Creative Outlier Air
Score: 75/100
Sony LinkBuds S
Score: 73/100Rankings
The Creative Outlier Air provides up to 10 hours of playback per charge and a total of 30-40 hours, with strong bass and an IPX5 sweat-proof design. It lacks active noise cancellation and has a bulky charging case, which may deter users seeking compactness. Best suited for budget-conscious active listeners who prioritize battery life and sound impact.
The Sony LinkBuds S are ultra-light earbuds with integrated ANC, LDAC support and a compact pocket-sized case. Their battery life is limited to about 6 hours with ANC and they do not offer wireless charging. Perfect for users who value minimal weight and portability over long listening time.
| Attribute | Creative Outlier Air | |
|---|---|---|
— | 17.5 hoursbest | |
10 hoursbest | 9 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 120 minutesbest |
5.6 mmbest | 5 mm | |
— | 10 metersbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 75 g | 44.6 gbest |
2best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | Creative Outlier Air | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(2) | ||
IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX4 |
Total Weight (Earbuds + Case) (g) | 75 g | 44.6 g |
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (Total with Case) (hours) | 30-40 hours | 17.5 hours |
Battery Life (Earbuds Only) (hours) | 10 hours | 9 hours |
Features(1) | ||
Active Noise Cancellation | false | true |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.2 |
Audio(2) | ||
Supported Audio Codecs | aptX, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
Driver Size (mm) | 5.6 mm | 5 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Outlier Air for its impressive sound signature, long battery life, and durable IPX5 construction, noting it offers a premium audio experience at a budget price. However, they consistently point out the oversized charging case, limited ear-tip options, and the absence of active noise cancellation as notable drawbacks.
Everyday users love the comfort, secure fit, and extended playback time, often describing the earbuds as barely noticeable and praising the natural, bass-rich sound. Recurring complaints focus on the case's bulk, the single extra ear-tip set, a minimum volume that's too loud on iPhones, and occasional sound leakage.
Professional reviewers commend the LinkBuds S for setting a new benchmark in weight and comfort, noting the 4.8 g earbuds feel almost weightless and the Integrated Processor V1 provides respectable ANC for such a small device. They also highlight the clear, detailed sound from the 5 mm driver and the convenience of Alexa integration, while criticizing the modest 6-hour battery life with ANC and the lack of wireless charging as shortcomings for a premium offering.
Everyday users repeatedly praise the ultra-light feel, pocket-sized case, and secure fit provided by the four ear-tip sizes, describing the earbuds as comfortable for all-day wear and suitable for workouts thanks to IPX4 resistance. The most common complaints revolve around the limited battery life, absence of wireless charging, and occasional fit issues that can diminish bass response and ANC effectiveness for smaller ears.
“"shockingly good" sound with "great clarity" and "bass power"”
“"barely notice them"”
“"very good" sound/controls”
