Chapter 1: Introduction to Sony LinkBuds S

The wireless earbuds market has matured significantly, necessitating that any new entry must either introduce groundbreaking features, outperform existing products, or offer a more competitive price point. Sony acknowledges this dynamic with the LinkBuds S, strategically positioned between the innovative LinkBuds launched earlier this year and the premium WF-1000XM4, which is priced higher. The LinkBuds S aim to deliver much of the excellence found in the WF-1000XM4 without the hefty price tag.

Retailing at $199/€199, do these earbuds meet expectations on all fronts?

Sony certainly makes a positive initial impact with the LinkBuds S. The packaging is compact and crafted entirely from recycled materials—kudos to tech companies for adopting this approach. The design is thoughtful, and the product is easy to dispose of responsibly. The charging case is constructed from durable, matte plastic, offering USB-C connectivity and a battery life indicator. Along with the earbuds, the package includes several extra ear tips, a short USB-C charging cable—come on, Sony, we need a longer one—printed manuals, and that's about it.

The Sony LinkBuds S are not only stylishly designed but also exceptionally lightweight, making them among the most comfortable options available.

Chapter 2: Setting Up and Sound Quality

To begin enjoying the LinkBuds S, you just need to download Sony's Headphones Connect app. The setup process is straightforward, with numerous customizable options and intuitive guidance on touch controls available in the app. After a few minutes of exploration, the real fun begins.

First and foremost, the sound quality is remarkable.

I have tested the LinkBuds S extensively for over a week, using them for music, podcasts, movies, and phone calls with devices like the iPhone 12 Pro Max and Sony Xperia 1 III. I set aside both the WF-1000XM4 and my reliable WH-1000XM4 in wired mode to evaluate how life would be with just these latest earbuds. The conclusion? It’s a fantastic experience, albeit with a slight adjustment period.

Listening to music with the LinkBuds S is a true pleasure. Although they feature smaller drivers than the pricier WF-1000XM4s, they manage to deliver sound that is nearly as rich and clear, offering detailed highs and satisfying lows across various genres. Vocals are well-defined, classical instruments resonate with warmth, and the bass can be deeply satisfying depending on the context.

The first video offers a comprehensive review of the Sony LinkBuds S after six months of use, highlighting their performance and features.

Chapter 3: Hi-Res Audio and DSEE Extreme

While the LinkBuds S may not be marketed as audiophile-grade earbuds, they do support LDAC, Sony's advanced codec that allows for high-resolution audio playback with greater detail and dynamic range. During my comparisons between FLAC files (24-bit/96KHz) and standard MP3 files (320Kbps) on the Sony Xperia 1 III, the differences were clear.

Although many users might not carry extensive hi-res audio collections, they are more likely to listen to compressed formats through streaming services like Spotify or YouTube Music. For these listeners, Sony's DSEE Extreme "upscaling" feature is a valuable addition. In side-by-side tests, while the improvement wasn't night-and-day, it was noticeable across all music types.

Maintaining DSEE Extreme on didn’t significantly impact battery life, so I kept it activated for the majority of my testing, only turning it off briefly. The difference was palpable; tracks that had previously sounded vibrant felt dull without it—an impressive feat!

Chapter 4: Comfort, Battery Life, and Noise Cancellation

Beyond exceptional sound quality, the LinkBuds S excel in comfort. Weighing less than five grams each, they are almost unnoticeable in your ears, even during extended use. They also offer water resistance, making them suitable for workouts without compromising fit.

The included charging case provides three additional charges, which is convenient for users with busy schedules or long trips.

As for battery life, Sony claims "6 hours per charge with noise cancellation active." This holds true under specific conditions, although real-world usage—featuring multiple calls and voice commands—yields just over five hours. Testing with high-resolution audio reduced battery life to around 3.5 hours, but this is a unique scenario worth noting.

Active noise cancellation is robust, effectively blocking out ambient sounds and allowing full immersion in music, movies, or podcasts. While some background noise may still penetrate, this is rare. The LinkBuds S also avoid introducing distracting hissing, maintaining a bright and clear soundscape.

The second video discusses the mixed feelings surrounding the Sony LinkBuds S after six months, revealing both strengths and weaknesses.

Chapter 5: Smart Features and Usability

The "transparency" mode, which allows ambient sounds in while listening, is another notable feature, enhanced by Ambient Sound Control that adapts based on your surroundings. The LinkBuds S effectively utilize smart features like Precise Voice Pickup for clear calls, and Instant Pause/Play, which automatically detects when the earbuds are removed or reinserted.

However, some smart features, such as Speak to Chat, were inconsistent, sometimes requiring manual intervention. Other functions, like Spotify Tap, could be more user-friendly.

While the LinkBuds S are not flawless—missing features like Bluetooth Multipoint and wireless charging—they offer an excellent balance of performance and value.

Conclusion: A New Contender in Wireless Earbuds

Sony's LinkBuds S deliver an impressive combination of sound quality, comfort, and innovative features at a competitive price point. While they may not outshine their more expensive sibling, the WF-1000XM4, they are an excellent choice for users prioritizing comfort and value.

If they receive software upgrades in the future, potentially introducing Bluetooth Multipoint, they will surely be among the top contenders in the wireless earbud market. That's no small achievement!