Sony’s LinkBuds S headphones are sensing-technology-infused true wireless earbuds that have been specially designed for users who like to wear their headphones all day long. Read on for our Sony LinkBuds S review.
Arguably, one of the best-touted features of the LinkBuds S is its well-implemented ambient mode. When this mode is active, users can still be aware of their surroundings and have a conversation while using the earbuds. This feature essentially allows the wearer to interact with the world around them, while still having the option to switch to active noise-canceling technology for when a specific focus in audio is required.
Another important highlight of LinkBuds S is the Adaptive Sound Control function. This is a feature that automatically senses where you are and what you’re doing, and then adjusts ambient sound settings for the ideal listening experience. For example, it can auto-play music when you’re going on a brisk walk, or it can dynamically switch to music after a call, or you can set it so that ANC automatically becomes enabled when you’re sitting. There’s also a convenient Speak to Chat function that detects when you are talking and automatically pauses the music, while simultaneously enabling ambient sound.
Lastly, much of what was loved with the previous LinkBuds models has absolutely carried through with the Sony LinkBuds S. To that effect, the headphones offer hi-res audio that balances good bass, excellent treble, and an adequately immersive soundstage.
When it comes to battery life, the Sony LinkBuds S last for about 6 hours on a charge and they offer a quick charge feature which provides 60 minutes of playback from just 5 minutes of charging. In addition, the charging case offers 14 hours of playtime.
We also appreciate that the LinkBuds S are made out of recycled plastic materials from automobile parts. To top it all off, even the packaging used for the LinkBuds S is eco-friendly – it’s plastic-free, and easy to open.
Are the Sony LinkBuds S good?
Sony’s LinkBuds S are comfortable and lightweight enough to wear for hours on end without putting a strain on your head. They sound excellent, offering a rich, balanced sound stage, they offer above-average call quality, and its app adds useful features. Unfortunately, their ANC isn’t very strong and the battery life isn’t as good as advertised.
Regardless, because of their great comfort and sound, we consider the LinkBuds S to be one of our top choices for true wireless earbuds, especially if you’re looking for headphones that won’t cut you off from the world and are comfortable enough to wear all day. That said, if you’re looking for stronger ANC, you should look to Sony’s pricier WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds which offer superb noise cancellation.
Sony LinkBud S price and availability
Sony’s LinkBuds S true wireless earbuds are available in three different flavors: black, white, and the exclusive “Desert Sand” color theme. They normally retail for $199 but are currently on sale at Amazon for just $178.
Sony’s LinkBuds S have been specially designed for users who like to wear their headphones all day long.