

Here’s a sneaky one: when your neckband’s battery drops below 30%, the sound quality often drops too. Brands do this on purpose to save power — but it means less bass and lower volume.

What to do?
Charge your neckband regularly. Even a 15-minute fast charge before your walk or workout can bring back the full, rich sound.

6. Kill the Signal Interference — Clear the Air

Ever noticed your music cutting out or sounding flat for no reason? The problem might be your Wi-Fi router, smartwatch, or even another Bluetooth device nearby.

Try this:

• Move to a different room
• Turn off extra Bluetooth devices not in use

A cleaner signal often means cleaner, stronger sound.

7. Use Better Audio Files or Music Apps

Let’s be real — your neckband can only sound as good as the music quality you feed it. Playing a low-quality MP3 or YouTube rip just won’t do it justice.

Want better sound? Try these tips:

• Use 320 kbps MP3s or better
• Stream using Spotify Premium, Apple Music, or Amazon Music HD
• Avoid YouTube for daily music if quality matters

Think of it like this: better input = better output. Simple!

8. Turn Off Gaming Mode — Unless You’re Gaming

Gaming mode is great for low delay, but it often messes with sound quality. You lose detail, richness, and sometimes even volume.

If you’re just listening to music or watching shows, turn gaming mode off. You’ll instantly notice better highs, smoother mids, and more balanced sound.

9. Update the Firmware — Yes, Neckbands Have That!

Surprise! Some neckbands get firmware updates that can boost sound, fix bugs, or improve Bluetooth connection.

Check your brand’s app:

• Realme Link
• boAt Hearables
• OnePlus Buds
• NoiseFit or Noise App

Open the app once a month and see if an update is available. Also, if your sound suddenly goes bad, try this:

• Delete the Bluetooth profile from your phone
• Reset the neckband
• Pair it again

Sometimes just doing that can fix weird sound issues caused by corrupted connections.

10. If All Else Fails — Maybe It’s Time to Upgrade

Tried everything and still feel like you’re listening through a tin can? It might just be your neckband reaching the end of its life.

If it’s a few years old, doesn’t support modern codecs, or lacks basic tuning options, your best bet might be a new pair.

Look for something with:

• 10mm+ drivers
• Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3
• aptX or LDAC support
• Fast charging and long battery life

Adjustment‑Impact‑Cost Table

Poll: Which tweak made the biggest difference for you?

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We read every vote!
Your feedback guides future tips and helps fellow readers know which tweaks actually work. Cast your vote above—it only takes a second and could save someone else from buying a new pair unnecessarily.

Summary: Small Fixes, Big Difference

If you’ve tried everything and sound still feels subpar, it might be time to upgrade. Check out our reviews:

• Boult Audio Curve Max Review
• boAt Rockerz 205 Review
• Realme Buds Wireless 3 Review

These options offer better drivers, codecs, and features under budget.

Pros and Cons of Improving Sound Manually

FAQs – Improve Sound Quality of Your Neckband

Ready to upgrade?

Check the following Wireless Bluetooth Neckband – Pick of the day. Click below to check the latest prices.

About the Author

Hari Prasad is the editor of AudioPick.in and a lifelong audio enthusiast. He writes detailed, honest reviews and guides to help everyday users pick the right gear without tech jargon. His personal interest in Bluetooth audio, neckbands, and codecs comes from testing dozens of devices over the past few years.