Sony has officially unveiled its latest additions to the LinkBuds lineup, introducing two new wireless earbuds—LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit—and a new LinkBuds Speaker. These products build on the innovative open-ear design that Sony introduced with its original LinkBuds in 2022. The new lineup aims to offer users a versatile listening experience with options for both in-ear and ambient sound.
The new LinkBuds Open builds on the original design, which allowed users to stay connected to their surroundings while listening to music. The updated model retains the open-ear concept, with its distinct ring-shaped drivers now enhanced for better sound performance. A newly developed 11mm speaker is designed to provide richer audio, particularly in terms of volume and bass.
One of the key features of the LinkBuds Open is its voice control functionality. Unlike many earbuds that rely on virtual assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, the LinkBuds Open allows users to adjust volume, skip tracks, and even toggle active noise cancellation (ANC) without the need for a separate smart assistant. This capability remains active no matter what device the earbuds are paired with, making it a versatile option for users across various platforms, from mobile phones to gaming consoles.
Battery life has also seen a boost, with the LinkBuds Open offering 8 hours of playback on a single charge and up to 22 hours when used with the charging case. Sony’s new “auto battery save” feature aims to further extend battery life by disabling certain functions—such as voice control and EQ adjustments—when the battery level drops below 20%.
In terms of connectivity, the LinkBuds Open uses Bluetooth 5.3 and supports SBC, AAC, and LC3 codecs. It also incorporates Sony’s V2 chip, found in its higher-end WF-1000XM5 earbuds, which promises a more stable connection and higher audio quality. For users seeking comfort during long listening sessions, the earbuds come with newly redesigned Air Fitting Supporters that help distribute weight and reduce ear pressure.
For users seeking a more immersive audio experience, Sony has introduced the LinkBuds Fit, which includes active noise cancellation alongside other premium features. Designed with comfort in mind, these earbuds weigh in at just 4.9 grams and are fitted with the same Air Fitting Supporters as the LinkBuds Open. However, the Fit model focuses more on noise isolation, featuring shorter ear tips that form a tighter seal in the ear canal.
The noise-canceling capabilities of the LinkBuds Fit are powered by Sony’s Integrated Processor V2, also found in the flagship WF-1000XM5 earbuds. This chip adjusts the ANC settings dynamically based on the user's environment, providing optimal noise reduction and ambient sound control. The Fit also features Sony’s Dynamix Driver X, which enhances overall audio quality by providing clearer highs and deeper lows.
Battery performance is slightly lower than the Open model, with 5.5 hours of listening time per charge and up to 21 hours when used with the charging case. Like the LinkBuds Open, the Fit model includes a quick-charge feature, offering an additional hour of playback from just a 5-minute charge.
One notable feature exclusive to the LinkBuds Fit is LDAC support, which enables Hi-Res Audio streaming for users looking for top-tier sound quality. This model also features Multipoint connectivity, allowing users to pair the earbuds with multiple devices simultaneously—an increasingly common feature in high-end wireless earbuds.
Perhaps the most intriguing release in this lineup is the LinkBuds Speaker, which functions as both a Bluetooth speaker and a companion device to the LinkBuds earbuds. The speaker features Auto Switch, a unique capability that automatically transfers playback from the earbuds to the speaker when the user approaches it.
This feature works seamlessly with various Sony headphones, including the new LinkBuds Fit and Open models, allowing users to give their ears a break while still enjoying their music.
The LinkBuds Speaker is equipped with a tweeter and woofer, paired with a passive radiator for enhanced audio performance. Battery life on this device is impressive, offering up to 25 hours of playback at moderate volume levels or 6 hours at maximum volume. While primarily designed for indoor use, the speaker comes with an IPX4 water resistance rating, which means it can handle light splashes—useful for casual outdoor settings like a poolside gathering.
In addition to playing music, the speaker can be used for hands-free calls and comes with a dedicated charging cradle for convenient use around the house. Users can also control the speaker using a mobile app that supports scheduled routines, such as setting it to play music as an alarm clock.
Along with these new devices, Sony is also rolling out its new Sound Connect app, replacing the older Sony Headphones Connect app. This app is designed to simplify the user experience, providing intuitive controls for all compatible Sony audio devices, including the LinkBuds Open, Fit, and Speaker. Through the app, users can customize sound settings, adjust the equalizer, and manage their devices more easily.
Sony’s new LinkBuds devices are available for preorder now. The LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit are both priced at $199.99, while the LinkBuds Speaker comes in at $179.99. Each device will be available in a range of colors, including exclusive options designed in collaboration with singer Olivia Rodrigo.