No manufacturer does not have true wireless headphones in its catalog to deal with the AirPods Pro. Some of them offer very cheap models that, although they usually meet in sound and connectivity, are far behind those of Apple in terms of functions. extra. Other companies, on the other hand, can match or exceed the performance of the most popular headphones on the market. One of them is Sony, which has recently updated its range of completely wireless headphones with a series of models in which the Sony LinkBuds S stands out, a cheap version of the WF-1000XM4.

The LinkBuds S shares many features with the true wireless that the company announced last year. They have active noise cancellation and also include different ambient modes to be able to hear what is happening around us. They also have an in-ear design, with silicone ear tips, and are compliant with the LDAC standard for lossless audio. All this, at a price of about 200 euros.

They are therefore cheaper than the WF-1000XM4 (which cost 280 euros) since they do not implement some of the most advanced features of these headphones, such as wireless charging in the case. They are also €80 cheaper than the AirPods Pro, which can be purchased for €280 at the Apple Store. In the latter case, and taking into account that there are hardly any differences between the characteristics of both headphones, we could think that Sony’s headphones could be a great alternative for those users who, for example, are looking for an option more adapted to Android mobiles. Now, do they comply in their different areas?

Design: comfort above all

One of the key features of these Sony LinkBuds is their design. Not because of its aesthetics per se, but because of its lightness. Each earphone, in particular, weighs 4.8 grams, and this makes them very comfortable in the ear. If they fit well and the cushion fits your ear — they come in different sizes from Xs to XL — you won’t even notice you’re wearing them after a few minutes. I have spent a long day with them and they have not bothered me at any time. They don’t slip, they don’t move when talking or opening their mouth to eat and they don’t move when, for example, we want to control playback by pressing on the side to pause the music.

The materials of the case, yes, leave something to be desired. Sony has probably opted for this finish to make them lighter, but to the touch, they feel like much cheaper headphones. This can be seen, above all, in their case and when controlling playback by pressing on the side of the headset; the feel is much less premium than other models of the same price. Of course, how comfortable they are has made me forget about that “plastic” feeling of the materials, so their finishes should not be an important point in deciding whether or not to buy these headphones.

The case, by the way, has the correct size and allows you to store and remove the headphones comfortably. It also has a completely flat bottom that allows it to be placed vertically on a flat surface.

Sony LinkBuds are nothing without their app

The Sony LinkBuds S, like all other wireless headphones, can connect via Bluetooth quickly and easily. You just have to press the link button included in the case, search for the model in the Bluetooth connection settings and pair them. Once these steps have been followed, the user can listen to music from their favorite app and control playback through the music service interface, the device’s buttons and controls, or from the headphones themselves. The LinkBuds S, however, is nothing without their app.

The Sony application is one of the most differential features of these headphones. It is one of the most complete that I have tried in this segment, and it works well. The app, specifically, can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play. However, Sony also allows the installation of its platform as soon as the headphones are linked to the device.

In the case of Android, thanks to Fast Pair, the headset pairing system designed by Google, the synchronization and download of the app is extremely simple, since it is not necessary to carry out the steps manually. In iOS, something similar happens, since it recommends you download the platform from the App Store to continue with the configuration.

The application for the Sony LinkBuds S and the rest of the company’s headphones called Headphones Connect, not only allows the pairing of the headphones with the device. It also offers the possibility of adjusting them much more precisely to each user. During the pairing process, the LinkBuds perform different actions to check that they fit in your ear and that we can listen to music correctly with them. They also allow the possibility of activating some additional functions, such as 3D audio (only compatible with some services) or the different types of noise cancellation, which I will talk about later.

Once the headphones are paired, the App becomes a control center. Displays the main page with relevant information about the battery status. Also different options to adjust the noise cancellation or the different additional features. The app, on the other hand, has an activity section where it is possible to see the time of use or activate a safe listening option. This, in particular, adjusts the noise level of the headphones to avoid future hearing problems.

A curious feature, although not very useful in my opinion, is the “Badge”, which it shows different progress that the user can complete and level up. For example, there is listening progress in different places (stations, bus stops, gym). Since the app also works through location, it can detect the location and places and complete the process.

How do the LinkBuds S sound? How is your autonomy?

Although the additional options and functions offered by the Sony app make these headphones much more complete, what is important, and what could decide whether to buy these models over others from manufacturers like Apple or not, is their sound quality. . In this case, and at a technical level, each earphone has a 5mm diaphragm unit. They are also compatible with the LDAC format, an encoding technology that allows sound to be transmitted with practically no loss of quality.

All these specifications are summed up in a good sound, but without standing out from its competition. That is to say, they comply in terms of bass reproduction, they have good bass and the volume level adapts correctly, something that allows voices and instruments to be heard even at a low volume level.

However, and at least in my experience, I have not experienced a greater sensation than, for example, with the AirPods Pro. I think that the Apple headphones offer better clarity in the voices and the experience of playing music thanks to the audio space is, in my opinion, much better.

Regarding the battery, Sony ensures that its LinkBuds S reaches up to six hours of playback with active noise cancellation. The duration increases up to 9 hours without noise cancellation. Taking into account the loads that the case can do, the battery can last up to 20 hours. In addition, with a 5-minute charge, we can get an hour of continuous playback. In my experience, the duration has been very close to what the manufacturer details. I have been able to go a full work day without charging the headphones. Of course, with noise cancellation is disabled most of the time.

In noise cancellation, they are unrivaled in this price

The Sony LinkBuds S, on the other hand, features an active noise cancellation system that works extremely well. It is better, even than that of the AirPods Pro. When activated, it allows you to isolate noise correctly. Constant sounds, such as that of a vacuum cleaner or outside noise from the street, are perfectly isolated, while voices are considerably reduced, becoming practically null when the volume level is very high.

Sony headphones also have an ambient sound mode that allows you to hear outside noise. It is perfect, for example, if we are listening to music while taking a walk in the park. Also if we need to pay attention to the public address announcements of an airport. Sony also allows you to adjust the level of ambient sound manually through the app and, therefore, make the microphones better capture the noise of the environment.

Another interesting detail of the Sony LinkBuds S is the possibility of changing the sound control depending on our state. For example, if the headphones detect that we are sitting down, it will automatically activate active noise cancellation. If, on the other hand, it detects that we are moving, it will change the ambient sound to a level that allows the outside sound to be heard, but without us perceiving it too much. It can also detect if we are running to adjust the ambient sound level to the maximum, or if we are in public transport to activate the noise cancellation.

I did not like, however, that Sony does not include any distinctive sound that confirms the change between ambient sound or noise cancellation. Although it indeed attenuates the music when we change the mode from the headset itself (through a long press on the left area), it does not allow us to know if, for example, it goes to noise cancellation or ambient sound. And it is that on some occasions, especially when the music level is quite high, I do not realize what mode is activated.

Are these Sony true wireless headphones worth it?

The Sony LinkBuds S, which is already available for 200 euros, is one of the most complete headphones that we can currently buy. In most sections, they have proven to be a very good alternative, not only to Apple headphones but also to those that are in their price range. But let’s go by parts, what is the best and the worst of these Sony true wireless?

One of the most notable features, as I mentioned during the analysis, is its design. Not for its aesthetics, but for its comfort. They are extremely light and extremely comfortable, and that, in headphones designed to be worn for a long day, is much appreciated. The Sony app also allows you to adjust them in a much more precise way, and not just physically. We can customize the button presses, check the battery level, activate playback modes that suit our needs, or, for example, activate noise cancellation.

And speaking of noise cancellation. That the Sony LinkBuds S is very good, on a par with Apple’s AirPods Pro which, let’s remember, cost 80 euros more. The transparency mode is also very good, the one used to listen to the external sound. Allowing you to adjust the level manually or depending on location and activity is a feature every ANC headset should have.

The LinkBuds S, yes, falter in sound quality compared to their competition. I repeat: it does not mean that it is bad. It is convincing and may be more than enough for most users. However, the quality is not up to the level of, for example, the AirPods Pro.

Taking these points into account, are Sony’s new headphones recommendable? The LinkBuds S is, in general, a very good option if you want comfortable true wireless, with good sound and excellent noise cancellation and transparency mode. Now, if you don’t mind paying more and, for example, you use an iPhone with Apple Music and are looking for true wireless that stands out mainly for its sound quality, the AirPods Pro is, in my opinion, a better option. But if you are looking for alternatives to the already outdated Apple models, you should not rule out these from the Japanese firm.