TDM Neo review: they twist and shout, but they don't sound good

The TDM Neo is a dual-purpose audio device that functions as both headphones and a portable speaker. Released in October 2026, the gadget folds or unfolds using a twisting mechanism, offering unique convenience. However, despite its innovative design, the TDM Neo falls short in terms of audio quality. As headphones, they are okay but imprecise compared to competitors.

When used as a speaker, they produce a tinny, bass-less sound, struggling to compete even with budget options. The design also has its flaws, with the locking mechanism sometimes not securing the speaker in place, causing wobble. The accompanying app requires account creation for certain features, which seems unnecessary for a gadget that should operate seamlessly out-of-the-box.

Despite some positive aspects, such as impressive battery life (16 hours in speaker mode, 200 hours in headphone mode) and an adjustable EQ per format, the overall experience is hindered by the audio shortcomings and design issues. Priced at $249 / £249 (approximately AU$500), the TDM Neo fails to justify its cost, making it difficult to recommend as a consumer product.

If TDM manages to address these issues in a potential Neo 2, it could prove to be a truly exceptional device.