As a dedicated team of headphone reviewers at Technowant.com, we recently test the Sony LinkBuds S. These true wireless earbuds have garnered significant attention since their release, and we were eager to put them through their paces to see how they stack up against the competition.
After extensive testing across various aspects performance, comfort, sound quality, design, app functionality, battery life, and user feedback we present our comprehensive review of the Sony LinkBuds S. What you are reading are the results of our research and tests. Also, this headphone has earned the title of Best Money Can Buy in our list of the best headphones for cycling.
Design and Comfort
The design of the LinkBuds S is sleek and modern, available in 4 color options: black, white, violet, and earth blue. At just 4.8g per earbud, they are significantly lighter and smaller than many competitors like the AirPods Pro and Beats Fit Pro. The compact size and lightweight nature are immediately noticeable and contribute to their comfortable wearing experience.
Many users on platforms like Reddit have echoed our sentiments about the comfort of the LinkBuds S. One user remarked that they are “perfectly comfortable to use,” fitting well in various ear shapes without causing discomfort even during extended wear. The included silicone ear tips provide a secure and comfortable fit, and the earbuds’ spatial vent design helps eliminate the “plugged ear” feeling that can occur with in-ear headphones.
The fit is also impressive, staying securely in place during activities like jogging, cycling or working out. This makes them suitable for an active lifestyle or all-day wear without causing fatigue. Overall, the design and comfort of the LinkBuds S are standout features that set them apart from the competition.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the LinkBuds S deliver a well-balanced audio experience. They use different drivers than the more expensive Sony WF-1000XM4, resulting in a slightly less full and separated sound. However, the audio is still very clean and detailed, with a balanced tuning that should appeal to most listeners.
While some audiophiles might find them lacking compared to higher-end models, the LinkBuds S still provide a satisfying listening experience for most users. The inclusion of Sony’s DSEE audio upscaling technology helps enhance lower bitrate audio files, which is a nice touch for those who listen to streaming services.
The overall sound profile is clean and balanced, though some users have noted that it may lack the richness found in more premium models. The Sony Headphones app includes an equalizer for fine-tuning the sound to your preferences, allowing you to personalize the audio experience to your liking.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
One of the standout features of the LinkBuds S is their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capabilities especially considering their lower price point. The earbuds use multiple microphones to effectively block out ambient noise, making them ideal for use in noisy environments like airplanes.
The transparency mode is another highlight, allowing users to hear their surroundings while still enjoying music. It’s one of the best implementations of this feature on any true wireless earbuds, providing a natural and clear audio passthrough powered by the earbuds’ onboard mics. This feature has been praised for its natural sound quality, providing a seamless transition between listening modes without feeling overly artificial.
App Functionality
The Sony Headphones app plays a crucial role in customizing the listening experience with the LinkBuds S. It provides a wealth of customization options and settings, including noise cancellation and transparency mode controls, an equalizer, and the ability to prioritize sound quality or connection stability.
Features like adaptive sound control and speak-to-chat are included but may not appeal to everyone. Speak-to-chat automatically pauses playback when you start talking a feature that works well but can sometimes be overly sensitive.
Also Read: How to Pair Sony Linkbuds S
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life on the LinkBuds S is respectable, with up to 6 hours of listening time per charge and an additional 14 hours from the charging case. While not class-leading, it should be sufficient for most users. Some users have expressed a desire for longer battery life during extended listening sessions, but for most daily uses such as commuting or gym sessions the battery performance is adequate.
The case charges via USB-C but lacks wireless charging capabilities, which could be seen as a drawback in today’s market where many competitors offer this feature. The inclusion of multipoint connectivity is a nice touch, allowing you to seamlessly switch between two paired devices. However, the multipoint implementation could be improved, as it can be easy to accidentally trigger the wrong voice assistant on the wrong device.
User Feedback
Customer reviews from various platforms provide valuable insights into real-world experiences with the LinkBuds S:
- Comfort and Fit: Users frequently praise their comfort level and secure fit. Many report being able to wear them for hours without discomfort.
- Sound Quality: While generally positive, some audiophiles express that the sound quality could be richer compared to higher-end models.
- Noise Cancellation: Feedback on ANC is mixed; while effective for casual use, some users expected more robust performance against louder environments.
- App Experience: The Sony Headphones app has received criticism for its usability; while it offers useful features, some find it less intuitive than competing apps.
- Battery Performance: Users appreciate the battery life but wish it were longer for extended listening without needing to recharge.
Specification Table
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comfortable Fit: The LinkBuds S are lightweight (4.8g per earbud) and designed for long-term wear. Many users report that they can wear them for hours without discomfort, making them ideal for extended listening sessions.
- Good Sound Quality: The earbuds deliver a well-balanced audio experience with clear sound quality. They also feature DSEE audio upscaling technology, which enhances the quality of lower bitrate audio files.
- Effective Noise Cancellation: The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature works well in blocking out ambient noise, making them suitable for use in noisy environments such as public transport or busy offices.
- Transparency Mode: This feature allows users to hear their surroundings while still enjoying their music, providing a natural sound passthrough that many users appreciate.
- Compact and Portable Design: The charging case is small and easy to carry, making the LinkBuds S convenient for travel and everyday use.
- Multipoint Connectivity: Users can connect to two devices simultaneously, allowing for seamless switching between devices without the need to disconnect and reconnect.
- Customizable App Features: The Sony Headphones app offers various customization options, including an equalizer and settings for noise cancellation and transparency modes.
Cons
- Battery Life Limitations: While the battery life is decent (up to 6 hours per charge with an additional 14 hours from the case), some users have expressed a desire for longer battery performance during extended listening sessions.
- No Wireless Charging: The charging case lacks wireless charging capabilities, which some users may find inconvenient compared to competitors that offer this feature.
- App Usability Issues: Feedback on the Sony Headphones app has been mixed, with some users finding it less intuitive and user-friendly than competing apps. Certain features may not work as expected or can be cumbersome to navigate.
- Sound Quality Compared to Higher-End Models: While the sound quality is good, audiophiles may find it lacking compared to more premium models like the Sony WF-1000XM4, particularly in richness and depth.
- ANC Performance Variability: Although ANC is effective for casual use, some users have noted that it may not completely block out louder sounds in very noisy environments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after thorough testing and analysis by our team at Technowant.com, we find that the Sony LinkBuds S are a compelling choice for those seeking comfort and solid performance in true wireless earbuds. They shine in areas such as comfort and fit, making them ideal for long listening sessions or active lifestyles.
While they may not be perfect particularly regarding battery life and app functionality they offer excellent value given their price point. For casual listeners who prioritize comfort and decent performance over absolute audiophile quality, the Sony LinkBuds S are certainly worth considering.
