Sony LinkBuds Open Review
Open ring · No tip · Spatial
Specdex verdict The Sony LinkBuds Open scores 84/100 — a competent mid-range pick when the price is right, but watch our cheaper-and-better alternatives below.
Sony's open-ring earbuds. Genuinely don't-feel-them-in-ears comfort, full ambient awareness — the runner / cyclist pick.
Sony LinkBuds Open versus its closest rivals
- +Open-ear design — no occlusion
- +Hear-through ambient by physics
- +Ultra-light
- −No ANC (by design)
- −Bass limited vs sealed
- −Not for noisy environments
Who's the Sony LinkBuds Open for?
Quick verdicts for the most common buyer profiles, derived from the sub-scores above.
Compute scores trail current top-tier — look at our step-up alternatives below if performance is the priority.
Battery sub-score of 84 is solid but not class-leading — fine for typical days, charging top-up likely on heavy days.
Mid-tier pricing at $199 — review whether the score-per-dollar lines up against the cheaper alternatives we recommend.
In the box
What you get when you unbox the Sony LinkBuds Open.
- Earbuds
- Wireless charging case
- USB-C cable
- 3 sizes of ear tips (S/M/L)
Standard contents — region/SKU may vary; confirm at retailer.
Full score breakdown
Editorial · Specdex scoreSub-scores are Specdex's own assessment, weighted by category. They are not endorsed by, sourced from, or affiliated with the manufacturer. How we score →
Specifications
Manufacturer-sourced where verifiable| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Driver | Ring-shaped 12 mm |
| Codecs | AAC + SBC |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Battery | 8 hr (24 hr with case) |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.1 g per bud |
| IP rating | IPX4 |
Cheaper alternatives to the Sony LinkBuds Open
Same category, at least 20% cheaper, best-scoring picks from our catalog.
Step up from the Sony LinkBuds Open
Higher-scoring earbuds if you've got more to spend.
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Also consider
Where the Sony LinkBuds Open appears on Specdex
Curated lists, spec rankings, and buying guides where this product is mentioned or ranked.