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It's rare to find someone who doesn't own a pair of earphones. I think many people use earphones in a variety of situations, but as I run almost every day, I've been looking for open-ear earphones for a long time. I recently tried out the open-ear wearable speaker "SPEAKER-1" released by ELECOM's outdoor product brand NESTOUT, and I'd like to share my experience with you
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What is the NESTOUT open-ear wearable speaker "SPEAKER-1"?
In addition to the SPEAKER-1 itself, it comes with a storage pouch, a carabiner, and a USB cable for charging
NESTOUT open-ear headphones from ELECOM's outdoor series
No introduction is needed for computer enthusiasts, but ELECOM is a major computer peripheral manufacturer headquartered in Chuo-ku, Osaka. Founded in 1986, it is a long-established computer peripheral manufacturer with a history of nearly 40 years. NESTOUT is a brand of ELECOM that specializes in outdoor use. I already knew that they sell mobile batteries and solar panels for outdoor use, but the "SPEAKER-1" featured in this article is a Bluetooth-connected open-ear wearable speaker for outdoor use
The open-ear design means your ears won't get blocked, even when used for extended periods, and you can enjoy music alongside the sounds of nature or the conversations of your friends. The headphones are also dustproof and waterproof (IP54 equivalent), making them resistant to rain and dirt. They offer extended battery life, providing up to 15 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. Even when the battery is depleted, a 15-minute charge provides approximately 3 hours of continuous playback
The 16.2mm dynamic driver and bass reflex design deliver rich sound quality, even in the low frequencies that are often lost in open-ear headphones. Naturally, the headphones also come equipped with a microphone, so you can enjoy phone and web calls
The controls are also designed for outdoor use, with large physical buttons that can be operated even when wearing gloves, reducing the chance of accidental operation that can easily occur with sensor-type buttons
In addition to these features, the SPEAKER-1 also comes with a SILENT/LIVE mode, which allows you to enjoy music and other activities together using the main SPEAKER-1 and multiple other SPEAKER-1 units. Unfortunately, I was testing the SPEAKER-1 alone this time, so I wasn't able to experience it for myself, but I thought it would be a very attractive feature for enjoying outdoor activities, camping, mountain climbing, and other activities with multiple people
The SPEAKER-1 is a Bluetooth-connected, open-ear wearable speaker with tough outdoor features, priced at around 14,800 yen. It's available in four colors: sand beige, which we tested here, as well as black, olive, and gray. It measures approximately 100mm wide x 140mm deep x 52mm high, and weighs approximately 40g. We tested it out in a variety of situations, including outdoor filming, running, and business trips to the city, and we'd like to share our findings with you
Recommended points
- Open-ear type that allows you to hear surrounding sounds and bird songs
- A design that won't hurt your ears and makes you want to wear them all day
- If you charge it while you sleep, you can use it for almost a whole day
- Waterproof and dustproof enough for running in a snowstorm
- Large physical buttons that can be operated safely while running
Points of interest
- You can barely hear anything on an airplane or a city train
- Even though I have open earphones, I often miss my wife's voice
Main specifications and evaluation
| item | ELECOM NESTOUT SPEAKER-1 |
|---|---|
| Communication method | Bluetooth standard version5.2 |
| output | Bluetooth Power Class 2 |
| Maximum communication distance | Approximately 10m *No obstacles |
| Frequency band used | 2.4GHz band |
| Modulation method | FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) |
| Supported Bluetooth profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| A2DP supported codecs | SBC, AAC |
| A2DP supported content protection | ○: SCMS-T |
| Maximum number of devices that can be registered | 8 units |
| Playback frequency band (A2DP) | 20-20,000Hz |
| Maximum continuous playback time | Approx. 15 hours / Approx. 5 hours when using silent live mode as a host |
| Maximum continuous standby time | Up to approximately 80 hours |
| power supply | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery |
| Rated voltage | DC5V |
| Charging time | Approximately 3 hours |
| Microphone Type | Electret condenser microphone type |
| External dimensions (width x depth x height) | Width approx. 100mm x depth approx. 140mm x height approx. 52mm |
| mass | Approximately 40g |
| accessories | USB charging cable (USB-A – USB Type-C(TM)), storage bag, carabiner, quick start |
| Headphone model | Open type |
| Driver unit | 16.2mm full-range dynamic driver |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| design | ★★★★☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Operability | ★★★★☆ |
| toughness | ★★★★☆ |
| Long-lasting operation | ★★★★☆ |
| Cost performance | ★★★☆☆ |
Detailed Review
I wanted headphones that let me hear the sounds around me!
The structure is such that the temples connected to the speakers are placed at the base of the ears, like glasses, so your ears don't hurt even when you wear them for long periods of time
In modern society, many people use earphones or headphones on a daily basis. In most cases, they are used to enjoy videos or music on public transportation such as trains or buses. For this reason, closed-type earphones or headphones that prevent sound leakage are the norm
However, as someone who writes and takes photos at home, walks alone in forests and woods in the outdoors, photographs wild animals by relying on bird calls and runs around my house almost every day, I have long been searching for earphones or headphones that do not block my ears and allow me to hear the sounds around me, which is the exact opposite
Many people working alone at home would think that simply outputting sound from speakers would be sufficient. However, even when working from home, you're probably moving around a lot, taking quick photos of things in between writing manuscripts or doing research in front of your computer, running the washing machine, washing dishes to refresh yourself, or making coffee. This often means that even if you're outputting sound from speakers somewhere, you can't hear it, and you often end up walking around the house with earphones and your smartphone in your pocket. With closed-type earphones, you have the disadvantage of not being able to hear things like the delivery chime, so we started looking into neck speakers and bone conduction earphones
Neck speakers are said to be great for indoor use at home, as they don't hurt your ears even when used for long periods of time and you can still hear the sounds around you, but they can't be used outdoors in the field or while running, so they were ruled out. As for bone conduction earphones, I had heard from acquaintances who use them that the sound is muffled, so I had been hesitant to try them
At that time, while I was looking for other computer peripherals, I happened to come across ELECOM's "SPEAKER-1." Because they are open-ear headphones, there is the issue of sound leakage, but because they have the same ear hook structure as glasses, they don't hurt your ears even when used for long periods of time. And because they are from the outdoor-oriented NESTOUT brand, they are IP54-class waterproof and dustproof, and can play continuously for up to 15 hours, so I decided to give them a try
First, I tried running it with "SPEAKER-1"
The controls for the SPEAKER-1 are concentrated on the right hand side. When you wear the headphones over your ears, the volume and other controls are located on the bottom, and although it's hard to see, the power and pause buttons are located on the top
As I have written about several times in OUTDOOR GEARZINE articles, my hobby is running almost every day. Currently, I combine jogging days, where I run around 18 kilometers on snowy roads in two hours, with mid-distance running days, where I run 5 kilometers in about 25 to 30 minutes, with rest days. In addition to these two types of outdoor running, I also use an indoor treadmill depending on the temperature and weather, so I do four different types of running
Since the degree of shaking varies depending on the running speed and road conditions, I tried out the SPEAKER-1 with all four running patterns, and was surprised at how little shaking the SPEAKER-1 did when I wore it. I actually thought it would bounce around a bit when I ran, but it hardly moved at all. On the other hand, one negative point I didn't expect is that when I moved my head from side to side, I felt the presence of the SPEAKER-1 at the back of my neck, which got in the way a bit. However, since I don't move my head from side to side much when I'm running, it wasn't a big deal
Also, even in February and March in Hokkaido where I live, temperatures can easily drop below zero, so I wear gloves when I run. With thick gloves, I have to take them off to operate the controls, but with thin gloves I can play, pause, and adjust the volume while I'm running without having to take them off. This greatly improves the usability of the SPEAKER-1
As for how well I can hear sounds, I often drive along National Route 36, which is one of the busiest roads in Hokkaido, and I can still hear music and voices clearly, as well as the sounds of cars driving around me, which makes a big contribution to ensuring safety
On bad weather days, I usually run indoors on a treadmill, but I once encountered a snowstorm while on a long jog. As I ran, the snow on my glasses melted and then froze again, making it increasingly difficult to see. However, the waterproof and dustproof SPEAKER-1 remained in good condition even after about two hours of jogging in the snowstorm
I think this is a result that can be recommended to many people who run while taking in information from music and Audible etc. I am very satisfied with it
It is also useful in outdoor fields where you need to photograph small birds by their calls
The SPEAKER-1 allows you to change the angle of the speaker that emits sound, so you can intuitively control how well you hear by adjusting the distance between your ears and the speaker
The SPEAKER-1 allows you to change the angle of the speaker that emits sound, so you can intuitively control how well you hear by adjusting the distance between your ears and the speaker
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In addition to running and jogging, whenever my schedule allows, I like to take a telephoto lens and walk or run around the 4-5 kilometer course at my local Aoba Park, searching for Hokkaido squirrels, small birds, and Japanese white tits.
At the time, I was searching for them relying on the chirps of birds and the occasional noises made by small animals, so I couldn't use regular headphones or earphones, which block out the sounds around me, and couldn't enjoy music while I was shooting. However, since I started using the SPEAKER-1, I can hear the sounds around me clearly, so I can enjoy not only music but also input information from Audible and other sources while I do my daily photography routine, which is great
Incidentally, the speaker part of the "SPEAKER-1" is designed so that its angle can be adjusted, so in addition to adjusting the volume with the volume, you can also conveniently adjust the sound coming from the speaker and the surrounding sounds in an analog manner by adjusting the angle and distance between the speaker part and your ear. Since you can quickly change the angle of the speaker even while wearing gloves, you can use it to change the angle of the speaker so that when you hear the sound of a bird you want to hear, you can better hear the surrounding sounds
During the snowy season in Hokkaido's forests, there are days when fresh snow falls and the road surface is quite bumpy, but the neck frame of the SPEAKER-1, which contains titanium wire, fits securely around the neck and there was no need to worry about it falling off
Not so suitable for airplanes or urban public transport
It's dustproof and waterproof to IP54 standards, and the USB Type-C connector for charging is securely covered, so it was safe even in a snowstorm
The SPEAKER-1 is extremely comfortable whether you're jogging or in the outdoor field. It's practically perfect for my everyday life, so I took it with me on a five-night business trip to the Tokyo metropolitan area
Unfortunately, even though I was seated close to the engines, the sound from the speakers was drowned out by external noises such as the engines, making it almost impossible to hear the music. Even when I turned the speaker volume up to maximum, I could barely hear anything, so I don't recommend using them when traveling by plane
I also tried using it on buses and trains after arriving in the metropolitan area, and while I could just about hear it on the quiet bus, on trains in the city I could barely hear the sound from the speakers, as they were drowned out by announcements on the train, station announcements, and other noises. Furthermore, the sound from the speakers probably leaks out into the surrounding area, so it's possible that it's causing a nuisance to nearby passengers
Generally, open-ear earphones and headphones, which tend to leak sound, are not suitable for use on public transport, so this is not an issue specific to the SPEAKER-1, but in cities where you use public transport, it is more comfortable to use closed-ear earphones or headphones. I recommend being mindful of this and using them appropriately
Very happy with how easy it is to use at home!
The neck frame contains lightweight and flexible titanium wire, providing firm support for the SPEAKER-1 in a variety of situations
I've introduced how easy it is to use in situations such as running, outdoor photography, and business trips to the city, but I'm also very happy with how easy it is to use at home, where I spend most of my time
In reality, when I'm writing a manuscript or doing other verbal thinking, I don't listen to music or audio, so I often use the SPEAKER-1 for situations like gathering information or doing a little indoor photography. The open-ear design lets me hear not only music but also the sounds around me, so I can hear important sounds around me, like the doorbell when the delivery person rings, the washing machine's end buzzer, and the flash charge alert, which is very convenient
Also, for me, wearing regular earphones for long periods of time can cause ear pain, but the SPEAKER-1 are designed to be supported at the base of the ear like glasses and weigh only about 40g, so they don't bother me even if I wear them all day.The battery can play continuously for 15 hours on a full charge, so it's not uncommon for me to wear them all day, from the time I wake up in the morning until I go to bed at night
However, although he can hear the sounds around him, his family, especially his wife, dislikes wearing it all the time. He often gets angry when he is concentrating on something and doesn't hear his wife's voice, but when he wears the SPEAKER-1 and listens to something, he finds he misses her voice even more often. This point needs to be considered not only for convenience but also for the sake of a happy family life
Summary: The SPEAKER-1 is a perfect fit for the author, who lives in the countryside
In urban living, it will be important to know how to use it properly in combination with closed-type headphones
By adopting a large-capacity battery of 350mAh, it is said to achieve a maximum continuous playback time of approximately 15 hours and a maximum continuous standby time of approximately 80 hours
The SPEAKER-1 is incredibly useful for outdoor running and jogging, running on a treadmill at a fitness club, photographing animals in outdoor fields, woods, and forests, as well as for working and everyday life at home. As someone who rarely uses public transportation like planes, buses, or trains unless I'm on a business trip to the metropolitan area, these earphones are incredibly convenient. You could call them open-ear wearable speakers. I highly recommend them. My wife and family have a somewhat negative opinion of me wearing them all the time, though..
One point of concern is the poor hearing and sound leakage from speakers on public transportation such as airplanes, city buses, and trains. Bone conduction earphones might solve this problem, but they also have issues with muffled sound. While testing of bone conduction earphones will be conducted in the near future, for now, city dwellers using the SPEAKER-1 may find it more comfortable to use them in conjunction with closed-type earphones when on public transportation
To begin with, I liked the outdoor open-ear wearable speaker "SPEAKER-1" so much that I tried using it on a business trip to the city, only to find out that it wasn't suitable for use on urban public transportation... The "SPEAKER-1" is suitable for use not only outdoors but also at home, and I highly recommend it as an open-ear type earphone that lets you clearly hear the sounds around you. If you're considering earphones that let you hear the sounds around you, why not give them a try?
Details and purchase of "NESTOUT SPEAKER-1"
For more product details, please visit the ELECOM official website
Chitose Saito
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