TECHNOMALIST
Sony’s REON Pocket Pro Plus takes a different approach to personal temperature control. Instead of blowing air like typical neck fans, it uses two thermoelectric plates (Peltier modules) that rest against the back of the neck and create a cooling or warming sensation through direct skin contact. Digital Trends spent over two weeks with the device in 85-degree weather to evaluate how well that approach works in daily life.
The gadget pairs with a smartphone app and includes a clip-on sensor that measures ambient temperature and humidity. In Smart mode, the device automatically adjusts its cooling or heating level as conditions change, reducing the need to fiddle with settings while moving between indoors and outdoors. Wear detection is another thoughtful touch: the REON Pocket Pro Plus turns on when placed around the neck and powers down when removed.
Users can also take manual control with five cooling levels. Each step produces a noticeable change in performance, according to the review, though higher levels drain the battery faster. Sony quotes up to 16 hours of battery life, but that figure depends on the selected cooling intensity. Charging is handled over USB-C. A heating mode is included, but Digital Trends could not test it because ambient temperatures were too warm during the review period.
Fit matters for effective cooling. Air enters through a bottom vent and exits from the top, so the upper vent must sit outside the shirt collar. The reviewer found that using a shorter vent extension with a polo shirt reduced cooling performance because airflow was restricted. Sony includes interchangeable vent extensions to accommodate different necklines, and the adjustable neckband provides a secure, comfortable fit.
Sony explicitly advises against wearing the device while exercising. Sweat can create a barrier between the skin and the cooling plate, diminishing effectiveness. More importantly, the company notes that feeling cooler does not necessarily mean the body is cooler; in very hot conditions, the cooling sensation could mask heat retention and increase overheating risk. The REON Pocket Pro Plus is intended for everyday comfort, not strenuous activity.
Compared with neck fans, the REON Pocket Pro Plus is noticeably quieter and more discreet. An internal fan cools the thermal modules rather than blowing air across the face. The reviewer found the experience understated and pleasant, with the device never becoming uncomfortable during longer sessions. The publication suggests ideal use cases include airplane cabins and offices, where personal temperature preferences vary and quiet operation matters.
One omission is a carrying case. The device does not feel fragile, but the removable neck positioners might need to be packed carefully when traveling. At $260, the REON Pocket Pro Plus is a premium comfort accessory. Digital Trends came away impressed, noting that
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