Despite being part of the same family, Sony’s LinkBuds and LinkBuds S offer completely different audio signals: linkBuds have a recessed gap in the middle so that ambient noise passes freely into your ear, while LinkBuds S offer active noise. cancellation in addition to an environmentally conscious way.
In short, one will allow us to hear the outside sound while the other allows you to decide if you need to hear the outside noise or if you prefer to have some peace and quiet.
Aside from the apparent big design difference, there are a number of small tweaks between the two earbuds that can make them better or worse for you depending on the smartphone you have, the battery life you need, and how long the Sony is in use. . Headphone app.
Can’t you between them? These are the main differences between Sony LinkBuds and Sony LinkBuds S.
While there is no significant value difference between Sony’s LinkBuds and S LinkBuds, there is a small gap. At launch, Sony’s LinkBuds S will charge $199/AU$349 to the original LinkBuds that still sell for $179/AU$319.
The $20/AU$30 surcharge gives you active noise cancellation (a feature that comes with true wireless headphones at this range of prices) and access to the LDAC audio codec (we’ll talk about this in more detail below). In theory, it’s fair trade, however, it will be more attractive to other people who have an LDAC-enabled smartphone.
The problem for Sony is that Apple’s AirPods Pro recently charge $199/AU$399, making it a somewhat difficult resolution for iOS users to do. Below, we’ll explain why they might be better or worse for you than the AirPods, but keep in mind that the LinkBuds S come at the same price.
In terms of design, it’s simple to tell the difference between LinkBuds and LinkBuds S. Everything from the shape of your charging case to the shape of the headphones is different. Different does not necessarily mean better or worse in this case, however, the designs have other goals.
For Sony’s original LinkBuds, their goal is for you to remain aware of your surroundings. This means having a gap in the middle of the headphones and designing a circular driving force that surrounds them. This is not the ideal solution from an audio point of view. , as an opening in the speaker reduces the bass response, but allows you to remain aware of your surroundings.
For the Sony LinkBuds S, its design is more focused on audio functionality and active noise cancellation. There is a small vent on the sides of each headset that can be closed when you need to allow active noise cancellation, thus eliminating the maximum ambience. noise. This helps in terms of audio quality, and their small, compact design means they’re a bit more comfortable to use for long periods of time than the original Sony LinkBuds.
We’ve covered this a bit in the design segment above, however, the functionality of the two headphones is very different, largely due to design differences. In our tests, we found that LinkBuds S had greater overall sound functionality with particularly taking a step forward in bass reaction compared to the original LinkBuds.
As we said in our review of the original LinkBuds: “The thrilling bass of Busta Rhymes’ ‘Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See’ are slight opposite punches to the eardrum, while the fierce bass riff of Metallica’s ‘For Whom the Bell’ tolls ‘leave a lot to be desired’.
Compare that to what we said in our review of the Sony LinkBuds S: “Listening to Milky Chance’s ‘Stolen Dance’, the verses sounded a bit bad, just as we know they deserve in this popular hit. . . [and] Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, the box and guitar, provided a more compelling argument for how the Sony LinkBuds S take care of the mid-frequencies, especially the guitar solo.
It’s a great open and closed case here for the Sony LinkBuds S.
The apparent difference here in terms of features is that the Sony LinkBuds S have active noise cancellation, unlike the original LinkBuds. The active noise cancellation presented through LinkBuds S is the most productive in the world and will possibly pale in comparison to Sony’s most appreciated. WF-1000XM4, but anything is still better than nothing.
In general, in addition to active noise cancellation, the Sony LinkBuds and Sony LinkBuds S have many features. They sync with the Sony Headphones app on iOS and Android, and work with smart assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
As for audio, they ship with Sony’s DSEE Extreme generation that can scale low-resolution audio, repair main points that would otherwise have been skipped, and support Sony’s 360 Reality Audio spatial format.
The only minor domain in which the two differ is their codec: the Sony LinkBuds S s LDAC for a higher audio bitrate of up to 1411 Kbps, while the original LinkBuds are limited to SBC and AAC. That’s a shame given that the LinkBuds are only a few months older than the LinkBuds S, however, Sony wants to realize that LinkBuds S owners care a little more about overall sound quality than other people interested in the original LinkBuds.
When it comes to battery life, it’s a pretty even setting; once again, it is in which the Sony LinkBuds S is ahead of its predecessor.
According to the knowledge provided to Tom’s Guide through Sony and corroborated through our own tests, the Sony LinkBuds S last around six hours according to the rate, and the charging case lasts 20 hours. The original LinkBuds, on the other hand, only last 5. 5 hours consistently. with rate with 17. 5 hours in the case.
That’s a very small difference in battery life, not enough to make or break any of the versions, but it’s worth mentioning that the LinkBuds S work a little better in this area.
Now you know if LinkBuds or LinkBuds S are more compatible for you. If you still want to keep your attention on your landscape because you work from home with young children or don’t like regular headphones, then LinkBuds might be the most productive selection for your specific situation.
But, for most people, the Sony LinkBuds S will be the most productive headphones. They have a longer battery life, active noise cancellation, and an LDAC codec for better sound. They’re more expensive at $199/AU$349 instead of AU$179/AU$319, but those $20/AU$30 shouldn’t deter you from what we’ve found to be a pair of very attractive true wireless headphones.
Nick Pino leads the TV and AV sectors at Tom’s Guide and covers everything from OLED TVs to the newest wireless headphones. written for GamesRadar, Official Xbox Magazine, PC Gamer and other outlets over the past decade. Not sure which TV to buy? Send him an email or tweet him on Twitter and he can help you.
Instantly access the latest news, reviews, offers and useful tips.
Thank you for signing up for Tom’s Guide. You will get a verification shortly.
There is a problem. Refresh the page and check again.
Tom’s Guide is from Future US Inc. , a leading global media organization and virtual publisher. Visit our corporate website.