Sony LinkBuds S

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$128.00 to $162.76

7 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Jun 09, 2026

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$159.99

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3.7 (6048)

$199.99 $37.23

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3.7 (126)

$128.00

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Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Sony LinkBuds S". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Experience the next level of audio immersion with the Sony LinkBuds S, your ultimate companions for rich, distraction-free sound. These noise-canceling true wireless in-ear headphones are designed to adapt seamlessly to your lifestyle. Whether you're navigating the bustling streets or relaxing at home, the Adaptive Sound Control ensures your audio experience is finely tuned to your surroundings. With features like Speak-to-Chat, your music pauses automatically when you start a conversation, ensuring no missed beats during personal interactions.

Equipped with 5mm high-compliance drivers, the LinkBuds S deliver a powerful sound profile that rivals larger headphones, packing a punch of deep, resonant bass. Hi-Res Audio Wireless and DSEE Extreme support enhance your tracks, restoring the high frequencies lost in compression for a more dynamic listening experience. And with up to 20 hours of playtime using the charging case, your musical journey stays uninterrupted all day.

These earbuds are not just about sound; they're smart too. Seamless integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa allows for hands-free operation, while features like auto-play and pause recognize when the earbuds are in use. For the environmentally conscious, Sony’s commitment to sustainability shines through, with LinkBuds S crafted from recycled materials, ensuring that high-quality audio doesn’t come at the planet's expense.

Key Features:

Adaptive Sound Control adjusts noise cancellation based on your environment
Speak-to-Chat pauses music automatically when you start talking
5mm high-compliance drivers offer deep, rich bass
Hi-Res Audio Wireless and DSEE Extreme for detailed sound
Up to 20 hours of total playback with the charging case
Supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control
Eco-friendly design using recycled materials
Quick charge provides up to an hour of playback with just a 5-minute charge
Customizable touch controls via Sony’s Headphones Connect app

Owner's manual

Sony LinkBuds S User Manual

Product specs

Type	True Wireless
Connectivity	Bluetooth v5.3
Fit Style	Earbud
Drivers	Single 8.4mm Driver
Noise Attenuation	Advanced Noise Cancelling
Frequency Range	20Hz-20kHz
Bluetooth	Codec: (SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3), Profile: (A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, CSIP, MCP, VCP, CCP)
Controls	Touch controls
Voice Assistant	Alexa, Google Assistant
Software App	Sony Headphones Connect app
Compatibility	iOS 16.0 or later, Android 9.0 or later
Protection	IPX4
Power	Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
Battery Life	Up to 8 hours (earbuds)
Case/Bag	Charging Hard Case
Weight	0.34 oz. (earbuds), 1.79 oz. (with case)

FAQs

How does the noise-canceling feature of the Sony LinkBuds S perform in various environments?: The Sony LinkBuds S offer advanced noise-canceling capabilities, effectively reducing ambient noise in busy environments like public transport or crowded areas, enhancing your listening experience.
Are the Sony LinkBuds S comfortable for long listening sessions?: Yes, the Sony LinkBuds S are designed with a comfortable earbud fit, making them suitable for extended wear without causing discomfort.
Can the Sony LinkBuds S be used with both iOS and Android devices?: The Sony LinkBuds S are compatible with iOS 16.0 or later and Android 9.0 or later, providing seamless connectivity with both platforms.
What voice assistants are supported by the Sony LinkBuds S?: The Sony LinkBuds S support Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for hands-free control and voice commands.
How does the battery life of the Sony LinkBuds S compare to other earbuds?: The Sony LinkBuds S offer up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is competitive with other true wireless earbuds in their category.

Videos

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Rafael Zeier

Sony Linkbuds S: Warum?!?!?

Rafael Zeier

Sony Linkbuds S - Die KLEINSTEN In-Ear Kopfhörer mit ANC | Review (deutsch)

verklickt

Besser als AirPods Pro - Sony LinkBuds S ausprobiert!

MajorTech

Die besten InEars mit Noise-Cancelling?! – Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Sony LinkBuds S

findr Group

Der Preisleistungssieger unter den Bluetooth In-Ears! - Sony Link Buds S REVIEW

LauTech

Sony LinkBuds S, ausgepackt, konfiguriert und erste Hörtests | Deutsch | 4K

Pokipsie Network

Reviews

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PROS

Compact design with exceptional noise-canceling capabilities
Excellent sound quality with customizable EQ settings
Durable, surviving accidental washing machine cycles
Seamless transition between noise-canceling and ambient sound modes
Speak-to-chat feature adds convenience for conversations
Comfortable fit for small ears, no pressure points
Responsive touch controls with well-calibrated sensors
Works well with both iOS and Android devices
Rich, dimensional sound enhanced by the Headphones Connect app

CONS

Battery life issues after extended use
Connectivity issues, especially with LDAC in challenging environments
Wind noise experienced during ambient or noise-canceling modes
Earbuds can be finicky to pair and maintain connection
Textured surface can cause discomfort and make handling tricky

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sony LinkBuds S.

Comparisons

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Compared to Google Pixel Buds Pro, the LinkBuds S are praised for comfort and weight but criticized for poorer battery reliability.
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LinkBuds S sound signature is richer and fuller than Pixel Buds Pro 2, and similar to WF-1000XM4.
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The LinkBuds S are preferred over the Galaxy Buds2 Pro by some due to their more neutral sound profile.
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Compared to the WF-1000XM4, the LinkBuds S offer a smoother sound profile and are noted for better comfort and fit.
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User experience

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Battery life fell short of Sony's 3.5-hour promise during continuous communication, with a battery warning occurring just under 3 hours of use.
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Body-borne noise is noticeable with stock tips, causing reverberating footsteps and rustling; Comply foam tips are recommended to reduce these issues.
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Frequent connectivity issues arise when the phone is below waist level or near strong radio wave interference, like crowded areas with Bluetooth devices.
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Owners report excellent mic quality in low-noise environments, making them ideal for work meetings.
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Mods and upgrades

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Azla SednaEarfit Max Standard tips are recommended for improved comfort, potentially reducing body-borne noise.
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Features and functionality

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Touch controls are less responsive compared to Pixel Buds Pro 2, requiring precise touch due to softer feedback.
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The Sony LinkBuds S have a sandpapery texture, making it difficult to drop an earpiece when removing it from its case.
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Users report that sidetone during calls, described as forced white noise and ambient sound, cannot be disabled and can be bothersome.
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The LinkBuds S support multipoint connectivity, allowing seamless switching between devices like a smartphone and a laptop.
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Value and pricing

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Upcoming releases of LinkBuds S 2 might offer improved ANC and wireless charging, potentially making the first-generation model more affordable.
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Use cases and applications

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Foam eartips from AliExpress are recommended by some to improve ANC and comfort for those with sensitive ear canals.
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The LinkBuds S are suitable for side-sleeping due to their small size and discreet fit.
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Software and compatibility

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After a firmware update, some users experience improved sound quality with LE Audio capabilities.
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The headphones feature a 5-band equalizer with bass control, offering customization through the Sony Headphones Connect app.
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Setup and maintenance

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Battery issues are prevalent, with some units failing after 9 months and others lasting up to 2 years before significant degradation.
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Build quality

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Some owners experience wind-like noises with ANC or pass-through modes, which is a common issue after a short period of use.
Source

Critic Reviews

Sony LinkBuds S review - SoundGuys

soundguys.com

The Sony LinkBuds S offers solid sound quality and effective noise canceling, making them a reliable choice for everyday use. However, they lack the distinctive design of their predecessor, opting for a more conventional look that some may find uninspiring. The earbuds excel in comfort and isolation, but users might be disappointed by the under-emphasized highs and a design that collects dirt easily. While the comprehensive app enhances functionality, the average transparency mode leaves much to be desired. Overall, they’re a dependable option, especially for gym-goers, but they don’t quite capture the unique charm of the original LinkBuds.

neutral

Full Review

Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Review - RTINGS.com

rtings.com

The Sony LinkBuds S offer impressive noise cancellation and a customizable sound profile, making them a solid choice for commuting and workouts. However, the treble is noticeably rolled off, resulting in muffled vocals which can disappoint audiophiles. Users have also reported concerning battery drainage issues, with some earbuds failing to last more than a few minutes after a short period of use. While the design is comfortable and well-built, the microphone performance is underwhelming, struggling to isolate voice during calls. Overall, the LinkBuds S might appeal to casual listeners, but the reliability and sound quality issues are significant red flags for potential buyers.

negative

Full Review

Sony LinkBuds S Review: Sony's Goldilocks Earbuds - CNET

cnet.com

Sony LinkBuds S deliver impressive sound and a lightweight, comfortable design, making them appealing for daily use. They excel in noise cancellation and feature handy options like an ambient mode and adaptive sound control. However, they lack some modern conveniences like multipoint Bluetooth pairing and wireless charging, and call quality struggles in noisy environments. While they offer great value, particularly for Android users, their premium price tag feels a bit steep without wireless charging or top-notch call capabilities. Overall, these buds are a solid option for casual listeners but may leave audiophiles wanting more.

positive

Full Review

Sony LinkBuds S review: supreme comfort doesn’t come cheap - The Verge

theverge.com

Sony's LinkBuds S deliver impressive comfort and decent sound quality, making them great for extended wear, especially during calls. However, at $200, they lack features like wireless charging and their active noise cancellation falls short compared to higher-end models. While the earbuds excel in fit and voice clarity, audio performance is somewhat restrained, particularly in bass response. The new software features feel underdeveloped, and the absence of multipoint Bluetooth is a missed opportunity for multitaskers. Ultimately, these buds are a solid choice for casual listeners seeking comfort but may not satisfy those looking for top-notch audio performance or advanced features.

neutral

Full Review

Sony LinkBuds S review: Better than AirPods? - SoyaCincau

soyacincau.com

Sony's LinkBuds S deliver impressive audio quality and comfort, making them a strong contender against AirPods. The design is sleek, albeit with a plastic feel that detracts from a premium experience. Although the noise-cancelling feature excels, the mic quality for calls is subpar, and the pairing process can be cumbersome. At a retail price close to flagship models, their value is questioned, yet they shine during sales. Overall, they balance comfort and sound well, but some design flaws hold them back from greatness.

positive

Full Review

Sony LinkBuds S review - GSMArena.com news

gsmarena.com

The Sony LinkBuds S are lightweight and comfortable, boasting impressive noise cancellation and clear microphone quality. However, their touch controls are frustratingly finicky, and the app feels cluttered and outdated. While the audio performance is generally pleasant, the sound can lack detail, especially in the highs, making some tracks sound muted. At around $129, they present good value compared to pricier models, offering many features without breaking the bank. Yet, users might find better sound quality elsewhere, making the LinkBuds S a solid but imperfect choice in the crowded wireless earbud market.

neutral

Full Review

Sony LinkBuds S review: big sound in smaller, lighter earbuds | TechRadar

techradar.com

The Sony LinkBuds S are lightweight and comfortable, boasting solid battery life and a plethora of control options. However, their sound quality lacks dynamism, failing to deliver the excitement that many competitors offer. While they excel in features and design, the overall listening experience feels flat and uninspired, making them a less compelling choice for those seeking vibrant audio performance.

negative

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