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We've recently released our Test Bench 1.8 update for Headphones! Read the R&D Article to learn more.

Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Headphones Review

Tested using Methodology v1.7
Review updated Oct 10, 2023 at 12:41 pm
Latest change: Writing modified Jul 24, 2024 at 11:02 am
Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Picture
7.2
Neutral Sound
8.1
Commute/Travel
8.2
Sports/Fitness
7.4
Office
5.7
Wireless Gaming
5.5
Wired Gaming
6.5
Phone Calls

The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are the upgraded variant of the Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless. While the original LinkBuds have an open-ear design so that you can easily hear ambient sound without removing the buds or turning down your audio, the S model are closed-ear and are closer to traditional earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless. They have an active noise cancelling (ANC) system to help block out ambient sound. Their build is also quite similar in look to the XM4 but is mostly made from recycled plastic, making them lighter and more comfortable. While not a 180-degree difference, Sony has also inched away from the trend of favoring an overly bassy, boomy sound profile.

Our Verdict

7.2 Neutral Sound

The Sony LinkBuds S are satisfactory for neutral sound. Their default sound is warm with a neutral mid-range to ensure that vocals and instruments sound clear and present in your audio. Although they lack a thumpy low-bass, you can finetune their sound to your liking using the graphic EQ and presets found in their companion app. Keep in mind that they're in-ears, and as a result, their passive soundstage won't feel very spacious, wide, or immersive.

Pros
  • Customizable via companion app's graphic EQ and presets.
Cons
  • Bad passive soundstage.
8.1 Commute/Travel

The Sony LinkBuds S are great for commute and travel. These lightweight and portable buds have an ANC system to help block out rumbly bus and plane engines around you. With their ANC on, they last over seven hours continuously, and if you need to top them up, their carrying case holds an additional 2.3 charges. They have a comfortable fit, so you can wear them for long periods without fatigue.

Pros
  • Comfortable, stable, and well-built design.
  • Great overall noise isolation, thanks to ANC system.
Cons
  • Bad passive soundstage.
8.2 Sports/Fitness

The Sony LinkBuds S are great for sports and fitness. These lightweight buds have a comfortable and stable fit and are very portable, making them a solid choice for running or working out. They're also well-built and are certified IPX4 for resistance against water splashes. On the downside, they lack volume controls by default, but you can always remap them via their companion app.

Pros
  • Comfortable, stable, and well-built design.
  • IPX4 water resistance.
Cons
  • Bad passive soundstage.
7.4 Office

The Sony LinkBuds S are decent for office use. These buds have a comfortable fit and have an ANC system that can reduce noise like office chit-chat and the hum of AC units so that you can focus on your work. They also don't leak much audio at high volumes. While their over seven hours of continuous playback time may not last through your entire work day, their carrying case supplies an additional 2.3 charges, which is handy in a pinch.

Pros
  • Comfortable, stable, and well-built design.
  • Great overall noise isolation, thanks to ANC system.
  • Supports multi-device pairing.
Cons
  • Bad passive soundstage.
5.7 Wireless Gaming

The Sony LinkBuds S are Bluetooth headphones; their latency is too high for wireless gaming on PCs.

5.5 Wired Gaming

The Sony LinkBuds S are Bluetooth-only headphones; you can't use them wired.

6.5 Phone Calls

The Sony LinkBuds S are just okay for phone calls. These buds have an integrated mic, but it has trouble separating your voice from background noise, and your voice can be completely drowned out. Recorded speech also sounds thin and distorted, though you won't have too much of an issue being heard clearly. On the upside, they have an ANC system that does a great overall job blocking background noise, meaning you can focus on your call.

Pros
  • Great overall noise isolation, thanks to ANC system.
  • Supports multi-device pairing.
Cons
  • Bad passive soundstage.
  • Sub-par overall microphone performance.
  • 7.2 Neutral Sound
  • 8.1 Commute/Travel
  • 8.2 Sports/Fitness
  • 7.4 Office
  • 5.7 Wireless Gaming
  • 5.5 Wired Gaming
  • 6.5 Phone Calls
  1. Updated Jul 24, 2024: We mentioned the Beats Solo Buds True Wireless in the App Support section.
  2. Updated May 13, 2024: We've updated the Sound Profile box in this review to note that we've retested these headphones due to reports online of them making crackling or popping sounds while on audio calls. We encountered no such issues during the retest.
  3. Updated Apr 04, 2024: We've retested ANC Wind Handling with updated methodology.
  4. Updated Apr 04, 2024: The following test groups have been updated following Test Bench 1.7: Noise Isolation - Full Range, Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios, and ANC Wind Handling. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.
  5. Updated Apr 04, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.7, which updates our Noise Isolation test. We've also expanded the scope of this test to include Common Scenarios in addition to Voice Handling and Wind Handling.
  6. Updated Jan 17, 2024: The following test group has been updated following TB 1.6:Bluetooth Connection. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.
  7. Updated Jan 17, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.6 , which updates how we measure latency. We've updated and renamed the following test groups: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). We've also added new codec latency measurements and provided an audio sample of recorded latency.
  8. Updated Oct 10, 2023: We've made minor updates to this review's text to improve its accuracy and clarity.
  9. Updated May 16, 2023: We've decided to lower Noise Handling from '7.5' to '6.5' to better reflect the microphone's capabilities.
  10. Updated May 03, 2023: Added a comparison to the Nothing Ear (2) Truly Wireless in the Casebox.
  11. Updated Mar 13, 2023: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 Truly Wireless in Base/Dock.
  12. Updated Dec 22, 2022: We have retested Noise Isolationusing medium ear tips instead of small ear tips and the scoring of this test has changed. We have also updated these buds to firmware 2.0.2, which added multi-device support. We have updated our Bluetooth results, but this firmware hasn't changed any other results.
  13. Updated Dec 02, 2022: We've clarified the Continuous Battery Life results in Battery. We've also added a mention of LDAC codec in Bluetooth.
  14. Updated Oct 14, 2022: Review published.
  15. Updated Oct 05, 2022: Early access published.
  16. Updated Sep 28, 2022: Our testers have started testing this product.
  17. Updated Aug 26, 2022: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  18. Updated Aug 22, 2022: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Sony LinkBuds S come in the following color variants: 'Black,' 'White,' 'Desert Sand,' and 'Earth Blue.' We tested the 'Black' variant; you can see our model's label here. These headphones can also be found in a limited-edition two-toned 'Violet' colorway made in collaboration with the singer Olivia Rodrigo. This model comes with two custom EQ presets that are designed for listening to her albums, 'GUTS' and 'SOUR.'

If you encounter another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Headphones

The Sony LinkBuds S are the upgraded variant of the Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless. Unlike their counterpart, they have a closed-back design and have an ANC system. In this regard, they're closer in performance to the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless and even outperform them when it comes to noise isolation. They're also more comfortable, lightweight, and are even tuned differently, which makes their sound more balanced, although they aren't as neutral as the Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless.

Check out our recommendations for the best noise cancelling earbuds, the best earbuds and in-ear headphones, and the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds.

Sony WF-C700N Truly Wireless

The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are better than the Sony WF-C700N Truly Wireless. The LinkBuds S' ANC does better to cut out low-frequency noise, like a passing truck or loud bus engine. They're also more comfortable since their touch controls don't require as much pressure to activate them, unlike the WF-C700N's physical buttons, which can create a plunging feeling in your ear canal. While both buds last around the same time on a single charge, the LinkBuds S have just over double the extra charges in their carrying case. The WF-C700N have a deeper bass extension by default, so genres like hip-hop and EDM have more thump and rumble to please your ears. Both headphones' mixes can be changed via the companion app's graphic EQ and presets.

Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless

The Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless are somewhat better in-ears than the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless. While both buds are comfortable and well-built, the WF-1000XM5 can block out more ambient noise, although this is largely due to their memory foam ear tips creating a tight seal within your ear. Their battery performance is better, too. That said, the LinkBuds S' mic has a better recording quality.

Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless

The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless have a slight edge over the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless. The LinkBuds S are more comfortable, thanks to their smaller, more lightweight design. Their sound profile is more neutral, which some users may prefer, and their ANC can block out significantly more ambient sound. However, the WF-1000XM4 are better built, and they have better overall battery life.

Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless

The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are the upgraded variant of the Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless. Both are designed for different purposes, meaning you may prefer one over the other. The original LinkBuds are open-ear, allowing you to easily monitor your surroundings without removing the buds. However, that means they won't block sound, and they leak audio. However, the S model are in-ears with ANC. They're able to block out a great amount of ambient noise. They're more comfortable, stable, and have a more neutral and flat sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have longer continuous battery life.

Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless

While the Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless and the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are similar in-ears, the Sony are better in a few respects. First, the Sony's ANC does a better job blocking out the sound of nearby conversations and AC hum. Second, they have a more balanced sound out of the box, while the Beats can be a little harsh. Third, their companion app has a graphic EQ and presets for customizing your sound. On the other hand, the Beats have a better mic.

Beats Fit Pro True Wireless

The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are slightly better in-ears than the Beats Fit Pro True Wireless. While both headphones are well-built, the Sony are more comfortable and can block out a bit more ambient sound, thanks to their ANC system. Their continuous battery life is also longer-lasting. Their sound is also customizable. However, the Beats have a more stable in-ear fit, and their sound profile is more neutral, which some users may prefer. They also have an H1 chip, so you can seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices.

OnePlus Buds Pro 2 Truly Wireless

The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are slightly better in-ears than the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 Truly Wireless. While both buds are comfortable, well-built, and support multi-device pairing, the Sony have a significantly better noise isolation performance and a longer continuous battery life. That said, the OnePlus have a stem design, which some users may prefer.

Nothing Ear (2) Truly Wireless

The Sony Linkbuds S Truly Wireless have the edge over the Nothing Ear (2) Truly Wireless. The Sony have better-performing ANC and lower audio leakage at high volumes. They also last longer on a single charge than the Nothing, meaning you can use them for longer trips and commutes without needing a recharge. However, the Nothing have a better mic that can better separate your voice from louder background noise. Their case also supports wireless charging.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Truly Wireless

The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are slightly better in-ears than the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Truly Wireless. While both earbuds are comfortable and well-built, the Sony headphones have a significantly better noise isolation performance, a longer-lasting continuous battery life, and more robust sound customization features via their companion app. However, the Samsung headphones have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer.

Beats Solo Buds True Wireless

The Beats Solo Buds True Wireless and the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are similar in-ears, but the Sony are better in a few ways. First, the Sony offer a more balanced sound profile out of the box, in contrast to the slightly honky sound of the Beats. Second, the Sony have active noise cancellation (ANC), which does a great job blocking out ambient conversations and engine rumble. Finally, the Sony's companion app includes a graphic equalizer and presets to customize your audio experience. On the other hand, the Beats boast superior continuous battery life but lose out on extra charges from the case.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic

At first glance, these buds look nearly identical to the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless. However, they're made of recycled plastic, which gives them a different finish. They also have a single colorway and lack any accent colors. They come in a couple of different colors if you prefer to match them to your style: 'Black', 'White', 'Desert Sand', and 'Earth Blue'. There's also a limited-edition two-toned 'Violet' model with marble detailing. This model is produced in collaboration with the singer Olivia Rodrigo.

7.5
Design
Comfort
Weight 0.02 lbs
Clamping Force
0 lbs

The Sony LinkBuds S have a comfortable fit. Although they're similar in look to the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless, they have a smaller and lighter design that puts less pressure on the ear, depending on their shape. They don't have an especially deep in-ear fit, and many options exist to find the best seal.

7.6
Design
Controls
OS Compatibility
Not OS specific
Ease Of Use Good
Feedback Decent
Call/Music Control Yes
Volume Control Yes
Microphone Control No
Channel Mixing
No
Noise Cancelling Control On/Off
Talk-Through
On/Off
Additional Controls Voice Assistant

These buds have good controls. They have the same control scheme on their touch-sensitive surface as the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless. There are beeps as feedback to let you know when you've registered a command. However, there aren't volume controls by default. While you can remap their control scheme to add this feature, you will lose either ANC or playback controls. In addition, the touch controls are very sensitive, and if you need to adjust the buds in your ears, you can accidentally register commands.

On the left earbud:

  • Single tap: Cycles between ANC mode and talk-through mode. This function can be customized in the app so that it also allows you to turn these features off.
  • Press and hold: Activates 'Quick Attention' as long as you have your finger on the earbud. Turns down your audio and allows you to hear ambient sound.

On the right earbud:

  • Single tap: Plays and pauses audio.
  • Double tap: Skips the track forward.
  • Triple tap: Skips the track backward.

On the either earbud:

  • Double tap: Answers and ends a call.
  • Press and hold: Rejects an incoming call.

9.5
Design
Portability
L 1.2" (3.1 cm)
W 1.0" (2.6 cm)
H 0.9" (2.4 cm)
Volume 1.18 in³ (19.30 cm³)
Transmitter Required No

Like most in-ears, these buds are portable. You can put them into most pockets and bags without a problem, even if they're stashed in their carrying case.

7.5
Design
Case
Type Hard case
L 2.4" (6.0 cm)
W 1.7" (4.3 cm)
H 1.1" (2.7 cm)
Volume 4.25 in³ (69.70 cm³)

The carrying case is good. It's small, made with a matte plastic finish, and has a light in the middle of the case to let you know the battery status. There's also an indented pairing button at the back of the case. Unfortunately, like that of the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless, the lid feels a bit flimsy. Unlike the Nothing Ear (2) Truly Wireless, this case doesn't support wireless charging.

7.5
Design
Build Quality

These buds have a good build quality. They're mostly made of recycled plastic and are certified IPX4 for resistance against water splashes. However, they don't feel as sturdy as the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless. The plastic can also retain fingerprints if you have oily skin.

7.5
Design
Stability

They have a stable design. Once you find the right fit, they won't move around in your ears or fall out. However, you may still need to reposition them over long periods if you find that they're popping out.

Design
Headshots 1
Design
Headshots 2
Design
Top
Design
In The Box

  • Sony LinkBuds S earbuds
  • 4x tip sizes
  • Charging case
  • USB-C to USB-A charging cable
  • Manuals

Sound
Sound
Sound Profile
Bass Amount
-1.1 dB
Treble Amount
-1.7 dB

These buds have a warm sound profile. Thanks to their flatter, more neutral mid and treble ranges, they sound much more balanced than the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless. Although they lack a bit of thump and rumble, vocals and instruments are present and clear in mixes. Sibilants like cymbals lose their edge due to their rolled-off treble, but overall, their sound is comfy without bloated vocals and instruments. You can customize their sound to your liking using the companion app's graphic EQ and presets, though.

If you have the 'Violet' model, which is produced in collaboration with singer Olivia Rodrigo, you'll also have access to two custom EQs specifically designed for her two albums.

Some users online have reported that these buds make crackling or popping noises while in audio calls. We conducted a retest to try to make these noises appear but noticed no such sounds. Other users online have suggested cleaning their earbuds, so it's worth trying if you encounter the same issue.

9.1
Sound
Frequency Response Consistency
Avg. Std. Deviation
0.19 dB

These buds have fantastic frequency response consistency. Once you get a good fit and seal, you'll receive consistent bass and treble delivery each time you use them.

Sound
Raw Frequency Response
8.4
Sound
Bass Accuracy
Std. Err.
2.06 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
55.76 Hz
Low-Bass
-3.9 dB
Mid-Bass
-1.55 dB
High-Bass
0.24 dB

The Sony LinkBuds S have great bass accuracy. They have an underemphasized low-bass, so mixes lack thump and rumble, but it's not as weak or lacking as the Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless. Still, songs with a prominent kick drum like bad idea right? by Olivia Rodrigo sound a bit empty. The mid-bass is also a little underemphasized, but the high-bass is very neutral and flat, so mixes are warm without being boomy.

8.6
Sound
Mid Accuracy
Std. Err.
1.9 dB
Low-Mid
-1.18 dB
Mid-Mid
-2.42 dB
High-Mid
-0.01 dB

The Sony LinkBuds S' mid accuracy is excellent. The range is fairly neutral, so vocals and lead instruments sound clear and detailed. Although there's a dip in the mid-mid, which nudges vocals and lead instruments to the back of your mix, it's fairly minor.

7.9
Sound
Treble Accuracy
Std. Err.
3.16 dB
Low-Treble
-2.95 dB
Mid-Treble
-3.08 dB
High-Treble
-6.79 dB

Their treble accuracy is fair. The response is underemphasized across the range, so vocals and lead instruments are veiled and dark. Sibilants like hi-hats are also dull and lispy.

8.4
Sound
Peaks/Dips
Peaks
1.12 dB
Dips
0.8 dB

Their peaks and dips performance is great, which indicates that, for the most part, the headphones can control their sound profile well. There's a small bump in the high-bass, which adds warmth to your audio. A dip in the mid-mid affects the right driver, pushing vocals and instruments to the back of the mix. A peak in the high-mid affects both drivers and makes vocals and lead instruments sound a bit harsh, though higher-pitched sounds are a bit dulled by the slight dip in the low-treble. A peak in the mid-treble also makes sibilants like cymbals a bit piercing.

8.6
Sound
Imaging
Weighted Group Delay
0.1
Weighted Phase Mismatch
2.83
Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
1.66
Weighted Frequency Mismatch
1.11

Their imaging performance is outstanding. Sony tends to have good quality control when it comes to ensuring that their drivers match, especially when the product is high-end. That said, imaging can still vary between units. However, our unit's L/R drivers are well-matched in group delay, phase response, amplitude, and frequency response, which is important for accurately placing and localizing objects like instruments in the stereo image.

0.5
Sound
Passive Soundstage
PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.)
N/A
PRTF Size (Avg.)
N/A
PRTF Distance
N/A
Openness
1.4
Acoustic Space Excitation
0.8

These buds have a bad passive soundstage, but that's normal for closed-back in-ear headphones. They bypass your outer ear by design. However, the outer ear needs to be activated by sound resonances to create a more immersive sound. As a result, sound seems like it's coming from inside your head rather than from speakers placed in the room around you. Their soundstage doesn't feel very open or immersive either.

4.1
Sound
Virtual Soundstage
Head Modeling
On/Off
Speaker Modeling
On/Off
Room Ambience
No
Head Tracking
No
Virtual Surround
360 Reality Audio

Like the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless, the Sony LinkBuds S are compatible with Sony 360 Reality Audio. To use this feature, you must be subscribed to compatible services like Tidal or Artist Connection. When on, it can help create a more immersive experience, especially with songs like Pink Floyd's Money, which have sound objects that move between the L/R drivers.

7.6
Sound
Weighted Harmonic Distortion
WHD @ 90
0.378
WHD @ 100
0.130

The weighted harmonic distortion performance is good. There are a couple of small peaks in the treble range at normal listening volumes, but this can be very hard to hear with real-life content unless you're an astute audiophile. The rest of the frequencies fall within good limits, resulting in clean and pure audio reproduction.

Sound
Test Settings
Firmware
1.1.0
Power
On
Connection
Bluetooth 5.0
Codec
LDAC, 32-bit, 48kHz
EQ
Off
ANC
On
Tip/Pad
Silicone (medium)
Microphone
Integrated

These are the settings used to test the Sony LinkBuds S. Our results are only valid when used with these settings.

Isolation
8.5
Isolation
Noise Isolation - Full Range
Noise Cancelling Yes
Overall Attenuation
-22.18 dB
Bass
-14.69 dB
Mid
-24.27 dB
Treble
-28.97 dB

These buds have an excellent noise isolation performance. Unlike their open-ear counterpart, the Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless, they're noise cancelling (ANC) and can reduce quite a bit of ambient sound around you. They can even block out more noise than the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless. They can reduce bass range noise like bus and plane engine rumbles. They can also cut down mid range sounds like ambient chatter and the high-pitched hum of AC units.

While we originally tested these buds using the small ear tips, we achieved a better seal by using the medium ear tips, improving their noise isolation performance. However, remember that in real-life use, you'll also experience excellent noise isolation once you get a good fit.

8.1
Isolation
Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios
Airplane Noise Attenuation
-18.56 dB
Airplane Noise Isolation Audio
Office Noise Attenuation
-18.56 dB
Office Noise Isolation Audio
Street Noise Attenuation
-21.04 dB
Street Noise Isolation Audio

These buds also have a great noise isolation performance when it comes to blocking out more dynamic sounds you'll encounter in your everyday life. They can isolate you from the sounds of busy offices and noisy streets. The rumbles of plane cabins are also reduced, too.

Isolation
Noise Isolation - Voice Handling
Female Voice 1
Male Voice 1
Female Voice 2
Male Voice 2
Isolation
ANC Wind Handling
ANC Wind Noise

As wind directly interacts with the ANC's microphones, the ANC system creates undesired noise to counter it, even though the sound itself doesn't reach your ears. Unfortunately, these buds don't have a wind reduction feature, so if you're in a windy environment, you'll experience this noise, which can be loud and annoying.

9.3
Isolation
Leakage
Leakage Audio
Overall Leakage @ 1ft
25.17 dB

These buds have an outstanding leakage performance. Audio bleed is spread across the range but is very hard to hear, even in moderately quiet environments. You won't disturb others around you if you like to listen to audio at high volumes.

Microphone
Microphone
Microphone Style
Integrated
Yes
In-Line
No
Boom
No
Detachable Boom
No
Mic Yes
5.4
Microphone
Recording Quality
Recorded Speech
LFE
257.68 Hz
FR Std. Dev.
4.44 dB
HFE
7,896.12 Hz
Weighted THD
1,274.475
Gain
-46.22 dB

The noise gate was an issue for testing the integrated mic's recording quality. This feature is supposed to automatically reduce ambient sound at a set threshold so that the mic can cut out unwanted background noise when you're not talking. However, this mic's noise gate cuts down almost all noise, including the pink noise we use during testing. It also takes a few seconds to adjust to sound, which caused issues with our measurements. As a result, in addition to the recording provided, we also made a recording using a Samsung S10e phone, which you can listen to here. There's distortion present in speech, especially when compared to the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless. Your voice also sounds thin, but luckily, it's still clear and followable.

6.3
Microphone
Noise Handling
SpNR
31.81 dB
Noise Gate
Always On
Speech + Pink Noise Handling
6.5
Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample
Speech + Subway Noise Handling
6.0
Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample

The microphone's noise handling performance is mediocre. The noise gate takes a few seconds to kick in, but it helps the mic separate your voice from moderate background noise. Unfortunately, the noise gate also causes a decline in speech quality. In addition to the included recordings, we also made Pink Noise and Subway Noise recordings using our Samsung S10e phone. When there are loud sounds, like a train passing, the mic completely cuts out your voice, as well as the subway noise. Taking important calls from a quiet environment is best to avoid having your voice completely drowned out.

Active Features
7.3
Active Features
Battery
Battery Type
Rechargable
Continuous Battery Life
7.1 hrs
Additional Charges
2.3
Total Battery Life
23.4 hrs
Charge Time
1.7 hrs
Power-Saving Feature
Auto-Off Timer
Audio While Charging
Yes
Passive Playback
No
Charging Port USB-C

The Sony LinkBuds S' battery performance is decent. The manufacturer advertises them to last six hours continuously when using the default SBC codec, which is longer than the 5.5 hours the manufacturer advertises for the original Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless. However, we measured over seven hours from the S model when using SBC, which will last long days on the go. If you switch to LDAC, the battery will drain quicker, and Sony advertises roughly 3.5-4.5 hours of playback when using this codec. Keep in mind that battery life can vary depending on use, though. Their carrying case supplies roughly 2.3 additional charges if you need a top-up, and they have a quick-charge feature that supplies an hour of playtime after five minutes of charging.

8.0
Active Features
App Support
App Name Sony| Headphones Connect
iOS Yes
Android Yes
macOS No
Windows No
Equalizer
Graphic + Presets
ANC Control
On/Off
Mic Control No
Room Effects
No
Playback Control
Yes
Button Mapping Yes
Surround Support
Yes

The Sony | Headphones Connect is great. Unlike the Beats Solo Buds True Wireless, this app lets you access a graphic EQ and presets as well as their virtual soundstage feature to help you customize their sound. In addition, there's a 'Spatial Sound Optimization' feature, which measures the optimal angle of the headphones in your ear for spatial audio, as well as quick access to certain features like Spotify or even connect to Ingress Prime, which is a mobile augmented reality (AR) game. You can also turn Speak-to-Chat, auto-off, and smart-pause on and off. After updating the headphones to firmware 2.0.2, you can toggle multi-device pairing on and off.

Connectivity
0
Connectivity
Wired Connection
Analog Audio
No
USB Audio
No
Detachable
No
Length
N/A
Connector
No Wired Option
Latency - Analog
N/A
Latency - USB
N/A
Recorded Latency
N/A
Recorded Latency Connection No Wired Audio

These headphones come with a USB-C to USB-A, but this is only for charging their carrying case, so you can't use it to receive audio.

7.9
Connectivity
Bluetooth Connection
Bluetooth Version
5.2
Multi-Device Pairing
2 Devices
Quick Pair (Android)
Yes
Quick Pair (iOS)
No
Line Of Sight Range
233.92 ft (71.30 m)
Latency - SBC
304 ms
Latency - aptX
N/A
Latency - aptX Adaptive (High Quality)
N/A
Latency - aptX Adaptive (Low Latency)
N/A
Latency - LDAC
255 ms
Recorded Latency
Recorded Latency Codec LDAC
AAC Support
Yes

The Sony LinkBuds S have very good Bluetooth connectivity. With firmware 2.0.2, these buds support multi-device pairing, so you can connect them to your PC and smartphone simultaneously. They also have Fast Pair, letting you quickly pair Bluetooth devices together. That said, they have high latency on PCs via the default SBC codec, so your audio and visuals will be out of sync.

If you like to stream higher-quality audio, these buds support LDAC, which is Sony's proprietary codec for Hi-Res audio. LDAC isn't ideal for streaming video and can cause high lip-sync issues. However, it won't be an issue if you're only listening to audio. Some devices and apps compensate for latency, too.

0
Connectivity
Wireless Connection (Dongle)
Line Of Sight Range
N/A
Latency - Dongle
N/A
Recorded Latency
N/A
Connectivity
PC Compatibility
Analog
No
Wired USB
No
Non-BT Wireless
No

The Sony LinkBuds S are fully compatible with Bluetooth-enabled PCs. However, you can't connect them to your PC in any other way.

Connectivity
PlayStation Compatibility
PS4 Analog
No
PS4 Wired USB
No
PS4 Non-BT Wireless
No
PS5 Analog
No
PS5 Wired USB
No
PS5 Non-BT Wireless
No
Connectivity
Xbox Compatibility
Xbox One Analog
No
Xbox One Wired USB
No
Xbox One Non-BT Wireless
No
Xbox Series X|S Analog
No
Xbox Series X|S Wired USB
No
Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless
No
2.2
Connectivity
Base/Dock
Type
Charging Case
USB Input
No
Line In
No
Line Out
No
Optical Input
No
RCA Input
No
Dock Charging
Yes
Power Supply
USB-C

The Sony LinkBuds S come with a carrying case that supplies 2.3 extra charges. It has a USB-C port for recharging the case. However, unlike the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 Truly Wireless' carrying case, it doesn't support wireless charging.