The Sony LinkBuds S are designed to offer an immersive audio experience with advanced noise-canceling technology packed into a compact and comfortable design. As part of Sony’s growing lineup of true wireless earbuds, the LinkBuds S stand out for their combination of high-quality sound, effective noise cancellation, and all-day comfort. Whether you’re a commuter, a frequent traveler, or just someone who enjoys listening to music and podcasts on the go, these earbuds aim to meet all your needs. In this review, we’ll delve into the design, features, performance, and value of the Sony LinkBuds S to help you determine if they’re the right earbuds for you.
In this Sony LinkBuds S Review, we’ll take a look at:
Design and Build Quality
The Sony LinkBuds S are designed with comfort and portability in mind, making them an excellent choice for users who need earbuds that can be worn for extended periods.
Compact and Lightweight Design
The Sony LinkBuds S boast a sleek and minimalist design that fits comfortably in your ears without causing discomfort, even after long listening sessions. Weighing just 4.8 grams per earbud, they are among the lightest noise-canceling earbuds available, making them easy to wear all day. The ergonomic shape of the earbuds ensures a secure fit, and the soft silicone ear tips come in multiple sizes to accommodate different ear shapes. The earbuds are available in a range of colors, including black, white, and beige, allowing you to choose the style that best suits your preferences.
Durable and Water-Resistant Build
Despite their lightweight design, the Sony LinkBuds S are built to last. The earbuds feature an IPX4 water resistance rating, making them resistant to splashes, sweat, and light rain. This durability makes the LinkBuds S suitable for workouts, outdoor activities, or commuting in various weather conditions. The charging case is also compact and easy to carry, with a sturdy build that protects the earbuds when not used.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
Sony is known for its audio expertise, and the LinkBuds S continue this tradition by delivering impressive sound quality and effective noise cancellation.
High-Quality Audio with DSEE Extreme
The Sony LinkBuds S has 5mm dynamic drivers that deliver clear and balanced sound across all frequencies. The earbuds support Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) Extreme, which upscales compressed audio files in real-time, restoring high-frequency details lost during compression. This results in a richer and more detailed listening experience, whether you’re streaming music, watching videos, or taking calls. The sound profile is well-balanced, with punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, making the LinkBuds S suitable for various music genres.
Advanced Noise Cancellation
The noise-canceling performance of the Sony LinkBuds S is a standout feature. The earbuds use Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 to provide effective noise cancellation, blocking out ambient sounds such as traffic, chatter, and background noise. This makes the LinkBuds S ideal for use in noisy environments like public transport, cafes, or open-plan offices. The noise cancellation can be adjusted using the Sony Headphones Connect app, allowing you to customize the level of noise reduction to match your surroundings and preferences.
Adaptive Sound Control
In addition to traditional noise cancellation, the LinkBuds S feature Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts the noise-canceling settings based on your activity and location. For example, the earbuds can switch to a less intense noise-canceling mode when walking or allow ambient sound to pass through while waiting at a busy intersection. This feature ensures that you remain aware of your surroundings when needed while still enjoying your music or podcasts without distraction.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The Sony LinkBuds S offer reliable battery life and seamless connectivity, making them a practical choice for daily use.
All-Day Battery Life
The Sony LinkBuds S provide up to 6 hours of playback time with noise cancellation enabled, with an additional 14 hours provided by the charging case, bringing the total battery life to 20 hours. If you disable noise cancellation, you can extend the playback time further. The earbuds also support quick charging, providing up to 60 minutes of playback from just a 5-minute charge. This makes them a great option for users who are always on the go and need their earbuds ready immediately.
Stable and Fast Connectivity
The LinkBuds S use Bluetooth 5.2 for a stable and reliable connection to your devices. The earbuds support multipoint connection, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously, such as your smartphone and laptop. This makes it easy to switch between taking calls and listening to music without disconnecting and disconnecting manually. The earbuds also support Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, providing an immersive audio experience with compatible streaming services.
Comfort and Usability
The Sony LinkBuds S are designed for maximum comfort and ease of use, making them a great companion for work and leisure.
Comfortable Fit for Extended Wear
Comfort is a key consideration with the Sony LinkBuds S, and they excel in this area. The lightweight design and soft silicone ear tips ensure the earbuds remain comfortable, even during extended listening sessions. The secure fit also makes them ideal for activities like jogging, working out, or commuting, as they stay in place without causing discomfort.
Intuitive Touch Controls
The Sony LinkBuds S feature touch-sensitive controls on each earbud, allowing you to manage your music, take calls, and activate voice assistants with simple taps and swipes. The touch controls are responsive and can be customized using the Sony Headphones Connect app. You can assign different functions to each earbud, such as adjusting volume, skipping tracks, or enabling ambient sound mode, providing a personalized and intuitive user experience.
Value for Money
The Sony LinkBuds S offer excellent value for users seeking a high-quality, feature-packed pair of true wireless earbuds.
Competitive Pricing for Premium Features
The Sony LinkBuds S are priced competitively, offering a range of premium features that justify their cost. With high-quality sound, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable design, these earbuds deliver excellent performance at a reasonable price. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a frequent traveler, or someone who values convenience and quality, the LinkBuds S provide great value for your money.
Long-Term Durability
With their durable construction, advanced features, and reliable performance, the Sony LinkBuds S are built to last. The IPX4 water resistance ensures that the earbuds can withstand daily wear and tear, while the high-quality materials used in their construction provide long-term durability. For users looking for a dependable pair of earbuds that will serve them well over time, the LinkBuds S are a solid investment.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-quality audio with DSEE Extreme for enhanced sound.
- Effective noise cancellation with adjustable settings.
- Compact and lightweight design for all-day comfort.
- Adaptive Sound Control for personalized noise cancellation.
- Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity for seamless device switching.
Cons
- Battery life could be longer compared to some competitors.
- No wireless charging for the case, which may be a consideration for some users.
Conclusion
The Sony LinkBuds S Noise Canceling Earbuds are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a compact, comfortable, high-performing pair of true wireless earbuds. With their advanced noise-canceling technology, high-quality audio, and intuitive design, the LinkBuds S delivers an exceptional listening experience for both work and play. Whether commuting, traveling or simply relaxing at home, these earbuds provide the sound quality and comfort you need to enjoy your favorite content without distraction. If you’re in the market for a versatile and feature-rich pair of earbuds, the Sony LinkBuds S are a top contender that won’t disappoint.
Summary of Sony LinkBuds S Features
Feature | Description |
Audio Quality | High-fidelity sound with DSEE Extreme and 5mm drivers |
Noise Cancellation | Advanced noise canceling with Adaptive Sound Control |
Battery Life | Up to 6 hours with ANC, 20 hours with charging case |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connection |
Best For | Commuters, travelers, daily use |
Sony LinkBuds S FAQ
What are Sony LinkBuds S?
The Sony LinkBuds S are true wireless earbuds designed by Sony. They are equipped with a noise-canceling feature, providing an immersive listening experience without the interference of external sounds.
Do they have any wires or cords?
No, the Sony LinkBuds S are truly wireless, meaning there are no cords or wires connecting the two earbuds or connecting them to the audio source.
What is the significance of the “Goldilocks Design”?
While the exact details aren’t specified in the provided sources, the term “Goldilocks” generally suggests a balance in design and performance, indicating that the earbuds might offer an optimal mix of comfort, sound quality, and usability.