Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Earbuds: Tiny Earbuds, Big Sound
Published on May 5, 2023, 9:31 p.m.
Looking for a pair of inconspicuous yet mighty wireless earbuds? Enter the Sony LinkBuds S - diminutive ‘buds that pack a powerful audio punch. In this review, we’ll break down the key features of these petite powerhouses. Keep reading to find out if the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Earbuds are the right match for your ears and lifestyle.
Overview
The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Earbuds are truly wireless noise cancelling earbuds released in May 2022. Despite their small size, these earbuds are loaded with features: active noise cancellation, touch controls, Alexa voice assistant integration, and more. They deliver impressive sound in a discreet form factor.
Key Features
- Active noise cancellation to block ambient sound
- Hands-free Alexa access
- Touch controls for playback, volume etc
- Fast charging provides 60mins playback from 5mins charge
- IPX4 splash and sweat resistant
Design & Appearance
True to their name, the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Earbuds are remarkably small and lightweight. The earbuds themselves weigh just 5 grams each. Their low profile makes them easy to wear comfortably for extended periods. The matte surface features touch controls for convenient command of playback, volume, and more. The included charging case is also compact and pocket-friendly.
Usability
The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Earbuds excel in ease of use. Their ergonomic shape and petite size allow them to fit comfortably in most ears. Touch controls provide convenient command of playback, volume, calls, and voice assistants. Helpful automatic features like wear detection and Adaptive Sound Control adjust settings based on your usage.
Build Quality
Constructed from high quality plastics, the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Earbuds feel sturdy and durable. Their sweat resistance ensures they hold up well during workouts. Overall, buyers report satisfactory build quality that meets expectations for the price.
Sound Quality
With Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 and LDAC codec support, the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Earbuds deliver dynamic, well-balanced sound with punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. While audiophiles may desire more refinement, the sound quality impresses for true wireless earbuds this compact.
Microphone Quality
Thanks to advanced signal processing, the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Earbuds provide exceptional microphone clarity for both calls and voice assistant access. Dual beamforming mics isolate the voice while reducing ambient noise.
Noise Cancellation
Though small, the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Earbuds manage impressive noise cancelling that significantly reduces ambient sound. Adaptive Sound Control automatically tweaks noise cancellation based on your environment and activity.
Battery Life
With noise cancelling disabled, battery life is around 6 hours. With noise cancellation on, usage time drops closer to 3-4 hours. The charging case provides an additional 14-20 hours of use time. Quick charging offers 60 minutes of playback from a 5 minute charge.
Connectivity
The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Earbuds connect via Bluetooth 5.0 and can pair with two devices simultaneously thanks to multipoint connectivity. Some users report occasional choppy connections in crowded areas with lots of wireless interference.
Controls
Capacitive touch controls allow you to manage music playback, volume, calls, activating voice assistants, and switching between noise modes. The integrated controls provide convenience in a sleek package.
Water Resistance
With an IPX4 rating, the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Earbuds can withstand splashes and sweat without issue. However, they are not suitable for full submersion.
Origin & Launch
As a Sony product, the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Earbuds represent decades of audio engineering expertise. Sony continually pushes the boundaries of sound quality and innovation. The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Earbuds model launched globally in May 2022.
Use Cases
Take calls hands-free while cooking dinner. Block out the noise of the train on your commute to work. Listen to your favorite podcast while jogging without getting tangled up in cords. Switch seamlessly between your laptop and phone while studying at the library. Pop in these earbuds anywhere you need an audio escape.
User Feedback Analysis
When considering any purchase, user reviews provide an invaluable trove of insights straight from the frontlines. Let’s delve into the reactions and reflections from real-world LinkBuds S owners to see how these miniature earbuds fare on the battlefield of everyday use.
The overwhelming refrain resounding in reviews is overjoyed astonishment at just how mighty these petite powerhouses perform. Many a customer expresses outright disbelief that earbuds so discretely sized can pump out such potent sound. This diminutive duo proves definitively that dynamite comes in small packages.
Regarding sound quality, owners enthuse endlessly about the lively bass, scintillating highs, and mellifluous mid-range achieved by these mini maestros. Some even dare declare that the LinkBuds S surpass the critically acclaimed Sony WF-1000XM4s in certain sonic aspects. Such enthusiasm demonstrates that size and scale need not correlate when it comes to audio fidelity.
In terms of noise canceling, reviewers pronounce the LinkBuds S punch well above their featherweight class. While perhaps not reaching the noiseless nirvana attained by the over-ear WH-1000XM4s, the LinkBuds S still succeed at blocking an impressively wide swath of frequencies. This allows users to enjoy music and media largely liberated from external distractions.
When it comes to call clarity, owners proclaim that few competitors can match the LinkBuds S crystalline vocal pickup. Crystal-clear communication proves that diminutive dimensions need not diminish discussion quality. However, some lament the lack of volume control while on calls.
Regarding battery life, satisfaction seems directly correlated to expectations set. Those anticipating marathon performance from such minimalist hardware find the lifespan lacking. But customers cognizant that small scale typically sacrifices longevity are content with the adequate battery duration.
Connectivity proves another slight sticking point, with sporadic signal stability interruptions reported in crowded or congested wireless environments. But such finicky behavior is common among true wireless options, so doesn’t diminish overall enthusiasm significantly.
On the whole, the LinkBuds S earn outstanding ownership satisfaction ratings, with reviewers raving about their petite yet powerful performance punch. For those seeking big sound in a small package, these miniature marvels are well worth the investment.
Pros
- Great sound quality in a tiny package
- Effective noise cancellation
- Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Convenient hands-free Alexa access
- Helpful automatic and touch controls
- Quick charging capability
Cons
- Battery life could be longer
- Connectivity can be spotty in crowded areas
- Lack of wireless charging
Value
With their robust feature set and impressive sound packed into a petite build, the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Earbuds punch above their weight at this price point. Their compact yet powerful performance makes these earbuds a great value.
Conclusion
With superb sound quality and a bevy of handy features packed into an ultra-compact build, the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Earbuds are a versatile option suitable for any listener. Their petite yet powerful performance makes these earbuds a pleasure to use anywhere, anytime.
What’s In The Box
- LinkBuds S earbuds (left and right)
- Charging case
- 4 sizes of ear tips
- USB-C charging cable
How To Use
- Insert earbuds and select best fitting eartips for comfort and seal
- Charge case and earbuds fully before first use
- Download Sony Headphones Connect app to connect earbuds and customize
- Use touch controls to play/pause music, answer calls etc
- Place earbuds in charging case to recharge when not in use
Specifications
- Color: Black, Violet, White, Earth Blue
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5, WiFi
- Battery: Up to 6 hours listening time, up to 20 hours with charging case
- Water resistance: IPX4
- Weight: 5g per earbud
- Audio technology: Integrated Processor V1, LDAC, DSEE ExtremeTM
- Touch sensor controls: Yes
- Voice assistant access: Alexa only
- Wireless charging: No
- Other details: unknown
