Technics EAH-AZ40
Score: 80/100
Sony LinkBuds S
Score: 73/100Rankings
Technics EAH-AZ40-S combines LDAC hi-res sound, 10-hour ANC playback and a 28-hour total battery with three-device multipoint and app-based EQ customization. Its feed-forward ANC is less effective and LDAC cannot be used while multipoint is active. Great for multitaskers and commuters needing long battery life.
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 | | |
|---|---|---|
28 hoursbest | 17.5 hours | |
10 hoursbest | 9 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 120 minutesbest |
10 mmbest | 5 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 15 minutesbest | — |
10 metersbest | 10 metersbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 44.6 gbest |
4best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (Total with Case) (hours) | 28 hours | 17.5 hours |
Battery Life (Earbuds Only) (hours) | 10 hours | 9 hours |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
Audio(2) | ||
Supported Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
Driver Size (mm) | 10 mm | 5 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Technics EAH-AZ40M2 for its intuitive touch controls, robust three-device multipoint connectivity, long battery life, and high-resolution LDAC audio, while noting that the feed-forward only ANC and inability to use LDAC during multipoint are drawbacks compared to more advanced competitors.
Everyday users consistently highlight the comfortable fit, long battery endurance, clear call performance, and the convenience of multipoint switching, though they also report occasional Bluetooth hiccups, the need for precise ear-tip selection, and the lack of water-resistance on the charging case.
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.
“perfect all around”
“clear calls even in noise”
“ultra-light 4.8 g weight and secure fit with four interchangeable rubber tips for all-day wear without fatigue”
