Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Sony · Released Oct 2024

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.

Share: X / Twitter LinkedIn Reddit Email
Sony LinkBuds Open — Open ring · No tip · Spatial
Specdex Score
84
/ 100
anc 0
sound 80
comfort 96
Editorial · Specdex take
Pros
  • +Open-ear design — no occlusion
  • +Hear-through ambient by physics
  • +Ultra-light
Cons
  • 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.

Power users and creators Skip

Compute scores trail current top-tier — look at our step-up alternatives below if performance is the priority.

Battery-life shoppers Consider

Battery sub-score of 84 is solid but not class-leading — fine for typical days, charging top-up likely on heavy days.

Budget-conscious buyers Consider

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 score
anc 0
sound 80
comfort 96
battery 84
features 86

Sub-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
Audio
Sony LinkBuds Open audio specs
Specification Value
Driver Ring-shaped 12 mm
Codecs AAC + SBC
Battery & charging
Sony LinkBuds Open battery & charging specs
Specification Value
Battery 8 hr (24 hr with case)
Charging USB-C
Connectivity
Sony LinkBuds Open connectivity specs
Specification Value
Bluetooth 5.3
Build & design
Sony LinkBuds Open build & design specs
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.

More from Sony

All Sony products on Specdex →

Also consider

See every head-to-head matchup for the Sony LinkBuds Open →

Where the Sony LinkBuds Open appears on Specdex

Curated lists, spec rankings, and buying guides where this product is mentioned or ranked.