Sony’s LinkBuds offer a unique feature that sets them apart from the latest WF-Series models – they are designed to be truly open in-ear headphones. This means you can enjoy your music or podcasts while remaining aware of your surroundings.
Note: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Design and Comfort
The Sony LinkBuds boast a comfortable design and are available in two stylish colors: white and black. The earbuds have a distinctive appearance, resembling a soft mint attached to a hula hoop. Despite their unconventional look, they are incredibly lightweight, weighing only 4.1 grams each. This feather-light design ensures that LinkBuds can be worn for extended periods without causing any ear fatigue.
For added comfort and a secure fit, the Sony LinkBuds feature a flexible arm that snugly fits against your ear. With five different sizes available, you can easily find the earbud tips that suit you best, ensuring a personalized and comfortable fit.
Moreover, the LinkBuds are equipped with an IPX4 splash-resistant rating, making them suitable for outdoor use. This feature adds a layer of durability and protection, allowing you to confidently use the LinkBuds in various environments without worrying about moisture or splashes affecting their performance.
Connectivity and Setup
Setting up the LinkBuds is a breeze thanks to their Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and quick pairing feature with Android phones. Simply enable Bluetooth on your Android or iOS device, navigate to the menu, and choose Sony LinkBuds to complete the setup process.
What sets the LinkBuds apart is their seamless functionality, but their real charm lies in their open-ear design, making them perfect for specific situations. If you need to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying audio, like at work or at home awaiting a delivery, the LinkBuds are fantastic. They enable you to listen to music or podcasts while still being attuned to important sounds such as doorbells or conversations.
However, it’s worth noting that LinkBuds may not be the ideal choice for noisy environments like bustling streets or public transportation. In such settings, external noise can interfere with the audio experience. While they may not suit everyone’s preferences, LinkBuds can serve as an excellent backup pair of earbuds for times when you need them.
Touch Controls & Speak To Chat
The Sony’s LinkBuds boast standout touch controls, setting them apart from others, rather than tapping directly on the buds, you can tap in front of them, enhancing the convenience of control gestures.
For example, a double-tap on the left bud handles pausing or resuming your music, while a triple-tap swiftly skips to the next track. On the right bud, you have dedicated assistant functionality, enabling interaction with Google Assistant or Alexa.
These touch controls are not only responsive but also accurate, providing an intuitive and user-friendly way to manage your audio playback. This unique approach to touch controls adds a layer of ease to your overall experience with the Sony’s LinkBuds.
Sony has integrated some additional features into the LinkBuds, and one noteworthy addition is the Speak to Chat function. This feature intelligently pauses your audio playback when it detects that you’re speaking. While this can be handy in situations where you need to engage in a quick conversation, it might not be everyone’s preference.
Moreover, the Sony Headphones app enhances the LinkBuds functionality with an auto volume feature that adjusts the audio level based on your surroundings. However, considering that the LinkBuds are most effective in quieter settings, this feature may not be a crucial aspect for everyone.
Additionally, the app offers an equalizer with various presets, providing you the flexibility to customize the audio according to your preferences. This customization feature allows you to tailor the sound profile to suit your personal taste and enhance your listening experience.
Read Also: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Review
Audio Quality
The Sony LinkBuds are equipped with a 12mm ring driver and Sony’s V1 processor, featuring the DSE (Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement) engine, this technology enhances the clarity of lower-resolution audio, providing an improved sound experience. The LinkBuds also support 360 audio, delivering a decent overall sound quality.
However, the unique open-ear design of the LinkBuds creates a distinctive sensation – it feels like the sound is not directly pumped into your ears but rather played around them. Consequently, the audio doesn’t have the same full-bodied feel as you would get with standard true wireless earbuds. While the LinkBuds excel for podcasts, audiobooks, and similar content, they may not deliver an intensely immersive musical experience compared to dedicated in-ear buds.
In summary, the Sony’s LinkBuds offer a good audio experience with enhanced clarity, making them suitable for various content types. For music enthusiasts seeking a more intense musical experience, a dedicated pair of in-ear buds might be a better recommendation.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Sony LinkBuds is quite impressive, on a single charge you can get up to 8 hours of continuous playback, which is noteworthy for true wireless earbuds. Furthermore the charging case offers additional power, extending the total playtime to a maximum of 16 hours. The case supports USB-C fast charging, enabling you to rapidly recharge the battery when necessary.
Final Thought
So the Sony’s LinkBuds offers a distinctive and specialized option within the true wireless earbuds market, their open-ear design offers a comfortable and practical way to enjoy audio while staying attuned to your surroundings.
The lightweight build and comfortable fit make them suitable for extended use, and the touch controls enhance their user-friendly features, but it’s crucial to consider the environment in which you plan to use them. They excel in quieter settings like offices or homes, where external awareness is important. In noisy environments, their open design might not deliver the desired audio experience.
For those who prioritize awareness and seek an alternative to fully sealed earbuds, the Sony’s LinkBuds are a compelling choice, but if noise isolation and immersive audio are your top priorities, there might be other options in the market better suited to your needs. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preferences and specific usage scenarios.
Sony's LinkBuds offer a unique option in the true wireless earbuds market with their open-ear design, providing comfort and awareness of surroundings. Ideal for quieter settings, their lightweight build and touch controls make them user-friendly, but for noise isolation, other options may be more suitable based on individual preferences and usage scenarios.
-
Design9
-
Touch Controls7.5
-
Features and App Support7
-
Audio Quality8.5
-
Battery Life9
