Sony’s innovative outdoor LinkBuds have a sequel and this also applies to the closed LinkBuds S. The new models are simply called LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit. There’s also a speaker (which makes perfect sense, we’ll get to that).
Sony LinkBuds opened
The Sony LinkBuds Open have been redesigned for a more comfortable fit with the Air Fitting Supporters that allow you to wear them all day long. The open design allows you to hear ambient sounds and conversations rather than mimicking this with the ANC system. Not closing your ear canal with a rubber tip also contributes to long-term wearing comfort.
Sony has redesigned the open ring driver. It’s an 11mm round driver with neodymium magnets that connected to Sony’s Integrated Processor V2, previously found on the premium WF-1000XM5. The Open support DSEE and Adaptive Volume Control, which adjust the sound level to your environment.
The connection is provided by Bluetooth 5.3 with multi-point connectivity and support for AAC and LC3 audio codecs. The earbuds support voice commands, but that doesn’t involve the usual cast of digital assistants (Siri, Google Assistant, etc.). Since head tracking is available, these also support 360 Audio.
Gesture and voice control, same chip as the WF-1000XM5
The LinkBuds Open have much longer battery life and can last up to 8 hours continuously, and up to 22 hours with the charging case (up from 5.5/17.5 hours on the original LinkBuds). The case is quite small: 46 x 46 x 29.4 mm and 30.6 g. The earbuds have an IPX4 rating, so you can go outside in the rain without worry.
The Sony LinkBuds Fit are the sequel to the LinkBuds S and have a closed design. These also have Air Fitting Supporters and Earbuds Tips. Sony sells replacements in different colors so you can customize your style. Speaking of style, Sony has partnered with Olivia Rodrigo and is offering her signature violet colorway (but only in the US, more on availability later). In addition, covers are available for even more customization.
The Fit are also designed to be worn for extended periods of time and Sony has put a lot of work into making them comfortable. They also offer excellent noise cancellation – like the Open, these have the integrated processor V2 – as well as an automatic ambient sound mode for when you need to hear your surroundings.
Sony LinkBuds fit
The Fit also have better audio codec support with LDAC and LC3 and are certified for Hi-Res Audio Wireless. Both Open and Fit earbuds support simultaneous Bluetooth transmission, meaning the left and right earbuds have their own connection to your phone (the old-fashioned way is one earbud connects to the phone and sends audio to the other earbud).
In addition to voice control, the new LinkBuds also support Wide Area Tap – the usual tapping gestures can be performed by tapping your cheek instead of having to aim at the buttons themselves.
The Fit also has an IPX4 rating. The Fit, Open and Speaker use recycled plastic, while the packaging does not contain plastic.
These gestures, plus equalizer settings and more, can be configured with the new Sound Connect app. You can set up quick access to your favorite music player, whether it’s the phone’s app or Spotify. This app also supports the new LinkBuds Speaker.
The LinkBuds Fit lasts up to 5.5 hours with ANC on or up to 8 hours with it turned off. With the case, the listening time lasts up to 21 hours (an hour longer than the LinkBuds S lasted). The Fit case measures 47.2 x 47.2 x 32.6 mm and weighs 41 grams.
The new Sound Connect app
The idea of the speaker is that it integrates with the LinkBuds Open and Fit (the old LinkBuds S are also supported), allowing you to seamlessly switch between listening through headphones or through the speaker. Imagine coming home, taking out the headphones and just playing your music or podcast on the speaker.
The speaker normally sits on a charging dock, but has a built-in battery that lasts a whopping 25 hours at a reasonable volume or up to 6 hours at full power.
Sony LinkBuds speaker
The Speaker has a tweeter and a woofer (X-Balanced Speaker), plus passive radiators. In the Sound Connect app you will find a 5-band equalizer and a Clear Bass setting. The Quick Access button provides the same easy access to your favorite music services as the earbuds.
The Sony LinkBuds Open are available for pre-order now and cost USD 200 / CAD 300. You can find them at Sony.com, Amazon And Best buytogether with selected retailers. The Open will be released on October 11th. As mentioned above, the violet color is only available in the US (for now), the same goes for accessories like the covers And Air fitting supporters.
The Sony LinkBuds Fit are available for pre-order now and cost the same: $200 or $300 CAD. Check them out Sony.com, Amazon And Best buyplus select retailers. The Fit will be released on November 1. These have their own covers And Air fitting supporterswhich cost USD 20 and USD 10 respectively.
The Sony LinkBuds speaker is only available in the US for now. You can pre-order it at Sony.com And Amazon for $180. The speaker will be released on October 11th.
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