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
The Sony LinkBuds S are very good for sports and fitness. These lightweight buds offer a comfortable and stable fit, making them very portable, and are a solid choice for running or working out. They're also well-built and are certified IPX4 for resistance against water splashes. Unfortunately, they lack volume controls by default, but you can always remap them via their companion app.
- Customizable via companion app's graphic EQ and presets.
- Comfortable, stable, and well-built design.
- IPX4 water resistance.
Battery drains faster with LDAC codec.
Minimal mic controls.
The Sony LinkBuds S are great for commuting 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. That said, if you use the LDAC codec, their battery life is decreased. They have a comfortable fit, allowing you to wear them for extended periods without fatigue.
- Customizable via companion app's graphic EQ and presets.
- Comfortable, stable, and well-built design.
- Great overall noise isolation, thanks to ANC system.
Battery drains faster with LDAC codec.
Minimal mic controls.
The Sony LinkBuds S are decent for office use. These buds have a comfortable fit and feature an ANC system that can reduce noise, such as office chatter and the hum of AC units, allowing you to 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.
- Customizable via companion app's graphic EQ and presets.
- Great overall noise isolation, thanks to ANC system.
- Supports multi-device pairing.
Battery drains faster with LDAC codec.
- Sub-par overall microphone performance.
Minimal mic controls.
The Sony LinkBuds S are Bluetooth headphones; their latency is too high for wireless gaming on PCs.
The Sony LinkBuds S are Bluetooth-only headphones; you can't use them wired.
The Sony LinkBuds S have good audio reproduction accuracy. They don't deviate much from their warm sound profile, which offers smooth, controlled bass and a warm, recessed treble. Many listeners will appreciate this slightly vintage tonality, but you can always use the EQ in the companion app to add some brightness back in. The left and right drivers are well-matched, so objects are correctly located in the stereo field, distortion is inaudible, and there are no group delay issues.
The Sony LinkBuds S have impressive noise isolation. They do a great job blocking out sounds across the whole frequency range. Isolation in the bass range could be stronger, but they still handily reduce the rumbles of bus engines, and they do a good job blocking out the sounds of chatty coworkers in an office. They also leak very little noise, so you can listen at loud levels without disturbing those around you.
The Sony LinkBuds S have a subpar microphone. It makes your voice sound a little thin and harsh, although the peaks in the treble region ensure your voice remains audible. The mic also comes with a fairly aggressive noise gate that helps reduce background noise around you. Unfortunately, it's a little over-eager, so it can also cut out your voice, especially when exposed to loud sounds, such as a passing train. You'll want to use these headphones in a quiet environment if you plan on taking a phone call.
The Sony LinkBuds S have great frequency response consistency. Once you get a good seal with your ear canal, you'll hear consistent audio with every wear.
Performance Usages
Changelog
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Updated Jan 08, 2026:
This review has been updated to Test Bench 2.0, which adds the following tests: Stereo Mismatch, Group Delay, Cumulative Spectral Decay, PRTF, Harmonic Distortion, and Electrical Aspects. We've added new performance usages and updated the text throughout the Sound tests and side-by-sides.
- Updated Dec 15, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 2.0, which updates our sound tests and adds performance usages. You can read more about this in our changelog.
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Updated Dec 18, 2024:
Several Sound tests have been updated following Test Bench 1.8. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.
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Updated Dec 13, 2024:
We've edited the review to mention a user-reported battery drainage issue.
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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. 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 comments, and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
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 in terms of noise isolation. They're also more comfortable, lightweight, and are even tuned differently. However, they're not quite as premium-feeling, and they lack the memory foam ear tips of the WF-1000XM4.
Check out our recommendations for the best noise cancelling earbuds, the best earbuds and in-ear headphones, and the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds.
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.
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. Both headphones' mixes can be changed via the companion app's graphic EQ and presets.
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.
The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are slightly better in-ears than the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro. 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.
Test Results
These buds have a warm sound profile. Their default sound emphasizes the boom and punch of kick drums, producing a mostly mid-forward sound that can sound a bit cluttered and harsh, depending on one's taste. Vocals and lead instruments are present and clear in mixes. The upper frequencies are smooth, but sibilants, such as those produced by cymbals, lose their edge due to the rolled-off treble and can come across as relatively dull. You can customize their sound to your liking using the companion app's graphic EQ and EQ presets, though. They also sound a bit less rumbly in the bass range if you disable the ANC.
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 produce crackling or popping noises during audio calls. We conducted a retest to try to reproduce these noises, but noticed no such sounds. Other users online have suggested cleaning their earbuds, so it's worth trying if you encounter the same issue.
These buds have impressive frequency response consistency. Once you get a good fit and seal, you'll receive consistent bass and treble delivery each time you use them.
The Sony LinkBuds S have fantastic bass target compliance. The entire range is boosted relative to our curve, imparting a bit of extra boom and punch to kick drums in songs like bad idea right? by Olivia Rodrigo.
The Sony LinkBuds S' mid-range target compliance is superb. Generally, the earbuds' mid-range is even, though it has a slight scoop. The elevated bass continues in the low-mids, which adds a bit of clutter before the dip pushes down instruments like rhythm guitars in the mix a little. Vocals and higher-pitched melodies receive a boost in the upper mids, which can sound slightly harsh, but this is a fairly minor issue.
Their treble profile's target compliance is poor. Virtually the entire response is underemphasized, so vocals and lead instruments are veiled and dark. Sibilants, such as hi-hats, are also dull and lispy. If you're very sensitive to bright and piercing sounds, you may appreciate this sound, but it can make vocal-centric music sound muffled.
Their peaks and dips performance is good, which indicates that, for the most part, the headphones don't deviate much from their warm sound profile. The bass is very smooth, with a slight dip and peak in the mids that cause vocals and lead synths to sound a little harsh. Most of the treble is even, exhibiting only slight deviations that add a bit of extra clarity to vocal articulation and detail to sibilants, such as cymbal hits. However, a steep and narrow roll-off followed by a peak at the edges of human hearing in the treble range imparts a closed-off sound with artificial-sounding airiness, depending on your hearing's sensitivity.
These earbuds have amazingly well-matched left and right drivers. There are only very minor deviations in amplitude and phase between each driver, and these aren't audible in regular listening.
The group delay performance is great. Group delay is inaudible, so you can expect tight bass and transparent transient reproduction from these headphones.
These headphones have very good harmonic distortion performance. You can expect clean and clear audio reproduction, free from audible distortion artifacts.
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.
These are the settings used to test the Sony LinkBuds S. Our results are only valid when used with these settings.
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, allowing you 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.
The Sony LinkBuds S have a comfortable fit. Although they resemble the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless in appearance, they feature a smaller and lighter design that applies less pressure to 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.
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, volume controls aren't enabled by default. While you can remap their control scheme to add this feature, you will lose either ANC or playback controls. Additionally, the touch controls are very sensitive, and if you need to adjust the buds in your ears, you may accidentally trigger 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 your finger remains 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 either earbud:
- Double tap: Answers and ends a call.
- Press and hold: Rejects an incoming call.
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.
The carrying case is good. It's small, made with a matte plastic finish, and features a light in the middle of the case to indicate 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.
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.
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.
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, such as the rumble of buses and planes. They can also reduce mid-range sounds, such as 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.
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.
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.
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.
The noise gate was an issue for testing the integrated mic's recording quality. This feature is designed to automatically reduce ambient sound at a preset threshold, allowing the mic to filter out unwanted background noise when you're not speaking. However, this mic's noise gate effectively cuts down almost all noise, including the pink noise used 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. 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.
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.
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 more quickly. Sony advertises approximately 3.5-4.5 hours of playback time 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 it features a quick-charge capability that provides an hour of playtime after just five minutes of charging.
Some users have recently reported battery drainage issues with these earbuds, often with either the L or R driver discharging completely after a short time. We were unable to replicate this issue with our buds on the most recent firmware and throughout both testing and normal usage. If you do encounter this issue, warranty information is available on Sony's website.
The Sony | Headphones Connect is great. Unlike the Beats Solo Buds True Wireless, this app allows you to access a graphic EQ and presets, as well as their virtual soundstage feature, to help you customize the 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 connecting 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.
These headphones come with a USB-C to USB-A cable, but this is only for charging their carrying case, so you can't use it to receive audio.
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 also compensate for latency.
The Sony LinkBuds S are fully compatible with Bluetooth-enabled PCs. However, you can't connect them to your PC in any other way.
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.