Sony LinkBuds S Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds

86%

Sound Quality

Noise Cancellation

Comfort and Fit

Call Clarity

Battery Life

Build Quality

Ease of Use

Water Resistance

Compatibility

Multipoint Connectivity

Price-to-Value Ratio

Smart Features

Portability

Overview

The Sony LinkBuds S Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds offer a premium audio experience with advanced features designed to enhance everyday listening. These Sony earbuds are engineered for users seeking superior sound quality in a compact, lightweight form. The design ensures a comfortable fit, even during long listening sessions, making them perfect for users who value both comfort and performance. With seamless compatibility for both iPhone and Android devices, they offer a versatile option for many. Additionally, the earbuds boast cutting-edge noise canceling technology to help you immerse yourself in your music or calls without distractions.

Features & Benefits

These wireless earbuds come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to block out external noise and deliver an immersive listening experience. The Smart Sound feature automatically adjusts the audio settings based on your environment, ensuring optimal sound no matter where you are. The advanced microphone and voice processing technology ensure crystal-clear calls, even in noisy areas. A multipoint connection allows these Sony earbuds to connect with two devices simultaneously, making multitasking a breeze. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, they are perfect for use during workouts or in light rain.

Best For

The LinkBuds S are ideal for users who prioritize a compact and comfortable fit, especially for extended wear. These earbuds cater to frequent travelers and commuters who need reliable noise canceling to block out background noise. They are a great choice for anyone seeking seamless integration with voice assistants like Alexa. Additionally, those who take a lot of calls will appreciate the ultra-clear call quality, which ensures clear conversations even in noisy environments. The versatile design and sound quality make them a solid option for daily use, both for music and work-related calls.

User Feedback

User reviews of these Sony earbuds highlight the excellent sound quality and effective noise cancellation, with many praising their comfort during extended listening sessions. Some users have noted, however, that the fit may feel a bit loose during high-intensity activities like running. While the earbuds perform well in most scenarios, there have been a few complaints regarding battery life, with some users expecting a bit more from their usage time. On the positive side, the call clarity is consistently praised, particularly in busy or crowded environments where background noise can interfere with conversation.

#Earbud Headphones

#Headphones & Earbuds

#Headphones, Earbuds & Accessories

#Electronics

Pros

The active noise cancellation effectively reduces ambient noise for an immersive listening experience.
Compact and lightweight design ensures a comfortable fit, even during extended wear.
Call quality is impressively clear, even in noisy environments like public spaces or busy streets.
Multipoint connection feature allows seamless switching between two devices, ideal for multitaskers.
Water-resistant design (IPX4 rating) makes these earbuds suitable for workouts or outdoor use.
Smart Sound adjusts the audio settings automatically to fit different environments, enhancing listening quality.

Cons

Battery life may be insufficient for extended use, with only 6 hours of playback time.
The fit may be too loose for intense activities like running or vigorous exercise.
Some users report that the audio performance lacks deep bass, which may disappoint bass lovers.
The earbuds may not stay securely in place during more active movements or while exercising.
The price point is relatively high compared to other earbuds with similar features.
The charging case design could be more compact for easier portability.

Ratings

The Sony LinkBuds S Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds have garnered mixed but largely positive feedback from users across multiple platforms and languages. After analyzing verified reviews from a variety of regions and sources, we filtered out spam, duplicate, and incentivized content to focus on authentic, quality feedback. Both the product's strengths and common pain points have been reflected in the scores, giving a balanced overview of its performance and user reception.

Sound Quality

92%

Many users are impressed by the clear, rich audio quality of these earbuds. The Hi-Res Audio support provides crisp highs and deep lows, making them ideal for music lovers and those seeking an immersive listening experience. The balanced sound profile is perfect for both casual and more discerning listeners.

A few users feel that the bass could be a bit more pronounced, especially during bass-heavy tracks. Some also noted that the sound may not be as dynamic for audiophiles looking for more intricate tuning or deeper sound customization.

Noise Cancellation

88%

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology works well for blocking out background noise in everyday environments like offices and public transport. Many users find it enhances their listening experience, especially when traveling or commuting. It's a standout feature for those needing a break from noisy surroundings.

However, not all users feel that the ANC is powerful enough for very loud environments. Some report that it struggles with high-pitched sounds, and there are a few mentions of the cancellation not being as effective on airplane flights or in busy city streets.

Comfort and Fit

81%

19%

The lightweight design of these earbuds makes them comfortable for long listening sessions. Many users find them easy to wear for hours without discomfort, making them great for daily use, whether during work or leisure activities. The compact size also helps them fit securely in most ear shapes.

Despite the generally good fit, a small group of users felt that the earbuds could be a bit loose during intense physical activities like running or gym workouts. There are occasional complaints that they may not stay in place for everyone, especially during movement-heavy routines.

Call Clarity

89%

The advanced voice processing features in these earbuds offer clear, high-quality call audio, even in noisy environments. Users who take frequent calls on the go appreciate the ability to communicate without issues, especially in outdoor or crowded settings where background noise is common.

Some users noted that while call quality is generally good, there can occasionally be slight distortion in very loud areas. A few also found that the microphone might pick up wind or strong environmental sounds, making calls less clear in certain situations.

Battery Life

75%

25%

The battery life on these earbuds offers about six hours of continuous use, which works well for most daily needs. For those on the move, the included charging case provides up to 20 hours of total battery life, making it practical for long days or short trips.

However, a number of users expressed that the battery life could be better, especially for long commutes or travel. With heavy use, the earbuds might require charging more frequently, which could be a drawback for those seeking more extended use without interruptions.

Build Quality

85%

The earbuds feel sturdy yet lightweight, with a design that can withstand regular daily use. The water-resistant IPX4 rating also adds durability, making them suitable for light rain or sweaty workouts. The materials used are high-quality and contribute to the overall premium feel.

Some users have mentioned that while the build is solid, the charging case feels a bit fragile and could be prone to wear over time. A few also expressed concerns about the durability of the earbud tips, which might degrade with frequent handling or sweat exposure.

Ease of Use

90%

Many buyers appreciate how easy these earbuds are to set up and use. The Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity ensures a stable connection with both iPhone and Android devices, and pairing is quick and hassle-free. The controls are intuitive, making it simple to manage calls, music, and noise cancellation settings.

A few users mentioned that the touch controls can be overly sensitive at times, causing accidental pauses or skips when adjusting the earbuds. Some also wished for more customizable control options in the companion app for finer adjustments.

Water Resistance

80%

20%

The IPX4 water resistance rating is perfect for everyday protection against sweat and light rain. Users who enjoy workouts or outdoor activities appreciate that these earbuds can handle a bit of moisture without damage. It's a practical feature for active users.

However, there are some concerns that the water resistance may not be sufficient for heavy rain or full submersion in water. A small number of users have expressed doubts about their longevity in harsher conditions, like swimming or intense, prolonged exposure to wet environments.

Compatibility

93%

These earbuds are compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, providing a seamless experience across platforms. The Bluetooth 5.2 support ensures a reliable connection, making it easy to switch between devices, which is highly valued by users with multiple devices.

Although compatibility is broad, a few users have reported occasional connectivity issues with certain non-mainstream Android devices. However, these issues seem to be more isolated than widespread, and most users find the connection stable and straightforward.

Multipoint Connectivity

82%

18%

The multipoint connectivity feature is a highlight for multitaskers, allowing users to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful for switching between a phone call and listening to music on a laptop or tablet without needing to disconnect and reconnect each time.

Some users feel that the multipoint connection isn't always as seamless as they would like. In certain cases, the earbuds may not automatically switch between devices, requiring a manual reconnection or causing brief audio interruptions during transitions.

Price-to-Value Ratio

86%

Considering the features offered, these earbuds are seen as offering great value for their price. The combination of solid sound quality, reliable noise cancellation, and durable build quality makes them a competitive choice in the wireless earbuds market, especially for users looking for a balance of quality and affordability.

Some buyers feel that the price is a bit high compared to similar options on the market. While the performance is generally good, there are alternatives that may offer similar features at a slightly lower cost, which might appeal to budget-conscious shoppers.

Smart Features

84%

The smart features, like the Smart Sound and Auto NC Optimizer, help optimize the listening experience based on your environment. Users who appreciate automation and convenience enjoy these features, as they adjust noise cancellation and audio settings to improve overall usability.

However, some users have found the smart features to be inconsistent at times. The noise cancellation adjustment may not always be perfect in all environments, and there are occasional reports of the features not adapting as quickly or smoothly as expected.

Portability

91%

These earbuds are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around. The included charging case is small enough to fit comfortably in most pockets or bags, which makes them perfect for users who travel frequently or want to keep their audio gear portable and easy to store.

While the size is a plus for portability, some users have mentioned that the charging case's design could be improved for easier handling. A few found it slightly cumbersome to open or close with one hand, which could be a minor inconvenience for some.

Suitable for:

The Sony LinkBuds S Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds are ideal for commuters, frequent travelers, or anyone who prioritizes convenience and portability. With their lightweight design and excellent noise cancellation, they help block out distractions in busy environments like public transport or airports, making them perfect for individuals who need clear audio on the go. They also work well for those who need reliable call quality in noisy settings, such as office workers or business professionals. The multipoint connection feature adds further value for those who juggle multiple devices throughout the day, like switching between a laptop for work and a phone for personal use.

Not suitable for:

However, these earbuds may not be the best choice for individuals who require long-lasting battery life or those who engage in intense physical activities. The 6-hour battery life (20 hours with the case) may fall short for long-haul travelers or those who need extended use without frequent charging. Additionally, users who do heavy exercise or high-impact activities, such as running or intense gym sessions, may find the fit a bit loose, as some feedback highlights that the earbuds don’t stay in place as securely as some would like. Finally, audiophiles seeking highly customizable sound or superior bass response might find the audio performance lacking in comparison to other premium options.

Specifications

Type: Truly wireless in-ear earbuds designed for portable use.
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) reduces ambient sounds for focused listening.
Audio: Supports Hi-Res Audio for clear and detailed sound reproduction.
Battery: Provides up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge and additional hours with the charging case.
Charging: Includes a wireless charging case for convenient recharging on the go.
Connectivity: Bluetooth version 5.2 enables stable wireless connections with compatible devices.
Multipoint: Can pair with two devices simultaneously for seamless device switching.
Water Resistance: Rated IPX4 to protect against sweat and light splashes.
Microphone: Advanced voice signal processing ensures clear calls even in noisy environments.
Smart Features: Includes Smart Sound and Auto NC Optimizer to adapt audio settings based on environment.
Compatibility: Works with both iPhone and Android devices for flexible usage.
Controls: Touch-sensitive controls allow playback, call management, and voice assistant activation.
Voice Assistant: Supports voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free commands.
Fit: Compact, lightweight design ensures comfortable all-day wear.
Call Quality: Ultra-clear call quality provides reliable voice transmission during phone calls.
Form Factor: In-ear buds designed to sit securely in the ear canal.
Dimensions: Compact earbuds with small form factor suitable for travel and commuting.
Weight: Lightweight design minimizes ear fatigue during extended listening sessions.

FAQ

To set up the Sony LinkBuds S, simply open the charging case to put the earbuds in pairing mode. Then, go to the Bluetooth settings on your device (iPhone or Android) and select the earbuds from the list of available devices. Once connected, you’re ready to enjoy the sound.

The active noise cancellation (ANC) technology in these Sony earbuds works by using microphones to detect external sounds and then creating opposite sound waves to cancel them out. This provides a more immersive listening experience, blocking out background noise, which is ideal for traveling or commuting.

Yes, the Sony LinkBuds S features multipoint connectivity, allowing you to pair with two devices simultaneously. This is perfect for switching between devices, such as attending a meeting on your laptop and answering calls on your phone without needing to disconnect.

The earbuds offer up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge, with an additional 20 hours available through the charging case. However, the battery life can vary depending on usage, volume levels, and whether noise cancellation is active.

Yes, the Sony LinkBuds S are rated IPX4 for water resistance, making them suitable for use during workouts or in light rain. They can handle splashes, but they are not designed for full submersion.

To use Alexa or other voice assistants, simply activate the voice assistant feature through your connected device. The earbuds are compatible with Alexa, so you can issue commands like setting reminders or controlling smart home devices directly from the earbuds.

If the earbuds feel loose, try adjusting the fit by ensuring they are properly placed in your ears. You can also experiment with the different earbud sizes provided in the package to find a better fit. If the issue persists, consider using ear hooks or other accessories.

Yes, the Sony LinkBuds S offers excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. Thanks to its advanced voice processing technology, your voice is clearly transmitted, while background noise is minimized, making them ideal for work calls or outdoor conversations.

Yes, the Sony LinkBuds S can be customized using the Sony Headphones Connect app. The app allows you to adjust the sound profile, noise cancellation levels, and more, offering a personalized audio experience tailored to your preferences.

While the Sony LinkBuds S offers great sound and noise cancellation, some users report that the fit can be a bit loose for vigorous activities like running or intense workouts. Additionally, the battery life of 6 hours may not be enough for longer listening sessions without recharging.