Price and Specifications

The Sony LinkBuds S (released in 2022) are a pair of true wireless earbuds that combine cutting-edge technology, compact design, and premium sound quality. These in-ear headphones are tailored for those who need lightweight, comfortable, and high-performing earbuds, especially in urban environments where portability, noise-cancellation, and sound clarity are paramount. Aimed at users with active lifestyles, commuters, and audiophiles alike, the LinkBuds S stand out due to their innovative features such as active noise cancellation (ANC), high-resolution audio support, and lightweight construction. In this comprehensive review, we’ll look at the detailed specifications, features, pricing, and overall value proposition of the Sony LinkBuds S.

Price

The Sony LinkBuds S are positioned as a premium mid-range offering within Sony’s range of true wireless earbuds. The price typically varies depending on the region and retailer, but in the USA, the Sony LinkBuds S are generally priced around:

• $199 USD (Standard Price)

However, the price may fluctuate due to seasonal promotions, discounts, or specific bundles, so it’s possible to find them for $150-$180 in certain sales events like Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day.

For comparison, the Sony LinkBuds S are slightly more expensive than standard wireless earbuds but offer additional features like active noise cancellation and premium sound quality that justify the price difference.

Key Specifications of Sony LinkBuds S

The Sony LinkBuds S come packed with a range of advanced features designed to cater to users who prioritize performance, portability, and ease of use. Below are the main specifications of these earbuds:

1. Design and Build

• Earbud Type: In-Ear (True Wireless)
• Weight: Each earbud weighs only 4.8g, making them some of the lightest true wireless earbuds available.
• Dimensions:
• Earbuds: 1.2 x 1.5 x 1.8 cm (each earbud)
• Charging Case: 5.5 x 4.5 x 2.3 cm
• Material: Plastic with a matte finish and ergonomic design for a secure and comfortable fit.
• Colors: Available in three colors:
• Black
• White
• Beige

The LinkBuds S are designed for maximum comfort and a snug fit, with soft silicone ear tips that come in multiple sizes to ensure a secure seal for effective noise isolation. The earbuds are compact, and their minimalist design allows for an almost invisible fit, making them ideal for extended wear without discomfort.

2. Audio Technology

• Driver Unit: 5mm Dynamic Drivers
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Codec Support:
• LDAC for high-resolution audio
• AAC and SBC for standard Bluetooth audio streaming
• Hi-Res Audio Wireless: Supports Hi-Res Audio via LDAC codec, allowing for the best possible sound quality when paired with compatible devices.
• Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE): Upscales compressed music files to near high-resolution audio quality, improving the sound of lower-quality streams or files.

The 5mm dynamic drivers in the LinkBuds S deliver a crisp and detailed sound across the entire frequency spectrum. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, the mids are clear and balanced, and the highs come through with clarity. This setup makes the LinkBuds S suitable for a wide range of music genres, podcasts, and audiobooks.

3. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

• Noise Cancelling: Yes, with Adaptive Sound Control.
• Ambient Sound Mode: Allows you to hear your surroundings when needed.
• Automatic Adjustment: The LinkBuds S use adaptive sound control to automatically adjust noise cancellation based on your environment. Whether you’re commuting, at home, or in a quiet space, the earbuds adjust to offer the best listening experience.

Sony’s active noise cancellation (ANC) technology is effective in blocking out ambient sounds like chatter, traffic, and engine noise, providing a more immersive listening experience. While not as powerful as some high-end noise-cancelling models like the Sony WH-1000XM5, the LinkBuds S offer a very good ANC performance for true wireless earbuds in their class.

The Ambient Sound Mode can be activated to allow external sounds to pass through, which is useful for situations like walking in busy streets or when you need to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music.

4. Battery Life

• Earbud Battery Life: Up to 6 hours of playback with ANC on.
• Charging Case Battery Life: Up to 14 hours additional battery.
• Total Playback Time: Up to 20 hours with both the earbuds and charging case.
• Quick Charge: 5 minutes of charging provides up to 1 hour of playback time.
• Charging Port: USB-C for fast charging.

The Sony LinkBuds S provide an impressive 6 hours of playback time with noise-cancelling on, and the charging case gives you an additional 14 hours, for a total of 20 hours of listening time. This battery life is quite impressive for such compact earbuds. The quick charge feature means that you can get an hour of playback in just 5 minutes of charging, which is convenient for users on the go.

5. Connectivity

• Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2
• Multi-Point Connectivity: Yes, the LinkBuds S can connect to two devices simultaneously (e.g., a laptop and a smartphone).
• Touch Controls: Control playback, volume, and calls via touch-sensitive panels on the earbuds.
• Voice Assistant Integration: Supports Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa, allowing you to control your music, check the weather, or set reminders hands-free.

The Bluetooth 5.2 ensures a stable connection with your devices and supports higher bandwidth for improved audio quality and reduced latency. Multi-point connectivity is a standout feature, allowing users to switch between devices (e.g., listening to music on a laptop and receiving calls on a smartphone) without needing to manually disconnect and reconnect.

The touch controls on the earbuds allow users to adjust playback, volume, and answer calls without needing to reach for their device. These are intuitive and responsive, ensuring an easy user experience.

6. IP Rating and Durability

• Water Resistance: IPX4 rating (splash-proof).
• Sweatproof: Yes, ideal for workouts or outdoor activities.

The LinkBuds S have an IPX4 rating, meaning they are resistant to sweat and water splashes. While they are not fully waterproof, they can handle light rain, sweat, and occasional splashes, making them a good choice for workouts, runs, or commuting in the rain.

7. Voice and Call Quality

• Dual Beamforming Microphones: Integrated into each earbud for clear voice calls.
• Noise Reduction: The microphones are designed to reduce ambient noise, ensuring clearer voice capture during calls.
• Wind Noise Reduction: Helps in reducing wind interference during outdoor calls.

Thanks to the dual beamforming microphones and noise reduction technology, the Sony LinkBuds S offer clear call quality, even in noisy environments. This makes them ideal for users who make frequent calls or video conferencing while on the move.

8. Sony Headphones Connect App

• Customization: Use the Sony Headphones Connect app to adjust sound settings, such as Equalizer, and enable or disable noise cancellation features.
• Firmware Updates: The app also allows you to update the earbuds’ firmware to get the latest features and performance improvements.

Through the Sony Headphones Connect app, you can fine-tune the sound profile of the earbuds and make real-time adjustments to noise cancellation and ambient sound levels based on your preferences.

Pros of Sony LinkBuds S

• Lightweight and comfortable design that is ideal for all-day wear.
• Effective noise cancellation and sound quality at a competitive price point.
• Hi-Res Audio Wireless support, great for audiophiles who value premium sound.
• Long-lasting battery life with fast-charging capability.
• IPX4 water resistance, making them suitable for workouts or outdoor activities.
• Great call quality due to dual microphones and noise-cancelling tech.

Cons of Sony LinkBuds S

• ANC isn’t as strong as some high-end over-ear headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5.
• Limited customizability in terms of sound profile, though this can be adjusted in the app.
• Bass-heavy sound profile may not suit those who prefer a more neutral or balanced sound.
• Price: While competitively priced for premium true wireless earbuds, the LinkBuds S are still more expensive than many budget wireless earbuds.

Conclusion

The Sony LinkBuds S are an impressive pair of true wireless earbuds that combine excellent sound quality, noise cancellation, and