Sony LinkBuds S are the smallest and lightest noise canceling earbuds

By Tom NewmanMay 26, 202210 mins read

Image Credit: Sony

Sony claims the “LinkBuds S are smaller and lighter than other noise canceling earbuds”.

Seemingly in the same line as the open design LinkBuds released early this year, LinkBuds S feature a more traditional truly wireless noise cancelling earbuds design. Strange branding aside, if Sony’s claims are true, these may be the most comfortable earbuds around.

The stand out feature of the LinkBuds S is the super compact and lightweight design. Weighing just 4.8 grams, Sony claims the earbuds to be smaller and lighter than other noise cancelling earbuds. The buds and case come in both black and white options, and the buds are IPX4 water resistant to splashes and sweat.

Pairing with Android devices and Windows computers is quick and easy using the pop-up Google Fast Pair or Swift Pair on Windows 11 or Windows 10. Google’s Find My Device app can help you find misplaced buds, by playing a sound or showing the last known location.

A newly developed 5mm driver unit and high-compliance diaphragm produce premium, rich, low frequency bass sound from a small device. Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 powers the noise cancellation, enhances sound quality and reduces distortion. Microphones are also included, with AI based noise reduction algorithms, isolating your voice and ensuring crystal clear calls, even in windy or noisy environments.

LinkBuds S also support high-resolution Audio Wireless, that sends three times more data than conventional Bluetooth audio using LDAC audio coding technology. As on Sony’s flagship overear headphones, DSEE Extreme upscales compressed digital music files, to restore high range sound lost in compression. 360 Reality Audio, as well as Dolby Atmos and 360 Spatial Sound when paired with a BRAVIA XR TV using the WLA-NS7 wireless transmitter, are available for immersive sound.

LinkBuds S come with premium noise cancelling to tune out the noise around you, as well as a natural ambient sound mode, allowing you to have conversations or be aware of your surroundings. Whether you’re in the office or at the cafe, Adaptive Sound Control learns from your behaviour, by senses where you are and what you’re doing to to automatically adjust the sound settings and providing the right sound for the moment. Speak-to-Chat uses voice pickup technology to automatically pause music as your speak. Once you finish, the music will automatically start again.

Using proximity sensors, LinkBuds S support Auto Play to automatically start playing music when the headphones are placed in the ears or as you finish a call, then pause when removed. The earbuds trigger music to match your behaviour, such as a mood-changing walk or post-meeting focus track. Resume Spotify music playback (via Spotify Tap) or Endel personalized soundscapes with Quick Access.

Playback, noise cancelling/ambient sound and quick attention can also be controlled via touch. Touch controls are customizable in the Headphones Connect app. Voice control is also available via Google Assistant and Alexa on supported devices, letting you listen to music and notifications, get information, set reminders, control noise cancellation, and more.

Battery life is decent, with 6 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC turned on, plus 14 additional hours in the case. A 5-minute quick charge is good for 60 minutes of music. The USB-C charging cable is included in the box, along with 4 sizes of silicone earbud tips.