Sony’s true wireless earbuds premium budget earbuds, The LinkBuds offer a unique feature that sets them apart from the latest WF 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. In this Sony LinkBuds Review we will determine is they are worth the hype.
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Design
The design of the Sony LinkBuds is both interesting and comfortable. Available in two colors, white and black, these earbuds have a distinctive look that resembles a soft mint attached to a hula hoop. Despite their unconventional appearance, they are incredibly lightweight, weighing only 4.1 grams each. This makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods without causing any ear fatigue. The Link Buds also come with a flexible arm that fits snugly against your ear to ensure a secure fit, With five different sizes, you can easily find the one that suits you best. These Linkbuds are designed to be worn throughout the day, allowing you to have conversations without the need to remove them from ear. They are also IPX4 splash resistant, making them suitable for outdoor use.
Setup and Testing
Setting up the Sony LinkBuds is quick and easy, thanks to their Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and support for fast pairing with Android phones. Once connected, they offer seamless functionality. However, the real appeal of link buds earbuds lies in their open-ear design, which makes them ideal for specific environments. If you need to be aware of your surroundings while listening to audio, such as in a workplace or at home waiting for a delivery, the LinkBuds are fantastic. They allow you to listen to music or podcasts while still being able to hear important sounds like doorbells or conversations. However, they are not suitable for noisy environments like busy streets or public transportation, as the surrounding noise can hinder the audio experience. While they may not be the best choice for everyone, they serve as a great backup pair of earbuds when needed.
Touch Controls
One of the standout features of the Sony LinkBuds is the touch controls. Instead of tapping the buds themselves, you can tap in front of them, making control gestures much more convenient. For instance, double-tapping your left cheek pauses or resumes your music, while triple-tapping skips to the next track. The right cheek is reserved for assistant functionality, allowing you to interact with either Google Assistant or Alexa. These touch controls are responsive and accurate, offering an intuitive way to manage your audio playback.
Features and App Support
Sony has included some additional features with the LinkBuds. One such feature is speak to chat, which pauses your audio when it detects that you are speaking. And this feature can be useful in certain situations, such as when you need to have a quick conversation, it may not be suitable for everyone. The Sony Headphones app also provides an auto volume feature that adjusts the volume according to your environment. However, given that the LinkBuds are best suited for quieter settings, this feature may not be essential. The app offers an equalizer with various presets, allowing you to customize the audio.
Sony LinkBuds Audio Quality
The Sony LinkBuds is powered by a 12mm ring driver, and Sony’s V1 processor on there, which offers features like the DSE (Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement) engine to improve the clarity of lower-resolution audio. Link buds also have support for 360 audio, and the sound quality is pretty decent.
The only problem with LinkBuds is the open-ear design is that it doesn’t feel like the sound has actually been pumped directly into your ears, but rather played around your ears. As result, it doesn’t sound quite as full-bodied as what you would get with just a standard pair of true wireless earbuds. I found the Sony Link Buds to be great for podcasts, audio books, and other similar content. Music is fairly enjoyable through these earbuds as well, although if you want a really intense musical experience, then it’s recommended to go for a proper pair of in-ear buds.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, the Sony LinkBuds perform admirably. With a single charge, these earbuds can last up to 8 hours of continuous playback, which is impressive for true wireless earbuds. Additionally, the charging case provides extra juice, extending the total playtime to a maximum of 16 hours. The case supports USB-C fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery when needed. Overall, the battery life of the Sony Link Buds is more than sufficient for daily use and should easily last throughout the day.
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Final Thought
In conclusion, the Sony LinkBuds offer a unique and niche proposition in the true wireless earbuds market. Their open-ear design provides a comfortable and convenient way to enjoy audio while remaining aware of your surroundings. The lightweight and comfortable fit make them suitable for extended wear, and the touch controls offer intuitive functionality. However, it’s important to note that their suitability depends on the specific environment in which you intend to use them. They excel in quieter settings, such as offices or home environments, where you need to be aware of external sounds. In noisy environments, their open design may not provide the desired audio experience.
If you’re someone who values situational awareness and prefers to have an alternative to fully sealed earbuds, the Sony LinkBuds are definitely worth considering. If you prioritize noise isolation and immersive audio, there may be other options in the market that better suit your needs. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preferences and usage scenarios.
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Design9
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Touch Controls7.5
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Features and App Support7
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Audio Quality8.5
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Battery Life9
