Sony LinkBuds S
Score: 73/100
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Score: 79/100Rankings
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE deliver strong ANC and a comfortable wing-tip fit while offering up to 30 hours of total playback at a budget price. Their limited IPX2 rating, lack of wireless charging, and missing physical volume controls are notable trade-offs. Ideal for Samsung users who value ecosystem features and solid battery life over premium durability.
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 | | |
|---|---|---|
17.5 hours | 30 hoursbest | |
9 hoursbest | 8.5 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | 120 minutesbest | — |
5 mm | 6.5 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 5 minutesbest |
10 metersbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 44.6 gbest | 100 g |
— | 6best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(2) | ||
IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX2 |
Total Weight (Earbuds + Case) (g) | 44.6 g | 100 g |
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (Total with Case) (hours) | 17.5 hours | 30 hours |
Battery Life (Earbuds Only) (hours) | 9 hours | 8.5 hours |
Audio(2) | ||
Supported Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SSC, AAC, SBC |
Driver Size (mm) | 5 mm | 6.5 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
Professional reviewers praise the Galaxy Buds FE for their strong ANC that cuts low-frequency noise, comfortable winged fit, solid battery life, and seamless Samsung ecosystem features like Auto Switch and the SSC codec. Criticisms focus on the absence of physical volume controls, a slippery glossy case, limited water resistance (IPX2), and the lack of multi-device pairing or wireless charging.
Everyday users echo the experts, highlighting the earbuds' comfort, bass-forward sound, and portability as major positives. Recurring complaints revolve around the glossy case slipping, the missing volume slider on the touch interface, and occasional pressure from the wing tips during long listening sessions.
“ultra-light 4.8 g weight and secure fit with four interchangeable rubber tips for all-day wear without fatigue”
