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Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbud Headphones with Alexa Built-in, Bluetooth Ear Buds Compatible with iPhone and Android, Black
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Return this item for free
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Alexa Built-in
This device has been certified by Amazon. With Alexa built-in, just ask to play music, get directions, control smart home devices, and more.
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Sony |
Model Name | LinkBuds S |
Color | Black |
Form Factor | In Ear |
Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
About this item
- SMART SOUND- Smart features and settings learn from your behavior and automatically adjust sound settings to provide the right sound for the moment.Specific uses for product : Audio.Communication system : Bluetooth Specification version 5.
- NEVER OFF- Automatically switches between superlative noise canceling or optimized ambient sound for listening without distractions. Sony's best transparent ambient sound in truly wireless headphones (As of May 9th 2022. Excluding Open style.)
- ULTRA SMALL & LIGHT- These bluetooth earbuds fit comfortably in your ear.
- IMMERSIVE SOUND QUALITY- With the Integrated Processor V1.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALL QUALITY- Advanced Voice Signal Processing lets sound come in clear. Sony's best ever call quality in truly wireless headphones (As of May 19th 2022).
- MULTIPOINT CONNECTION- Connect two devices at once (Available via firmware update)
- LONG BATTERY LIFE & QUICK CHARGING: Up to 6 hours of battery life and up to 20 hours with charging case. Quick charging gives up to 60 minutes of playback with a 5 minute charge.
- IPX4 RATING-Protects against sweat and splashes on these wireless ear buds.
- TOUCH CONTROLS- Pause, play, skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant, and answer phone calls on these bluetooth headphones.
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PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
Carbon Neutral Certified by SCS Global Services means the product’s carbon emissions have been measured and reduced, with any remaining emissions offset.
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Sony is a creative entertainment company with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, and more.
For over 70 years, imagination has been the fuel of everything we do. From how people listen to music, to how they play games, to how they watch TV, our big imaginations have led us to create products that innovate and inspire generations.
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This Item Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbud Headphones with Alexa Built-in, Bluetooth Ear Buds Compatible with iPhone and Android, Black | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $198.00$198.00 | -29% $69.45$69.45 New Price: $98.00 | $60.00$60.00 | $235.99$235.99 | -30% $139.99$139.99 List: $199.99 | -37% $26.99$26.99 List: $42.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | — | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Sound quality | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
Noise cancellation | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 |
Battery life | 3.7 | 3.8 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
Sold By | Amazon.com | STWRENEW | Secondipity | STOCKYFY | Amazon.com | Desetin |
connectivity tech | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless, Bluetooth | Wireless |
headphones form factor | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear |
connector type | wireless | wireless | wireless | — | wireless | Wireless |
noise control | active noise cancellation | — | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | sound isolation |
cable feature | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Detachable |
control type | Alexa | Media Control | Media Control | Google Assistant | Voice Control | Smart Touch Control / Volume Control |
water resistance | water resistant | — | — | — | water resistant | waterproof |
material | Plastic, Silicone | — | — | — | Plastic | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polycarbonate (PC) |
From the manufacturer
NEVER OFF
LinkBuds S
Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds with Alexa Built-In
Every world. Always On.
With LinkBuds S, you're always connected. Wear them comfortably around the clock, staying in touch with people and places without having to pause your playlist. When you are ready to tune out the noise, LinkBuds S offer premium noise canceling to help you focus on your favorite playlist or podcast.
Multipoint Connection: pair 2 Bluetooth devices
When call comes in, your headphones know which device is ringing and connects to the right one automatically. You’ll also be able to quickly switch your headphones to either of the two devices at the touch of a button. (Available via firmware update)
Hear more of what's around you
These earbuds give you the best of both worlds - natural ambient sound when you want to interact with your world, so you can have a conversation or be aware of your surroundings.
Premium Noise Canceling
Link your worlds as LinkBuds S switch seamlessly between superlative noise canceling and natural ambient sound. Smart features and settings learn from your behavior and automatically adjust sound settings to provide the right sound for the moment.
Small and light
LinkBuds S are smaller and lighter than other noise canceling earbuds. Silicone earbud tips provide a comfortable fit that stays in place.
Clear calls
Make crystal clear calls and listen to high-quality music – even in windy or noisy environments.
Adaptive Sound Control
Adaptive Sound Control senses where you are and what you’re doing, then adjusts ambient sound settings for the ideal listening experience.
Quick access to Amazon music
You can play Amazon music with just a couple of taps – no need to touch your smartphone
Premium sound technology
Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 improves noise cancellation, enhances sound quality, and reduces distortion.
IPX4 splash and sweat-proof
With an IPX4 water resistance rating, splashes and sweat won’t stop these Sony earbuds – so you can keep on moving to the music.
What's in the box?
Open up the packaging of your LinkBuds S and you'll find 4 sizes of silicone earbud tips to suit different ear shapes and a USB-C charging cable.
Listen all day
Up to 6 hours of battery life and up to 20 hours with charging case. Quick charging gives up to 60 minutes of playback with a 5 minute charge.
Sony Truly Wireless Headphones
WF-1000XM5 | LinkBuds S | LinkBuds |
---|---|---|
Noise CancelingYes/The best noise cancelling earbuds | Noise CancelingYes | Noise CancelingN/A |
Battery Life8 Hrs (24 Hrs with case) | Battery Life6 Hrs (20 Hrs with case) | Battery Life5.5 Hrs (17.5 Hrs with case) |
Hands Free CallYes/Sony's best calling quality | Hands Free CallYes, with Advanced Voice Signal Processing | Hands Free CallYes, with Advanced Voice Signal Processing |
Water Resistant/Splash ProofYes / IPX4 | Water Resistant/Splash ProofYes / IPX4 | Water Resistant/Splash ProofYes / IPX4 |
Special FeaturesAuto Play, High Resolution Audio, Speak to Chat, Intuitive Touch Controls | Special FeaturesSpeak to Chat, High Resolution Audio, Touch Panel, Auto Play | Special FeaturesSpeak to Chat, Auto Play, Open-Ring Design, Wide Area Tap |
What's in the box
Product guides and documents
Videos
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Should You Buy? Sony Linkbuds Earbuds
Should You Buy?
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Product information
Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
---|---|
Special Feature | Sweatproof, Fast Charging, Microphone Included |
Included Components | Earbud Tips, Earbuds, USB-C charging cable, Charging case |
Age Range (Description) | Adult |
Material | Silicone, Plastic |
Specific Uses For Product | Audio |
Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
Noise Control | Active Noise Cancellation |
Charging Time | 6 Hours |
Ear Placement | In Ear |
Recommended Uses For Product | Calling |
Compatible Devices | Bluetooth-enabled devices |
Theme | Video Game |
Control Type | Alexa |
Cable Feature | Without Cable |
Item Weight | 5 Grams |
Frequency Response | 2.4 GHz |
Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
Control Method | Touch, Voice |
Number of Items | 1 |
Controller Type | Voice Assistant |
Battery Life | 6 Hour |
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
Manufacturer | Sony |
Product Dimensions | 1.69 x 2.36 x 1.09 inches |
Item Weight | 0.176 ounces |
ASIN | B09YL76VSR |
Item model number | WFLS900N/B |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Customer Reviews |
4.1 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #4,547 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #507 in Earbud & In-Ear Headphones |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | May 18, 2022 |
Country of Origin | China |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product Description
LinkBuds S noise canceling wireless headphones automate your audio experience with ultralight wireless ear buds that feature smart technology to connect your online and offline worlds like never before. Seamlessly shift from ambient sound to advanced noise canceling and enable automatic playback that learns from your behavior. LinkBuds S bluetooth earbuds deliver the right sound for whatever world you’re in.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers have expressed positive opinions about the comfort of the headphones. They say that they are incredibly comfortable and snug in their ears. They also say that the headphones stay in through talking and eating. However, some customers have reported connectivity issues with the headphones, saying that the connection fades in and out. Customers also have mixed opinions on quality, value, noise cancellation, battery life, and ease of use.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the fit of the earphones. They say it's a good fit for small and asymetric ears, and the fit is secure. They also appreciate the small form factor and the charging case is nice and small.
"...Once the buds were in place I found the fit to be secure and that, combined with their light weight, meant that it was easy to forget they were there..." Read more
"...and felt like they might fall out sometimes, but the LinkBuds S fit great while also feeling secure...." Read more
"...These fit perfectly, they don't cause pain, they stay in through talking/eating/moving around, and I have been completely impressed by these earbuds...." Read more
"...Both have very clear call clarity on both ends. I had no problems with singals dropping in Bluetooth heavy areas, both had similar range, and I..." Read more
Customers like the comfort of the headphones. They say they're incredibly comfortable, snugged in their ears, and secure in their ear. Some say they work as intended and charge fast. Overall, most are happy with the comfort and ease of use of the product.
"...Very snug and comfortably seated (and no pressure on my crus of helix, anymore!)+ The control sensors are perfectly calibrated and responsive...." Read more
"...OVERALL: These are solid earbuds that feel great, produce good sound, have good ANC, and have excellent microphones for great call quality...." Read more
"...These fit perfectly, they don't cause pain, they stay in through talking/eating/moving around, and I have been completely impressed by these earbuds...." Read more
"...If you just care about good sound for music, call clarity, and comfort, then you might just love the Linkbuds S. If you care about features like..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the noise cancellation. Some mention that the sound is excellent, with more than adequate bass for the size. However, others say that the noise cancelling is not as expected and more hindrance than help.
"...Sport X10 fixed the issue of having my buds fall out and the sound was really good, but they pushed on my crus of helix if they weren't constantly..." Read more
"...Sound: I saved the best to last. I was very pleasantly surprised with the sound quality of the Linkbuds S. The WF-1000XM4s were a big disappointment..." Read more
"...I was not disappointed in overall sound quality at all, and if you aren't comparing these to anything else, you will also probably think that they..." Read more
"...Day 3 rolls around, and all the same issues. Constant heavy wind sound blowing through my left ear, which then eventually switched to the right...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the headphones. Some mention it's an excellent device, amazing, and satisfied with its performance. However, others say that you might notice a decrease in quality if you're used to the high-end stuff.
"...The WF-1000XM4s have top tier noise canceling and work well with both iOS and Android devices, but their sound isn't the best...." Read more
"...--Multiple Ecosystem Support: These work well with all ecosystems, whether you are using Apple or Android; and with assistants including Alexa and..." Read more
"...my buds fall out and the sound was really good, but they pushed on my crus of helix if they weren't constantly adjusted, and now I have a discolored..." Read more
"...their insane lightness without sacrificing any sound quality, ambient quality, noise cancelling, or battery life...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the battery life of the headphones. Some mention that the sound quality is not bad and the battery has held well for about a year, while others say that it was lessening, super weak, and stinks. They get about 2 to 3 hours out of them and sometimes the battery will just die without warning.
"...Yippee... The battery was also super weak, I felt like I had to charge the buds almost every night to get just three hours out of them...." Read more
"...charge at about the same speed as the other earbuds, and have a similar battery life...." Read more
"These replaced my AirPods, which are a great product; their battery life was lessening, and there were some bluetooth problems with them, so I..." Read more
"...any sound quality, ambient quality, noise cancelling, or battery life...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the headphones. Some mention that they are worth the price, excellent earphones to buy, and a very good overall package. However, others say that they're pretty pricey and don't warrant the price.
"...any competition in all aspects and are genuinely just the best earbuds at this price point...." Read more
"I’m sick of the apple earbuds fad. They’re so overpriced and they hurt my ears...." Read more
"...I did plenty research and everything came back to these. The price seemed right for what was being advertised...." Read more
"...Overall, I am very happy with the purchase. They were a reasonable price and work well...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the ease of use of the headphones. Some find the settings simple and user friendly, while others say the app is relatively intuitive and allows for customization. The controls are easy and quick. However, some customers mention the product is frustrating and hard to learn at first.
"...+ The EQ customization is versatile and very easy to set up...." Read more
"...about the fit is that the buds are so small that it's very difficult to insert them without either accidentally hitting the touch area or rubbing a..." Read more
"...Using them is a breeze. It's obvious what the buttons and gestures do. Pairing them up to my devices was also a simple matter...." Read more
"...Not too tinny at all. The touch commands are also intuitive! Touch the left bud and it changes from noise cancelling to ambient...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the connectivity of the headphones. They mention that the connection fades in and out, and it disconnects randomly. Some say that the Linkbuds S struggle to maintain LDAC connectivity.
"...good imo, the battery just aged out of use and it started having a lot of connectivity issues-..." Read more
"...thing that I think is worth noting is that the Linkbuds S struggle to maintain LDAC connectivity more than the WF-1000XM4s...." Read more
"...These Sony LinkBuds S models are very comfortable and paired instantly with my Pixel 6 Pro...." Read more
"...Today, for example, I was on a FaceTime call and my buds decided to disconnect halfway through it. Mind you, they were fully charged...." Read more
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Also, I recall seeing some other reviews say these buds can't be used separately, but I've used just the right one with the left still in the case with no issues. Your mileage may vary, I guess
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I don't leave reviews unless I'm truly blown away by a product and I know these LinkBuds are the best I've had, and I've only been using them for a few minutes! In the past three years, I have gone through Jabra Elite 75t -> Soundcore A40 -> Soundcore Sport X10. Here is where they fell short for me:
- The Elite 75t was pretty good imo, the battery just aged out of use and it started having a lot of connectivity issues
- The A40 sound was muffled and terrible, the noise canceling was a joke, and it would not stay in my ears unless I pushed the buds in super deep, which made them unpleasant to wear for an extended period
- The Sport X10 fixed the issue of having my buds fall out and the sound was really good, but they pushed on my crus of helix if they weren't constantly adjusted, and now I have a discolored mark on that part of my ear that's sensitive to the touch. Yippee... The battery was also super weak, I felt like I had to charge the buds almost every night to get just three hours out of them.
The LinkBuds have everything I was looking for, and then some!
+ They look large, but they are a perfect fit for my small ears! I didn't even have to swap out the cups. I can shake my head and it doesn't feel like they'll just fly out. Very snug and comfortably seated (and no pressure on my crus of helix, anymore!)
+ The control sensors are perfectly calibrated and responsive. I usually prefer buttons because sensors can be finicky (Looking at you, Soundcore...), but the amount of pressure and presses needed for the earbuds to respond feels very natural and consistent.
+ The EQ customization is versatile and very easy to set up. The default profile sounded kind of underwhelming, but after calibrating it to my preferred settings, it's hard to want to stop playing my tunes!
+ The noise canceling is phenomenal, I truly can't hear anything but my own thoughts when it's activated. Switching to ambient noise is very smooth too.
+ Speak-to-chat is a feature I've long missed having on my audio devices, so it was a pleasant surprise to see that option on the app.
Overall, I have zero complaints thus far and I hope to use the LinkBuds for a long time :)
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2024
Also, I recall seeing some other reviews say these buds can't be used separately, but I've used just the right one with the left still in the case with no issues. Your mileage may vary, I guess
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I don't leave reviews unless I'm truly blown away by a product and I know these LinkBuds are the best I've had, and I've only been using them for a few minutes! In the past three years, I have gone through Jabra Elite 75t -> Soundcore A40 -> Soundcore Sport X10. Here is where they fell short for me:
- The Elite 75t was pretty good imo, the battery just aged out of use and it started having a lot of connectivity issues
- The A40 sound was muffled and terrible, the noise canceling was a joke, and it would not stay in my ears unless I pushed the buds in super deep, which made them unpleasant to wear for an extended period
- The Sport X10 fixed the issue of having my buds fall out and the sound was really good, but they pushed on my crus of helix if they weren't constantly adjusted, and now I have a discolored mark on that part of my ear that's sensitive to the touch. Yippee... The battery was also super weak, I felt like I had to charge the buds almost every night to get just three hours out of them.
The LinkBuds have everything I was looking for, and then some!
+ They look large, but they are a perfect fit for my small ears! I didn't even have to swap out the cups. I can shake my head and it doesn't feel like they'll just fly out. Very snug and comfortably seated (and no pressure on my crus of helix, anymore!)
+ The control sensors are perfectly calibrated and responsive. I usually prefer buttons because sensors can be finicky (Looking at you, Soundcore...), but the amount of pressure and presses needed for the earbuds to respond feels very natural and consistent.
+ The EQ customization is versatile and very easy to set up. The default profile sounded kind of underwhelming, but after calibrating it to my preferred settings, it's hard to want to stop playing my tunes!
+ The noise canceling is phenomenal, I truly can't hear anything but my own thoughts when it's activated. Switching to ambient noise is very smooth too.
+ Speak-to-chat is a feature I've long missed having on my audio devices, so it was a pleasant surprise to see that option on the app.
Overall, I have zero complaints thus far and I hope to use the LinkBuds for a long time :)
Build: the Linkbuds S are impossibly small compared to the WF-1000XM4, Sony's previous noise canceling earphones. They actually resemble the Samsung Galaxy buds 2 in overall size and shape. They also sport a nice large touch sensitive area that no one should have trouble missing. The only gripe I do have is that the outer surface is textured and this can cause some discomfort if it rubs against the crus helix.
Case: the case is definitely one of the more pocketable out there. It's about the same size as the Airpods Pro case, but slightly shorter and narrower, albeit a bit thicker. However, it also has a textured surface which can make it a little difficult to slide in and out of pockets.
Fit: the Linkbuds S fit very similar to the Galaxy Buds 2 and deeper than the WF-1000XM4. They are a little fiddly to fit. In my case I have to rotate them back and forth to get them to seat correctly. Although Sony instructs users to rotate the buds backwards to get a good fit I actually found this uncomfortable because the buds would rub against my Crus Helix and cause discomfort. Rotating them forward slightly fixed the issue. Once the buds were in place I found the fit to be secure and that, combined with their light weight, meant that it was easy to forget they were there. My one complaint about the fit is that the buds are so small that it's very difficult to insert them without either accidentally hitting the touch area or rubbing a finger against the noise canceling microphone, resulting in some static noise.
Noise canceling: the noise canceling on the Linkbuds S is fantastic. Although the Linkbuds S are advertised as being open I actually found them to be more isolating than the WF-1000XM4s without noise canceling on. With noise canceling on I actually found the Linkbuds S to be slightly superior to the WF-1000XM4 in terms of blocking out background noise and they certainly blow the Galaxy Buds Pro/2 out of the water. I haven't had chance to test the Linkbuds S with very low frequency sounds (e.g. public transport, planes) but for blocking out office and household noise they're the best true wireless earphones I've tried.
Sound: I saved the best to last. I was very pleasantly surprised with the sound quality of the Linkbuds S. The WF-1000XM4s were a big disappointment in this regard, with an overly dark presentation for my taste that led to recessed mids and lackluster treble. The Linkbuds S by comparison adopt a Harman-like tuning that presents mids and treble brilliantly with a satisfying bass boost that doesn't dominate the overall sound. The Linkbuds S definitely beat the WF-1000XM4s for overall sound and they're up there with the Galaxy Buds Pro/2, which are the reigning champs. Comparing the Galaxy Buds side by side with the Linkbuds S I honestly can't pick a favorite amongst the three, which I think is a very good thing.
Other: in my limited tests the transparency features are great, as with the WF-1000XM4s. The only other thing that I think is worth noting is that the Linkbuds S struggle to maintain LDAC connectivity more than the WF-1000XM4s. This isn't surprising, given the small size, but is worth considering for anyone who wants to use LDAC in challenging environments or on the go.
Wrap up: previously if I wanted to recommend a pair of true wireless earphones for someone I would have to include a 'but'. The Airpods Pro have great noise canceling but the sound isn't top tier and they don't play well with Android devices. The Galaxy Buds sound fantastic but the noise canceling isn't great and they don't play well with iOS. The WF-1000XM4s have top tier noise canceling and work well with both iOS and Android devices, but their sound isn't the best. The Linkbuds S on the other hand have top tier noise canceling, work excellent with both iOS and Android, and have excellent sound. These are now my default recommendation to anyone looking for new True Wireless earphones.
Alternative picks: If it wasn't for the better Bluetooth connectivity of the WF-1000XM4s and the improved battery life the Linkbuds S would have made the XM4s redundant. Whether the increased price is worth it for those things will be up to the individual. I think there's still a case to be made for getting the cheaper Galaxy buds over the Linkbuds S if noise canceling isn't a priority. However, I think the only reason to pay more for the Airpods Pro would be if you really like the design and/or the enhanced integration with iOS is really important.
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2022
Build: the Linkbuds S are impossibly small compared to the WF-1000XM4, Sony's previous noise canceling earphones. They actually resemble the Samsung Galaxy buds 2 in overall size and shape. They also sport a nice large touch sensitive area that no one should have trouble missing. The only gripe I do have is that the outer surface is textured and this can cause some discomfort if it rubs against the crus helix.
Case: the case is definitely one of the more pocketable out there. It's about the same size as the Airpods Pro case, but slightly shorter and narrower, albeit a bit thicker. However, it also has a textured surface which can make it a little difficult to slide in and out of pockets.
Fit: the Linkbuds S fit very similar to the Galaxy Buds 2 and deeper than the WF-1000XM4. They are a little fiddly to fit. In my case I have to rotate them back and forth to get them to seat correctly. Although Sony instructs users to rotate the buds backwards to get a good fit I actually found this uncomfortable because the buds would rub against my Crus Helix and cause discomfort. Rotating them forward slightly fixed the issue. Once the buds were in place I found the fit to be secure and that, combined with their light weight, meant that it was easy to forget they were there. My one complaint about the fit is that the buds are so small that it's very difficult to insert them without either accidentally hitting the touch area or rubbing a finger against the noise canceling microphone, resulting in some static noise.
Noise canceling: the noise canceling on the Linkbuds S is fantastic. Although the Linkbuds S are advertised as being open I actually found them to be more isolating than the WF-1000XM4s without noise canceling on. With noise canceling on I actually found the Linkbuds S to be slightly superior to the WF-1000XM4 in terms of blocking out background noise and they certainly blow the Galaxy Buds Pro/2 out of the water. I haven't had chance to test the Linkbuds S with very low frequency sounds (e.g. public transport, planes) but for blocking out office and household noise they're the best true wireless earphones I've tried.
Sound: I saved the best to last. I was very pleasantly surprised with the sound quality of the Linkbuds S. The WF-1000XM4s were a big disappointment in this regard, with an overly dark presentation for my taste that led to recessed mids and lackluster treble. The Linkbuds S by comparison adopt a Harman-like tuning that presents mids and treble brilliantly with a satisfying bass boost that doesn't dominate the overall sound. The Linkbuds S definitely beat the WF-1000XM4s for overall sound and they're up there with the Galaxy Buds Pro/2, which are the reigning champs. Comparing the Galaxy Buds side by side with the Linkbuds S I honestly can't pick a favorite amongst the three, which I think is a very good thing.
Other: in my limited tests the transparency features are great, as with the WF-1000XM4s. The only other thing that I think is worth noting is that the Linkbuds S struggle to maintain LDAC connectivity more than the WF-1000XM4s. This isn't surprising, given the small size, but is worth considering for anyone who wants to use LDAC in challenging environments or on the go.
Wrap up: previously if I wanted to recommend a pair of true wireless earphones for someone I would have to include a 'but'. The Airpods Pro have great noise canceling but the sound isn't top tier and they don't play well with Android devices. The Galaxy Buds sound fantastic but the noise canceling isn't great and they don't play well with iOS. The WF-1000XM4s have top tier noise canceling and work well with both iOS and Android devices, but their sound isn't the best. The Linkbuds S on the other hand have top tier noise canceling, work excellent with both iOS and Android, and have excellent sound. These are now my default recommendation to anyone looking for new True Wireless earphones.
Alternative picks: If it wasn't for the better Bluetooth connectivity of the WF-1000XM4s and the improved battery life the Linkbuds S would have made the XM4s redundant. Whether the increased price is worth it for those things will be up to the individual. I think there's still a case to be made for getting the cheaper Galaxy buds over the Linkbuds S if noise canceling isn't a priority. However, I think the only reason to pay more for the Airpods Pro would be if you really like the design and/or the enhanced integration with iOS is really important.
Top reviews from other countries
The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbud Headphones have completely transformed my listening experience. From the moment I put them on, their cutting-edge technology and exceptional comfort blew me away.
First and foremost, the noise-cancelling feature is nothing short of incredible. Whether I'm commuting on a noisy train, working in a bustling café, or simply relaxing at home, these earbuds effortlessly block out unwanted background noise, allowing me to immerse myself fully in my music, podcasts, or calls.
The sound quality is truly top-notch, delivering crisp highs, rich mids, and deep, punchy bass that elevate every listening session. I've been thoroughly impressed by the clarity and detail in every note, making even my favourite songs sound better than ever before.
What sets the Sony LinkBuds S apart from other earbuds on the market is their innovative design. The unique ring-shaped earbud design not only looks sleek and stylish but also ensures a secure and comfortable fit that stays in place, even during intense workouts or long listening sessions. Plus, the compact charging case is incredibly convenient for on-the-go use, providing additional battery life whenever I need it.
The touch controls are intuitive and responsive, allowing me to quickly adjust volume, skip tracks, or answer calls with a simple tap or swipe. Integrating with voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant is seamless, adding another layer of convenience to my everyday life.
Overall, I can't recommend the Sony LinkBuds S highly enough. They combine state-of-the-art technology with unparalleled comfort, delivering an exceptional audio experience that surpasses all expectations. Whether you're a music enthusiast, a frequent traveller, or simply someone who appreciates quality craftsmanship, these earbuds are an absolute must-have. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Reviewed in Brazil on January 29, 2023
Su Carga (la bateria promete lo que cumple)
Buena App En iOS se comporta mejor y es mas estable, aunque en Android me funciono bien tambien pero aveces se desconectaban (use un iPhone 13 Pro Max y Un s22 Ultra)
El sonido es bueno, tiene exceso de bajos, a mi me gusta mas planos, por que soy ingeniero de audio, pero con el ecualizador no tuve problema, ademas se sincroniza con mi cuenta, asi que si uso los auriculares en mi iphone o ipad recuerda la ecualizacion en la app.
La Supresion De Ruido Es Magnifica (Mucho mejor que Airpods Pro) suprimen igual que los airpods pro pero no sacan ese ruido blanco molesto que aveces me sacaban los airpods pro, aunque no suprimen todo el ruido es decente.
Para hacer ejercicio funcionaron bien, no se cayeron, quedaron fijos y no se movian.
Cosas que no me gustaron:
El material si bien es reciclado, tiene un tacto extraño, no es liso, parece mas un carton corrugado, se siente arenoso, y los audifonos tambien, es cuestion de gustos pero a mi me hubiera gustado que se sintiera listo y no arenoso y extraño.
Los controles tactiles son buenos, pero solo te deja cambiar los predeterminados por la app para cada auricular, por ejemplo si elijes que con un auricular quieres cambiar el modo ambiente y el de supresion de ruido puedes hacerlo tocando un clic, pero si presionas dos clics no pasa nada, (la app no te permite pesonalizar), asi que al final tuve que optar por tener en el izquierdo la supresión y el modo ambiente, y del lado derecho el control de volumen, sacrificando cambiar de cancion o pausar (una lastima por que la podria poner del lado del control de ruido con dos clics)
cuando se cierra la tapa se pierde la conexion, si quieres conocer el estado de bateria no basta con abrir la tapa, tienes que sacarlos para ver el estado en la app y se conecten los auriculares.
No permite la conexion multidispositivo de forma rapida, es decir cuando tenia mis airpods podia pasar de mi iphone a mi mac, a mi ipad y los detectaba sin tocar nada, aqui no es asi tienes que irte al apartado de bluettooh y buscarlos (claramente primero tienes que emparejarlos, ya despues de eso se queda registrados pero tienes que buscarlos si cambias de dispositivo)
El Modo Ambiente funciona bien, tiene una opcion para escuchar a las voces mas claras, pero no esta a la altura de otros del mercado, tu propia voz no se oye clara, se oye acartonada, tambien tiene mucho ruido blanco, aunque me gusto que se pueda controlar el nivel de ambiente o de sonido que quieres oir.
vengo de unos airpods pro por que no me quedaban y me lastimaban la oreja, estos me quedan muy bien, se moldan perfecto a la estructura de la oreja, pero despues de una hora si me empezo a doler la oreja, si tienes la parte de la oreja donde va la forma circular del auricular muy pequeña puede que te moleste como ami, apesar de eso se sienten solidos y ergonomicos.
Extras:
los auriculares ofrecen extras en la aplicacion de sony, como el audio 360 que funciona bien pero solo funciona con ciertas aplicaciones, o el DSEE Extreme que optimiza los archivos digitales de música comprimida en tiempo real con Edge-AI (Se oia normal nada destacable), sin embargo ningun de estos extras le dan un plus a el auricular, haciendo que no destaquen mucho.
los microfonos son pasables, no son geniales, pero te sacan del apuro no esperes lo mejor.
Conclusion:
Son buenos si tienes cualquier sistema operativo, recomiendo que se usen solo si los piensas escuchar en un solo dispositivo, ya que la interconectividad entre dispositivos es tediosa, por el precio creo que esta bien, la calidad del sonido me gusto y el modo de supresion de ruido es muy bueno, sin llegar a sentir tu oido taponado, cancelando un buen porcentaje de ruido.
Reviewed in India on October 12, 2023
For those who doesn't have enough time to read whole review, you can consider below points & order these. (Tho i would recommend you to read everything as you are paying a lot!)
1) Comfort & compact
2) Sound quality
3) Premium features, Reliability.
FULL REVIEW :
1) COMFORT : Hands down these are the best TWS i ever used! It's compact & fits into my ears perfectly, doesn't feel like I'm wearing them. still I'm scared if they fell while walking.
2) SOUND & BASS : I'm seriously impressed with the sound quality, why wouldn't I? That's Sony!! Coming from 15mm drivers I'm Kinda disappointed about bass but what can we expect from 5mm drivers in these tiny cute buds.
3) PREMIUM FEATURES, BUILD QUALITY & RELIABILITY : Sony has dedicated app to play around with Equalizer as per your liking you can adjust the sound signature also packed with some incredible stuff like speak-to-chat (i personally use it), adjust ambient sound (YES! You can).
These are made from recycled material honestly it doesn't look as premium as XM4 earbuds but way compact. As it's Sony!! You can trust, I've seen people received faulty product or not working after few months, brand came forward to replace them without any hesitation.
4) NOISE CANCELLATION & CHARGING : NC is fine not the best, you will be able to hear background noise slightly while playing music in wild traffic or nearby construction site. Battery backup depends upon how you use them i turned on DSEE extreme, NC, on full volume i got them around 4hours (on single charge, haven't put them back into case). These support fast charging so i guess there won't be any problem while travelling. Ambient mode is awesome! It boosts outer sound which doesn't seem to be fake or weird.
Conclusion : Except wireless charging, You are getting all XM4's features on Linkbuds S at lesser price.
(XM4 doesn't have multi connection i.e: can't connect earbuds to 2 device simultaneously, whereas Linkbuds support it after new firmware update)
I don't regret purchasing it for 9.9K, but still they are damn expensive. Wish build quality was better.
I would recommend to purchase during sale with card offers. Usually it's sold for 16,990/- during special occasions it comes down to 13,990/- or 14,990/- make sure there's any card offer & extra discount available.
This is how i got for 9.9k
+ Linkbuds S : 13,989/-
- Prepaid transaction discount : 3,000/-
- Extra 10% discount through card : 1,000/-
= Final price : 9,989/-
If you have the budget, for the price (under 10k) it's absolutely worth it!
Samsung galaxy buds 2 pro, costs the same as Sony during sales. I've never used them so, can't speak much about it nor i own a samsung device (yeah, buds 2 pro sound better with samsung handset on the other hand, Sony playbacks in high quality on any device. On Samsung you won't be able to change Equalizer settings, gotta stick with presets)
Tip : Purchase Spigen Rugged Case to protect these "damn expensive" buds!
I'll keep updating my review, time to time! Hope this helps!! :D
It's June 2023 : Buds are getting better & better with each new update!! Especially noise cancellation has improved a lot.
Update 2
It's December 2023 : My right bud sometimes keep disconnecting, so I have to remove from ear & put it back, idk what's the issue. I hope they'll fix it by update
Reviewed in India on February 3, 2023
For those who doesn't have enough time to read whole review, you can consider below points & order these. (Tho i would recommend you to read everything as you are paying a lot!)
1) Comfort & compact
2) Sound quality
3) Premium features, Reliability.
FULL REVIEW :
1) COMFORT : Hands down these are the best TWS i ever used! It's compact & fits into my ears perfectly, doesn't feel like I'm wearing them. still I'm scared if they fell while walking.
2) SOUND & BASS : I'm seriously impressed with the sound quality, why wouldn't I? That's Sony!! Coming from 15mm drivers I'm Kinda disappointed about bass but what can we expect from 5mm drivers in these tiny cute buds.
3) PREMIUM FEATURES, BUILD QUALITY & RELIABILITY : Sony has dedicated app to play around with Equalizer as per your liking you can adjust the sound signature also packed with some incredible stuff like speak-to-chat (i personally use it), adjust ambient sound (YES! You can).
These are made from recycled material honestly it doesn't look as premium as XM4 earbuds but way compact. As it's Sony!! You can trust, I've seen people received faulty product or not working after few months, brand came forward to replace them without any hesitation.
4) NOISE CANCELLATION & CHARGING : NC is fine not the best, you will be able to hear background noise slightly while playing music in wild traffic or nearby construction site. Battery backup depends upon how you use them i turned on DSEE extreme, NC, on full volume i got them around 4hours (on single charge, haven't put them back into case). These support fast charging so i guess there won't be any problem while travelling. Ambient mode is awesome! It boosts outer sound which doesn't seem to be fake or weird.
Conclusion : Except wireless charging, You are getting all XM4's features on Linkbuds S at lesser price.
(XM4 doesn't have multi connection i.e: can't connect earbuds to 2 device simultaneously, whereas Linkbuds support it after new firmware update)
I don't regret purchasing it for 9.9K, but still they are damn expensive. Wish build quality was better.
I would recommend to purchase during sale with card offers. Usually it's sold for 16,990/- during special occasions it comes down to 13,990/- or 14,990/- make sure there's any card offer & extra discount available.
This is how i got for 9.9k
+ Linkbuds S : 13,989/-
- Prepaid transaction discount : 3,000/-
- Extra 10% discount through card : 1,000/-
= Final price : 9,989/-
If you have the budget, for the price (under 10k) it's absolutely worth it!
Samsung galaxy buds 2 pro, costs the same as Sony during sales. I've never used them so, can't speak much about it nor i own a samsung device (yeah, buds 2 pro sound better with samsung handset on the other hand, Sony playbacks in high quality on any device. On Samsung you won't be able to change Equalizer settings, gotta stick with presets)
Tip : Purchase Spigen Rugged Case to protect these "damn expensive" buds!
I'll keep updating my review, time to time! Hope this helps!! :D
It's June 2023 : Buds are getting better & better with each new update!! Especially noise cancellation has improved a lot.
Update 2
It's December 2023 : My right bud sometimes keep disconnecting, so I have to remove from ear & put it back, idk what's the issue. I hope they'll fix it by update