Customer reviews from sony.com
Sony - LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbud Headphones (Earth - Blue
Average customer rating
3.8
(91 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 91 reviews
5 Stars
53
4 Stars
8
3 Stars
9
2 Stars
3
1 Star
18
75%of customers recommend this product.
(
59 out of
79)
Customer Reviews for Sony - LinkBuds S Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbud Headphones (Earth - Blue
Customer Rating
5
Overall rating: 4.5/5
on August 25, 2022
Posted by: Hmurphy2233
Gender:Female
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] These earbuds are amazing!! I have many pairs of wireless earbuds, but these offer a lot of things that others don't. They give amazing sound quality in a pair of open-designed buds, making them a much better option than Airpods or Buds Live. In this review, I'll compare the Linkbuds to those buds, as well as Sony's flagship WF-1000xm4s (which I will refer to as xm4s).
SOUND QUALITY: 4.5
-Wow. The Linkbuds have an incredibly clean sound that sets them apart from other open-designed earbuds. The mids are clean and the highs are crisp, but something to keep in mind is that the low end is not very prominent. It is more of a bass you can hear rather than feel, which is to be expected for a pair of open-designed earbuds.
When compared to other open-designed earbuds like the AirPods and Buds Live, the Linkbuds blow them out of the water. The AirPods and Buds Live have more bass, but when compared to the Linkbuds, it is evident that the mids and highs get completely drowned out as a result of the added bass.
-The xm4s and Linkbuds have similar mids and highs, but the low-end on the xm4s is amazing and gives the music a lot more body. That's to be expected from sealed earbuds.
-Overall, these are by far the best sounding pair of open-designed earbuds I have ever used. They are the closest sounding buds to open-backed headphones I have tried, and even though they miss some bass, they give the music a really pleasant and natural sound.
-Wow. The Linkbuds have an incredibly clean sound that sets them apart from other open-designed earbuds. The mids are clean and the highs are crisp, but something to keep in mind is that the low end is not very prominent. It is more of a bass you can hear rather than feel, which is to be expected for a pair of open-designed earbuds.
When compared to other open-designed earbuds like the AirPods and Buds Live, the Linkbuds blow them out of the water. The AirPods and Buds Live have more bass, but when compared to the Linkbuds, it is evident that the mids and highs get completely drowned out as a result of the added bass.
-The xm4s and Linkbuds have similar mids and highs, but the low-end on the xm4s is amazing and gives the music a lot more body. That's to be expected from sealed earbuds.
-Overall, these are by far the best sounding pair of open-designed earbuds I have ever used. They are the closest sounding buds to open-backed headphones I have tried, and even though they miss some bass, they give the music a really pleasant and natural sound.
COMFORT: 5
-The Linkbuds are extremely comfortable. They are similar to AirPods and Buds Live in the sense that I can wear them for extended periods of time without my ears hurting, but I do think that I could wear the Linkbuds even a bit longer just because they are extremely lightweight. They even come with 5 different sizes of wingtips. Plus, the hole in the center of the driver really makes you forget you are wearing earbuds! It's pretty amazing.
-The Linkbuds are extremely comfortable. They are similar to AirPods and Buds Live in the sense that I can wear them for extended periods of time without my ears hurting, but I do think that I could wear the Linkbuds even a bit longer just because they are extremely lightweight. They even come with 5 different sizes of wingtips. Plus, the hole in the center of the driver really makes you forget you are wearing earbuds! It's pretty amazing.
BATTERY: 4.5
- one charge will give me 5 hours of use, which is right around Sony's estimated 5.5 hours. That is slightly above average for wireless earbuds and I haven't run into any problems with it yet.
- one charge will give me 5 hours of use, which is right around Sony's estimated 5.5 hours. That is slightly above average for wireless earbuds and I haven't run into any problems with it yet.
CONTROLS: 5
-The Linkbuds introduce a new type of control where you tap the sides of your head to pause, play, skip, or activate other functions you can set in the app. I got the hang of these functions instantly, and they are very convenient! On top of that, I haven't noticed any issues with false touches, and now I love the feature! It's not a big deal but I kinda wish I could set the functions myself, somehow. Still an amazing feature that i have never seen before!
-The Linkbuds introduce a new type of control where you tap the sides of your head to pause, play, skip, or activate other functions you can set in the app. I got the hang of these functions instantly, and they are very convenient! On top of that, I haven't noticed any issues with false touches, and now I love the feature! It's not a big deal but I kinda wish I could set the functions myself, somehow. Still an amazing feature that i have never seen before!
VOLUME: 4
-These buds don't get too loud. I don't mind, because i seldom listen to loud music anyway, so they are perfect for me, but if volume is one of your main concerns then all the other buds I have previously mentioned get much louder than you would ever need. However, other products may damage your ears if you play music too loud.
-These buds don't get too loud. I don't mind, because i seldom listen to loud music anyway, so they are perfect for me, but if volume is one of your main concerns then all the other buds I have previously mentioned get much louder than you would ever need. However, other products may damage your ears if you play music too loud.
SOUND LEAKING: 3
-The Linkbuds leak a lot of sound, even compared to AirPods or the Buds Live. I expected this, since there's a hole in the middle of the driver and there is nothing to block sound from escaping, but just be cautious, because if you are listening to something above 70% volume, then someone in a quiet room will probably be able to hear it a bit.
-The Linkbuds leak a lot of sound, even compared to AirPods or the Buds Live. I expected this, since there's a hole in the middle of the driver and there is nothing to block sound from escaping, but just be cautious, because if you are listening to something above 70% volume, then someone in a quiet room will probably be able to hear it a bit.
PAIRING/CONNECTIVITY: 4.5
-For Apple products, you just need to go to your bluetooth settings and click the device to pair them. I'm not sure about Samsung products.
-For Apple products, you just need to go to your bluetooth settings and click the device to pair them. I'm not sure about Samsung products.
-i was hoping for a multipoint connection, but thats still a pretty rare feature in earbuds so im not letting that effect my overall rating.
- they are incredibly easy to connect over multiple devices
- they are incredibly easy to connect over multiple devices
CASE: 5
It's a perfect little case for these airpods. The airpods click into place when you put them in there. I definitely prefer over the Apple airpods case.
It's a perfect little case for these airpods. The airpods click into place when you put them in there. I definitely prefer over the Apple airpods case.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from sony.comBy Sony North America Customer Support, August 26, 2022
Hi Hmurphy2233, Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with your new Sony LinkBuds S. We are thrilled to know that you like most of their functions, features and qualities. Our LinkBuds S offer premium noise canceling to help you focus on your favorite playlist or podcast. They have Precise Voice Pickup Technology that optimally controls microphones on the outside and inside of the earbud, and advanced audio signal processing, conversations are ultra-clear, even in noisy environments. LinkBuds S also supports High-Resolution Audio Wireless thanks to LDAC, our industry-adopted audio coding technology. Thank you for your purchase. Enjoy! Vincent
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
Great Sound Quality and Noise Canceling
on September 3, 2022
Posted by: BeachieBummi
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is my third pair of earbuds, and they are now my favorite. The LinkBuds S come with 4 total pairs of ear tips (one pair is on the ear buds when they arrive), a charging case, and a USB cable. They are lightweight, fit well, and I found them very comfortable. The app was easy to install and use. I love the various equalizer settings, the “Speak-to-Chat” feature, and the “Adaptive Sound Control”. The sound quality from the LinkBuds S is fantastic. The biggest thing for me was the noise canceling, and the LinkBuds S do not disappoint. The noise canceling is top notch. With other wireless earbuds, for example, I was still able to hear my air conditioner running, but with these, I only hear what I have playing through the earbuds. To date, the battery life has been pretty close to the estimates from Sony. They are waterproof, so I feel comfortable wearing them when I’m working out. I really appreciate the fact that these earbuds are made with recycled plastic from automobile parts. The only thing I do wish these had is wireless charging. Other than that, I love these earbuds, and they will be my “go to” pair from now on.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from sony.comBy Sony North America Customer Support, September 4, 2022
Hi BeachieBummi, We are glad that you are enjoying our all-new LinkBuds S. The Linkbuds S are the world’s smallest and lightest, noise cancelling, Hi-Res truly wireless headphones. This combines a shape that perfectly matches the human ear with an ergonomic design for a more stable fit. With Precise Voice Pickup Technology that optimally controls microphones on the outside and inside of the earbud, and advanced audio signal processing, conversations are ultra-clear, even in noisy environments. The LinkBuds S feature an IPX4 splash-proof and sweat-proof design, Adaptive Sound Control, a a smart function that senses where you are and what you’re doing, then adjusts ambient sound settings for the ideal listening experience. Your LinkBuds S are designed for both style and environmental consciousness. Thanks for choosing Sony. Erin
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
3
They shut off on their own, and then back on
on September 16, 2022
Posted by: Tony85
Gender:Male
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I can't say that I am impressed with the Sony LinkBuds S. Though the sound is crystal clear, the Bluetooth connection gets cut causing the audio to come out of the phone speaker without you realizing it. The sensors take some getting used to. Why buttons can't be used now is beyond me, but these ear buds are mid level compared to other Sony ones I have.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from sony.comBy Sony North America Customer Support, September 17, 2022
Hi Tony85, while we're glad that you like sound quality, we regret that you're having an issue with your headphones. We'd love to help you troubleshoot your problem and turn this into a better experience.
If the sound skips frequently, please follow the steps here:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/contents/TP1000537649.html?search=priority
If this does not help, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Sincerely,
Erin
If the sound skips frequently, please follow the steps here:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/contents/TP1000537649.html?search=priority
If this does not help, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Sincerely,
Erin
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
Awesome set of earbuds
on September 22, 2022
Posted by: Mchammer
Gender:Male
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have the AirPods Pro, and I can say that this does compete with them a lot. For one, the bass is MUCH better than the Pros. The build quality is very impressive, and if you download the official companion Sony app you can customize the sound of these earbuds like crazy. Would totally recommend this to anyone!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from sony.comBy Sony North America Customer Support, September 23, 2022
Hi Mchammer, We are glad that you are enjoying our all-new LinkBuds S. The Linkbuds S are the world’s smallest and lightest, noise cancelling, Hi-Res truly wireless headphones. This combines a shape that perfectly matches the human ear with an ergonomic design for a more stable fit. With Precise Voice Pickup Technology that optimally controls microphones on the outside and inside of the earbud, and advanced audio signal processing, conversations are ultra-clear, even in noisy environments. The LinkBuds S feature an IPX4 splash-proof and sweat-proof design, Adaptive Sound Control, a a smart function that senses where you are and what you’re doing, then adjusts ambient sound settings for the ideal listening experience. Your LinkBuds S are designed for both style and environmental consciousness. Thanks for choosing Sony. Erin
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
3
Just ok
on November 14, 2022
Posted by: Michi92xo
Gender:Female
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The initial setup was fairly easy as long as you read the directions but I disliked that you need to take out both buds in order to connect. The sound was also not great and sounded muffled.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from sony.comBy Sony North America Customer Support, November 14, 2022
Hi Michi92xo, Thank you for the feedback on your experience with your Sony Linkbuds S. While we're glad you like the easy initial setup, we regret to hear that you're having an issue with the sound quality.
For low sound quality issue, or noise or unusual sound can be heard, please follow the troubleshooting steps on the link below to resolve this issue.
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/contents/TP1000537646.html
You also can remove one unit of the headset from the charging case and use the unit by itself. In this case, only the unit that has been removed from the charging case will turn on.
For more information on using only one unit of the headset, please refer to the link below:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/contents/TP1000539672.html
If you are unable to resolve your concern and need further assistance, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Sincerely,
Sam
For low sound quality issue, or noise or unusual sound can be heard, please follow the troubleshooting steps on the link below to resolve this issue.
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/contents/TP1000537646.html
You also can remove one unit of the headset from the charging case and use the unit by itself. In this case, only the unit that has been removed from the charging case will turn on.
For more information on using only one unit of the headset, please refer to the link below:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/contents/TP1000539672.html
If you are unable to resolve your concern and need further assistance, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Sincerely,
Sam
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
4
Amazing, but battery issues.
on June 10, 2025
Posted by: etallas
Gender:Male
I've had these for a year and a half, and they're incredible, minus one huge issue. The battery in the right earbud was a dud, and it started to drain like crazy(20 minutes). They were out of warranty, so I bought a replacement battery kit online and replaced the batteries myself off of a youtube video. I would assume they've fixed the battery issue by now, so I would buy them again if it were necessary. Great audio quality, and great ANC.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from sony.comBy Estefany, Sony North America Customer Support, June 10, 2025
Hi etallas, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the LinkBuds S. We are thrilled to hear that you appreciate the incredible audio quality and effective active noise cancellation they offer. Your feedback about the battery issue is invaluable and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you encountered with the right earbud.
We hope to welcome you back in the future and we’re confident that any advancements made will enhance your experience with our products.
Thank you for choosing Sony and for your feedback!
Sincerely,
Estefany
We hope to welcome you back in the future and we’re confident that any advancements made will enhance your experience with our products.
Thank you for choosing Sony and for your feedback!
Sincerely,
Estefany
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
3
My experience
on August 22, 2025
Posted by: EvK07
Gender:Male
Ive had the product for about 2 years, and while very comfortable in the ear and great sound, the battery in the earbuds has given up and they no longer hold very much charge. They last 20 minutes before they end up dying.
Response from sony.comBy Gus, Sony North America Customer Support, August 23, 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience. We are delighted to hear that you have found the WF-LS900N earbuds to be very comfortable and to have great sound. We designed them to be a perfect blend of comfort and high-quality audio, so it's rewarding to know you enjoyed them for two years.
We are very sorry to hear about the issue you are now experiencing with the battery life. This is not the long-term performance we aim to deliver, and we understand how frustrating it is when the earbuds no longer hold a charge.
Since the earbuds are just over two years old, they are outside of the standard warranty period. However, we want to help you find a solution. Please contact our product support team, and they can review your case and provide information on available service options or potential solutions.
Thank you again for being a loyal Sony customer. We appreciate your feedback and hope to resolve this for you.
Best regards,
Gus, Sony North America Customer Support
We are very sorry to hear about the issue you are now experiencing with the battery life. This is not the long-term performance we aim to deliver, and we understand how frustrating it is when the earbuds no longer hold a charge.
Since the earbuds are just over two years old, they are outside of the standard warranty period. However, we want to help you find a solution. Please contact our product support team, and they can review your case and provide information on available service options or potential solutions.
Thank you again for being a loyal Sony customer. We appreciate your feedback and hope to resolve this for you.
Best regards,
Gus, Sony North America Customer Support
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
1
Bluetooth connectivity is a joke
on September 16, 2025
Posted by: Paid too much
Gender:Male
Have owned for 2 years. Sound quality is fine but Bluetooth connectivity is absolutely pitiful. Effective range of about 2.5 feet and will disconnect constantly in any sort of crowded environment like the gym or subway.
Response from sony.comBy Estefany, Sony North America Customer Support, September 16, 2025
Hi there, Thank you for reaching out. We're sorry to hear you're having so much trouble with the Bluetooth connectivity on your LinkBuds S. Here are some quick things you can try to improve the connection: 1. Bluetooth signals can get crowded in busy spots, especially with lots of devices around. If possible, keep your phone or device as close to the earbuds as you can, with no thick walls or metal objects in between. 2. Make sure your earbuds and the device you’re using have the latest software updates. To update your LinkBuds S, just check out the instructions in this link: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/linkbuds-s/software/00278796
3. Try resetting your earbuds to their factory settings by following the instructions at this link: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/contents/TP1000541614.html
We hope these steps help, but if the issue continues, your unit may need to be repaired. Since the unit comes with a 1-year warranty and you've had them for two years, the repair would be out of warranty. You can get the unit repaired with our authorized service center, Encompass and find their contact information here: https://sony.encompass.com/parts-accessories/Sony-Repair-Services
Thanks for considering Sony and for bringing this issue to our attention. Sincerely, Estefany
3. Try resetting your earbuds to their factory settings by following the instructions at this link: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/contents/TP1000541614.html
We hope these steps help, but if the issue continues, your unit may need to be repaired. Since the unit comes with a 1-year warranty and you've had them for two years, the repair would be out of warranty. You can get the unit repaired with our authorized service center, Encompass and find their contact information here: https://sony.encompass.com/parts-accessories/Sony-Repair-Services
Thanks for considering Sony and for bringing this issue to our attention. Sincerely, Estefany
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com