Explore Sony LinkBuds S Wireless Earbuds Review: Superior Noise Cancellation and Comfort!

Description

Design & Build Quality

The Sony LinkBuds S WFLS900N/B are impressively lightweight and compact. Holding the case in my hand, I found its texture a bit unusual—it has a slightly grainy feel due to its eco-friendly recycled materials. While it’s a commendable effort from Sony, sliding it into tight pockets wasn’t as smooth as I would have liked. The earbuds themselves look sleek and modern, fitting snugly in my ears without protruding awkwardly. My coworker, who has slightly smaller ears, also tried them and appreciated their ergonomic design. However, she did mention that prolonged use caused a bit of discomfort.

Sound Quality & Performance

I have to say, the sound profile of these earbuds is balanced and delightful. They manage to deliver rich bass without overwhelming the other frequencies, making them a treat for playlists heavy on vocals or intricate instrumentals. The integrated Processor V1 certainly pulls its weight here. I tested them with a variety of genres—from bass-heavy electronic tracks to classical symphonies—and they didn’t disappoint. My teenage nephew, a bass enthusiast, gave them a thumbs-up after trying some hip-hop tracks. However, audiophiles who lean towards brighter treble might find the high frequencies slightly subdued.

Fit & Comfort

Sliding the earbuds into my ears was easy, and they stayed put even when I went for a brisk walk. I rotated them slightly, as per Sony’s instructions, for a secure fit. That said, their compact size made them a bit tricky to handle without accidentally triggering the touch-sensitive controls. My partner, who uses earbuds while jogging, was impressed with how snug they felt during her workout. For side-sleepers, these earbuds are a dream—discreet and unobtrusive, making them comfortable for some late-night podcasts or white noise.

Noise Cancellation & Ambient Mode

The active noise cancellation (ANC) technology is fantastic. I tested it during a noisy commute, and it effectively blocked out the hum of the bus engine and chatter around me. Switching to ambient mode was a breeze with a simple tap on the left earbud, which came in handy when ordering coffee. However, I noticed a faint hiss in ambient mode that might irk sensitive users. My colleague, who often works in bustling cafes, found the ANC impressive but agreed the ambient mode could be slightly better refined.

Battery Life & Charging

Sony promises six hours of battery life with ANC, extending to 20 hours with the charging case. In real-world use, I got about 5 hours with ANC and a mix of music and calls. The quick-charge feature is a lifesaver—just five minutes of charging provided roughly an hour of playback. However, the absence of wireless charging feels like a missed opportunity in this price range. My sister, a frequent traveler, wished the battery life was a tad longer for long flights.

Features

The smart sound features, which adapt based on your activity, are hit or miss. While the Speak-to-Chat function worked well in quiet settings, it sometimes activated mistakenly when I hummed along to a song. The touch controls are customizable via the app, allowing me to assign specific functions to each earbud. I also appreciated the ability to connect two devices simultaneously, although switching between them wasn’t always seamless. My friend, who uses Spotify’s 360 Reality Audio, found the immersive experience impressive.

Durability & Water Resistance

With an IPX4 rating, these earbuds are resistant to sweat and light splashes. I didn’t have any issues during a light drizzle or an intense gym session. However, I wouldn’t risk using them in heavy rain. My gym buddy, who sweats profusely, reported no hiccups with their performance.

Warranty

Sony offers a standard one-year warranty, which is reassuring but not exceptional. Registering the product online was straightforward, and their customer service was responsive when I had a minor query about firmware updates.

Perks

• Rich, balanced sound with satisfying bass.
• Compact, lightweight design suitable for prolonged wear.
• Effective noise cancellation rivaling pricier models.
• Quick-charging capability for on-the-go users.

Caveats

• Ambient mode produces a faint hiss.
• No wireless charging option.
• Touch controls can be accidentally triggered due to their small size.
• Smart sound features may not always work as intended.

Peer Products

Comparing the LinkBuds S to the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, the former excels in comfort and noise cancellation. However, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offer slightly better integration with Android devices and a more seamless app experience. On the other hand, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 provide superior ease of use for iPhone users but lack the bass-heavy output that the LinkBuds S bring to the table. Meanwhile, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II outperform them in ANC but are bulkier.

Cost Efficiency

For their price, the Sony LinkBuds S deliver solid value. They strike a commendable balance between sound quality, comfort, and advanced features. While there are minor drawbacks, the overall experience feels worth the investment, especially for those seeking premium noise cancellation and a lightweight design.

Additional information