Sony LinkBuds Open Review

Summary / TL;DR

The Sony LinkBuds Open headphones introduce an innovative open-ear design that integrates music into daily life while allowing environmental awareness. This unique style might appeal to those who prefer not to be isolated from their surroundings, though it may not suit everyone, especially those seeking immersive sound experiences or strong bass. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable, crafted from durable materials, and offer a snug fit with various ear tips, though they might feel loose for smaller ears during intense activities.

Sound quality is decent, with clear mids and highs, but bass lacks depth. The open design means external noises can interfere, especially in loud environments. Battery life is average, offering 5.5 hours per charge and up to 17.5 hours with the case, but lacks wireless charging. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.2 and multipoint support, and features like tap controls and voice assistant integration enhance usability. However, the absence of active noise cancellation might be a drawback for some.

Overall, the Sony LinkBuds Open cater to those valuing awareness and comfort over noise isolation, offering a distinct listening experience that might not satisfy audiophiles or bass enthusiasts. They stand out for their design and everyday convenience, making them suitable for users who prioritize staying connected to their environment while enjoying music.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Sony LinkBuds Fit or Sony ULT Wear or Shokz OpenFit.

Introduction

Looking for a set of headphones that shake things up a bit? The Sony LinkBuds Open might just tick the right boxes for you. With a fresh approach to audio design, these headphones aim to blend your music seamlessly into your day-to-day life. But are they really as revolutionary as Sony claims?

Sony has been a big player in the audio arena for years, and with these headphones, they're trying something a bit different. Instead of sealing your ears off from the world, the LinkBuds Open are all about keeping you connected to your surroundings. It's an interesting concept, especially if you're the kind of person who likes to stay aware of what's happening around you while jamming out to your favorite tunes.

Of course, the idea of open-ear listening comes with its own set of challenges. You might wonder if sacrificing some noise isolation means a compromise in sound quality. Can these headphones deliver a satisfying listening experience while still letting in the world around you?

With these buds, Sony is aiming at a niche market, blending technology and everyday convenience into a single package. It's not just about listening; it's about experiencing your music in a way that feels natural and unobtrusive.

Whether you're an audio enthusiast or someone simply in search of a way to merge music with life’s ambient soundtrack, the Sony LinkBuds Open present an intriguing option. But like any product that tries to break the mold, they might not be for everyone. So, let's dig deeper and see what these headphones bring to the table.

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Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of the Sony LinkBuds Open is all about being light and breezy, almost like wearing a gentle whisper on your ears. These buds are crafted with an open-ring design that gives them a unique look and feel, setting them apart from the usual in-ear or over-ear headphones. This design allows for a more natural listening experience as it lets in external sounds, keeping you aware of your surroundings. It's like having a soundtrack to your life without shutting out the world.

Made from lightweight materials, these buds promise to sit comfortably without adding any pressure. However, some users might find the open-ring style a bit unusual and may take a little time to get used to. But hey, change is good, right? The build is solid, with a matte finish that gives them a sleek, modern vibe. The materials feel durable, yet the buds remain feather-light, weighing in at just 4.1 grams each.

While the design is innovative, it may not be everyone's cup of tea. If you're someone who prefers noise cancellation or a snug fit that blocks out external noise, these might not meet your expectations. The open design is a double-edged sword—perfect for awareness but not ideal for immersive sound experiences. Still, if you need headphones for a run in the park where hearing your environment is key, they might just be perfect.

The build quality ensures the Sony LinkBuds Open can handle everyday use. They're splash and sweat-resistant, making them a decent companion for workouts or sudden drizzles. However, they're not fully waterproof, so maybe keep them away from monsoon season or any pool parties.

Sound Performance

The sound performance of the Sony LinkBuds Open is like a mixed bag of treats. It offers a really unique listening experience compared to your traditional earbuds. Let’s break it down.

Open-Ear Design

The most striking feature is its open-ear design. This allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your music. It's like having a soundtrack to your daily life without shutting the world out completely. However, this design isn't for everyone. If you're in a noisy environment, you might find that external sounds can interfere with your listening experience.

Sound Quality

For everyday listening, the sound quality is pretty decent. The mids and highs are fairly crisp, making vocals and instruments sound clear. But the bass? It's where things get a bit muddy. The bass response isn't as punchy and powerful as some might hope, which might leave bass enthusiasts wanting more. Think of it as a light drizzle rather than a full-blown thunderstorm.

Volume Levels

Volume levels are satisfactory for most settings. However, due to the open design, cranking up the volume in crowded places might still not drown out external noises completely. It's like trying to have a private chat in a busy café.

If you're someone who appreciates being in tune with your surroundings while listening to music or podcasts, this product might just hit the right note for you. But if you're looking for deep, immersive sound, you might feel like some notes are missing from the symphony.

Comfort and Fit

Finding the right pair of headphones is like finding that perfect pair of jeans—it's all about the fit. The Sony LinkBuds Open promise to be the comfy choice you’ve been looking for. They have a unique design that doesn’t fully cover your ears, which can be a blessing after long hours of use. They just kind of sit on your ears rather than gobbling them up whole, which can be quite refreshing.

The buds come with a range of ear tips, so you can experiment to find which size fits best. This is important because, without a snug fit, you might lose some of the sound quality. The open-ear design is pretty cool since it keeps you aware of your surroundings—perfect for those who like to jog on busy streets or just want to be more in tune with their environment while listening to music.

However, some folks might find them a bit loose if they have smaller ears. They don't slip easily, but if your ears are on the petite side, they might not feel as secure as you'd like during an intense workout. The learning curve of finding the right position for the ear tips might be a little tricky at first, but once you get it, you're golden.

Because they don’t cover the whole ear, you won’t get that tight, vacuum-like seal that some other headphones offer. This could be a bummer if you're all about that bass or need to drown out the world. But if you’re more about comfort and being aware of your environment, these could be your go-to pair.

Overall, the comfort level is pretty darn good for everyday use, as long as you’re not planning to do cartwheels or headbang to heavy metal. For most other activities, they sit nicely, and you might even forget you’ve got them on.

Battery Life and Charging

Alright, let’s chat about battery life and charging for these earbuds. When you're out and about, nobody wants to be tethered to a charger all day, right? The Sony LinkBuds Open offer a decent amount of playtime. You can expect about 5.5 hours of continuous listening on a single charge. It’s not mind-blowing but pretty average for earbuds these days.

Now, the charging case adds an extra touch. It brings the total listening time to approximately 17.5 hours. So, for most of us, that’s likely to get us through a few days without needing a power outlet.

Charging is quite straightforward. You pop the buds back into their case and plug it in via USB-C. A full charge of the earbuds takes around 90 minutes, and the case itself takes a bit longer. Not the fastest cat on the block, but it gets the job done.

One thing to note, though, is the lack of wireless charging. If you’re used to just tossing your earbuds on a wireless pad and calling it a day, you might miss that feature. A tad inconvenient for tech enthusiasts who have embraced cable-free living.

Overall, while they don’t break records for battery life, they should meet the needs of most casual listeners. Just remember to charge them up before a long flight or road trip!

Connectivity and Features

Let's talk about how these headphones connect and what features they pack. The Sony LinkBuds Open run with Bluetooth 5.2. This means you get a pretty stable connection with your devices, be it your phone, tablet, or laptop. It's like they have an invisible thread keeping the music or podcast playing smoothly without hiccups.

These headphones also support multipoint connectivity. Ever wanted to switch from your phone call to your laptop for a video chat seamlessly? You can do that here, which honestly feels like magic sometimes. But beware, setting up multipoint might require a bit of patience.

In terms of control, they have a pretty neat feature called tap control. You can tap around your ear to control playback or answer calls. It’s like having a remote control attached to your head. Some folks love it, while others think it feels a bit awkward at first. It’s one of those things you have to try to see if it meshes with your style.

• Voice Assistant: Support for popular assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can still be the boss without lifting a finger.
• Adaptive Volume Control: Automatically adjusts volume based on surrounding noise, which is super helpful if you're walking through a noisy street.

However, one downside is they don’t have active noise cancellation (ANC). If you're often in loud environments, you might miss this feature. But hey, they’re designed to keep you aware of your surroundings, so maybe that’s the point?

What's in the Box

Sure thing! Let's see what's packed inside the box of these earbuds.

• Earbuds: Of course, the star of the show, the earbuds themselves. They're nestled securely in the packaging, ready to deliver some crisp tunes right out of the box.
• Charging Case: This is where you'll keep your earbuds safe and fully charged. It's compact, making it easy to toss in your bag or pocket without a fuss. Though, it might feel a bit fragile if you're used to more rugged designs.
• USB-C Charging Cable: A short and sweet USB-C cable comes included for your charging needs. It's not the longest cable around, but it gets the job done. You'll need to have a power adapter already, as that's not included.
• Instruction Manual: A quick-start guide to help you get up and running in no time. It's pretty straightforward, so you won't need an engineering degree to make sense of it. However, if you're the kind who likes more detailed guidance, you might find it a bit lacking.
• Warranty Card: For peace of mind, there's a warranty card included. Always a nice touch, just in case anything goes awry down the road.

That's about it! The box doesn't include an abundance of extras, but everything essential is there. It's a no-nonsense package, focusing on getting you started with minimal hassle. If you're someone who appreciates a little more flair or additional accessories, you might find the simplicity a tad underwhelming.

Competitor Comparison

Comparing the Sony LinkBuds Open to its competitors can help you decide if it's the right choice for you.

Price and Value

Many users find that these earbuds offer a decent balance between price and features. However, if you're budget-conscious, you might consider alternatives like the Jabra Elite 3, which typically comes at a lower price point while still providing solid sound performance.

Design and Comfort

The open-ear design is unique and might not suit everyone's taste. If you're into a more traditional in-ear fit, you might lean toward the Apple AirPods Pro or the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, both of which offer a snug fit and active noise cancellation.

Sound Quality

While the Sony LinkBuds Open delivers a balanced sound profile, audiophiles might prefer the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, known for their deep bass and immersive sound experience.

Battery Life

When it comes to battery life, some users feel the LinkBuds fall a bit short compared to the Jabra Elite 75t, which boasts longer playtime without needing a charge.

Connectivity

The seamless Bluetooth connectivity of the LinkBuds is a plus, but you might consider the connectivity and ecosystem integration offered by the AirPods if you're an Apple user.

Features

If you're looking for earbuds with extensive smart features, the Google Pixel Buds A-Series might catch your eye, offering hands-free Google Assistant and real-time translation.

In the grand symphony of earbuds, deciding on the right pair can feel like choosing the perfect instrument. Each has its own strengths and a few sour notes. Ultimately, it comes down to what strikes the right chord for your lifestyle and needs.

Video by: Sony Electronics

Conclusion

After using the Sony LinkBuds Open, it’s clear they're a solid choice for anyone looking for an open-ear listening experience. These headphones offer a unique blend of comfort and innovative design, thanks to their open-ring style. This means you can enjoy your music without completely shutting out the world, which is perfect for staying aware of your surroundings.

Hits and Misses

The sound performance is surprisingly good for their open design, delivering clear audio with a fair balance across different genres. However, if you're someone who craves deep bass, you might find these lacking a bit in that department. It's like expecting a sports car to perform well on off-road terrain – it does the job but isn't tailored for it. On the upside, the comfort and fit are exceptional, making them great for long listening sessions without any ear fatigue. They stay in place during movement, which is a big plus if you're active. The battery life is respectable, providing enough juice for a day out, though some competitors might offer a longer playtime.

Features to Note

Connectivity is smooth and hassle-free, with quick pairing and stable connections. The added features like voice assistant support and touch controls enhance the overall experience, making them more than just basic headphones.

The Final Word

In a sea of wireless earbuds, the Sony LinkBuds Open stand out with their unique open-ear concept. While they might not win over hardcore audiophiles or bass enthusiasts, they are perfect for those who want to keep an ear on their surroundings while enjoying decent sound quality. So if you're in the market for something a bit different that combines function with a unique form, these might just be your new favorite buds.

FAQ

Can I use the Sony LinkBuds Open for exercise?

Yes, you can! These earbuds have a snug fit which helps them stay put during workouts. However, they're not waterproof. So, a little sweat is okay, but maybe don't take them for a swim.

Do the earbuds come with noise cancellation?

Nope, these buds are all about keeping you connected to the world around you. Noise cancellation isn't their thing. They’re designed to let in ambient sound, which is great if you like being aware of your surroundings.

How do I control the earbuds?

The touch controls are on point! You can tap on the LinkBuds' unique ring design to play, pause, or skip tracks. It's pretty intuitive once you get the hang of it.

What devices are compatible?

The Sony LinkBuds Open play well with most Bluetooth-enabled devices. Whether you’re team iPhone or Android, you're covered!

How long does the battery last?

Battery life is around 5.5 hours on a full charge, which is decent but not outstanding. The case gives you an additional 12 hours, so you'll need to plan your charging routine if you're a heavy user.

What's the warranty period?

You get a standard 1-year warranty. It's always a good idea to register your purchase for any warranty claims.

Are they comfortable for long listening sessions?

Most users find them comfy thanks to the open design. They don’t plug into your ears, so you might forget you’re wearing them. But remember, everyone's ears are different, so comfort can vary a bit.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications