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We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-09-29 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
• Groovz Open-Ear Plus True — biggest strength: open-ear hooks that sit outside your ear canal, Bluetooth 5.4 with multi-point pairing to two devices, and up to 42 hours of total playtime with a battery display on the case. Biggest trade-off: open-ear means no passive isolation, and noise control is listed as "None."
• MZQYRVK Neckband — biggest strength: auto-retractable in-ear buds, IPX4 sweatproofing, vibration alerts, and up to 20 hours of continuous playback — built specifically for sports and work. Biggest trade-off: the spec sheet lists Bluetooth 4.1, an older standard than the Groovz's 5.4.
• For runners who want situational awareness and maximum battery → Groovz Open-Ear Plus True.
• For gym-goers and commuters who want sealed in-ear sound, retractable cables, and silent incoming-call buzzes → MZQYRVK Neckband.
• The quick rule: Groovz if your priority is open-ear comfort and battery; MZQYRVK if your priority is a secure, tangle-free fit that shrugs off sweat.
The Groovz Open-Ear Plus True is built around a specific idea: keep your ears open. The earpieces are open-ear in shape and hook over the ear rather than plugging into the canal. For outdoor runners, cyclists, and anyone who wants to stay aware of cars, other people, or a training partner mid-run, that design choice is the whole point. The flexible ear hooks are described as ergonomic and secure, and the housing is lightweight plastic with a textured finish in a Blue Starry Night look.
Where it pulls ahead on paper is battery and connectivity. The sheet lists up to 42 hours total — 10 hours in the buds themselves, plus 32 hours from the charging case — and an LED battery display on the case so you can see the charge at a glance instead of guessing. Bluetooth 5.4 with multi-point pairing means you can be connected to two devices at once, which is genuinely useful if you take calls on a laptop and listen to music on a phone. Dual microphones with noise reduction handle calls, and touch controls cover track skipping, answering, and volume. There's a 1-year warranty, and it's designed and engineered in the USA.
Who should skip it? If you train in a loud gym and want your music to block out the world, open-ear won't do that — the sheet explicitly lists noise control as "None." And if you prefer in-ear buds that stay physically tethered to something, this isn't that. It's for the listener who wants their ears free.
The MZQYRVK Neckband takes the opposite approach: plug in, cinch down, and forget about wires. The buds are in-ear, and they retract automatically into the flexible neckband — pull them out to the length you want, press the button, and they reel back in. No dangling cord, no tangling in a gym bag. The neckband itself is bendable and wraps around your neck, staying put through workouts, commutes, or a workday at a desk.
It's aimed squarely at sweat. IPX4 sweatproofing covers sweat and light rain, which is exactly the exposure a runner or gym-goer generates. The vibration alert is a genuinely thoughtful sports feature: instead of a loud ringtone cutting into your music, the band buzzes to tell you a call is coming in — handy in a quiet office or when you're mid-set. CVC6.0 noise cancelling handles the mic side for hands-free calls, and 10mm dynamic drivers do the audio. Battery is up to 20 hours of continuous playback or 24 hours of talk time, with a 2-hour charge time.
The trade-offs are real. The spec sheet lists Bluetooth 4.1, which is an older generation than the Groovz's 5.4 — you still get wireless audio and a listed 33-foot range, but it's not the newest standard. Audio latency is listed at 150 milliseconds, so lip-sync on video could be slightly noticeable for some viewers. And the in-ear seal means you'll hear less of the world around you, which is the opposite of the open-ear pitch. It ships with a hard EVA carrying case, and the band weighs 2.4 ounces.
• Best for sweaty workouts → MZQYRVK Neckband. IPX4 sweatproofing plus a secure bendable neckband is the more purpose-built sports setup here.
• Best for battery life → Groovz Open-Ear Plus True. Up to 42 hours total versus up to 20 hours continuous on the MZQYRVK.
• Best for staying aware of your surroundings → Groovz Open-Ear Plus True. Open-ear design keeps your canal clear; the MZQYRVK's in-ear fit seals you off.
• Best for tangle-free cable management → MZQYRVK Neckband. Auto-retractable buds beat loose hooks if you hate cord chaos in a bag.
• Best for newer Bluetooth and dual-device pairing → Groovz Open-Ear Plus True. Bluetooth 5.4 with multi-point pairing versus the MZQYRVK's listed Bluetooth 4.1.
• Best for silent call notifications → MZQYRVK Neckband. The vibration alert is unique to it.
• Best for long listening sessions and calls at a desk → Groovz Open-Ear Plus True. The battery display plus 32 hours in the case makes it a low-maintenance daily driver.
• Best for in-ear sound isolation → MZQYRVK Neckband. Its passive noise cancellation and in-ear seal block more ambient noise than an open-ear design can.
In my opinion, the Groovz Open-Ear Plus True is the better pick for most people who want one pair of earbuds for running, calls, and all-day wear. The open-ear comfort, Bluetooth 5.4 multi-point pairing, 42-hour total battery, and the battery display on the case add up to a more flexible everyday headphone. I'd recommend the MZQYRVK Neckband instead if your life is gym-first — sweatproofing, retractable buds, and vibration alerts are built for exactly that. If you're still undecided, check the current price on Amazon for both and let your budget break the tie.
FAQ
For the Groovz, loop the flexible ear hooks over your ears so the open-ear pieces rest outside the canal. For the MZQYRVK, drape the bendable neckband around your neck and pull the retractable buds into your ears — then press the button to reel them back in when you're done.
Both connect wirelessly over Bluetooth. The Groovz uses Bluetooth 5.4 and can pair with two devices at once via multi-point; the MZQYRVK uses Bluetooth 4.1 with a listed range of up to 33 feet and works with iOS and Android devices.
The Groovz uses touch controls for track skipping, calls, and volume, with a battery display on the case. The MZQYRVK uses push buttons for calls, volume, and tracks, plus a vibration alert for incoming calls so you don't miss one mid-workout.
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