Customer reviews from sony.com
Sony - LinkBuds S True Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds - Black
Average customer rating
4.2
(339 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 339 reviews
5 Stars
216
4 Stars
51
3 Stars
26
2 Stars
20
1 Star
26
83%of customers recommend this product.
(
260 out of
315)
Customer Reviews for Sony - LinkBuds S True Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds - Black
Posted by: RNR79
Gender:Male
Verified Purchase:Yes
I like everything about these headphones except for the awful battery life. These barely last 2 hours on a full charge. Not even close to the stated time of 5+ hours.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from sony.comBy Sony North America Customer Support, September 17, 2024
Hi RNR79,
Thank you for your time writing this review. While we are glad you like your Sony LinkBuds, we're sorry to hear if the battery life won't last long.
Usage hours may differ depending on the settings for the headset functions and usage conditions.For Available operating time, please refer to this link:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000447703.html?search=operating
You may also refer to this with troubleshooting steps to attempt to solve the Battery/Charging issues:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000449912.html
May we contact you to help? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com:
Name:
Sony.com Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope to speak to you to resolve this matter. - Kris
Thank you for your time writing this review. While we are glad you like your Sony LinkBuds, we're sorry to hear if the battery life won't last long.
Usage hours may differ depending on the settings for the headset functions and usage conditions.For Available operating time, please refer to this link:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000447703.html?search=operating
You may also refer to this with troubleshooting steps to attempt to solve the Battery/Charging issues:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000449912.html
May we contact you to help? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com:
Name:
Sony.com Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope to speak to you to resolve this matter. - Kris
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Posted by: AK272
Gender:Male
Verified Purchase:Yes
Only two months I lost the right side piece, have been looking for it. Want to use the left ear piece, but can't because it won't work without the right side.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from sony.comBy Sony North America Customer Support, October 25, 2024
Hi AK272,
We regret to hear that you lost one earbud. You can use one earbud at a time. However, when the Service Link is turned on with the “Sony Sound Connect” app, you cannot use only the left unit of the headset. Depending on the headset unit you are wearing, some functions may not be available in the factory settings. Make sure to check the settings of the Sony app. For more information, please refer to these links:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000447720.html
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000447718.html
The earbuds are pre-set with information that allows them to communicate with and from each other. These settings can only be configured at the Authorized Service Center (United Radio Service Inc.) with all three components present. For this reason, you can't simply replace one missing part.
If one of the earbuds is lost or damaged, send the remaining items (earbuds and charging case) to an Authorized Service Center (United Radio Service Inc.) so that a replacement for the missing part can be reset with the remaining components. You may find this link helpful:
https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/service?language=en_US
Hope this helps. In case you need additional assistance, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Or contact our product support team via phone call or chat through this link:
https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US&category=headphones
-Ralph
We regret to hear that you lost one earbud. You can use one earbud at a time. However, when the Service Link is turned on with the “Sony Sound Connect” app, you cannot use only the left unit of the headset. Depending on the headset unit you are wearing, some functions may not be available in the factory settings. Make sure to check the settings of the Sony app. For more information, please refer to these links:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000447720.html
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000447718.html
The earbuds are pre-set with information that allows them to communicate with and from each other. These settings can only be configured at the Authorized Service Center (United Radio Service Inc.) with all three components present. For this reason, you can't simply replace one missing part.
If one of the earbuds is lost or damaged, send the remaining items (earbuds and charging case) to an Authorized Service Center (United Radio Service Inc.) so that a replacement for the missing part can be reset with the remaining components. You may find this link helpful:
https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/service?language=en_US
Hope this helps. In case you need additional assistance, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Or contact our product support team via phone call or chat through this link:
https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US&category=headphones
-Ralph
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
2
Good fit, poor performance
on July 9, 2025
Posted by: cewdressage
I've had these for a full 6 months now. They've been rather disappointing... My old cheapie earbuds worked better.
Often one earbud will disconnect and will not reconnect unless I put them back in the case. Annoying because I don't take the case with me on walks, which is mainly when I use them.
When that's not happening, both earbuds will cut out very briefly, over and over, back and forth between the two.
I've reset, unpaired/re-paired, etc. and it all still keeps happening.
The thing I do like about them is that they are very comfortable and stay in well. As someone with small ears, the vast majority of earbuds don't work for me.
Often one earbud will disconnect and will not reconnect unless I put them back in the case. Annoying because I don't take the case with me on walks, which is mainly when I use them.
When that's not happening, both earbuds will cut out very briefly, over and over, back and forth between the two.
I've reset, unpaired/re-paired, etc. and it all still keeps happening.
The thing I do like about them is that they are very comfortable and stay in well. As someone with small ears, the vast majority of earbuds don't work for me.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from sony.comBy Estefany, Sony North America Customer Support, July 9, 2025
Hi cewdressage, thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience with your LinkBuds S. We're truly sorry to hear that you've been encountering such persistent disconnections and audio cut-outs. We understand how frustrating it must be, particularly when you're out on your walks without the case.
On a positive note, we're genuinely glad to hear that despite these challenges, you find the LinkBuds S to be very comfortable and that they stay in well for your smaller ears. We understand how crucial fit is and we appreciate you acknowledging that aspect of the design.
Regarding the disconnection and audio cutting out, since you've already tried resetting and re-pairing, here are some troubleshooting steps we recommend:
-Ensure your earbuds have the latest firmware. You can check for and install updates using the Sony | Sound Connect app.
-Initialize your earbuds. Please refer to the detailed instructions provided at the following link: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/contents/TP1000541614.html
-If possible, try connecting your LinkBuds S to another smartphone or audio device. This helps us determine if the issue might be related to your original device's Bluetooth connection or settings.
If these steps do not resolve the issues, or if you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our technical support team at https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US&category=headphones
Thank you for being a valued customer of Sony and for bringing these issues to our attention.
Sincerely,
Estefany
On a positive note, we're genuinely glad to hear that despite these challenges, you find the LinkBuds S to be very comfortable and that they stay in well for your smaller ears. We understand how crucial fit is and we appreciate you acknowledging that aspect of the design.
Regarding the disconnection and audio cutting out, since you've already tried resetting and re-pairing, here are some troubleshooting steps we recommend:
-Ensure your earbuds have the latest firmware. You can check for and install updates using the Sony | Sound Connect app.
-Initialize your earbuds. Please refer to the detailed instructions provided at the following link: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/contents/TP1000541614.html
-If possible, try connecting your LinkBuds S to another smartphone or audio device. This helps us determine if the issue might be related to your original device's Bluetooth connection or settings.
If these steps do not resolve the issues, or if you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our technical support team at https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US&category=headphones
Thank you for being a valued customer of Sony and for bringing these issues to our attention.
Sincerely,
Estefany
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
Amazing product
on May 8, 2025
Posted by: Darron
I got these headphones around a year ago and they are by far the best in ear headphones I’ve ever tried. As avid music listener for many years, I’ve previously used air pods, skull candy, and shure air in ear headphones and these have out preformed both in audio quality, noise cancellation, and cost.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from sony.comBy Sony North America Customer Support, Fred, May 9, 2025
Hello Darron,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback on the WFLS900N headphones! We're delighted to hear that they have surpassed your expectations in audio quality, noise cancellation, and cost-effectiveness. It's always our mission to provide an exceptional listening experience, especially for passionate music listeners like yourself. Enjoy your favorite tunes with your WF-LS900N headphones!
Thank you for choosing Sony!
Best regards,
-Fred
Thank you for your wonderful feedback on the WFLS900N headphones! We're delighted to hear that they have surpassed your expectations in audio quality, noise cancellation, and cost-effectiveness. It's always our mission to provide an exceptional listening experience, especially for passionate music listeners like yourself. Enjoy your favorite tunes with your WF-LS900N headphones!
Thank you for choosing Sony!
Best regards,
-Fred
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Posted by: MadJeeper
Gender:Male
Verified Purchase:Yes
I have had them a few days and enjoy the sound quality as well as using them for cell phone calls. I am plesed so far.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from sony.comBy Sony North America Customer Support, June 21, 2024
Hi MadJeeper, awesome! We're truly happy to know that you're well-pleased with the superb performance of your LinkBuds S. Thank you very much for the perfect star review and for choosing the best brand, Sony! - Romeo
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
2
I really wanted to like these
on August 29, 2024
Posted by: Onculus
Gender:Male
I really liked the design and case on these open earbuds but I don't know if it's my ear shape or something else but I constantly have to readjust these in my ear for them to stay put no matter what size of the rubber loop I place on the buds. However, easily the worst part(and the reason I decided to return) is the touch controls. I've never had a pair of earbuds with more inconsistent touch controls. I spent multiple weeks hoping I would master the finger positioning and every time I thought I was getting the hang of it I would lose all control and be relegated to relentlessly fingering the earbud to no avail. Sometimes my earlobes would even activate them out of the blue. This really sucks as these earbuds are competitively priced with good sound quality and are so comfortable you can forget their in your ear but I just got worn down over time.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from sony.comBy Sony North America Customer Support, August 31, 2024
Hi Onculus,
We regret to hear that you were not completely satisfied with Sony LinkBuds. Your feedback is extremely important to us and is very much appreciated.
For optimum fit and comfort, it is recommended to wear both earbuds properly.
Keeping the software version of the LinkBuds up-to-date is recommended for optimum performance. The wide area tap is a function that detects vibration around the ears with the acceleration sensors that are built into the headset and determines the tap operations. Therefore, it may be erroneously detected as tapped by actions such as putting on or taking off surgical masks or glasses, and chewing. If the headset often does not operate correctly, this may be improved by using the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app to turn wide area tap off and switch to headset tap instead.
Hint:
-In addition to tapping around your ear, tap operations are detected when you tap the headset unit.
-If the tap operations cannot be easily detected, tap a little harder while adjusting the tap position.
-When tapping the headset or the area near your ear 2 or 3 times, tap it quickly with an interval of about 0.2 seconds between taps.
-You can change the function assignments to the left and right headset units using the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app.
Thanks again for sharing your review and we hope you will consider Sony for your future purchases.
-Ralph
We regret to hear that you were not completely satisfied with Sony LinkBuds. Your feedback is extremely important to us and is very much appreciated.
For optimum fit and comfort, it is recommended to wear both earbuds properly.
Keeping the software version of the LinkBuds up-to-date is recommended for optimum performance. The wide area tap is a function that detects vibration around the ears with the acceleration sensors that are built into the headset and determines the tap operations. Therefore, it may be erroneously detected as tapped by actions such as putting on or taking off surgical masks or glasses, and chewing. If the headset often does not operate correctly, this may be improved by using the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app to turn wide area tap off and switch to headset tap instead.
Hint:
-In addition to tapping around your ear, tap operations are detected when you tap the headset unit.
-If the tap operations cannot be easily detected, tap a little harder while adjusting the tap position.
-When tapping the headset or the area near your ear 2 or 3 times, tap it quickly with an interval of about 0.2 seconds between taps.
-You can change the function assignments to the left and right headset units using the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app.
Thanks again for sharing your review and we hope you will consider Sony for your future purchases.
-Ralph
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
Comfortable great sound earbuds
on April 28, 2025
Posted by: in2caffeine
Comfortable great sound earbuds. I replaced my airpods with these. Excellent upgrade. The airpods are no good for movement since they fall out easily. These sonys stay put when exercising! Also, the sound is far superior to the airpods. Highly recommended for physical activity.
Response from sony.comBy Sony North America Customer Support, April 28, 2025
Hi in2caffeine,
Thank you so much for your fantastic review of the LinkBuds S! We're thrilled to hear that you're enjoying the comfort and superior sound quality of our earbuds.
It's great to know that the LinkBuds S stay securely in place during your workouts. Your recommendation means a lot to us and we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
Thanks for choosing Sony!
Best regards,
- Stephanie
Thank you so much for your fantastic review of the LinkBuds S! We're thrilled to hear that you're enjoying the comfort and superior sound quality of our earbuds.
It's great to know that the LinkBuds S stay securely in place during your workouts. Your recommendation means a lot to us and we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
Thanks for choosing Sony!
Best regards,
- Stephanie
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
1
Worst Sony Product EVER purchased... DO NOT BUY
on September 15, 2025
Posted by: Sad Dan 92
Gender:Male
Bought these a little over a years ago, and they've proven to be the most disappointing product I've EVER purchased from Sony. They aren't even useful as a paperweight at this point. This product is definitely not on par with the headphones and earbuds Sony has released for decades, and the experience with this product has been bad enough that I will reconsider ever buying anymore Sony products in the future...
On first impression the earbuds were great. I loved the sound quality, and the way they fit snug and securely in the ears. The noise cancelling was also very impressive. The customizations available through the Sony app were pretty cool as well. 100% what you would expect from a upper-middle tier audio product from Sony.
On first impression the earbuds were great. I loved the sound quality, and the way they fit snug and securely in the ears. The noise cancelling was also very impressive. The customizations available through the Sony app were pretty cool as well. 100% what you would expect from a upper-middle tier audio product from Sony.
Within ~2 months, the head phones started going downhill. Battery life started diminishing, which is expected from any product with a rechargeable battery, but the decline was very quick. Originally, I could make it through about 5 to 6 hours with fully charged buds, and a 20 minute charge would get me through the rest of my work day. Pretty soon I was charging them 2-3 times a day.
At ~6 months, the headphones physically started to fall apart. The black lens that hides the sensor for detecting when the headphones are being worn FELL OFF IN MY EAR CANAL and I had to have a trained medical professional help me remove it!...
Around the same time, the noise cancellation started acting up. Whenever the buds were set to Noise Cancelling, a constant buzzing sound could be heard while the headphones were on. Like a strong breeze was blowing past your ear...
Around the same time, the noise cancellation started acting up. Whenever the buds were set to Noise Cancelling, a constant buzzing sound could be heard while the headphones were on. Like a strong breeze was blowing past your ear...
After ~9 months, the battery is almost completely shot in the right earbud. On a "full charge", the buds say they're only at 70%. If I'm lucky, I can maybe get 30 minutes of use out of the right bud, otherwise it lasts about 15 minutes. Of course, the right bud is the "primary" earbud, so the left can't function independently. Not much you can do once the battery goes unless you're able to pull the buds apart and replace the batteries on your own.
Overall, a very disappointing product from a company I once held in high regard. I wouldn't buy these again or recommend them to anyone.
Response from sony.comBy Sony North America Customer Support, September 16, 2025
Hi Sad Dan 92, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're truly sorry to hear about the series of issues you've experienced with your Sony - LinkBuds S, and we sincerely apologize for the disappointment and frustration this has caused. The experience you've described, is far below the high standards we strive to uphold. And this is not the quality we want our customers to receive from our products, especially given your positive initial impressions. We would like to look into this for you and see how we can help. Please email the following information to socialsupport@am.sony.com so we can better assist you. Full Name: Username: Telephone Number: Model Number: Issue/Concern: We look forward to hearing from again, and thank you for considering Sony products! Regards, Dominick
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com