Sony’s new Atmos speaker promises a neck-gen audio experience

Sony's new Dolby Atmos speaker may be the most unusual home cinema speaker option around – instead of putting it on a surface or a stand, you wear it.

The Sony Bravia Theatre U is a "wireless neckband speaker" that promises to immerse you in audio without annoying the neighbours – and if you're watching with a partner or family member you can have two Theatre U devices running simultaneously from the same signal.

While not new as such (this is Sony's third neckband speaker, after all) the inclusion of Atmos makes it an interesting alternative to a conventional surround system.

It features two lozenge-shaped speaker sections joined by a flexible rubberised headband, and the speaker sections are gently curved so they don't sit weirdly on your shoulders.

Sony Bravia Theatre U: key features and pricing

The Theatre U connects over Bluetooth 5.2 and charges via USB-C, with a battery life of roughly 12 hours.

There's an audio input for wired listening and for gaming, as the wired connection reduces the latency that's inevitable with standard Bluetooth setups. There's also a built-in mic.

The twin speakers feature full range 44 x 32mm drivers featuring Sony's X-Balanced technology and virtual speaker processing to deliver Dolby Atmos and Sony's own 360 Reality Audio. And, in addition to using the Theatre U as a solo sound setup, you can also use it alongside the speakers in a Bravia TV, effectively placing the centre dialogue speaker around your neck.

Although this is being marketed primarily as a home cinema product, I suspect it's better suited to gamers – the speakers aren't going to be bassy enough for serious home cinema fans, for whom one of the best soundbars would be a better investment.

However, the prospect of surround sound that won't give you hot ears during a long gaming session is attractive. You could say that it's a neck-generation speaker for next-generation gaming.

The Sony Bravia Theatre U is £239 / $199 / €229 / AU$499 and available now.