The TDM Neo, unveiled at CES 2026, is an on‑ear headphone that folds into a Bluetooth speaker. Priced at $249, it attracted media attention, earned a few awards and helped the startup exceed its Kickstarter goals. In a market where many products are limited to minor updates or new colors, the Neo promised a genuine technical twist.
The device’s twist‑and‑fold mechanism is both clever and satisfying. Rotating the ear cups around the flexible headband and snapping them together with strong magnets locks the headphones into speaker mode, disabling the headphone drivers and activating the outward‑facing Bluetooth speakers. Separating the cups returns them to headphone mode. The action feels solid, never popping open unintentionally, and the transition between modes is seamless.
Inside, the Neo houses four 40‑mm drivers—two for the headphones and two for the speakers. Each speaker is rated at 5 watts, giving a combined output of 10 watts. While this is modest compared to some modern Bluetooth speakers, wattage alone does not dictate loudness or quality; the $55 JBL Go 5, for example, delivers 4.5 watts and is well regarded.
Battery life is a strong point: the headphones claim more than 200 hours of playback, and the speaker mode offers up to 16 hours. A five‑minute charge adds roughly eight extra hours. Controls on the device are simple, with rubber buttons for power, volume and Bluetooth. One oddity is that the volume button reverses direction in speaker mode, which can be confusing at first. The power button and 3.5‑mm AUX jack face upward, and the USB‑C charging cable protrudes from the top, a design choice that sacrifices a bit of elegance.
The companion app lets users decide what happens when the units are twisted. Options include switching between headphone and speaker playback, pausing music, or powering off. Users can also lock the device in speaker mode for neck‑wear use—though it’s not advisable on crowded public transport. Basic EQ presets are available for both modes, and the app includes a Find‑My‑device feature.
As headphones, the Neo lacks active noise cancellation, a rarity for on‑ear designs today as many brands favor over‑ear models with ANC. Instead, the ear pads rely on a tight fit for passive isolation. The pads are firm rather than plush, making the headphones feel snug on larger heads and less comfortable over long periods. Weighing 11.9 ounces, they are noticeably heavier than many competitors: about three ounces more than the Sony WH‑1000XM6, nearly two ounces heavier than the Soundcore Space One Pro, and over four ounces above the Beats Solo 4 on‑ear model.
Sound quality is clear and detailed, with defined bass and vocals, but the overall presentation feels constrained. Instruments compete for space, resulting in a boxed‑in feel that can become tiring after extended listening. While not terrible, the audio does not match the expectations set by similarly priced alternatives, especially given the lack of ANC and the relatively heavy design.
In speaker mode, the Neo’s engineering remains impressive, and the compact folded size is appealing. However, the audio output falls short of top‑tier Bluetooth speakers. Volume is adequate for casual use, but the sound is thin and less impactful than the JBL Go 5, despite the Neo’s higher wattage. For travelers, the device offers the convenience of a built‑in speaker at the destination, yet the compromise in headphone comfort and sound may leave users wishing they had packed a more comfortable pair with active noise cancellation.