When it comes to finding the perfect pair of earbuds, the Sony LinkBuds S make a strong case for themselves. With their sleek, stemless design and impressive sound quality, these earbuds manage to pack a lot into a tiny frame.
However, like any device, they have their strengths and a few areas where they could improve. Here’s my take on the Sony LinkBuds S.
Active Noise Cancellation & Transparency Modes
The standout feature of the LinkBuds S is its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). It’s quite effective at muting background noise, making it ideal for commuting or working in busy environments.
That said, louder sounds—like nearby conversations or street noise—can still seep through. On the other hand, the Transparency (ambient noise) mode works well.
It keeps you aware of your surroundings when needed with a simple tap. However, at maximum levels, the sound in this mode can be slightly grating. A faint white noise lingers in the background, which might be bothersome if you’re sensitive to that sort of thing.
Fit, Comfort, and Stability
The compact, stemless design of the Sony LinkBuds S is a winner. Not only does it look stylish, but it also contributes to their comfort. They’re so lightweight that I often forget I’m wearing them—a huge plus in my book.
The fit is secure enough for everyday activities. However, during vigorous movement or sharp head tilts, especially forward or backward, they can feel like they’re loosening slightly.
This might vary depending on your ear shape, but it’s worth noting. Interestingly, they stay put during side-to-side motion, which suggests they’re well-suited for gym workouts or moderate activity but may not be ideal for high-intensity sports. Still, for my gym sessions, they’ve been great.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is where the LinkBuds S shine. For their price, they deliver impressive audio performance. Straight out of the box, you might want to tweak the EQ settings to suit your taste—I found boosting the bass provided a balanced and immersive listening experience.
While the audio is crisp and clear, it’s not exactly groundbreaking, but it’s more than satisfactory for the price point.
Connectivity & Battery Life
Connectivity is generally reliable as long as you stay near your device. I haven’t experienced any connection drops in close proximity, and the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously is a handy bonus for multi-taskers. That said, reconnecting can be hit-or-miss.
If you take the earbuds out and try to reconnect, it might take a couple of attempts to get them synced again.
Battery life, unfortunately, is the weakest link. Over time, the battery noticeably declines, which can be frustrating if you’re someone who uses earbuds for long periods. For me, this became a recurring annoyance since I often wear them throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
The Sony LinkBuds S strike a great balance between style, comfort, and sound quality at an affordable price. They excel in delivering effective ANC and a comfortable design that integrates seamlessly into daily life.
However, potential buyers should keep a few things in mind: occasional connectivity quirks and declining battery performance.
If you’re looking for earbuds that offer solid performance and a sleek design without breaking the bank, the Sony LinkBuds S are definitely worth considering. Just be mindful of the battery and reconnection issues, and you may find these to be your perfect everyday audio companion.
