PricepectAI-Verified Comparisons

Comparisons About

⌘K

Pricepect

Independent product comparisons to help you buy smarter.

Browse

Categories
Comparisons
Spec Comparisons
Head-to-Head
Search

Info

About
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

Top Categories

Electronics
Home & Kitchen
Sports & Outdoors
Automotive

✓ Independent & Unbiased✓ AI-Verified Data✓ Expert-Reviewed

Pricepect participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. © 2026 Pricepect. All rights reserved.

Sony LinkBuds Open — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Smart EarbudsSony LinkBuds Open

Sony LinkBuds Open — image 1

Sony

Sony LinkBuds Open

Expert Review Analysis

The Sony LinkBuds Open are true‑wireless earbuds with a unique open‑ring design that lets ambient sound in naturally. They feature an 11 mm donut‑shaped driver, Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint support, and a compact case, targeting users who need situational awareness while listening.

✓ Best for: Commuters, cyclists, and runners who need to stay aware of their environment while listening to music or podcasts; fitness enthusiasts who want sweat‑resistant, lightweight earbuds; professionals who multitask and value multipoint Bluetooth; and users who prefer a physical open‑ear design over digital transparency modes.✗ Not ideal for: Listeners who prioritize deep immersion and full audio isolation, such as audiophiles or frequent travelers in noisy cabins; users who expect active noise cancellation; and individuals with very small or irregular ear canals who may struggle with the wing‑based fit.

Pros

✓Open ring design provides natural ambient sound without digital processing, enhancing situational awareness.
✓11mm donut‑shaped driver delivers clearer mids and highs with improved bass compared to the original LinkBuds.

Price History

Current

$228.00

Average

$202.29

Lowest

$99.95

Highest

$299.99

Price trend (90d):0.0%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#2,554Best#152Worst#4,538 +447

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Audio

Driver Size11 mm mm

Frequency Response20–20,000 Hz

Supported Audio CodecsAAC, LC3, SBC

Microphone TypeElectret Condenser

Noise CancelingNo

Battery

Battery Life (Earbuds)8 hours minutes

Battery Life (Total)22 hours minutes

Charging Time1.5 hours minutes

Fast Charge Playback3 min charge for 60 min playback

Connectivity

Bluetooth Version5.3

Wireless Range10 m m

Multipoint ConnectionYes

Bluetooth ProfilesA2DP, AVRCP, HFP

Design

Fit StyleTrue Wireless

Earcup TypeOpen

Earbud Dimensions27.0 mm × 24.0 mm × 18.9 mm

Charging Case Dimensions45.96 mm × 29.4 mm × 45.96 mm

Air Fitting SupportersYes

Features

IP RatingIPX4

General

BrandSony

ModelLinkBuds Open

ColorBlack

Release Date2024-10-10

Warranty1 year

Performance

ProcessorIntegrated Processor V2

Audio Processing

Integrated Processor V2Advanced chip from WF‑1000XM5 enabling DSEE upscaling and LC3 codec support

Microphone

Electret Condenser MicBuilt‑in mic with noise‑rejection for clear call quality

Audio Enhancement

DSEE TechnologyUpscales compressed audio files for higher fidelity playback

Dimensions & Weight

Height3.5 inches

Width2.3 inches

Depth3.4 inches

Weight0.09038952742 pounds

Research Sources

crutchfield.com

beachcamera.com

theshortcut.com

electronics.sony.com

electronics.sony.com

Similar Products

TOZO T10 Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones, App Customize EQ, Ergonomic Design, 55H Playtime, Wireless Charging Case, IPX8 Waterproof Sound in-Ear Headset, New Version

TOZO T10 Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones, App Customize EQ, Ergonomic Design, 55H Playtime, Wireless Charging Case, IPX8 Waterproof Sound in-Ear Headset, New Version

TOZO

SHOKZ OpenMove - Open-Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones, Bone Conduction Wireless Earphones, Sweatproof for Running and Workouts, with Sticker Pack, Grey

SHOKZ OpenMove - Open-Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones, Bone Conduction Wireless Earphones, Sweatproof for Running and Workouts, with Sticker Pack, Grey

SHOKZ

SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro - Open-Ear Bluetooth & MP3 Bone Conduction Sport Headphones, Swimming Headphones, IP68 Waterproof, Grey

SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro - Open-Ear Bluetooth & MP3 Bone Conduction Sport Headphones, Swimming Headphones, IP68 Waterproof, Grey

SHOKZ

SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 Mini -Open-Ear, Bone Conduction Sport Headphones -with Reflective Strip -Sweat Resistant, Workout Headphones -Secure, Wireless, Comfortable Fit-Deep Bass and Smart Mic App

SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 Mini -Open-Ear, Bone Conduction Sport Headphones -with Reflective Strip -Sweat Resistant, Workout Headphones -Secure, Wireless, Comfortable Fit-Deep Bass and Smart Mic App

SHOKZ

Jzones Open Ear Clip Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.4, Lightweight Comfort Sports Bone Conduction Headphones Built-in Mic for Clear Audio, Stable Fit Earphones 24H Play-Black

Jzones Open Ear Clip Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.4, Lightweight Comfort Sports Bone Conduction Headphones Built-in Mic for Clear Audio, Stable Fit Earphones 24H Play-Black

Jzones

SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro Ear Ultra Open Ear Earbuds Wireless Headphones Bluetooth 6.0 Earphones Clip On Ear Buds with Mic, IPX5 Waterproof, 24 Hrs Play for Running Cycling Fitness

SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro Ear Ultra Open Ear Earbuds Wireless Headphones Bluetooth 6.0 Earphones Clip On Ear Buds with Mic, IPX5 Waterproof, 24 Hrs Play for Running Cycling Fitness

SoundPEATS

SHOKZ OpenFit 2 Open-Ear Headphones,True Wireless Bluetooth Earphones with Microphone,Earhook Earbuds with 48 Hours of Playtime,Fast Charging,IP55 Water-Resistant,with Carrying Bag,Black,Bluetooth5.4

SHOKZ OpenFit 2 Open-Ear Headphones,True Wireless Bluetooth Earphones with Microphone,Earhook Earbuds with 48 Hours of Playtime,Fast Charging,IP55 Water-Resistant,with Carrying Bag,Black,Bluetooth5.4

SHOKZ

SHOKZ OpenDots ONE-Open-Ear Headphones, Clip-On Earbuds-Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Microphone-Secure, Lightweight, Comfort-Premium Dolby Audio-Water Resistant-Fast Charging-Up to 40 hrs Playtime

SHOKZ OpenDots ONE-Open-Ear Headphones, Clip-On Earbuds-Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Microphone-Secure, Lightweight, Comfort-Premium Dolby Audio-Water Resistant-Fast Charging-Up to 40 hrs Playtime

SHOKZ

SHOKZ New OpenFit 2+ Open-Ear Headphones, Dolby Audio Enabled, Comfortable Earbuds with Soft Ear Hooks, 48H Playtime, IP55 Water-Resistant, USB-C Fast Charging, Wireless Charging, Carrying Bag, Black

SHOKZ New OpenFit 2+ Open-Ear Headphones, Dolby Audio Enabled, Comfortable Earbuds with Soft Ear Hooks, 48H Playtime, IP55 Water-Resistant, USB-C Fast Charging, Wireless Charging, Carrying Bag, Black

SHOKZ

Sony LinkBuds Clip Open-Ear Truly Wireless Earbuds, Comfortable & Secure Fit, Lightweight Clip-On Design, Touch Controls, Ambient Sound Awareness, Water Resistant, Up to 37 Hrs of Playback, Black

Sony LinkBuds Clip Open-Ear Truly Wireless Earbuds, Comfortable & Secure Fit, Lightweight Clip-On Design, Touch Controls, Ambient Sound Awareness, Water Resistant, Up to 37 Hrs of Playback, Black

Sony

Sony WF-1000XM6 The Best Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (2026 Model), Bluetooth in-Ear Headphones, with Studio-Quality Sound, Up to 24 Hours of Battery Life, Platinum Silver

Sony WF-1000XM6 The Best Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (2026 Model), Bluetooth in-Ear Headphones, with Studio-Quality Sound, Up to 24 Hours of Battery Life, Platinum Silver

Sony

SHOKZ OpenDots ONE-Open-Ear Headphones, Clip-On Earbuds-Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Microphone-Secure, Lightweight, Comfort-Premium Dolby Audio-Water Resistant-Fast Charging-Up to 40 hrs Playtime

SHOKZ OpenDots ONE-Open-Ear Headphones, Clip-On Earbuds-Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Microphone-Secure, Lightweight, Comfort-Premium Dolby Audio-Water Resistant-Fast Charging-Up to 40 hrs Playtime

SHOKZ

Bone Conduction Headphones, Blue...

Clip On Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.3 L...

User Reviews

Please sign in to leave a review

Sort by:

No reviews yet. Be the first to review!

3.5

(188 reviews)

$228.00

Track Price on BigBangPrice

Get notified when the price drops. Track this product on BigBangPrice, our price tracking partner.

WFL910B.UCBlackBuds Only 1 year

✓

Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable, low‑latency connection and supports multipoint pairing with two devices simultaneously.

✓IPX4 rating makes the earbuds resistant to sweat and light rain, suitable for active use.

✓Compact charging case is one of the smallest on the market, adding high portability.

✓Integrated Processor V2 brings DSEE upscaling and LC3 codec support for higher audio fidelity.

✓Electret condenser microphone offers clear call quality with noise‑rejection capabilities.

Cons

✗Lack of active noise cancellation means external sounds can interfere with music detail, limiting immersion.
✗Open design reduces audio isolation, making it harder to enjoy immersive listening in noisy environments.
✗Fit is highly sensitive to wing alignment; misalignment can cause ear fatigue after about an hour of wear.
✗Automatic volume adjustment may react too quickly to loud sounds and too slowly to quiet ones, affecting comfort.
✗Treble clarity can suffer due to ambient noise, often requiring manual EQ tweaks for optimal sound.
✗Battery life, while improved, still offers only 8 hours per charge, which may be limiting for power users.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Upgraded 11mm driver and DSEE technology provide noticeably clearer and richer audio compared to the original LinkBuds.
✓Physical open‑ring design delivers true transparency without the artifacts of algorithmic transparency modes.
✓Redesigned, smaller form factor and tiny charging case improve comfort and portability for extended wear.
✓Multipoint Bluetooth connection allows simultaneous pairing with two devices, enhancing multitasking.
✓Integrated Processor V2 borrowed from flagship WF‑1000XM5 adds premium audio processing capabilities.

Criticized by Experts

✗Open‑ear architecture limits soundstage clarity and can mask subtle musical nuances in noisy settings.
✗Fit sensitivity requires precise wing placement; improper alignment leads to discomfort after short periods.
✗Absence of active noise cancellation reduces suitability for users seeking full immersion.
✗Auto‑volume feature sometimes overcompensates in loud environments and lags in quiet ones.
✗Treble response may need manual EQ adjustments to achieve desired clarity.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Excellent for cycling, running, and commuting where staying aware of traffic and surroundings is essential.
✓Call quality is strong, with the built-in microphone delivering clear voice transmission.
✓Bluetooth 5.3 connection remains reliable even during vigorous activity or sweat exposure.
✓Customizable earbud covers let users personalize the look to match outfits.
✓Compact case fits easily in pockets, making the earbuds highly portable for daily use.

Users Complain About

✗Precise wing alignment is required; many users report needing frequent adjustments for comfort.
✗Open design compromises audio isolation, making it less ideal for noisy environments or focused listening.
✗Some users find the lack of active noise cancellation a drawback compared to competing premium earbuds.
✗Automatic volume control can be too aggressive in loud settings, affecting the listening experience.
✗Battery life, while better than the previous version, may still fall short for long trips without access to charging.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers praise the LinkBuds Open for their upgraded 11 mm driver, true‑to‑life transparency achieved through a physical opening, and premium processing from Sony's Integrated Processor V2. They also highlight the tiny case, multipoint connectivity, and IPX4 durability. However, critics note that the open‑ear design sacrifices soundstage depth and isolation, the fit is finicky, and the lack of active noise cancellation limits appeal for users seeking immersive listening.

What Users Say

Everyday users appreciate the earbuds for safety‑focused activities like cycling and running, the clear microphone performance, and the pocket‑sized case. Common praise centers on situational awareness, comfort after proper fitting, and personalization options. Recurring complaints focus on the need for precise wing alignment, limited isolation due to the open design, and occasional annoyance with the auto‑volume feature.

Common Complaints

Frequent need to adjust wing alignment for comfort, lack of active noise cancellation, reduced audio isolation from the open design, auto‑volume adjustments that feel too aggressive, and battery life that may not meet heavy‑use demands.

What People Are Saying

“Excellent for activities like cycling, running, and commuting where situational awareness is essential”
User feedback

How It Compares

vs. Apple AirPods Pro (open‑ear variant)

Advantages

✓Sony offers a larger 11 mm driver and DSEE upscaling for richer sound compared to Apple's smaller drivers.
✓Physical open‑ring design provides true transparency without algorithmic processing, unlike Apple's digital transparency mode.

Disadvantages

✗Apple's AirPods Pro include active noise cancellation, which the LinkBuds Open lack.
✗Apple's ecosystem integration may be tighter for iOS users, whereas Sony's app support is less emphasized.

Choose Sony LinkBuds Open for a more natural open‑ear experience and better sound detail; choose Apple if active noise cancellation and deep ecosystem integration are priorities.

Rating Trend

Rating3.5/ 5Reviews188+119 reviews -0.30