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Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbud Headphones with an Open-Ring Design for Ambient Sounds and Alexa Built-in, Bluetooth Ear Buds Compatible with iPhone and Android, Gray
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Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
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Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
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 | Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbuds |
Color | Gray |
Form Factor | In Ear |
Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
About this item
- OPEN RING DESIGN- Hear calls, listen to music, play games, and hear other types of online content anytime, all while remaining naturally connected to what’s happening around you.Specific uses for product : Movies and Gaming.Bluetooth version : Bluetooth Specification Version 5.2.
- ULTRA-SMALL & LIGHT-Bluetooth ear buds with 5 sizes of fitting supporters to suit different ear shapes, and a USB-C charging cable.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR PHONE CALLS- With Precise Voice Pickup technology.
- BALANCED HIGH-QUALITY SOUND-With the Integrated V1 Processor.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE & QUICK CHARGING: 20 hours battery life with a 5 minute quick charge for up to 60 minutes of play time.
- IPX4 RATING-Protects against sweat and splashes.
- MULTIPOINT CONNECTION- Connect two devices at once (Available via firmware update).
- WIDE AREA TAP- Control audio by tapping in front of your ears on these wireless earbuds.
- ADAPTIVE VOLUMNE CONTROL- Optimizes sound to your environment.
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PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
Carbonfree Certified determine the carbon footprint of the product, and associated carbon emissions are offset with reduction projects.
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From the brand
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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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WF-1000XM5
NEW Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds
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Rock your world
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This Item Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbud Headphones with an Open-Ring Design for Ambient Sounds and Alexa Built-in, Bluetooth Ear Buds Compatible with iPhone and Android, Gray | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | -23% $138.00$138.00 List: $179.99 | $169.99$169.99 | -23% $99.00$99.00 List: $129.00 | $99.95$99.95 | $60.00$60.00 | -24% $129.99$129.99 List: $169.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Sound quality | 3.6 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.2 |
Battery life | 3.4 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 3.6 | 4.7 |
Comfort | 3.4 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.0 | — | 4.1 |
Noise cancellation | 2.1 | — | 4.1 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 2.9 |
Value for money | 3.1 | — | 4.2 | — | 3.6 | 4.0 |
Sold By | Amazon.com | Cleer inc. | Amazon.com | Homegoods Shop | Secondipity | AnkerDirect |
connectivity tech | Wireless | Wireless | Bluetooth 5.0 | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless |
headphones form factor | In Ear | True Wireless | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear | open Ear |
connector type | USB Type C | wireless | wireless | wireless | wireless | USB Type C |
noise control | — | — | sound isolation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | — |
headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | — | 3.5 mm Jack | usb | — | — |
cable feature | Without Cable | Retractable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable |
From the manufacturer
Keep every world on
LinkBuds
LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbuds connect all your worlds perfectly with an open-ring design that allows you to hear calls, listen to music, play games, and hear other types of online content anytime, all while remaining naturally connected to the ambient sounds around you.
Connected and aware
A newly developed ring-type driver unit with the center of the diaphragm open for audio transparency allows you to clearly hear all of the real-world sounds happening around you.
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)
LinkBuds connect all your worlds
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Exercise
Enjoy your favorite workout playlist and be aware of traffic
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Work Calls
Take a work call while keeping an ear out for your surroundings
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Walking
Walk, listen to music, and still be able to talk with your neighbors
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Social media
Scroll social and don’t miss important announcements.
IPX4 splash-proof
With IPX4 splash resistance and long battery life, LinkBuds keep you ready for anything that life brings.
Adaptive Volume Control
Automatically optimizes volume based on your environment. LinkBuds adjusts to lower volume in quieter places and higher volume in noisier situations.
Ideal form factor
Ultra-small and light for a fit that stays all day.
Wide Area Tap
You can double or triple tap the area in front of either ear to control your music playback. You never even need to touch LinkBuds to operate them.
Long Battery life
Up to 5.5 hours of battery life and up to 17.5 hours with charging case. Quick charging gives up to 90 minutes of playback with a 10 minute charge.
Voice Assistant compatible
One simple button press connects you instantly to your smartphone’s voice assistant so you can find directions, play music, and so much more.
Quick access to Amazon music
You can play Amazon music with just a couple of taps – no need to touch your smartphone
Crystal clear calling
Crystal clear phone calls and conversations with Precise Voice Pickup technology.
Sony Truly Wireless Headphones
WF-1000XM5 | LinkBuds S | LinkBuds |
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Noise CancelingYes/The best noise canceling 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
Videos for this product
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Sony Link Buds - Before You Buy!
➡️ Mick Reviews Stuff
Videos for this product
6:11
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Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbud Headphones
Life In Speed
Videos for this product
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Sony LinkBuds - REVIEW + COMPARED to AIRPODS
The French Glow
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#thisorthat Sony Linkbuds vs Beats Fit Pro compare
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Product information
Product Dimensions | 1.91 x 1.22 x 1.63 inches |
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Item Weight | 1.4 ounces |
ASIN | B09QNLR4GD |
Item model number | WFL900/H |
Batteries | 2 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Customer Reviews |
3.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #9,899 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #933 in Earbud & In-Ear Headphones |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | February 15, 2022 |
Manufacturer | Sony |
Country of Origin | Malaysia |
Charging Time | 20 Hours |
Item Weight | 1.4 Ounces |
Units | 1.0 Count |
Number Of Items | 1 |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product Description
Link your online and offline worlds with bluetooth headphones that keep you in both. The all-new Sony LinkBuds true wireless earbuds feature a comfortable open-ring design that naturally blends natural and digital sound. Stay authentically connected to everyday life while listening to music, taking calls, gaming, and more, all with dynamic sound.
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 are satisfied with the appearance of the headphones. They also have different opinions on sound quality, fit, comfort, quality, battery life, and ease of use.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the appearance of the headphones. They say they have a unique design, the recycled plastic look has its own charm, and the circular design is nice. Some appreciate the Sci-Fi look and the ring shape. Overall, customers are happy with the appearance and functionality of the product.
"...The recycled plastic is a nice, unique touch, and the case feels sturdy enough (definitely nowhere near airpods)...." Read more
"...They are good headphones with a unique design." Read more
"...The unique design will obviously be interesting since there's nothing else like it. I like the creative problem solving for making open earbuds...." Read more
"...The case is really nice and has a beautiful fell and design. The buds click in to their spot in the case which feels more secure than just a magnet...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the sound quality of the headphones. Some mention that the sound was just much fuller, they can hear the direction of sounds around them, and love the open feeling of the sound. However, others say that the resulting sound quality is not great, they're not very loud, and the sub-bass is non-existent.
"...I didn’t like how quiet they were. The sound quality was great in a decently loud room but when I was at work with heavy machinery it got hard to..." Read more
"...The added benefit of them not muffling outside noises was a HUGE plus for talking to people, commuting, and just overall being comfortable...." Read more
"...They have an oddly bright sound, but I don't think they have a poor sound quality at all like many reviewers are saying. More on that later.-..." Read more
"...Because of the “open” design, they are somewhat more natural sounding in terms of airiness and don’t have that “dome in your head” kind of feeling...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the fit of the headphones. Some mention that the buds fit in securely with a noticeable clack, while others say that they fit loosely in the ear. The case is very small, and the bud stays in pretty well. However, some customers say that the speaker won't be correctly aligned if the buds don't fit perfectly.
"...stopping the headphones from pivoting forward, and they DO stick out of your ears, so... something as simple as brushing your hair away could make..." Read more
"...I swapped them out for the small on both ears and voila. Perfect fit. Perfect volume.It feels like you have nothing in the ear...." Read more
"...That said, the stage itself is not hugely bigger than “regular” buds (goes ear to ear, maybe a tad outside the ear), it’s just a slightly more open..." Read more
"...They stay in pretty well. If you are doing jumping jacks or headbanging, perhaps these are not ideal...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the comfort of the headphones. Some mention that they are the most comfortable they have ever used, while others say that they're very uncomfortable and cause soreness after a few hours. The fit is flexible and soft, while being sturdy enough. However, some customers also mention that the external ear starts hurting if they need to stuff an earbud to keep it in place.
"...Before the AirPods 3 I used the Galaxy buds Live. They were great. Most comfortable I’ve ver used. No issues with comfort...." Read more
"...you can hear your surroundings while wearing them... But they aren't comfortable enough for me to wear them for more than an hour or two...." Read more
"...was a HUGE plus for talking to people, commuting, and just overall being comfortable. These where my favorite earbuds ever until......." Read more
"...On my first day of usage, the part of my ears where these buds rest began aching, despite its lightweightness...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the headphones. Some mention that they are good headphones with a unique design, and sound decent and impressive. However, others say that the battery life is not great, the sound is pretty impressive, and the controls are fantastic and reliable.
"...Alexa implementation is good and works well, but again, Alexa can’t do as much as Siri: most of the things you’d ask her are like music selections...." Read more
"...This results in a very hollow listen. Music has nearly no low-end impact at all...." Read more
"...The recycled plastic is a nice, unique touch, and the case feels sturdy enough (definitely nowhere near airpods)...." Read more
"...The case build will be crappy or built without other things in mine. One big thing that was a problem with my earbuds live was the case...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the battery life of the headphones. Some mention that it has great battery life, is designed for all-day usage, and is excellent for work or exercising outside. However, others say that it does not last very long, and the case does not hold much charge.
"...-- Not good for physical or outdoor activities --The question to ask yourself is: why do you WANT open back headphones?..." Read more
"...They are designed for all day usage since you can hear your surroundings while wearing them... But they aren't comfortable enough for me to wear..." Read more
"...where the charge level is all over the place when in use and does not last very long...." Read more
"...Keep these on, and battery is more like two hours, which is FAR below, by more than half, what most buds get nowadays...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of use of the headphones. Some mention that it's intuitive, convenient, and works great when paired with an iPhone. However, others say that the app is not easy to understand, the instructions online are complex, and the fit was never right.
"...Also the app to set these up is kind of annoying to use. Features work, but the menus are confusing to know if they are turned on or not...." Read more
"...AUDIO:Sound quality is excellent, detailed and well-balanced (as long as they're not pushed too hard... see below on volume)...." Read more
"First thing to note is that you MUST download the app. If you use it out of the box without firmware update the max volume will seem very low...." Read more
"...Other than that, I haven't had any issues. They're easy to pair and they reconnect to my phone and laptop with no problems...." Read more
Customers have connectivity issues with the headphones. For example, they mention the Bluetooth connectivity is prone to dropouts, the quality of the connection isn't up to par, and the earbuds can get out of sync playing music. Some say the right earphone doesn't connect to the phone without the left ear phone. They are also unable to couple with their Huawei phone and can only connect to one device at a time.
"...No multi-point connection. Only able to connect to one device at a time. Must re-sync Bluetooth when using a new device..." Read more
"...My only real complaint is the wireless range can be lacking with certain devices. When they are paired to my Pixel 6 the range is excellent...." Read more
"...Pairing is consistent for me. I can easily switch between paired devices...." Read more
"...Manually entering Bluetooth pairing mode is next to impossible...." Read more
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For some reason I can’t handle iems. If they go in the ear, or even AirPods. My ears have always been so sensitive that any pressure results in pain or swelling. I try to stay away from most in ear styles for this main reason.
A secondary reason is the pressure from the sound isolation has never been comfortable to me. Feeling like I’m underwater, rather than silence. It’s awful.
AirPods 3 were my go to since their release late last year, but they still caused a bit of discomfort. They would also fall out. The convenience of using iOS and AirPods plus the higher than average sound quality made me push through.
Before the AirPods 3 I used the Galaxy buds Live. They were great. Most comfortable I’ve ver used. No issues with comfort. Despite enjoying the ANC implementation whereas it focused on outside lower frequencies like hums and engines (opposed to something like the AirPods Pro which attempt to block all sound). I didn’t like how quiet they were. The sound quality was great in a decently loud room but when I was at work with heavy machinery it got hard to hear without cranking up the sound which caused a bit of distortion.
Enter the Sony Linkbuds. Out of the box these things come with the medium wing tip which to my horror began causing some burning sensations from the pressure. I swapped them out for the small on both ears and voila. Perfect fit. Perfect volume.
It feels like you have nothing in the ear. The Galaxy buds live were close to perfect but they did block sound a bit when you were wearing them. The whole in these Linkbuds make it so that’s a problem of the past.
The auto speech detect works well. Too well honestly that I feel like I’m killing my battery by having it on. Speaking of batter it’s still to be seen how long they last. The app will show one percentage one minute and then it’ll jump down like 20%. I don’t think it updates frequently but it’s jarring.
The extra features like spatial audio and Alexa are cool but I use iOS and those aren’t that well supported. Maybe in the future, but right now don’t buy the buds if you have iOS and want to make use of those features.
The spatial audio is similar to AirPods 3 and pro implementation. It works very well with the supported apps. Seems highly unlikely more will add the feature though.
I’m assuming on android it’s a system wide effect that can be toggled on or off. So if you have an android I’d look for more information elsewhere.
The last thing I want to mention that makes these a must have is the wide area tap. Every time I tap it registers the proper gesture. EVERYTIME! That’s huge. With my Galaxy Buds I would always skip songs, or be unable to accept calls because the tapping was so inaccurate. Most tap to use headphones suck ass and for me, caused me physical pain to use. Here you don’t tap the headphone. You actually tap your temple… sort of. The side of your head. It’s like something out of a sci-fi movie and it works.
Few quirks when using these with iOS but most are now standard fare if you don’t use AirPods. Stuff like sometimes the screen will come on when I use Siri so my thigh will cancel out commands. I don’t use Siri that much anyways. And when I do need an assistant it’s only to do math problems for me that I’m too slow to do on my own. But it is something to be wary about.
Alexa implementation is good and works well, but again, Alexa can’t do as much as Siri: most of the things you’d ask her are like music selections. It’s kind of a non issue for me personally.
Also the app to set these up is kind of annoying to use. Features work, but the menus are confusing to know if they are turned on or not. Certain apps seem like they are required to set up certain features but not really. I spent about five minutes in the soundscapes app wondering how to I use the spatial audio for movies only to realize the app was trying to tell me the soundscapes app is compatible with the buds and that’s the end of the integration.
To use Alexa and Spotify features make sure to go to assign menu and change the left or right settings to the proper apps. Then the rest of the features will work. It’s very confusing at first.
With time as I use these through the warm up period they might get better sounding but the fit and comfort are apparent from the start. If you have sensitive ears please try the xs wingtips. Those are the ones on all the promotional material but for some reason they come with the medium.
This is my first review on Amazon and I just had to let everyone with similar problems to me that we’ve been saved. The perfect earbud is here.
For everyone else you might feel a bit let down. They aren’t as bass heavy as IEM’s and definitely don’t block outside sound. Some people really don’t want to hear anything and these aren’t for those people. For everyone else these are it!!!
For some reason I can’t handle iems. If they go in the ear, or even AirPods. My ears have always been so sensitive that any pressure results in pain or swelling. I try to stay away from most in ear styles for this main reason.
A secondary reason is the pressure from the sound isolation has never been comfortable to me. Feeling like I’m underwater, rather than silence. It’s awful.
AirPods 3 were my go to since their release late last year, but they still caused a bit of discomfort. They would also fall out. The convenience of using iOS and AirPods plus the higher than average sound quality made me push through.
Before the AirPods 3 I used the Galaxy buds Live. They were great. Most comfortable I’ve ver used. No issues with comfort. Despite enjoying the ANC implementation whereas it focused on outside lower frequencies like hums and engines (opposed to something like the AirPods Pro which attempt to block all sound). I didn’t like how quiet they were. The sound quality was great in a decently loud room but when I was at work with heavy machinery it got hard to hear without cranking up the sound which caused a bit of distortion.
Enter the Sony Linkbuds. Out of the box these things come with the medium wing tip which to my horror began causing some burning sensations from the pressure. I swapped them out for the small on both ears and voila. Perfect fit. Perfect volume.
It feels like you have nothing in the ear. The Galaxy buds live were close to perfect but they did block sound a bit when you were wearing them. The whole in these Linkbuds make it so that’s a problem of the past.
The auto speech detect works well. Too well honestly that I feel like I’m killing my battery by having it on. Speaking of batter it’s still to be seen how long they last. The app will show one percentage one minute and then it’ll jump down like 20%. I don’t think it updates frequently but it’s jarring.
The extra features like spatial audio and Alexa are cool but I use iOS and those aren’t that well supported. Maybe in the future, but right now don’t buy the buds if you have iOS and want to make use of those features.
The spatial audio is similar to AirPods 3 and pro implementation. It works very well with the supported apps. Seems highly unlikely more will add the feature though.
I’m assuming on android it’s a system wide effect that can be toggled on or off. So if you have an android I’d look for more information elsewhere.
The last thing I want to mention that makes these a must have is the wide area tap. Every time I tap it registers the proper gesture. EVERYTIME! That’s huge. With my Galaxy Buds I would always skip songs, or be unable to accept calls because the tapping was so inaccurate. Most tap to use headphones suck ass and for me, caused me physical pain to use. Here you don’t tap the headphone. You actually tap your temple… sort of. The side of your head. It’s like something out of a sci-fi movie and it works.
Few quirks when using these with iOS but most are now standard fare if you don’t use AirPods. Stuff like sometimes the screen will come on when I use Siri so my thigh will cancel out commands. I don’t use Siri that much anyways. And when I do need an assistant it’s only to do math problems for me that I’m too slow to do on my own. But it is something to be wary about.
Alexa implementation is good and works well, but again, Alexa can’t do as much as Siri: most of the things you’d ask her are like music selections. It’s kind of a non issue for me personally.
Also the app to set these up is kind of annoying to use. Features work, but the menus are confusing to know if they are turned on or not. Certain apps seem like they are required to set up certain features but not really. I spent about five minutes in the soundscapes app wondering how to I use the spatial audio for movies only to realize the app was trying to tell me the soundscapes app is compatible with the buds and that’s the end of the integration.
To use Alexa and Spotify features make sure to go to assign menu and change the left or right settings to the proper apps. Then the rest of the features will work. It’s very confusing at first.
With time as I use these through the warm up period they might get better sounding but the fit and comfort are apparent from the start. If you have sensitive ears please try the xs wingtips. Those are the ones on all the promotional material but for some reason they come with the medium.
This is my first review on Amazon and I just had to let everyone with similar problems to me that we’ve been saved. The perfect earbud is here.
For everyone else you might feel a bit let down. They aren’t as bass heavy as IEM’s and definitely don’t block outside sound. Some people really don’t want to hear anything and these aren’t for those people. For everyone else these are it!!!
ORIGINAL: I was really excited for these headphones and they are slightly disappointing. Main points being:
- They are difficult to put into your ear, even after repeated practice, reducing the convenience factor of having true wireless headphones
- They easily fall out for me, regardless of which size retaining ring I put on. More on that later
- They have an oddly bright sound, but I don't think they have a poor sound quality at all like many reviewers are saying. More on that later.
- Their direct competitors for most use cases are bone conduction headphones, and I think bone conduction is a better choice here.
I do appreciate the innovation, and I think it's a really cool concept and I love the novelty. If that's enough for you to own it, then these are good true wireless headphones that sound pretty good and don't cause pressure in your ears. But if you actually want them to be useful for most situations where being aware of your surroundings is important, I think you'd be better served by bone conduction headphones (such as AfterShokz).
The rest of this review is just going into more detail about those points, so you can stop if you got the gist.
-- Not good for physical or outdoor activities --
The question to ask yourself is: why do you WANT open back headphones? If your answer is, like I think most people, "to hear my surroundings", then the next question to ask is "WHEN do I need to do that?". If it has anything to do with being outside, then you don't want these, go get bone conduction headphones. Those leave your ear completely open and essentially CAN'T fall off your head without significant effort. I think bone conduction is safer and more convenient for outdoor use or exercise. However, if your answer is instead "because I don't like pressure in my ears", these might be just what you're looking for... see the "Great for relaxation" section.
The Linkbuds are very light and just kind of "sit" in your ear. You can certainly move your head and they won't fall out, and they didn't even fall out for me when I yawn or move my jaw like others said. If you touch them the wrong way however, they just slide out of your ear. I actually think this is the real reason for the (very cool) "wide area tap": see how there's nothing holding the headphone into your ear on the backside? They're only anchored into your ear with two points: the retaining ring at the top and the donut speaker. If you lightly push the headphones forward, with essentially no effort, they pop right out. Most people's ears will have the same problem, because the Tragus (see an ear diagram, it's the pointy bit at the front that the donut speaker wedges behind) locks the front of the donut into place, but in general, the Antitragus (the other side of your ear) isn't a hook, so it's just light friction keeping it in place back there. There's nothing stopping the headphones from pivoting forward, and they DO stick out of your ears, so... something as simple as brushing your hair away could make them fall out. You have to be careful.
The other problem is "hearing your surroundings". The speaker sits directly over your ear canal and thus partially blocks it, and also makes any incoming sounds fight with the speaker. I find that with these, the sound from the headphones almost always drowns out anything important I'd want to hear around me. I can't even have them super quiet and have a conversation with someone, as the sound from the speakers fights so heavily with incoming sound. But with bone conduction headphones, your ear is completely unobstructed, and I find that incoming sounds mix much better, maybe because the soundwaves don't have to fight in your ear canal. That part could be subjective, but at least for me, bone conduction feels significantly safer, because I can still hear everything around me, even if the surrounding sounds are quiet.
-- Great for relaxation though! --
That brings me to the title: who is the audience for the Linkbuds? I think it is for specifically people who want true wireless headphones but don't like pressure in their ears and are NOT looking to use these for exercise or outdoor activities. In fact, you can look at the marketing and features to back this up. These are not "sports" headphones, and maybe that's not why you're buying them. I keep comparing the Linkbuds to bone conduction headphones, but if you don't intend to use these while doing physical activity, the Linkbuds are honestly better. I find myself using them all the time in bed, because I AM a person who doesn't like pressure in their ears, and you can't exactly use bone conduction headphones while lying down (they have a band that extends behind your head).
They also sound WAY better than even the best bone conduction headphones I've tried, which is why I'm surprised people say they sound so bad. I wonder if they've never used open-back headphones before: yes, you don't get nearly as much potential bass as closed-back (and especially in-ear), no matter WHAT the design is. I have Sennheiser HD600's, the "audiophile mainstay", and they sound amazing, but they'll never have as much bass as my cheap in-ears (iems). So if you're a bass head, you won't like these at all, you're stuck with closed-back headphones and iems. To me, the Linkbuds do sound oddly bright though, like over-emphasized upper-mids and top. It's not distorted, just a bit of a strange signature to my ears, but using the app, the EQ is saved IN the buds themselves (along with all the other nifty settings), so it's easy to fix. But, I've also found that small adjustments in fit greatly alter the tone of the Linkbuds, so take that into consideration when reading reviews: they might not fit everyone the same and thus they might not always sound that great.
All that junk being said, I do actually intend to use them all the time, just for relaxation and essentially nothing else. I don't even trust them for cooking, I'm afraid I'll brush them while moving around and they'll fall into the food. But, I'm still gonna use them until they break. Also, the case is VERY SMALL, and I really like it! The picture attached shows one of those older slow iPhone chargers, and these are even smaller than that and only just about as thick, so it's definitely nicely pocketable. The recycled plastic is a nice, unique touch, and the case feels sturdy enough (definitely nowhere near airpods). The lid locks into place if you pull it open enough, that's kinda cool.
The Linkbuds are so cool, and they serve a good niche, and I LIKE them, flaws and all. I gave them 3/5 (edited to 4/5) because I recognize that they have problems and that there are better alternatives for most use cases, and yet I'm still so fond of them. I want them to succeed, even though I don't think they will. I think there's absolutely a group of people for whom these are perfect, and I want these to stick around for those people.
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2022
ORIGINAL: I was really excited for these headphones and they are slightly disappointing. Main points being:
- They are difficult to put into your ear, even after repeated practice, reducing the convenience factor of having true wireless headphones
- They easily fall out for me, regardless of which size retaining ring I put on. More on that later
- They have an oddly bright sound, but I don't think they have a poor sound quality at all like many reviewers are saying. More on that later.
- Their direct competitors for most use cases are bone conduction headphones, and I think bone conduction is a better choice here.
I do appreciate the innovation, and I think it's a really cool concept and I love the novelty. If that's enough for you to own it, then these are good true wireless headphones that sound pretty good and don't cause pressure in your ears. But if you actually want them to be useful for most situations where being aware of your surroundings is important, I think you'd be better served by bone conduction headphones (such as AfterShokz).
The rest of this review is just going into more detail about those points, so you can stop if you got the gist.
-- Not good for physical or outdoor activities --
The question to ask yourself is: why do you WANT open back headphones? If your answer is, like I think most people, "to hear my surroundings", then the next question to ask is "WHEN do I need to do that?". If it has anything to do with being outside, then you don't want these, go get bone conduction headphones. Those leave your ear completely open and essentially CAN'T fall off your head without significant effort. I think bone conduction is safer and more convenient for outdoor use or exercise. However, if your answer is instead "because I don't like pressure in my ears", these might be just what you're looking for... see the "Great for relaxation" section.
The Linkbuds are very light and just kind of "sit" in your ear. You can certainly move your head and they won't fall out, and they didn't even fall out for me when I yawn or move my jaw like others said. If you touch them the wrong way however, they just slide out of your ear. I actually think this is the real reason for the (very cool) "wide area tap": see how there's nothing holding the headphone into your ear on the backside? They're only anchored into your ear with two points: the retaining ring at the top and the donut speaker. If you lightly push the headphones forward, with essentially no effort, they pop right out. Most people's ears will have the same problem, because the Tragus (see an ear diagram, it's the pointy bit at the front that the donut speaker wedges behind) locks the front of the donut into place, but in general, the Antitragus (the other side of your ear) isn't a hook, so it's just light friction keeping it in place back there. There's nothing stopping the headphones from pivoting forward, and they DO stick out of your ears, so... something as simple as brushing your hair away could make them fall out. You have to be careful.
The other problem is "hearing your surroundings". The speaker sits directly over your ear canal and thus partially blocks it, and also makes any incoming sounds fight with the speaker. I find that with these, the sound from the headphones almost always drowns out anything important I'd want to hear around me. I can't even have them super quiet and have a conversation with someone, as the sound from the speakers fights so heavily with incoming sound. But with bone conduction headphones, your ear is completely unobstructed, and I find that incoming sounds mix much better, maybe because the soundwaves don't have to fight in your ear canal. That part could be subjective, but at least for me, bone conduction feels significantly safer, because I can still hear everything around me, even if the surrounding sounds are quiet.
-- Great for relaxation though! --
That brings me to the title: who is the audience for the Linkbuds? I think it is for specifically people who want true wireless headphones but don't like pressure in their ears and are NOT looking to use these for exercise or outdoor activities. In fact, you can look at the marketing and features to back this up. These are not "sports" headphones, and maybe that's not why you're buying them. I keep comparing the Linkbuds to bone conduction headphones, but if you don't intend to use these while doing physical activity, the Linkbuds are honestly better. I find myself using them all the time in bed, because I AM a person who doesn't like pressure in their ears, and you can't exactly use bone conduction headphones while lying down (they have a band that extends behind your head).
They also sound WAY better than even the best bone conduction headphones I've tried, which is why I'm surprised people say they sound so bad. I wonder if they've never used open-back headphones before: yes, you don't get nearly as much potential bass as closed-back (and especially in-ear), no matter WHAT the design is. I have Sennheiser HD600's, the "audiophile mainstay", and they sound amazing, but they'll never have as much bass as my cheap in-ears (iems). So if you're a bass head, you won't like these at all, you're stuck with closed-back headphones and iems. To me, the Linkbuds do sound oddly bright though, like over-emphasized upper-mids and top. It's not distorted, just a bit of a strange signature to my ears, but using the app, the EQ is saved IN the buds themselves (along with all the other nifty settings), so it's easy to fix. But, I've also found that small adjustments in fit greatly alter the tone of the Linkbuds, so take that into consideration when reading reviews: they might not fit everyone the same and thus they might not always sound that great.
All that junk being said, I do actually intend to use them all the time, just for relaxation and essentially nothing else. I don't even trust them for cooking, I'm afraid I'll brush them while moving around and they'll fall into the food. But, I'm still gonna use them until they break. Also, the case is VERY SMALL, and I really like it! The picture attached shows one of those older slow iPhone chargers, and these are even smaller than that and only just about as thick, so it's definitely nicely pocketable. The recycled plastic is a nice, unique touch, and the case feels sturdy enough (definitely nowhere near airpods). The lid locks into place if you pull it open enough, that's kinda cool.
The Linkbuds are so cool, and they serve a good niche, and I LIKE them, flaws and all. I gave them 3/5 (edited to 4/5) because I recognize that they have problems and that there are better alternatives for most use cases, and yet I'm still so fond of them. I want them to succeed, even though I don't think they will. I think there's absolutely a group of people for whom these are perfect, and I want these to stick around for those people.
Top reviews from other countries
Lo mejor de estos audífonos son las funciones integradas extra. Que se detengan cuando hablo es la segunda función más útil, pues me pasa que pido permiso para pasar en el transporte público. Gracias a su diseño puedo escuchar cuando me hablan para preguntarte algo en la calle. La tercera función que me parece fascinante es que se ajuste el volumen según el ruido ambiental. Esto me ayuda cuando cambio de espacios en la calle o una plaza comercial ya que el sonido se ajusta a la perfección.
Lo que me ha costado trabajo adaptarme ha sido el sistema de toques sin botón. Me fue bastante frustrante subir o bajar volumen, tuve que configurar mediante la aplicación y aún así me costó acostumbrarme. Después me di cuenta que puedo tocar los audífonos en si y me funciona mejor así.
Ahora lo malo de los audífonos. Lo primero es que me lastimaron casi de inmediato. La oreja me quedaba adolorida al quitármelos y me costó mucho entender como se colocan adecuadamente. Tenía la sensación que se iban a caer en cualquier momento. Incluso me causaron heridas en la parte interna de la oreja. Aún así desistí por el reembolso debido a que no hay nada parecido en el mercado. Por lo que aprendí a colocarlos de la forma adecuada. Tampoco sé porqué me molesta más en una oreja que en otra.
Lo segundo molesto es la batería. Entre más opciones activadas tengas más rápido se descarga. Y vaya que se descarga rápido si tienes EQ, hablar por chat y DSSE activado. Yo llegué a descargarlos en menos de dos horas. La recomendación es quitarle todas las opciones y dejar solamente las que vamos a necesitar. La ventaja es que su estuche los recarga muy rápido.
Lo último molesto es el tamaño. Me preocupa mucho que un día me los ponga mal y se caigan en la calle, son muy pequeños y si se van a una coladera será su fin. No hay forma de localizarlos como los de Apple.
En general, los recomiendo para la gente que necesite escuchar su exterior todo el tiempo.
Reviewed in Mexico on December 18, 2023
Lo mejor de estos audífonos son las funciones integradas extra. Que se detengan cuando hablo es la segunda función más útil, pues me pasa que pido permiso para pasar en el transporte público. Gracias a su diseño puedo escuchar cuando me hablan para preguntarte algo en la calle. La tercera función que me parece fascinante es que se ajuste el volumen según el ruido ambiental. Esto me ayuda cuando cambio de espacios en la calle o una plaza comercial ya que el sonido se ajusta a la perfección.
Lo que me ha costado trabajo adaptarme ha sido el sistema de toques sin botón. Me fue bastante frustrante subir o bajar volumen, tuve que configurar mediante la aplicación y aún así me costó acostumbrarme. Después me di cuenta que puedo tocar los audífonos en si y me funciona mejor así.
Ahora lo malo de los audífonos. Lo primero es que me lastimaron casi de inmediato. La oreja me quedaba adolorida al quitármelos y me costó mucho entender como se colocan adecuadamente. Tenía la sensación que se iban a caer en cualquier momento. Incluso me causaron heridas en la parte interna de la oreja. Aún así desistí por el reembolso debido a que no hay nada parecido en el mercado. Por lo que aprendí a colocarlos de la forma adecuada. Tampoco sé porqué me molesta más en una oreja que en otra.
Lo segundo molesto es la batería. Entre más opciones activadas tengas más rápido se descarga. Y vaya que se descarga rápido si tienes EQ, hablar por chat y DSSE activado. Yo llegué a descargarlos en menos de dos horas. La recomendación es quitarle todas las opciones y dejar solamente las que vamos a necesitar. La ventaja es que su estuche los recarga muy rápido.
Lo último molesto es el tamaño. Me preocupa mucho que un día me los ponga mal y se caigan en la calle, son muy pequeños y si se van a una coladera será su fin. No hay forma de localizarlos como los de Apple.
En general, los recomiendo para la gente que necesite escuchar su exterior todo el tiempo.
I have used the Bose Sport Open Earbuds in the past with good results, and when Sony came out with their take I decided to give them a try. Here’s my opinion on the Sony units. Your mileage may vary.
The Sony LinkBuds are small and light, and fit easily in your ear. The different sized stability loops ensure a proper fit. And a proper fit is essential to keep these in your ear and to dial in the sound. With the wrong sized loop, these sound thin and harsh and will pop out of your head. Experiment with the right sized loop for your ear, and the buds will feel locked in, and the sound will be acceptable.
I hesitate to talk about the sound, as each of us has different requirements. I was not looking for hifi sound, just a pleasing sound that allowed me to listen to music while letting in ambient sound. The LinkBuds, once I had experimented with fit, met my needs perfectly. If you are bass-head, move on, as you cannot get booming bass out of an open backed earbud.
One feature I thought I would love was the speech feature, which cuts the sound when you speak. This worked well on most days, but I find wind will trigger it, so I turn that feature off on very windy days (Which is basically every day on PEI.).
I tested the LinkBuds with my iPhone XS, and the app worked flawlessly. I don’t run with my phone, and while I could use the LinkBuds on my older iPod, the app would not load, so functions were more limited.
The charging case is tiny and provides an internal battery. I like how the earbuds snap into the case with a satisfying click. I also run with PowerBeats, and have found I often don’t get a correct fit in the case resulting in a dead earbud.
Will these replace the Bose? No, as I prefer the warm, tubey Bose signature sound. But I do find the LinkBuds perform better in wind, and do not interfere with the googles I often have to wear in the winter. They each have their advantages, and I will use both happily. If I had to pick one pair, it would be the Bose, but I don’t think Bose is still selling these anymore. They cost the same.
Hope that helps, and I wish you all miles of smiles, safely aware of your surroundings.
Reviewed in India on November 15, 2023
The microphone quality is fantastic. This is the first pair of earbuds I’ve owned that I’ve been able use for conversations with my elderly father. Other earbuds pick up too much background noise, or create an echo that makes it hard for him to hear me.
Unfortunately, after 9 months they are toast. The speaker portion has separated, and while it fits back together now there is a buzzing in that ear. When I contacted Sony for warranty, I was initially told by the agent that it’s “cosmetic” damage. Then I was told that the warranty only covers the software, despite the warranty itself reading “This limited warranty covers only the hardware components packaged with the product.” To add insult to injury, it was suggested that I drop them off for authorized repair at a store in Ontario (I am in Alberta).
I admit that these have seen daily use. I was ridiculously happy with them. But I’m highly unlikely to spend another $300 on a pair of earbuds that don’t last a year, and won’t have the warranty honoured. I’ve had significantly cheaper options that lasted for years with the same use.
Reviewed in Canada on December 16, 2023
The microphone quality is fantastic. This is the first pair of earbuds I’ve owned that I’ve been able use for conversations with my elderly father. Other earbuds pick up too much background noise, or create an echo that makes it hard for him to hear me.
Unfortunately, after 9 months they are toast. The speaker portion has separated, and while it fits back together now there is a buzzing in that ear. When I contacted Sony for warranty, I was initially told by the agent that it’s “cosmetic” damage. Then I was told that the warranty only covers the software, despite the warranty itself reading “This limited warranty covers only the hardware components packaged with the product.” To add insult to injury, it was suggested that I drop them off for authorized repair at a store in Ontario (I am in Alberta).
I admit that these have seen daily use. I was ridiculously happy with them. But I’m highly unlikely to spend another $300 on a pair of earbuds that don’t last a year, and won’t have the warranty honoured. I’ve had significantly cheaper options that lasted for years with the same use.