The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless is a less expensive model of the Sony LinkBuds that offers many of the same features as the WF-1000X but in a less expensive package. ..
The XM4 is a good option for people who want a noise-cancelling headset that is light and comfortable. However, the XM4 does not have the same bass as the Sony MDR-XB50H.
Sony LinkBuds S review: Design
The LinkBuds S are marketed by Sony as being “comfortable all day.” The nicest part about them is that they are comfortable to use. They are little and light (4.8g each earbud). After a while, we hardly notice their existence in our ears; they resemble the WF-1000XM4 in appearance but are less substantial. The ear-tip sizes range from XS to L, and we discovered that the largest size was the one that best fit me. During normal use or exercise, the medium size didn’t result in the tightest fit; instead, the larger size produced the best airtight feeling. ..
The LinkBuds S are responsive and have a variety of taps and holds. They are built robust enough for long-term use. The Headphones Connect app allows for customization, which is helpful for those who want to get the most out of their earbuds.
The LinkBuds S are a great option for people who want a case that offers protection from sweat or water. The small size and pocket-friendly design make them easy to take with you wherever you go. The front and back of the device have an LED light that flashes different colors to indicate the battery’s status, while the back has a USB-C port.
Comfort
We liked the LinkBuds S because they were lightweight, plastic-free/recycled, and small enough to wear for several hours at a time. They also stayed put for us during workouts and commuting. That wasn’t always the case with wireless earbuds, and it most definitely wasn’t the case for the LinkBuds WF-L900 in our testing.
The LinkBuds S fit our ears well and were very comfortable. They came with a charging case and various ear tip sizes, which was great. The charging case resembled both the WF-1000XM4 case and the AirPods cases.
Sony LinkBuds S review: Connectivity
The Bluetooth 5.2 connection is efficient and consistent, with a range of up to 40 feet. The Bluetooth 5.2 connection is also quick and reliable, with transfer rates of up to 50 Mbps. However, LDAC can occasionally have stability issues.
Noise canceling
The LinkBuds S active noise suppression and transparency is a great way to avoid obnoxious family members and noisy traffic outside a collegiate football stadium.
We found that the AirPods Pro, among the best noise cancelling headphones, did a superior job of blocking out ambient noises in the same setting. With the band playing “Pomp and Circumstance” in the background, we could hear family members talking while the names of graduates were being called to walk the stage. ..
Audio performance
Sony’s wireless earbuds, the LinkBuds S, have a good balance of audio quality. They’re rewarded by a Sony for occupying the Centre ground in terms of audio quality. ..
The treble isn’t spiky, and neither does the bass sound tubby or obese. The treble is well-controlled and has a good amount of detail, while the bass is punchy and has a good sense of weight. The percussion is clear and distinct, as well as the vocal.
The Sony’s Limbo from Royal Blood is a rock-cum-classical group that excels at painting with broad strokes and provides a tone of detail. They lack the open, airy sound of the standard Linkbuds, which is something we definitely miss.
Our disappointment is increased by the sound’s apparent lack of propulsion and dramatic thrust. The timing doesn’t feel as precise, and the drum thwacks don’t land as strongly as they should. Nevertheless, all the necessary components are present and in place. Additionally, they lack some of the dynamic clout of significant competitors. Simply said, everything has a flat sound.
The best wireless earbuds for the money really drive the drums, strings, and vocal home as the song crescendos, but the Sonys don’t seem to have the drive necessary to really carry the song forward. The earbuds struggle to provide enough separation and clarity, making all the different instrumental textures sound a little samey. ..
Sony LinkBuds S review: Call performance
The LinkBuds S are better for taking a fast conversation while out and about, even if we think the Apple AirPods 3 are one of the best headphones with a mic for voice and video chats. When the background noise didn’t include voices, like those from a TV or radio announcement, the noise-cancelling earbuds appeared to work as intended.
Battery and charging
The ANC earbuds have a six-hour battery life, and the case, if full, has a 14-hour battery life. 20 hours overall, especially with noise cancellation turned on, is respectable. But if you prefer, you can find earbuds with a longer battery life. And you might want to, given that the LinkBuds S failed to live up to Sony’s claims in my testing. They dropped from full to 41% on a two-hour train ride into London with ANC on the vast majority of the time.
They recovered to 60% after a 15-minute charge from that point, but if they are completely dead, you might get more than 20%. Sony claims that a five-minute charge will provide one hour of playback, but that charge must be made via USB-C because the case lacks wireless charging like the XM4 case does.
Price and availability
Sony’s new LinkBuds S earbuds come in black and white only and cost $199. The earbuds come with four sets of tips, a charging case, a USB-C charging cable, an instruction manual, a warranty, and a free trial of Sony’s 360 Reality Audio platform. ..
The wireless earbuds market is growing rapidly, and the prices are very reasonable. However, there is a WF-1000XM4-shaped wrench in the works that could make them more expensive in the future. Older technology becomes less expensive over time, so the price difference isn’t that significant.
Conclusion
The Sony LinkBuds S are a great option for running or working out because they fit securely but comfortably and are quite portable. Additionally, they are well-made and have IPX4 water splash resistance certification.
The LinkBuds S are a great all-around, affordable package for true wireless earbuds that offer advanced noise cancellation with Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat, wear sensors, LDAC, and many more features.
