Sony LinkBuds: The Ultimate Review

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Design of the Sony LinkBuds
3. Mic Quality for Calls and Video
4. Listening to Music with the LinkBuds
5. Sound Quality and Bass
6. Music Controls and Limited Options
7. The LinkBuds Case
8. Comfort and Fit
9. Battery Life
10. Recommendations: Who are the LinkBuds For?

The Sony LinkBuds: A 6-Month Review

The Sony LinkBuds stand out from the crowd of wireless noise-canceling earbuds with their unique open design. These earbuds allow ambient sound to enter, giving users the ability to hear everything in their surroundings. After six months of using the Sony LinkBuds, my overall feelings towards them are mixed. In this review, I will walk You through my experiences, discuss who these earbuds are best suited for, and determine if the $180 price tag is justified for a pair of earbuds without noise cancellation.

The Design of the Sony LinkBuds

One of the key features of the Sony LinkBuds is their open design. While most users prefer noise-canceling earbuds for their ability to block out external sound, the LinkBuds take a different approach by allowing ambient sound to come through. This design choice makes them ideal for phone and video calls, where being aware of your surroundings is important. Additionally, the LinkBuds' mic quality is commendable, making them a reliable choice for work-related communication.

Mic Quality for Calls and Video

When compared to other common earbuds, the Sony LinkBuds deliver impressive mic quality. Whether you are in a quiet room or recording using external equipment, the LinkBuds' mics capture clear and crisp audio. This makes them a solid choice for those who frequently engage in phone and video calls.

Listening to Music with the LinkBuds

While the Sony LinkBuds are suitable for phone and video calls, they may not be the best option for music enthusiasts. Due to their open design, the LinkBuds lack bass and cannot deliver the same level of sound quality as noise-canceling earbuds. If you primarily use earbuds for listening to music, I would recommend exploring other options.

Sound Quality and Bass

The sound quality of the Sony LinkBuds is decent, but it falls short when compared to other earbuds on the market. The open design of the LinkBuds sacrifices bass, resulting in a lack of depth and richness in the audio. If you prioritize a well-balanced sound experience with emphasis on bass, the LinkBuds may not meet your expectations.

Music Controls and Limited Options

When it comes to controlling your music, the Sony LinkBuds offer limited options. While you can customize the double tap function on each bud through the Headphones app, it pales in comparison to the features offered by other earbuds like the Google Pixel Buds Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4s. These alternatives allow you to not only control playback and skip tracks but also trigger phone assistants and toggle noise cancellation. The LinkBuds' lack of comprehensive control options leaves much to be desired.

The LinkBuds Case

One notable drawback of the Sony LinkBuds is their case. At a price point of $180, it is expected that the case would support wireless charging. However, the LinkBuds case only offers USB-C for charging. If wireless charging is an essential feature for you, it would be disappointing to find it lacking in a product of this price range.

Comfort and Fit

Where the Sony LinkBuds excel is in the comfort department. These earbuds are exceptionally comfortable, thanks to their design that positions the speaker outside of the ear canal. Additionally, the inclusion of a stabilizer arc loop ensures that the earbuds stay securely in place. The flexible and multiple-sized loops conform to the unique Shape of each user's ear. Wearing the LinkBuds for extended periods is comparable to wearing Apple's Second-generation AirPods – you might even forget they are in your ears.

Battery Life

The Sony LinkBuds offer a battery life of up to 5.5 hours on a single charge and a total of 17.5 hours with the charging case. While this battery life is satisfactory, it is worth noting that the LinkBuds are not designed for heavy usage. If you rely on earbuds throughout the day, the LinkBuds might not meet your requirements.

Recommendations: Who are the LinkBuds For?

Determining the target audience for the Sony LinkBuds is a challenging task. While they possess impressive mic quality, Water and sweat resistance, and excellent comfort, the lack of noise cancellation may be a dealbreaker for many users. If you prioritize the ability to block out background noise, enjoy a high-quality sound experience, and desire overall comfort, the Sony WF-1000XM4s would be a more suitable choice, albeit at a price premium. Alternatively, if noise cancellation is essential but you are willing to spend slightly more, consider the Sony LinkBuds S, priced at $200.

In conclusion, the Sony LinkBuds are an intriguing option for those who prioritize phone and video calls and do not mind an open design that allows for ambient sound. However, for most users seeking a well-rounded earbud experience, there are better alternatives available on the market.