A quirky two-in-one gadget tries to be both headphones and a portable speaker, but the audio quality and some design quirks hold it back.
The TDM Neo is a two-in-one gadget that works as both on-ear headphones and a portable speaker. It’s a clever concept with a long battery life, but the audio quality in both modes is underwhelming. It costs $249 in the US and £249 in the UK, and some features require an account.
Bottom line: if you’re after pure sound quality, look elsewhere. If you want a quirky, long-lasting device you can flip into a speaker when you’re traveling or at a desk, it might be worth a look.
The TDM Neo is a curious gadget: a pair of on-ear headphones that can twist into a portable speaker. It’s a clever idea that aims to replace two devices with one, but in practice the audio performance and some design choices make it hard to fully recommend.
Unveiled in January 2026 and on sale starting in October, the Neo asks $249 in the US (the UK price is £249). If you’re hunting for a flexible audio setup for travel or desk use, it’s worth understanding where it shines and where it falls flat.
The Neo is designed to be two devices in one. In headphone mode it behaves like a standard on-ear pair with a twist: you can unfold it into a small speaker, ostensibly giving you a little stereo sound from a compact unit. It also comes with a few extras in the box that show the company’s thinking, like a sturdy carrying case and a set of high-quality cables.
Sound quality is the big sticking point. In headphone mode, the Neo is merely adequate and struggles with precision compared with top rivals. In speaker mode, the bass is notably weak and the overall sound can feel tinny or muddy. The result is a device that’s fun to play with, but not the best choice if you care about hearing music as the artist intended.
One standout feature is the battery. TDM promises and delivers very long life: about 16 hours of listening in speaker mode, and a remarkable 200 hours in headphone mode. That kind of stamina can make up for other shortcomings if you mostly use the Neo passively or as a backup.
There is a TDM app with battery checks, a low-latency gaming mode, and the ability to locate the device. The catch: some features require you to create an account. If you just want to adjust EQ on the fly or find the device, you’ll need to sign in. That’s a fair annoyance for a gadget at this price point and a potential privacy trade-off for some users.
If you want a single gadget that can double as headphones and a speaker for casual listening, the Neo’s novelty and battery life are appealing. But for anyone who prioritizes sound quality or a frictionless off-the-shelf experience, there are better options. It’s not just a quirky toy, but it’s not a slam dunk either.
Look for a potential Neo 2 if TDM uses feedback from this first gen to tighten the design, improve the speaker stability, and perhaps trim the need for an account for core features. If you’re curious now, you can buy the Neo from official channels, but manage expectations about the audio performance and data-collection trade-offs.
Will it replace my Bluetooth speaker or headphones?
Not a clear replacement for either; it’s best thought of as a novelty two-in-one with strong battery life but middling sound.
Is there anything I should watch out for?
Be prepared to create an account for full features, and don’t expect punchy bass in speaker mode.
When can I expect a successor?
No official word yet, but TechRadar’s review notes point toward a possible second generation if customers push for fixes.
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