Review: Sony LinkBuds – Tiny but Mighty

Anyone who remembers the Back to The Future trilogy knows how much of an impact Sony had on the audio world in the 1980s. Granted, Marty McFly favoured an AIWA HS-P07 auto-reverse unit, the inspiration from the original Walkman was clear to everyone.

I find it the same today with the vast array of bluetooth earphones on the market. Yes there are litterally hundreds of brands competing for your ears, but anyone who’s old enough to remember seeing Back to The Future at the cinema, knows that Sony were “Genesis” when it comes to portable audio.

Today, Sony is rebuilding and forging new markets just like they did in the 1980s and the latest LinkBuds deliver on that passion and innovation for audio.

The highlights of the Sony LinkBuds are numerous to say the least:

• They are made using recycled plastics which give them this grainy and tactile feel.
• IPX4 water resistance
• Each bud only weighs 4.1g and has a frequency response range of 20Hz -20,000Hz.
• Recharging is quick and easy via USB-C.
• Bluetooth 5.2 transmits audio signals to both LinkBuds at the same time unlike other earphones which means super-low latency and less interference.
• Google Fast Pair and Assistant built-in as well as Amazon Alexa.
• RRP – AU$250 and they are available in White and Grey.

The very unique and comfortable circular sound driver is I think the really innovative feature of the Sony LinkBuds. What at first doesn’t look very comfortable thanks to our pre-conditioning to conical shaped earphones are actually very easy to wear for long periods of time. Even during vigorous exercise and other outdoor activities the LinkBuds stay put and fill your head with clear and crisp audio.

With earphones as small and light as the Sony LinkBuds, operation can be cumbersome, but not in this case. What I’ve really loved about these earbuds is that they have built-in vibration detection that means you can answer a call or skip to the next track just by tapping the side of your head in front of your ear.

What’s in the box

Unpack your LinkBuds and you’ll find 5 sizes of arc support to suit different ear shapes and a USB-C charging cable.

Listen all day, charge in minutes

You can enjoy a full working day of charge – 5.5 hours – from your headphones and store another 12 hours in the case. That means a full 17.5 hours of listening time every time you leave the house. In a hurry? Just a 10 minute quick charge gives you up to 90 minutes of play time, and the Sony | Headphones Connect app will even notify you when your charging case drops below 30%.

Small, perfectly formed case

Ultra-small with a stylish rounded design, the charging case fits comfortably in your hand or pocket for life on the go. Open with a simple button press.

Buy the Sony LinkBuds today from Sony or JB Hi-Fi for $250.