Sony LinkBuds S Review: Everyday Earbuds That Pack a Punch

Sony’s been at the earbud game for a while, and the LinkBuds S are their latest swing at making something that fits into real life without a lot of drama. Released in May 2022, these little buds ditch the wild, open-ring design of the original LinkBuds for something more familiar, think classic in-ear vibes with a modern twist. At just 4.8 grams each, they’re tiny and light, but they still pack noise canceling, solid sound, and a fit that doesn’t quit. Someone popping these in for the first time might wonder how something so small handles everything from noisy buses to sweaty runs, and that’s exactly what this review digs into. It’s all about how they feel, sound, and hold up in the day-to-day grind, straight from the facts.

What Are the Sony LinkBuds S All About?

Sony’s LinkBuds S hit the scene in May 2022, stepping away from the quirky, donut-shaped design of the original LinkBuds. Instead, they’re a more traditional pair of true wireless earbuds, built for folks who want solid sound and a reliable fit without too much fuss. Weighing in at just 4.8 grams each, they’re some of the smallest and lightest earbuds out there with noise-canceling tech, making them a practical pick for daily life. Available in colors like Black, White, Desert Sand, Earth Blue, and even a limited-edition Violet tied to singer Olivia Rodrigo, they’ve got a little something for everyone’s style.

They’re not about reinventing the wheel, think of them as Sony’s take on a no-nonsense earbud that still brings some cool tricks to the table. With features like active noise canceling (ANC), a transparency mode, and Bluetooth 5.2, they’re designed to keep up with whatever the day throws at you, whether it’s a commute, a workout, or just chilling with a podcast.

Getting Started with the LinkBuds S

What’s in the Box?

Unboxing the LinkBuds S is pretty straightforward. Inside, you’ll find:

1. The earbuds themselves

2. A compact charging case

3. Four sizes of silicone ear tips (extra small to large)

4. A USB-C to USB-A charging cable

5. Some basic manuals

No surprises here, it’s the usual kit you’d expect from a pair of wireless earbuds. The case is small enough to slip into a pocket, and the ear tips give you options to find the right fit.

First Impressions of the Design

The LinkBuds S don’t scream for attention. They’re sleek, simple, and made from recycled plastic, which gives them a matte finish that feels nice to the touch. That texture, though, loves picking up dirt and fingerprints, so they might look a little grimy after a while if you’re not into wiping them down.

They’re shaped to nestle into your ear canal with an ergonomic curve, something Sony worked out using years of data on ear shapes. The fit feels secure without being intrusive, though it might take a bit of trial and error with the tips to get them just right.

How Do They Feel to Wear?

Comfort is where the LinkBuds S shine. They’re light enough that you can almost forget they’re there, and the silicone tips keep them snug without digging in. For someone who’s worn them jogging or just lounging around, they stay put pretty well, though they might need a quick readjustment during longer sessions. The IPX4 rating means they can handle sweat or a splash of rain, so they’re solid for a workout or a drizzly walk.

One trade-off? Unlike the original LinkBuds, which had an open design to let the world in, these seal your ears. That’s great for blocking noise, but it also means you won’t hear your surroundings as naturally without flipping on the transparency mode.

Sound Quality: What’s the Deal?

How They Sound Out of the Box

The LinkBuds S lean into a warm sound profile. Bass comes through with a decent kick, think punchy drums in a rock track, while mids keep vocals and instruments clear. The treble, though, takes a step back, so high-pitched stuff like cymbals can feel a little muted. Listening to something like The Stooges’ “Search and Destroy,” the guitar and vocals pop, but the drums don’t hit as crisp as they could.

Sony’s packed in a 5mm driver that keeps things compact yet capable, and tech like DSEE Extreme works in real-time to spruce up compressed files. It’s not a drastic difference, but it helps older MP3s sound a bit fuller. They also support LDAC, Sony’s high-res audio codec, which Android users can tap into for richer sound, though it might eat into battery life faster.

Tweaking the Sound

Not vibing with the default sound? The Sony Headphones Connect app has you covered. It’s got a graphic equalizer with presets like “Treble Boost” that can lift those highs closer to what some might prefer. There’s also a custom EQ if you want to play around and dial it in yourself. For the Violet edition, you even get two EQ presets tuned for Olivia Rodrigo’s albums, “GUTS” and “SOUR,” which is a neat touch if you’re a fan.

A Note on 360 Reality Audio

Fancy a surround-sound vibe? The LinkBuds S support Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, which can make tracks feel more immersive, like sound’s coming from all around you. You’ll need a compatible service like Tidal, and the app can tweak it based on your ear shape. It’s cool for stuff like Pink Floyd’s “Money,” where sounds bounce between your ears, but it’s not a game-changer for everyone.

Noise Canceling and Transparency: How Do They Stack Up?

Blocking Out the World

The LinkBuds S bring solid noise canceling to the table. Low rumbles, like a car engine or plane cabin hum, get knocked down nicely. That’s enough to make a noisy commute or a lawnmower less of a headache. Higher-pitched sounds, like people chatting or dishes clinking, still sneak through a bit, but the passive isolation from the sealed tips helps keep things manageable. Getting the right ear tip size is key here for the best effect.

Letting the World In

Flip to Ambient Sound mode (Sony’s term for transparency), and you can hear what’s around you without pulling the buds out. It’s decent, voices and street sounds come through, but it doesn’t feel as natural as the open design of the original LinkBuds. It’s more of a processed, mic-fed version of your surroundings, which works fine for quick chats or staying aware at a crosswalk.

Controls and Connectivity: Easy or Annoying?

Tapping Your Way Around

Controlling the LinkBuds S is all about taps on the flat sides of the earbuds. Here’s the default setup:

1. Right earbud: One tap to play/pause, double tap to skip forward, triple tap to go back, hold to wake your voice assistant.

2. Left earbud: One tap to switch between ANC and transparency, hold for a quick “Attention” mode that drops the volume and boosts outside sound.

3. Calls: Double tap either bud to answer or end, hold to reject.

The app lets you tweak this, like swapping ANC controls for volume, but you can’t fine-tune every tap. The catch? The touch sensors can be picky. Double-tapping to skip a track might just pause it if you’re too quick, so you’ve got to slow down a bit. It’s not as quirky as the original LinkBuds’ face-slapping Wide Area Tap, but it’s less frustrating once you get the rhythm.

Pairing and Staying Connected

With Bluetooth 5.2, the LinkBuds S connect smoothly to your phone or laptop. They support SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, and Android folks get Google Fast Pair for a quick setup. Since a 2022 firmware update (2.0.2), they handle multipoint pairing, so you can link them to two devices, like your phone and PC, and switch between them with a tap. There’s also LE Audio support for low-latency gaming, though it’s still in beta.

The signal’s strong, holding up over 70 meters in a clear line of sight, but latency can creep up (around 255ms with LDAC), so video might lag a tad on PCs unless your app compensates. For casual listening, though, it’s rock-solid.

Battery Life: How Long Do They Last?

The LinkBuds S clock in at about 6 hours per charge, though real-world tests with music at 75dB hit closer to 5 hours and 41 minutes. Switch to LDAC, and Sony says it drops to 3.5-4.5 hours. The case adds another 14 hours or so, totaling around 20 hours before you need a plug. A 5-minute quick charge gets you an hour of playtime, which is handy if you’re in a rush. The app pings you when the case dips below 30%, too.

Some folks have reported battery drain issues, like one bud dying fast, but that’s not a universal thing and might depend on firmware or usage. For most, it’s enough juice for a long day out.

Talking with the Mic: Clear or Clunky?

The microphone’s fine for calls in quiet spots. Voices come through clear enough, thanks to Sony’s Voice Pickup tech and a noise-reduction algorithm trained on tons of voice samples. In noisier places, like a busy street, it struggles. Background sounds can drown you out, and the noise gate sometimes cuts speech too aggressively. It’s not the best for loud environments, but it’ll do for a quick chat at home.

The App: Worth Downloading?

The Sony Headphones Connect app (available for iOS and Android) is a must. It’s where you:

• Update firmware

• Check battery levels

• Adjust EQ settings

• Remap controls

• Set up 360 Reality Audio or AR gaming like “Ingress”

• Toggle extras like Speak-to-Chat (pauses music when you talk) or multipoint pairing

It’s user-friendly and adds a lot of flexibility, making the earbuds feel more personal. You can even prioritize connection stability over sound quality if dropouts bug you.

Going Green: The Eco Angle

Sony’s leaned into sustainability with the LinkBuds S. They’re made from recycled plastic, like old car parts, and the Earth Blue version mixes in repurposed water bottle material for a marbled look. The packaging skips plastic entirely, and Sony’s donated $500,000 from LinkBuds S sales (part of a $1 million pledge in 2022–2023) to Conservation International for ocean protection. It’s a small step, but it’s there.

Who’s This For?

The LinkBuds S suit anyone after a dependable pair of earbuds. Gym-goers will like the secure fit and water resistance, commuters will appreciate the ANC, and music fans can tweak the sound to their taste. They’re not as flashy as Sony’s WF-1000XM5 or as seamless for iPhone users as AirPods Pro, but at $119, they hold their own.

The Nitty-Gritty: Pros and Cons

What Works

• Lightweight and comfy for long wear

• Solid noise canceling for low-end sounds

• Customizable sound via the app

• Multipoint pairing and strong Bluetooth range

• Decent battery with quick charging

What Doesn’t

• Treble’s underplayed out of the box

• Mic falters in noisy spots

• Touch controls can be finicky

• Dirt sticks to the finish

• No wireless charging for the case

Sleep-Ready Option Besides Sony’s Buds

Ozlo Sleepbuds®

An amazingly restful and peaceful sleep every night, free from distractions and noise, is the greatest gift you can give!

What are Ozlo Sleepbuds?

Ozlo is a science-driven, one-stop-shop for the best sleep of your life. Unlike other headphones and earbuds, our tiny Sleepbuds® are engineered to be super comfy, even for side sleepers, while blocking out sleep-disrupting sounds.
Sleepbuds® play audio for up to ten hours, letting you enjoy our noise-masking tracks or stream anything you like, including audiobooks, podcasts, white noise, and YouTube.

The Ozlo Difference

At Ozlo, we're dedicated to helping you achieve the best sleep possible through innovative audio solutions. Our company, founded by three former Bose engineers, focuses on creating products that not only help you fall asleep, but stay asleep throughout the night.

Ozlo Sleepbuds® simply don’t feel like other earbuds. Sleepbuds stay in place even when you toss and turn. The tiny earbuds, with their comfortable silicone tips and anchor-in-place wings, are designed for all-night comfort, no matter your sleeping position. Sleep on your back, side, or whatever works for you, and Ozlo Sleepbuds® will remain in place throughout the night.

Key Highlights

• Founded by three former Bose engineers with extensive experience in audio tech
• Sleepbuds® actively mask unwanted sounds like snoring, traffic, and environmental noises with calming, science-backed audio.
• Ultra-soft silicone tips designed to support every sleeping position, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
• Up to 10 hours of continuous use with extra charges from the Smart Case.
• Built-in biometric and environmental sensors offering personalized sleep reports
• Personal alarm gently wakes you without disturbing your partner

Learn More

Conclusion

So, what’s the final word on the Sony LinkBuds S? They’re a solid pick for anyone who wants earbuds that can keep up with a busy day without making a big fuss. They’re light, comfy, and do a decent job of quieting down low rumbles like traffic or plane noise, all while letting you tweak the sound to fit your vibe. Sure, they’ve got some quirks, like touch controls that take a bit of patience or a mic that’s not great in loud spots, but for most people, they’ll get the job done whether it’s a workout, a commute, or just kicking back with some tunes. At $119, they’re not the flashiest out there, but they don’t need to be, they’re reliable and that counts for a lot.

For folks who want something made for nighttime tunes, the Ozlo Sleepbuds bring a fresh take. Built by ex-Bose engineers, these tiny buds stay comfy all night and play audio to cover up sounds like snoring or street noise for hours. The LinkBuds S are more of an all-day companion, while the Ozlo option zeros in on making bedtime better, giving you a choice depending on what you’re after.

FAQs