Sony LinkBuds S Review
Sony’s newest earbuds, the LinkBuds S, join the company’s other models, which include the high-end WF-1000XM4s, the one-of-a-kind LinkBuds, and the budget-friendly WF-C500s. Despite having the same name as the open-air LinkBuds, the “S” model earbuds feature a much more conventional form, with ear-sealing silicone tips. As a result, they can incorporate Sony’s superior-quality LDAC Bluetooth codec and active noise canceling, neither of which are present in the standard LinkBuds.
They are only $20 extra than the LinkBuds at $199.99. However, the two goods serve different functions and appeal to different demographics of consumers. The basic LinkBuds are open at both ends, letting in sound from the environment at all times. Those who dislike conventional ear tips and seek total environmental awareness may appreciate this. Regarding making phone calls, the LinkBuds are also among the best earbuds I’ve used.
Sony LinkBuds S Specs
| Battery | Approx. 2.0 hrs |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth Specification Version 5.2 |
| Weight | Approx 35 g |
| Dimension | Approx. 42.8 x 60 x 27.6 mm |
| What Is In The Box? | USB cable: USB Type-C Cable |
| Driver Unit | 5 mm |
| Waterproof | Yes (IPX4) |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz–20,000 Hz |
| Price | Rs. 24,990 |
PROS
- Defeats ambient noise
- High-Quality Audio
- Isolation is achievable if the ears are covered.
- In-depth software
CONS
- Unidentified creator
- Neglected strengths
- The design is a mud magnet.
How Convenient Is Sony’s LinkBuds?
Using the original LinkBuds requires getting used to the earbuds’ donut-shaped housings, but the Sony LinkBuds S eliminates this learning curve. These wireless earphones are as standard as they get. The black plastic earbuds have a slightly rounded form that rests comfortably in the ear, and the ear tips are made of silicone to seal the ear canal.
Due to their conventional layout, the LinkBuds S is comfortable to wear and easy to operate. Four different-sized ear tips are included, and the earbuds themselves have an ergonomic design that fits snugly in my ear. The sealed ear design of the new LinkBuds prevents ambient noise from entering the ear canal but improves bass response. Because of the snug fit, you shouldn’t have to reduce the volume to harmful levels, even in noisy environments.
The LinkBuds S and its charging case are made of the same matte textured plastic as the original LinkBuds WF-L900. On the one hand, it is pleasant and seems unlikely to slip out of your fingers. However, the ear tips quickly become caked with dirt and dust like the rest of the device. You’ll have to get used to a continuously dirty set of earphones if you don’t like cleaning them daily with rubbing alcohol, swabs, and the works. It’s challenging to take photos of them for review.
What Is Sony LinkBuds S’s Control Scheme?
The LinkBuds S may be operated with minimal effort. The earbuds’ flat outer surfaces can be tapped to control all in-ear features. You may use the predefined control profiles to do common actions like activating your digital assistant, adjusting the level, pausing the music, or switching between active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode.
Like other Sony audio products like the ANC flagship WH-1000XM5, the awareness mode is activated by holding the side of one earbud to receive a brief blast of transparency mode. The Sony Headphones Connect app allows you to adjust the profile of what each earbud is capable of, but it does not allow you to set individual controls—for example, the left earbud can handle toggling ANC or playback controls, but you will never be able to specify what triple-tapping it accomplishes.
Superior Sound With Active Noise Cancellation
The Sony LinkBuds S has excellent sound quality. The sound’s volume, bass, and clarity are all just right. The LinkBuds S don’t hold back on the thick bass you may be used to, which I missed when listening to the XM5s, at least if you’re into cutting-edge EDM.
Now, this may be unfavorable to those who want a more “flat” sound with less prominent bass, but for me, and for what I believe is the majority of people likely to buy $200 earbuds for casual listening, I have nothing but good things to say. You won’t hear any of the shrill highs or distorted mids that you would work with lower-quality headphones, and the bass won’t drive you crazy because it’s so thick and murky. It’s pristine, and the volume is perfect.
The Sony LinkBuds S, How Do They Connect?
The Sony LinkBuds S uses Bluetooth 5.2 to connect to your device and is compatible with the standard SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. Even though LDAC isn’t quite as stable as aptX and other high-quality Bluetooth codecs, its inclusion means that Android users will have a high-quality alternative to AAC, better fitted to Apple devices. Thanks to Google Fast Pair, setting up the LinkBuds S on an Android device is likewise a breeze.
A compatible Android handset will display a card when you commence pairing, facilitating a speedy connection. Using Bluetooth 5.2 also means this gadget will be ready to use the upcoming LC3 codec. When exactly it will occur, however, is anyone’s guess.
