80
What Hi-Fi?Specialist
“The Sony LinkBuds S might be the world’s smallest wireless earbuds, but size isn’t everything”
Publisher score: 4/5
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Noise CancellingEarbudsDiscount only
Sony LinkBuds S
$199 · Integrated Processor V1 · 4y 2m old
81
Review
Radar
7.9
User score
Image credit: Official product image
Spec sheet
Key features
We only show details we can tie to a product-specific source.
Build and fit
- Weight
- Approx. 0.17 oz x2
- Wearing style
- Closed true wireless in-ear earbuds
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Driver size
- 0.2 in
- Driver type
- Closed, dynamic
- Driver material
- High-power neodymium magnets
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz-20,000 Hz Bluetooth; 20 Hz-40,000 Hz LDAC
Wireless and connections
- Noise control
- Noise canceling, ambient sound, quick attention
- Charging
- USB charging with case; approx. 2 hrs earbuds charge time; approx. 3 hrs case charge time
- Battery
- Max. 6 hrs NC on / 9 hrs NC off
- Connections
- Bluetooth, USB charging with case
- BT codecs
- SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.2
Review evidence
Audio specialist reviews
78
“This donut-less follow up is a much more reliable product than the LinkBuds, but it's also a lot less distinctive.”
Publisher score: 7.8/10
Review evidence
Tech publication reviews
85
Laptop Mag
“A redo done right”
Publisher score: 4.25/5
84
CNETRead review ↗
“After releasing its doughnut-shaped LinkBuds, Sony's back with a new lightweight pair of buds with ear tips and active noise cancellation.”
Publisher score: 8.4/10
80
TechRadar
“TechRadar has product-specific review coverage for Sony LinkBuds S.”
Publisher score: 4/5 · 1mo ago
80
Expert ReviewsRead review ↗
“The Sony LinkBuds S are a cost-effective alternative to the WF-1000XM4 but don’t hit the same levels of ANC and audio performance”
Publisher score: 4/5
Best for
commutersfrequent flyersopen officespocket carry
Buying notes
Value todayStrong buy
High review score for the money. 81/100 at $199. Uses the lowest in-stock retailer price we can see.
Worth checking
Verify ANC pressure, voice pickup, and transparency handling in train, street, and office noise.
Score distribution
90–100
0
80–89
5
70–79
1
60–69
0
0–59
0
Quick stats
Highest85
Median80
Lowest78
Reviews6
Your take
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Further reading
More review reading
RTINGSCoverage
Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Review
Worth reading
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 ...
Review article
Tom's GuideCoverage
Sony LinkBuds S review
Worth reading
The Sony LinksBuds S are capable wireless earbuds and comfortable enough to wear all day
Review article · 48mo ago
Alternatives
