Sony LinkBuds Open Review: Full Breakdown of Price, Specs, and Sound Quality

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY LinkBuds Open shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

Sony LinkBuds Open Specifications $ 229.99

Headphone Section (Others)
Power	Li-ion
Charging Method	USB charging (using case)
Continuous audio playback	up to 8 hours
Continuous call time	up to 4.5 hours
Standby time	up to 13 hours

Bluetooth
Communication Method	Bluetooth Standard Specification Ver. 5.3
Output	Bluetooth Standard Specification Power Class 1
Maximum Communication Distance	10 m
Operating Frequency Band	2.4 GHz (2.4000 GHz – 2.4835 GHz)
Supported Bluetooth Profiles	A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
Supported Codecs	SBC, AAC
Supported Content Protection	SCMS-T
Transmission Band (A2DP)	20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (44.1 kHz sampling)

My Experience Using It

Sound Quality Review: Clear and immersive audio without blocking your ears

LinkBuds Open features an open-ear listening style that doesn’t block your ears. It comes with a newly developed 11mm ring-shaped driver unit, delivering higher sound pressure than the previous model. Despite its open design, it provides high-quality audio with clear sound across the entire range, from deep bass to crisp highs.

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY LinkBuds Open shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

Additionally, it is equipped with the latest V2 processor, the same one used in the high-end WF-1000XM5. This enables more advanced noise processing and sound tuning, delivering an immersive and natural listening experience. It also supports Sony’s proprietary DSEE technology, which restores the high frequencies often lost in compressed audio sources such as streaming. As a result, you can enjoy a richer, more detailed sound that is closer to the original recording. Moreover, with the dedicated app’s equalizer, you can customize the sound to your liking, making it suitable for everything from pop and classical music to gaming and video streaming.

Fit Review: Comfortable and stress-free, even during long listening sessions.

LinkBuds Open features an open-ear design along with a newly developed fitting supporter, significantly improving wearing stability compared to the previous model (LinkBuds). Its shape fits naturally to the contours of the ear with a well-balanced center of gravity, providing a secure yet comfortable fit with minimal pressure, even during extended use.

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY LinkBuds Open shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

Furthermore, the earbuds have been made even smaller than the previous model, with a lightweight and highly portable design. The charging case features a magnetic lock that makes it easy to open and close, adding to everyday practicality. In terms of aesthetics, each pair showcases a unique marble pattern, giving it a one-of-a-kind look that is both distinctive and seamlessly blends into daily life.

Battery & Core Performance Review: Long-Lasting Design You Can Rely On

LinkBuds Open delivers long-lasting performance with up to 8 hours of playback (or 4.5 hours of talk time) in a compact design. With the charging case, you can extend usage even further, making it a reliable choice for both daily outings and remote work.

They also feature IPX4-rated water resistance, so you can use them worry-free in the rain or during sweaty workouts. On the connectivity side, the earbuds support the latest LE Audio, providing low-latency and stable communication.

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY LinkBuds Open shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

The earbuds are also designed for comfortable and intuitive operation, featuring Wide Area Tap, which lets you control them by tapping on your ear or the area in front of your face. They also come with a wearing detection feature that automatically pauses playback when you remove the earbuds, adding extra convenience for everyday use.

In addition, they support multipoint connectivity and multi-pairing with up to 8 devices, allowing you to seamlessly switch between multiple devices such as smartphones and PCs.

Call Quality Review: Clear Voice Calls Powered by AI

The LinkBuds Open are equipped with high-precision voice pickup technology powered by AI. Trained on more than 500 million machine learning samples, it separates the speaker’s voice from surrounding noise, ensuring that your voice is delivered clearly even in noisy environments.

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY LinkBuds Open shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

Moreover, by optimally controlling multiple microphones, it effectively suppresses wind and ambient noise, ensuring stable call quality even during online meetings or calls on the go.

As a unique feature, you can answer or reject calls with simple head gestures, such as nodding or shaking your head. This intuitive, hands-free control makes your calling experience even more comfortable.

Convenience Features Review: Expanding New Ways to Use with AI and Apps

The LinkBuds Open go beyond being just earphones, acting as a “smart companion” that supports your daily life with AI.

A standout feature is its seamless integration with generative AI. With just your voice, you can summon AI assistants like ChatGPT to ask questions or check schedules on the go. Simply asking, “What are my plans for today?” delivers an instant answer, making it feel like a personal AI residing in your ear.

Using the dedicated “Headphones Connect” app, you can fine-tune the equalizer and adjust ambient sound control to suit your preferences. This allows you to create the perfect sound experience for any situation.

On top of that, the earbuds offer up to 6 hours of playback on their own, or up to 24 hours with the case, and support wireless charging. Whether for everyday use, business trips, or travel, the LinkBuds Open are built to keep up with you.

Pros

Advantages

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  Open-ear design allows for safe and comfortable use.
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  AI assistant integration makes research and schedule management convenient.
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  Lightweight build makes it comfortable even for long wear.
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  Natural fit blends into daily life, perfect for casual listening.
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  Dedicated app allows customization of sound and controls to your preferences.

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Cons

Disadvantages

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  Sound leakage can be noticeable in quiet environments.
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  Weak bass response, not ideal for deep low frequencies.
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  No noise-canceling support available.
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  In noisy outdoor settings, music may get drowned out by environmental sounds.
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  Not suitable for immersive listening, as it is specialized for casual use.

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