NEW Sony Linkbuds S (Smallest & Lightest ANC HiFi Earbuds)
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- čas přidán 7. 06. 2024
- Sony LinkBuds S (latest price) 👉 mikeobrienmedia.com/linkbuds-S
These new Sony earbuds are the lightest, smallest, ANC earbuds with hifi capabilities. That's a big deal, but how good are they?
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Additional review notes:
White and Black
IPX4
6/20 hrs battery
VERY compact
Smallest hi-res anc earbuds
Touch control
Sustainability - recycled materials in packaging & in earbud design
Unlike the open design of the LinkBuds, these have ANC & transparency modes
FEATURES:
Auto play/pause
Even better though - set up auto play for Spotify so you just resume your favorite music from Spotify (assigned playlist) when you put them in
Touch controls
Tap and hold to hear around you
Sort of customizable, but not fully
Adaptive sound control - based on where you are, the ANC/ambient modes can auto enable
Speak to chat
360 Realtity Audio
I’m not seeing multi point pairing
SOUND
LDAC
DSEE Extreme
ANC/Transparency
The lineup now
$179 Linkbuds
$199 Linkbuds S
$279 WF1000XM4
What should I compare these to?
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Sony crushes it
1:15 Active Noise Cancellation
2:15 A Fantastic Design (Small, sustainable, comfortable)
4:09 A Surprising Microphone Test
5:00 Cool New Features
6:00 I Don't Like This
7:15 Sound Quality Analysis
9:00 Touch Controls Customization
9:30 A Surprising Drawback
10:20 I think these will outsell the 1000XM4's
Please comment below with any questions you might have. Thank you all for watching! I appreciate you!
Disclaimer: This video is purely based on my experiences, research, and opinions. You and only you are responsible for your actions. I made this channel to advise viewers and I truly hope to help you all out. I love making these videos and connecting with my viewers!
This channel is monetized via CZcams ads as well as some affiliate links. If a purchase is made after clicking the link, I will receive a small commission at no extra charge to the buyer. Thank you all for watching! - Věda a technologie
This is perfect, I was so sad to lose my XM4's a few months back after using them for a year. Couldn't bring myself to bite the bullet and buy another pair. Wasn't expecting a cheaper and smaller options with most of the same features to come out! This is a no brainer for me. Bummer there's no wireless charging or dual connections but I'll be just fine without those features.
and now they actually have multipoint connection so still a very good deal
Mine died cause of the battery drain issue on the right earbud, what about yours
To me after having owned two TWS earbuds - Samsung galaxy buds+ and Jabra Elite Active 75T, thanks to Mikes recommendations, I have learnt for myself that I value the small and comfort design of the earbuds. Also, I really enjoy using the ambient feature for when I practise singing at home so it became a must have feature for choose a pair of TWS earbuds for me.
I have small ears and ear canals so after knowing how big the XM4’s were, as much as I wished to buy them, I couldn’t 🥲 Now these Linkbuds S are out, I am seriously considering getting these! I also want to own / might only get the Sennheiser TM3 with the same needs in mind.
Altho I finally own an iPhone but somehow I just can’t bring myself to buy a pair of AirPods. It’s funny cos AirPods might be the best option for me in terms of their design for my ears. I would say I might get a pair if I one day no longer feel the need to want to try something new and have spare the money to waste 😂
Awesome content Mike. Please keep those reviews coming 🙂
Thanks, John! Many more are in production now
This is a better price alternative to the XM4 almost the same for less and I like that it's lighter and smaller. Also you're right the microphone does sound better on this one too.
Good balanced review, love how you show an in screen image of the app
Love your reviews. Keep up the good work. ❤️
Ur reviews are truly great!
Great review as always. You are very serious and your opinion must be always considered. In Amazon Spain right now, the 1000XM 4 is at 184 euro. Really tempting...
Great video as always, good sir! Keep it up!
I own many different true wireless earbuds, and until I recently bought the Sennheiser MTW3s, the Sony XM4s were my absolute favorites. Where these really shine is in comfort. They are the most comfortable buds I own. They are very comfortable, secure and light weight. Sound quality is very good as is battery life. I am so happy with them that I bought a second pair to use at work! The only complaint I have is that when wearing just one bud, or when switching from one bud to the other is that they switch to ambient sound, and I have to select noise canceling.
The seinheiser mtw3 is better ?
Nice that you test for multi-device connectivity and other quality of life features. Bought some earbuds because they had all great reviews but I had to return them since I simultaneously connect to my laptop and phone often
The feature you’re looking for is multipoint. Luckily it’s becoming more common
They are multipoint now.
What a great video, such valuable information. Nice to see Sony audio products maturing a little bit. I was just wondering, as someone who got the buds pro with my s22u, how would you compare the two audio/anc wise?
Thanks for your kind words! I think these have better ANC and probably better audio as well, although I have not extensively listened to them side by side yet
Thanks for the review Mike.,
Hi Mike, thank you for the review!
Can you please test the Linkbuds S with the WF-1000XM4 foam tips and tell us if there's any improvement with the anc?
I just recently bought these yesterday. My previous buds were samsung buds 2.bedore that I had beats pros. I LOVE THESE BUDS so far. Honestly it's the ear fatigue being almost non existent. They remind me of the galaxy buds 2( I have a Samsung galaxy device). I'd recommend them. I paid in Vancouver Canada $230 with tax.
You are one of the best CZcamsrs very underrated. Keep going and you will be a bigger CZcamsr.
Thanks so much for your kind words!
Good review! Thanks alot.
Hi Mike, thanks for your very informative real world review of these buds your review helped me choose these, I often have problems with earbuds hurting my ears having a small ear canal, I own the pixel a-series buds which sound pretty good but I find them uncomfortable after an hour or two so here's hoping that won't be the case with the Sony buds, I just ordered a pair on Amazon UK for £119 inc VAT 20% (sales tax) and I just noticed that Sony have released a firmware update that's added multipoint and slightly improved the EQ too, they'll arrive on the 1st of Dec, I'll let you know in an update what I think about them, Jim in Liverpool
Hi Jim! I wanted to ask if the firmware update did add the multipoint connectivity as a feature?
Was wondering where you were. I've been waiting for this.
I published this video the minute the embargo lifted!
Would you recommend them over the xm4s given a price difference of £40 in the UK? Had the xm3 but wouldn't stay in my ear and anc was very weak.
The best one in reviewing earbuds and smartwatches period.
Can you compare them to the beats fit pro please! That would be awesome!
I just got these, sound and fit excellent. Just one question, do you hear fuzzy static noise when using the mic on earbud for calls or voice recording?
Id love to see what your opinion is on the battery packs and if they really charge for as long as they advertise :)
Does the sound signature change between ANC on, ANC off and Ambient Mode?
Mike, if you had to choose between these and Jabra 7 pro what would you pick?
Beats Fit Pro don't have wireless charging either. Although not the best comparison, aside from price and lack of wireless charging, what's your take on them vs these new Sony Linkbuds S
Nice review, mic sounds good. No multipoint? then can forget about it. Looking at 1more EVO now.
Do they have Google fast pair? By the way, great review! I really like the smaller design and i agree with you that for 200$ they should have had wireless charging (they are not a game-changer feature but more a nice to have)
In your opinion mike, is the beats fit pros or sony linkbuds s better? Because they are similarly priced in where i live
You definitely deserve more views.
Hey Mike. First thanks for the video.
I've tried many ear buds over the years. To answer your first question in your video these buds definitely sound better when you were talking with the wind and background noise.
Secondly, I really like the sound quality of Sony LinkBuds S. I would rank them second to only the Beats Fit Pro. Those are just absolute best I've ever had with respect to sound quality. But so far I'm loving these buds as well.
Thanks again for the video.
Hi Mike, how's fit in your ear? I have samsung buds 2 but easily loose if i use it for long meeting / talking, very annoying. Also how's comfort it is for side sleeping? I am looking for earbuds that can be used comfortably for sleeping too. Also how's anc compared to samsung buds 2? I feel anc in buds 2 is weak for me. Thank you.
Would love to know how they compare to the elite 7 pro .. especially call quality
I kind of wish they would have continued to evolve the regular linkbuds concept. I guess this is a nail in the coffin for the SP revision i was hoping for. 😂. I do like the size and LDAC support though
Sidenote adaptive sound mode. Using the XM4 by default had the same beep noise but it was able to be turned off. Is it not possible to turn off the chime in the linkbuds S?
You think so? Those just came out like what, 2 months ago? I guess it depends on how successfully those sell but I would imagine they will get a revision next year!
what about getting both in same price which would you choose.
I have local store who have discounted the xm4 price to the same price as the linkbuds!!
I have the xm4s but i want another pair of earbuds. Is getting the link buds s worth it?
guess I'll have to start saving up for these to replace my WF-C500, I don't mind the lack of wireless charging as I charge my current WF once a week.
They sound great and are amazingly comfortable. But I seem to have connectivity problem when using them on PC (windows). While watching movies, youtube, facebook or any other video app, the earbuds are constantly loosing a connection for a split of second. It sounds like I would stay 15 meteres away from the PC.
I don't have this problem with my phone at all, but I tried those buds on 2 different PCs (windows) and on both the problem occur.
Is it a common issue for this model or I'm just unlucky buying defective ones?
Great review.
Hey Mike great review, really like your videos 👍👍👍 I have a question about the XM 4 predecessor if you know, do you know the launch calendar for the XM series? It is very hard to find any information about an possible XM5 because google brings up the over the ear XM5 which launch recently 🙂
I really want to get the XM4 but I also want to wait for an XM5 earbuds, maybe it will be greatly improved in terms of ergonomics so if it will be announced this year or early next year I will wait, but no longer than that. 🙂
Maybe I'm not the only one facing this decision as if I buy any of the models I will use it until it breaks so if a new model is imminent it would be worth the wait.🙂
Thanks 👍
Great vid. Can you compare them with the Nuratrue?
How do the link buds s compare to the galaxy buds+ in sound quality?
They seem similar in class as an upgrade path.
Do you think I should get the Wf 1000xm3 or save to get these because I don't exactly have the most money? :(
I'm watching this review with LinkBuds S on. I love them 👍.
How do these compare to the LG UFP9 which I have been hearing a lot of good stuff about?
I'm considering to getting a new workout earbud with ANC, and is considering this "Linkbuds S" or "Jabra Elite 7 Active". I'm wondering, how does the audio, ANC, and fit of these 2 earbuds compare with each other. Is it worth more to get "Linkbuds S" than "Jabra Elite 7 Active"? I am not sure the ANC performance of "Jabra Elite Active 7", and worry that it won't do a good enough job, as from all the review I heard, it is just so so.
Would you recommend these over the galaxy buds2 pro to use with my S10 Lite?
For anyone who is annoyed by the beeping sound when you stop walking or start ect. You can shut off the beeping sound in the app. I had the same thing with the xm4 whenever I would turn my head, so I just shut it off in the app. Now i use the linkbuds s and I don’t use the feature at all. And the case is so light because it has no wireless charging. I don’t miss it.
Great vid!
can you list out any open-ear style earbuds that worth buying other than airpods, galaxy buds live and linkbuds? i am one of the person that not really into in-ear earbuds because of the buds going into my ear canal. i was checking on JBL 225TWS but many said that its not worth buying because low battery life and sound not as good as airpods.
Can you make a comparison between these and the beats fit pro
Can somebody tell me about the ambient mode? How natural is it and is it loud enough? I find only very little info on that. I'm also looking at the normal LinkBuds because of that open design but ANC would be nice to have at times.
Which camera did you use for this video?
In terms of sound quality, does this sound better than wf1000xm3?
These are so quiet outdoor compared to the xm4 which have bit of starter...am jealous.
Hi mike if i were to use this with a iphone will there be any differences?
I would like the comparison between Bose quiet noise-canceling earbuds vs this vs Sennheiser 3
love to know more about comfort between these three and phone call quality. thank you
How does the size compare with the Jabra Elite 7 Active?
I want to use them for cycling, are they good filtering wind noice? I've been using the Jaybird Vista 2, which i loved, worked great filtering wind noice but I lost one of them. I also used the Galaxy Buds2 Pro which sound great but wind noice is way too loud.
does the left earbud touch have any problem in linkbud s because i have been facing issue with touch of left earbud it takes long time to connect and i replaced it with a new pair but the new one is also facing the same issue
how do you charge the case with the cable sony provided
Hey, can you compare buds pro to Linkbuds S?
I tried these on, the sound is pretty solid, I’ve heard better, noise cancelling is amazing best I’ve ever heard on ear buds, however the thing which put me off is that they felt a bit tight in my ear and a bit sore, i tried the other tips and still got the same problem.
Hi, may I know is this more comfortable than Jabra elite 7 pro? because I brought Jabra Elite 7 pro I feel its not comfortable
You should compare the Link buds S with the Pixel buds pro when they get released.
How do these stand against Technics AZ40 ? I love the small form factor but don’t want to sacrifice sub-bass 😊
Is it comfortable enough to use on fullface motorcycle helmet ?
Great review as always! On the mic test i did think the Link Buds S had a loud and clearer mic but it changed your voice a bit. These make me excited for the XM5s.
Will they stay inside my ears if l go out running? I am actually looking to get these instead of the 1000xm4 because I want them for doing sports
How do these compare in size to the Galaxy Buds+?
I do use Adaptive sound but I turned off the notification tone when switching!
Nobody ever seems to talk about the voice assistant feature. I have watched quite a few of your videos and other peoples and nobody mentions the voice assistant. Why is that? I think I would find that useful and I would like to know how it works and how well it works. I just got a pair of these buds to try out first to see if I like them and I tried using the Alexa voice assistant and if I tell her to make a phone call to my wife it makes the call through the Alexa app and it does not go through the earbuds I can only hear her on my phone and not the earbuds. I don't understand why. Have you used this feature?
Is there any white noise in the background while playing music at very low volume??
can you please do a review on the 1more evo and the comfobuds mini
Any other cheaper alternative to the LinkBuds S? I did look at Galaxy Buds 2? ... Any other to recommend? I currently have a Soundcore Life P3.. but the ANC or supposed ANC on it sucks... It's alr 80+ SGD on my end...
It looks amazing
Mr .mike
How is the bass effect
Wen it ll be lanuch in India
Please reply
How is the bass effect?
Hi! 1 simple question. Worth spending $50 more for Senn MTW3? Senn seem to have better build and battery and maybe slightly better ANC or Sound? Which are you grabbing daily?
I love these Sony buds so much I bought a second set to use at work. My use primarily is for listening to podcasts and audio broadcasts in particular, and I usually use one bud at a time with NC on. They are the most comfortable buds I own, and I own many. However the Sennheiser MTW3 are simply outstanding, particularly in sound quality. They are very comfortable and secure for me also. IMHO if you favor sound quality then it is a no-brainer; get the Sennheisers.
Even though they don't seem like an upgrade to xm4. Rather the SP800N or C500's , if the fit is better its a go.
Hopefully these guys looks great but as a pixel user, Im also eager for Pixel buds pro, since the linkbuds S and Google's buds pro both are for 300 SGD (199 USD), but the thing is pixel buds pro did have an edge over features with multipoint and wireless charging, but main thing to note is call quality and ANC, if they beating these, than easy win!! right now using the Samsung buds pro, i do have the Sony XM3's in headphone for 1.5 years and its still a beast.
Can I connect the linkBuds to my Garmin Watch?
Can’t decide between this or CX Plus
I would love to see a comparison between JBL reflect flow pro Vs Sony linkbud S .
2 days ago I pirchased 1000 xm4 for 160 euros from some dude. Super happy with them. Since then youtube sends me a lot of linkbuds videos...
Gret fit, lightweight great sound almost as good as XM range. Can't wit for XM5s
Hi, I am having issues with volume. My £10 earbuds are much louder, I have tried everything but can't seem to fix it. Am I missing something?
How is soundcore liberty 4 ? Im looking for steam style good earbuds
While I really liked my linkbuds s, both pairs I've owned have completely died after using them for less than 60 hours of use (just over a month of owning them. When it happened the first time I thought it might just be a defect so I replaced them. When it happens again the exact same way on the replacement set, u just gave up with them and returned them
I disagree with several others in the comments because I’m happy to go without wireless charging if it keeps the cost down. It clearly depends where you are in the world as to whether you think the price is worth it but right now in the UK it’s around 120GBP for the Linkbuds S vs 190 for the XM4s and I’d say 120GBP is a fair price for decent ANC earbuds even without wireless charging
Voice calls didn't sound great on initial review as voices sounded robotic and static-y on another site. I hope there will be firmware updates to it as I'm debating between this and the upcoming Google Pixel Buds Pro w ANC which also offers more features, longer run times and battery life for the same price
Thanks for the review. Question is: Better than the WF-1000XM3 - sound and ANC? I'm ready for smaller and lighter earbuds, the WF-1000XM4 weren't it because they where uncomfortable and I don't like the foam tips.
Yes i tested them yesterday, really great sound compared to the xm3 and way better fit
I'm for this answer too. I currently have xm3 and I just wanna know if it sounds better than wf xm3
Bought a pair: Testing the Linkbuds S against my WF-1000XM3's. Size and comfort is almost perfect compared to much bigger case and weighty earbuds of the XM3. ANC is also better but not world changing.
But the most obvious difference is in the bass/sub bass - the XM3 are still much better and fuller (I listen to alot of Hip-Hop on Spotify). When matching the eq settings on the app the Linkbuds S don't have much thump at all, it's heard bass not felt bass which is a shame. The clearbass slider doesn't make alot of difference on the Linkbuds S.
Also missing are the voice alerts for connection, battery status and mode. You have to check the app to check battery status.
Will test for a few more hours but I think the Linkbuds S are going back - my WF-1000XM3'S are bought and paid for and the Linkbuds S aren't bringing enough difference to justify.
I've already tried the XM4's which I found incredibly uncomfortable and I hate the itchy foam tips. I don't mind the XM3 design as most of the module sits outside of your ear canal meaning there's minimum amount of plastic touching skin. The XM4 touches so much of your ear opening which adds to the discomfort and makes my ears warm. Most earbuds rely on filing your ear opening to stay in place which I don't like, the Linkbuds S also do this but they are small and light enough to not be an issue.
Onto the next.....Airpods Pro 2?
@@HecatombRecordings thanks for the answer. Guess Imma need to wait for the wfxm5 then. My xm3 is still doing good. Here in my country, it's really prohibited to return products bought online unless there's a strong evidence of Factory defect which is why i can't test them personally. And your review also coincides with other reviewers saying the bass is lacking and the eq doesn't do much at all.
@@nilskiemle9556 if I didn't already have the XM3 the I'd be happy enough with the Linkbud S. But yes, the eq doesn't bring much like it does with the XM3. Hopefully for the XM5, Sony can use the Linkbuds S size but with a bigger driver.
How many dB of noise does it cancel it doesn't say on the website as I'm deciding to get cheaper realme buds air 3 that cancel 42dB
My old earbuds got stolen and I have been on the fence if I should buy the MX4s due to their price and size. These seem like a perfect alternative! The main reason I was attracted to the MX4s is their 'godlike' ANC. Can you really attest that these are comparable in that regard? If so, imma pick them up for sure.
If sound is a priority for you get the 1more Evo. Sound waaay better and anc is almost up there with bose
I have the xm4s my girl has the regular link buds, the sound quality is way better on the xm4 in sure its the same compared to the linkbuds s. I love my xm4s sound is amazing so is anc
Are they better in comparison to Jabra 85T in terms of ANC and music quality ?
yes of course ı can use lınk buds s
I am not sure, microphone on Sony's wf-1000xm4 sounded more consistent, there were no distortions in sound, sound was little bit muffled in comparison to linkbuds s but I did not sound any distortions. On the other hand linkbuds s microphone distorted more
Those cheering kids at 2.45 scared the living sh*t out of me :O
Good review though. Thinking about getting these myself.
Balanced review. Am waiting for your take on the Comfobuds mini.
listening to this on the XM4 :D
I'd like to see them compared to the Galaxy Buds Pro and the Jabra Elite 7 Pros