Sony LinkBuds Open

The Hardware

In line with Sony’s genuine sustainability strategy, the Sony LinkBuds Open arrive in a small, plastic-free box. The charging case – partly made from recycled plastic – is also extremely compact.

With their spherical housings connected to ear hooks and ring-shaped drivers, the Sony LinkBuds Open have a “friendly” look. The design is familiar – Sony launched the similar LinkBuds WF-L900 about three years ago.

At the heart of the design is an 11 mm driver shaped like a perforated doughnut, surrounding but not blocking the ear canal. The IPX4 rating protects against rain and sweat, making them gym- and drizzle-ready. In addition to the three core colours – Goji Black, Elder White, and Violet – Sony offers colourful case covers and ear hooks, plus a special LinkBuds Open x Olivia Rodrigo edition for fans.

Fit & Comfort

While they sit perfectly when in place, the Sony LinkBuds Open can slip out – something that hasn’t happened to me with in-ears in years. This doesn’t initially affect sound quality, but it does make them less secure for some users. The separately sold “fit supports” are merely colour variants of the same short hook design and do not solve the problem.

Bluetooth Specs

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, the LinkBuds Open support Google Fast Pair and Windows Swift Pair for quick, easy pairing. To connect, leave the buds in the case and hold the rear button for five seconds to enter pairing mode. Multipoint connectivity is included, with SBC and AAC codecs supported, plus LC3 for compatible hardware via LE Audio.

Controls

The Sony LinkBuds Open can be controlled by tapping the back of the buds or even the skin in front of them – with commands activating only from a double tap to avoid accidental input. Volume changes can be made by holding your finger on either the buds or your head.

Sound Quality

The Sony LinkBuds Open deliver an impressively full and engaging sound, more intense and rich than many current open-ear competitors. The tonal balance is natural and pleasant: punchy, full bass; well-defined mids; and clear, open treble that, while not the most extended, gives an airy and detailed presentation.

Dolby Atmos remixes, such as those from Apple’s cult series Severance, feel immersive and playful. Electronic music flows with energy, while rock tracks like David Gilmour’s exude warmth and body. Sony’s DSP, combined with its DSEE upscaling technology, can add extra depth – particularly with a touch of EQ and bass boost.

The “Sound Connect” App

Sony’s Sound Connect app is essential for unlocking the full potential of the LinkBuds Open. It offers an extensive range of features, from equaliser presets (including a 5-band EQ with dedicated bass control) to Speak-to-Chat auto-pausing, passform testing, 360 Reality Audio setup, adaptive volume control, and even “scene-based” listening profiles that trigger different settings depending on your activity.

There are also unique extras such as head gesture call control (nodding to answer, shaking to decline), ambient sound effects (e.g. café background), Quick Access for Spotify, firmware updates, and more. While feature-rich, the app may overwhelm users who prefer a simpler setup.

Calls & Battery Life

Calls sound natural and clear, with no stuttering or voice ducking. Gesture controls for answering or rejecting calls work well. As expected for open-ears, noisy environments make it harder to follow conversations.

Battery life reaches up to 8 hours on a single charge, with the case extending this to 22 hours. Quick charging provides 60 minutes of playback in just 3 minutes. Wireless charging is not supported.

Verdict

The Sony LinkBuds Open successfully blend the airy feel of open-ear designs with the comfort and sonic benefits of in-ears. Their wide feature set, from adaptive sound to 3D audio options, makes them stand out in everyday use and on a technical level. However, Sony needs to address the fit security issue – longer ear hooks could be a simple fix.