We judge all headphones and earbuds on a scale of 10, analyzing the categories we think are most important: sound, comfort, design, battery performance, and, if applicable, special features. Here's how the Sony LinkBuds stack up.
The all-new Sony LinkBuds are the most unorthodox true wireless earbuds I’ve encountered yet. Unlike countless rivals aiming to immerse you in content, these earphones are designed to keep you aware of your surroundings at all times. Sony launched the product with a $180 price tag.
Remarkably, the Sony LinkBuds have a hole in them to channel ambient noise, taking the open-back concept to a whole new level. I spent the past week with the groundbreaking earbuds as my daily driver and enjoyed the encounter. Here’s everything you need to know about the product’s quirky design and overall performance.
SCORES
• Sound: 8/10
• Comfort: 9/10
• Design: 8/10
• Battery Performance: 7/10
• Overall Score: 8/10
SONY LINKBUDS AT A GLANCE
- Unique design and fit
- Customizable sound
- Up to 5.5 hours of battery life
- Water-resistant with an IPX4 rating
SOUND: 8/10
Before digging into the acoustic capabilities of the Sony LinkBuds, I want to tell you that the earbuds will always keep you aware of your surroundings, regardless of the content and volume. Sony's open-ring design channels ambient noise more naturally than the noise-canceling earbuds that utilize built-in microphones to help you hear your surroundings. On the other hand, the silicone ear tips of other wired and wireless earbuds will always significantly isolate external noise.
The “link” bit in the LinkBuds name stands for connecting you to both the world and your content at the same time, and that’s precisely the case. During long Manhattan walks, I could listen to a podcast or rock out to a playlist without losing track of rush hour traffic and the bell rings from bike lanes.
This functionality makes the LinkBuds ideal for commuting, open office spaces, and countless outdoor scenarios. I believe it's the main reason why you should grab a pair.
Sound-wise, the LinkBuds deliver a stellar experience. Combined with a sophisticated processor, the earphones’ 12-millimeter donut-shaped audio drivers produce a balanced and detail-rich sound.
You can customize the audio to your liking by choosing from various equalizer presets or creating your own via the Sony Headphones app.
However, bass heads might find the low range lacking when compared to other Sony products or rivals with a traditional design: The LinkBuds’ lack of a seal is the main reason why.
The call quality of the earbuds is exceptional, and on par with pricier products from Bose and Jabra, to name a couple of big brands. The LinkBuds performed superbly during FaceTime, Microsoft Teams, and phone calls, even while tucked underneath my beanie during outdoor walks.
COMFORT: 9/10
Despite their novel shape, the Sony LinkBuds exceeded my expectations about comfort. The earbuds weigh only 4.1 grams each — less than comfort benchmarks like the Apple AirPods and Jabra Elite 3. I never felt discomfort or fatigue while testing them.
Because of their unique design and fit, the Sony LinkBuds come with ear support inserts instead of silicone tips. There are several sizes in the box, and I suggest that you take your time to find the right fit. The companion app or this helpful video by Sony can guide you through the process.
The earbuds' fantastic touch controls worked even when I wore a beanie on cold days: I could tap on my hat to take calls and adjust audio playback. And believe it or not, you can also control the earbuds via gentle taps in front of your ears. This discreet functionality is both nifty and convenient in equal measure.
The buds’ controls are customizable via Sony’s companion app. Impressively, the volume customization features include the ability to seamlessly adjust it depending on the noise around you. The feature will bump up the volume in loud spaces, as well as lower it in quiet spots.
A unique feature on Sony’s excellent Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones and WF-1000XM4 earbuds, Speak to Chat, is also available on the LinkBuds. The earphones will pause the audio playback upon detecting your voice, allowing you to have quick conversations without removing them.
The earbuds are super easy to pair with Android phones and PCs, thanks to Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair tech. Connecting them to an iPhone also takes just a couple of screen taps.
DESIGN: 8/10
The LinkBuds make all true wireless earbuds look generic in comparison, regardless of their design or price point. To deliver an open setup, their donut-shaped audio driver and essential hardware sit side-by-side, instead of being stacked together in a single housing. As a result, the earbuds look as futuristic as it gets.
Sony uses recycled plastic from auto parts to make the LinkBuds. Available in gray or white, the eco-friendly material has subtle speckles, which add more visual character to the product.
An IPX4 rating for water resistance makes the LinkBuds suitable for light exercising and rainy walks. Depending on how securely they fit you, the earbuds are also an appealing option for outdoor running or biking — you won’t lose track of your surroundings.
BATTERY PERFORMANCE: 7/10
The 5.5-hour maximum battery life of the LinkBuds is far from wow-inducing ... but it is adequate, especially considering how lightweight and feature-packed the product is.
Sony’s minimalist, just-as-eco-friendly USB-C charging case holds a tad more than two full charges for a total of 17.5 hours’ worth of wireless playback. Considering the product’s price point, I wish the accessory had wireless charging capabilities.
OVERALL: 8/10
The LinkBuds are a nice reminder that Sony can create desirable products with peculiar designs and onboard features. I’d recommend the wireless earbuds to anyone who needs to be aware of their surroundings constantly. The open driver layout puts the product in a league of its own.
