AirPods Pro 2
True-wireless · 2022
Sony LinkBuds Open
Open ring · No tip · Spatial
AirPods Pro 2 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Pro 2 lands at 92 and Sony LinkBuds Open at 84. That puts AirPods Pro 2 ahead by 8 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick AirPods Pro 2 if…
- ✓Compact carry
- ✓Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- ✓Quick pair
Pick Sony LinkBuds Open if…
- ✓Open-ear design — no occlusion
- ✓Hear-through ambient by physics
- ✓Ultra-light
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testComfort
Sony LinkBuds OpenCompared on the comfort sub-score
Sony LinkBuds Open leads on comfort (96 vs 90).
Features
AirPods Pro 2Compared on the features sub-score
AirPods Pro 2 leads on features (88 vs 86).
Sound
AirPods Pro 2Compared on the sound sub-score
AirPods Pro 2 leads on sound (91 vs 80).
Value for money
Sony LinkBuds OpenSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Sony LinkBuds Open more score per dollar ($199 vs $249).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Pro 2 | Sony LinkBuds Open |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True-wireless | — |
| Release year | 2022 | — |
| Driver | — | Ring-shaped 12 mm |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3 |
| Codecs | — | AAC + SBC |
| Battery | — | 8 hr (24 hr with case) |
| Charging | — | USB-C |
| Weight | — | 4.1 g per bud |
| IP rating | — | IPX4 |
AirPods Pro 2
- +Compact carry
- +Platform integration (brand-dependent)
- +Quick pair
- −Battery life limited
- −Fit varies by ear
- −Case bulkier than pod
Sony LinkBuds Open
- +Open-ear design — no occlusion
- +Hear-through ambient by physics
- +Ultra-light
- −No ANC (by design)
- −Bass limited vs sealed
- −Not for noisy environments
FAQ: AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony LinkBuds Open
Which is better, AirPods Pro 2 or Sony LinkBuds Open? +
AirPods Pro 2 scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 8. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods Pro 2 worth the price? +
At $249, AirPods Pro 2 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.
Is Sony LinkBuds Open worth the price? +
At $199, Sony LinkBuds Open delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in comfort.
Does AirPods Pro 2 or Sony LinkBuds Open last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for comfort, AirPods Pro 2 or Sony LinkBuds Open? +
Sony LinkBuds Open — leads on comfort (96 vs 90). Compared on the comfort sub-score.
Which is better for features, AirPods Pro 2 or Sony LinkBuds Open? +
AirPods Pro 2 — leads on features (88 vs 86). Compared on the features sub-score.