Today, Sony is expanding its lineup of lauded audio gear with a pair of new LinkBuds Fit, the LinkBuds Open you see above we have had some early hands-on time with, and the new LinkBuds speaker. The brand has mades waves across the ultra-competitive headphones market with its XM4 and XM5 headphones and wireless earbuds, often times undercutting and, at least for some, outperforming the big-time offerings from Bose, Apple, and others, but today it is focused on the slightly more affordable LinkBuds side of its lineup. Some of the more unique in-ears on the market are getting a refresh for 2024 and are now joined by a new Bluetooth speaker with smart audio hand-off tech as well.
Sony refreshes LinkBuds lineup with new Fit, Open, and speaker
The new LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open carry the torch for the lineup that debuted a couple years ago with unique ring-design form-factors, just this time with an even greater focus on all-day comfort and “linking the online and offline world.” Both models feature new and light Air Fitting Supporters for all-day wearing comfort alongside a range of colorful “cases and supporters to tailor to their look.”
LinkBuds Open
The LinkBuds Open land, as the name suggests, with an updated take on the more open design, ring-style we saw last time around – “an open-ring design that keeps users connected to the outside world while enjoying their favorite tunes.” This time, they feature a newly developed 11mm open ring driver at the center of the diaphragm running on the Integrated Processor V2 with Adaptive Volume Control that “automatically optimizes the volume based on where users are.”
While I personally didn’t have a problem with the fit or comfort last time around on the LinkBuds and the open-ring design, after getting a day or so to actually get hands-on with a pair of the new set, I can confidently say they are even more comfortable and stable in the ear. Unlike many of the open models we have seen from Bose and the like as of late, they don’t need to sort of clip on to the outside of the ear, but rather resting just within the outer ear, offering a more flush and clean wearing experience I very much appreciate.
They certainly aren’t going to be able to keep up with the closed, higher-end WF-1000XM5 earbuds, those carry a $298 list price and are easily among some of the best on the market. They do however, sound notably solid for a pair of open ears and, because of the more stable fit this time around, seem to provide a louder and more direct listening experience for folks that can appreciate the open-style bud approach, at least from testing over the last day or so (a deeper dive is on the way).
- Longer battery life (8h/buds, 22h/case) with quicker charge (3min/1hr)
- Louder sound and richer bass
- Color customization with accessory
- New app / Sony voice control / Sync with Speaker / Auto Power save
- IPX4 / Bluetooth Multipoint / Bluetooth 5.3(SBC, AAC, LC3) / App support
New LinkBuds Fit
The LinkBuds Fit – the lineup’s more traditional in-ears complete with noise cancellation – are also getting updated today. While I haven’t had a chance to test these or the new speaker out just yet, we do know they are running on the same Integrated Processor V2 as well – same as in the award-winning WF-1000XM5 – to support the real-time noise cancellation alongside dual noise sensor technology that filters “exterior sound using multiple microphones, for greater immersion.”
- Sony’s best ambient sound and auto adjustment feature
- Better sound quality thanks to Dynamix Driver X and Processer V2
- Auto noise canceling optimizer
- Color customization with accessory
- New app / Sony voice control / Sync with Speaker / Auto Power save
- IPX4 / Multipoint Connection / Bluetooth5.3 (LDAC,SBC,AAC,LC3) / App support
LinkBuds speaker and updated app
The new buds are joined by the companion speaker, highlighted by the new Auto Switch feature that “swaps playback between LinkBuds earbuds and LinkBuds Speaker automatically, depending on the situation” as well as the updated Sound Connect App. This is where users can personalize the earbuds by adjusting various settings – EQ, shortcut settings, recent listening history, and the DSP-powered Background Music Effect (“make audio sound as though it’s playing in user’s own space, rather than feeling like it’s localized – perfect for users are multitasking or want something a little less intense”).
Here’s a quick rundown of the feature highlights on the new Sony LinkBuds speaker:
- Music on the move – The handy, detachable strap lets users take the LinkBuds Speaker wherever they go, whether that’s into another room or to the kitchen. Plus, it’s dedicated charging cradle ensure convenient charging.
- Durable – With an IPX416 water-resistance rating, listeners can use it around water without worrying about splashes. And with a battery life of up to 25 hours[1] and quick charging, it can keep the music going all day long.
- Timeless design – LinkBuds Speaker is available in light grey and black to seamlessly blend into the home.
- Sound Connect App – LinkBuds Speaker is also compatible with the renewed Sound Connectapp. New features such as Auto Switch, Quick Access, and Auto Play can be controlled throughthe Sound Connect app.
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