At times, a new technological gadget at CES strikes you immediately, prompting thoughts like, “This is genuinely brilliant.”

CES 2026 displayed advancements in robotics, AI, and various other innovative technologies, yet one highlight was a unique pair of headphones that can also serve as speakers, named Neo by TDM.

Alternatively, could they be considered speakers that double as headphones? TDM markets the Neo primarily as headphones, but they indeed perform both functions.

TDM Neo Hybrid Headphone Speakers are premium over-ear headphones that shift into speakers by aligning the two sides and twisting them until they click into position. This change transforms your individual listening experience into one that can be enjoyed collectively with others.

The switch from headphones to speaker and back again was effortless and fluid. It seamlessly transitioned from audio in your ears to the external audio source with just a twist.

Frequently, a dual-purpose product appears sleek in one form but clumsy in its alternate form; however, the Neo headphones defy that norm. The Neo maintains an appealing look as both headphones and speakers. Additionally, they offered impressive sound quality in each configuration.

An extra benefit is that TDM engineered the Neo in its speaker form to allow for easy storage. The Neo can be programmed to pause all audio, along with other customizable settings, when twisted into speaker form.

TDM asserts that the Neo boasts an impressive battery life of over 200 hours in headphone mode and 10 hours in speaker mode on a single charge before requiring a recharge.

Personally, the first scenario that came to mind for the Neo headphones is sharing tunes with friends. Sometimes, you wish to introduce a friend to a fresh track or artist, so you end up sharing earbuds or passing your headphones. With the TDM Neo headphones, you can twist the device into a speaker and experience the song—and their response—together in real time.

The TDM Neo Hybrid Headphone Speakers will hit the market later this month for $249, available in both black and white color variants.

In terms of the standout gadgets Mashable encountered at CES, TDM’s Neo headphones are certainly at the top of my personal favorites list.