With the LinkBuds S, Sony completes its range of true wireless headphones by launching a compact, lightweight, discreet model with active noise reduction. The Japanese firm also promises great sound prowess for the trifle of €199.
This is called a change in philosophy. After introducing and launching LinkBuds with a structure “the least insulating and intrusive possible”, Sony changes its tune for the S version of these true wireless headphones. Indeed, unlike the first LinkBuds and their “hole” design, Sony seems to be returning to a more conventional design with the new LinkBuds S. Thus, the Japanese designer has chosen to fill the “hole” in order to provide its headphones with a functionality active noise reduction but also a new acoustic architecture which, we hope, should be much more convincing than on the LinkBuds altogether. We therefore find small 5 mm speakers supposed to deliver a sound experience at the level of the WF-1000XM3 according to Sony’s statements.
However, the addition of active noise reduction and a more conventional acoustic architecture would only save a few decigrams of headphones, thus going from 4 g for the LinkBuds to 4.8 g for the LinkBuds S. Sony announces Moreover, the LinkBuds S would be 41% smaller than the WF-1000XM4, an obvious inspiration for their design. The earphones are also IPX4 certified, offering resistance to splashes and sweat.
LinkBuds S communicate using Bluetooth 5.2 and are compatible with the high-resolution LDAC codec. The new Bluetooth LE Audio standard will also be included via a future update in order to benefit from very low latency. Unlike the LinkBuds with their vibration sensor, the LinkBuds S return to more conventional controls with a touch surface that you tap with your fingertips. The new headphones are also filled with Sony-specific technologies such as Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat and Precise Voice Pickup. The LinkBuds S also offer a battery life of 6 hours with active noise reduction and an additional 14 hours thanks to the case.