Sony LinkBuds Fit Review

Summary / TL;DR

The Sony LinkBuds Fit earbuds offer a sleek design and comfortable fit, making them suitable for everyday use and workouts. They come with multiple ear tip sizes for a customized fit, although users with smaller ears might need to experiment to find the best size. These earbuds provide a balanced sound quality, with crisp mids and decent bass, though some audiophiles might find the highs lacking. The adaptive sound control and noise cancellation are effective, but not exceptional compared to other high-end models.

Feature-wise, the LinkBuds Fit includes adaptive sound control, 360 Reality Audio, and voice assistant integration, though the touch controls can be overly sensitive. Battery life is adequate at 6 hours per charge, with an additional 14 hours from the case, but lacks wireless charging. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.2, though multipoint connectivity is absent.

While the LinkBuds Fit competes well against models like AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort, they don't excel in any specific category. They are priced in the mid-range, offering a mix of style and functionality, but may not satisfy those seeking top-tier sound or features. Overall, they are a solid choice for users seeking a unique and reliable pair of earbuds.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Samsung Buds FE or Sony LinkBuds Open.

Introduction

The Sony LinkBuds Fit are making waves in the audio world, and it's easy to see why. These earbuds are designed to seamlessly blend into your daily life, whether you're jamming to your favorite tunes or taking important calls on the go. But what sets them apart from just any ordinary earbuds?

These Sony earbuds aim to deliver a truly immersive audio experience without sacrificing comfort or style. With so many options out there, it can be tricky to find the right fit. The LinkBuds Fit promise to be the solution for those who want top-notch sound quality without the bulk of traditional headphones.

However, not everything about these earbuds is perfect. Some users might find the controls a bit finicky, and the fit might not be ideal for every ear shape. But, for those who prioritize sound and smart features, these earbuds might just be the right pick.

If you're on the hunt for earbuds that offer a blend of innovation and practicality, these could be worth considering. Let’s dive into what makes these earbuds tick and see if they live up to the hype.

Design and Comfort

When you first lay your eyes on these earbuds, their sleek and modern design grabs your attention. The earbuds boast a minimalist aesthetic that's not just for show—they're crafted to fit snugly in your ears. But do they really live up to their name in the comfort department?

Comfortable Fit

The LinkBuds Fit are engineered with your comfort in mind. They come with multiple sizes of soft ear tips, so you can pick the one that best matches your ear shape. It's like getting a custom fit without the hefty price tag. They sit comfortably in your ear and stay put, even when you're moving around. No more dealing with earbuds that keep popping out during a jog!

Design Highlights

• Lightweight Build: These earbuds are super lightweight, almost like wearing a feather. Forget that bulky feeling some other earbuds might give you.
• Ergonomic Shape: The design reduces ear fatigue, so you can wear them longer without discomfort.
• Solid Construction: Despite being light, they don’t skimp on durability. They’re built to last and can handle the everyday hustle and bustle.

Now, while they tick most boxes, there's a tiny gripe. If you have smaller ears, you might find them a bit tricky to get just right. But with the variety of ear tips, a bit of trial and error should sort that out.

In a nutshell, they seem to have hit the nail on the head with design and comfort, making them a strong contender in the earbuds market. They manage to blend style with substance, offering a comfortable listening experience all day long.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the Sony LinkBuds Fit is like a fine-tuned orchestra playing just for your ears. The sound is crisp and clear, offering a balanced audio profile that's perfect for a variety of music genres. Whether you're into bass-heavy beats or the subtle nuances of classical music, these earbuds deliver.

The bass is deep but not overwhelming, making it ideal for those who love a punchy sound without it muddying the mids and highs. The midrange is where these earbuds shine, giving vocals and instruments a natural presence that feels just right. Highs are sharp and precise, ensuring that every note is heard clearly. It’s like having a mini concert in your ears.

However, for audiophiles who crave those high-end, crystal-clear trebles, the highs might not be as pronounced as some other premium options in the market. It's a bit like buying a delicious pizza that's lacking just a touch of spice. For most people, though, the sound will be more than sufficient.

One of the standout features is the adaptive sound control, which automatically adjusts the sound settings based on your environment. Whether you’re in a quiet room or a bustling café, these earbuds adapt to give you the best possible listening experience. You might even forget you’re not sitting in a sound booth!

• Noise cancellation is another strong point, drowning out ambient noise effectively. It's not perfect, but it does a great job for everyday distractions.
• The spatial audio feature can sometimes feel like a surround sound experience, enveloping you in your favorite tunes.

In summary, the Sony LinkBuds Fit offers a solid sound experience that's more than capable for most users, though it might not satisfy the most discerning audiophiles out there. But hey, for its price point, it’s hard to beat!

Features and Technology

The Features and Technology in these earbuds are pretty impressive, packing quite a punch in a small package. At the heart of these buds is their seamless integration with adaptive sound control. This nifty feature automatically adjusts the sound settings based on your environment and activities. So whether you're hustling through a crowded street or chilling at home, the earbuds fine-tune your audio experience without you having to lift a finger.

Another cool thing is the 360 Reality Audio capability. It creates an immersive soundscape that makes you feel like you're in the middle of a live concert. Just imagine being able to pick out the faintest strum of a guitar or the softest whisper of a singer's breath. However, you do need compatible streaming services to enjoy this, which might limit its full potential for some users.

These earbuds come with active noise cancellation technology, which is a game changer for blocking out unwanted noise. Whether it's the drone of an airplane or chatter in a busy cafe, this feature ensures a more focused listening experience. On the flip side, some users have mentioned that while the noise cancellation is decent, it's not quite at the level of some other high-end models on the market.

For those who like to stay connected, the earbuds also boast easy integration with popular voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa. A quick voice command can control your music or check the weather, making multitasking a breeze. Although this is super convenient, there can be a bit of a learning curve if you're not already familiar with using voice commands.

Lastly, the touch controls are intuitive, allowing you to manage playback, answer calls, and adjust volume with just a tap. Still, if you're not careful, you might find yourself accidentally triggering commands while adjusting the fit of the earbuds. It's like having a highly sensitive button on your side that reacts even to the slightest nudge.

Battery Life and Charging

When it comes to battery life, the Sony LinkBuds Fit does a pretty decent job, but it's not groundbreaking. On a full charge, these earbuds give you about 6 hours of playtime. Pop them back in their case, and you can stretch it out to an additional 14 hours, making a total of 20 hours. That's like getting through a long-haul flight or a full workday with some juice left for your evening workout. Now, let's chat about charging.

The earbuds charge via a USB-C port, which is great because it's fast and pretty much the standard these days. However, there's no wireless charging option. That's a bit of a bummer for those who’ve gotten used to just plopping things on a charging pad. A cool thing to note is the quick charge feature. Just pop them in the case for 10 minutes, and you get about 90 minutes of listening time. It's super handy when you're in a rush and need that extra boost. But, let's address the elephant in the room: some folks might find that 20 hours total battery life isn't as competitive compared to other models on the market. Many earbuds now boast upwards of 24 hours in total. So, if you're the type who forgets to charge their gadgets regularly, it might be worth considering. In summary, the battery life is good, but it doesn't quite blow the competition out of the water. It's a mix of convenience and slight limitations in the power department. Whether that’s a dealbreaker is totally up to you.

What's in the Box

Sure thing! Here's what you can expect to find when you crack open the box of the Sony LinkBuds Fit:

• LinkBuds Fit Earbuds: The stars of the show, of course! These sleek earbuds come ready to impress you with their fit and function.
• Charging Case: This compact case not only keeps your earbuds safe but also doubles up as a charger. It’s like a little power bank for your buds!
• USB-C Charging Cable: A short but sweet USB-C cable is included to juice up your case and earbuds quickly. However, the length might make it a bit tricky if your outlet isn't close by.
• Ear Tips: You’ll find multiple sizes of ear tips to make sure you get just the right fit. A snug fit is key for both comfort and sound quality.
• Quick Start Guide: This guide will help you get up and running in no time. While it’s good for a quick reference, it’s not the deepest dive if you're looking for detailed instructions.
• Warranty Card: Always good to have, just in case something goes awry and you need to make use of that warranty.

While the basics are covered, some of you may wish there were more length to the charging cable or a more extensive manual. But hey, what’s here should be more than enough to get you started on your wireless audio adventure!

Connectivity and Compatibility

When it comes to connectivity and compatibility, the Sony LinkBuds Fit is like your trusty sidekick that rarely lets you down. These earbuds come equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, which offers a more stable and efficient connection. Say goodbye to those annoying dropouts that make you feel like you're listening through a tin can.

Seamless Pairing

The pairing process is a breeze, thanks to the Fast Pair feature, especially if you're using an Android device. It's almost as if the earbuds are thinking: "Hey, we got this!" Just prompt them once, and they connect like magic. But if you're an iPhone user, fear not; while the process isn't quite as snappy, it's still pretty user-friendly.

Device Compatibility

The Sony LinkBuds Fit doesn't discriminate. They work well with pretty much any device that supports Bluetooth. Whether you're jamming out on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, these earbuds have you covered. However, they're missing some advanced codecs like aptX, which might be a bummer for audiophiles seeking that extra audio fidelity.

Multipoint Connectivity

In today's multitasking world, being able to connect to multiple devices at once can be a lifesaver. Unfortunately, these earbuds don't support multipoint connectivity. So, if you need to switch between your phone and laptop frequently, you'll have to manually adjust the connection each time. It's a bit of a hassle, like juggling flaming torches, but not impossible.

• Bluetooth 5.2: Stable and efficient connection.
• Fast Pair: Quick setup, especially for Android devices.
• Multipoint Connectivity: Not supported, manual switching required.

Overall, the connectivity and compatibility features of the Sony LinkBuds Fit are solid but not groundbreaking. They get the job done with minimal fuss, which is often all you really need.

Competitor Comparison

Alright, so let's see how the Sony LinkBuds Fit stacks up against its competition. We're talking about a crowded field here. Every brand is trying to stand out with some unique feature or design twist, so how does Sony's latest fare?

Design and Comfort

First off, the design. Compared to the AirPods Pro, the LinkBuds Fit might feel slightly bulkier. Apple's offering is known for that seamless, snug fit that many swear by. However, Sony's earbuds have a unique design that aims to sit comfortably in your ear for long stretches. Comfort is subjective, though, so it's worth trying both to check which suits your ears better.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the Sony LinkBuds Fit offers a rich and detailed sound profile, but the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are famous for their noise-cancellation capabilities and deep bass. If you're a bass-head or someone who values their peace and quiet in noisy environments, Bose might have an edge. However, Sony provides a balanced sound that's great for a variety of genres.

Features and Technology

Now, talking features, Sony's integration with 360 Reality Audio is noteworthy, but not unique to them. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds Pro from Samsung offers features like ambient sound modes and a straightforward touch control system. If you're looking for a more open sound experience with easy controls, Samsung's buds might catch your eye.

Battery Life

On the battery life front, LinkBuds Fit promises a decent playtime. But compared to the Jabra Elite 85t, which boasts of longer battery life and quick charging, Sony's offering could be better. Sometimes, that extra couple of hours can make all the difference, especially during long travels.

Pricing

Let's not forget price. The Sony LinkBuds Fit are somewhat in the middle ground. They're not the most affordable, nor are they the most expensive. With competitors like the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro offering similar features at a lower price, Sony's pricing strategy might not appeal to budget-conscious buyers.

In summary, while the Sony LinkBuds Fit bring a lot to the table, they do face stiff competition. Whether they're the right choice for you will depend on what you prioritize—be it sound quality, battery life, or budget. At the end of the day, it's all about finding the perfect fit.

Video by: Sony Europe

Conclusion

Wrapping up, the Sony LinkBuds Fit are a solid choice for anyone looking for a unique twist in the wireless earbuds market. The design is a refreshing departure from the norm, blending comfort with a quirky style that's bound to catch a few eyes. But hey, looks aren't everything, right? Sound quality hits the mark pretty well for most listeners. Whether you're vibing to bass-heavy tracks or need something for those chill acoustic sessions, these buds hold their ground. However, audiophiles might find themselves wishing for a tad more depth or balance here and there. Feature-wise, they've packed in some nifty tech. Gesture controls and ambient sound modes make using them day-to-day a breeze. You might not get the galaxy-brain AI features some competitors boast, but what you do get works smoothly and intuitively.

When it comes to battery life, it's decent but not groundbreaking. For most users, it's enough to get through a day's worth of use on a single charge, but frequent users should keep an eye on the charging case. Speaking of which, there's a sweet USB-C charging port – so no more fumbling with multiple cables. For what you get in the box, it covers the basics pretty well. Though, it would've been nice to see a few more eartip size options for that just-right fit. As for connectivity, they play nice with both Android and iOS, so no one's left out of the party. Compared to the competition, these buds hold their own pretty well. They're not trying to be the king of the hill, but rather the cool kid on the block with their own unique charm.

They offer a distinctly enjoyable experience for those seeking something a little different. In a nutshell, if you're after reliable earbuds that go beyond the usual humdrum, the Sony LinkBuds Fit might just be your next tech buddy. They might not win every category, but they offer a delightful mix of style, function, and sound.

FAQ

Can I use the Sony LinkBuds Fit for sports and workouts?
Absolutely! These earbuds are designed with a secure fit making them a great companion for your workouts. They stay put even during intense activities. Plus, their water resistance adds an extra layer of protection against sweat.

How do I pair the earbuds with my device?

Pairing is super simple! Just open the case, and the earbuds automatically enter pairing mode. Find them on your device’s Bluetooth list and connect. The first time might require manual pairing, but after that, it should be as automatic as pressing “play.”

What is the battery life like?

The battery life is decent, offering about 5 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge and an additional 15 hours with the charging case. If you're a long-haul listener, you might want to consider giving them a charge before heading out.

Do they support wireless charging?

Unfortunately, these earbuds do not support wireless charging. You’ll need to use the provided USB-C cable, which is pretty standard but something to keep in mind if you’re into cutting down on cables.

How is the noise-cancelling feature?

While the LinkBuds Fit don’t offer active noise cancellation (ANC), they do a good job of isolating sound thanks to their snug fit. If blocking out the world is your main goal, you might want to look at other models with ANC.

Can I use one earbud at a time?

Yes, you can definitely use one earbud at a time. This is perfect for those who want to stay aware of their surroundings or prefer to keep one ear open for conversations.

Is there a voice assistant feature?

Yep, you can easily access your phone’s voice assistant with a simple tap. It’s handy when you need to quickly check the weather or send a text without reaching for your phone.

How good is the call quality?

The call quality is pretty solid, with clear audio on both ends. However, in very noisy environments, you might experience a bit of background noise creeping into your calls.

Do the earbuds support multipoint connectivity?

Sadly, these do not support multipoint connectivity. You can only connect them to one device at a time, which might be a bummer if you’re juggling between a laptop and a phone. What apps are compatible?
They work seamlessly with the Sony Headphones Connect app, allowing you to tweak sound settings and control features. But if you're not a fan of apps, they function just fine on their own too!

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications