After spending quite a bit of time with this unique headset, I can say that Sony has made some interesting choices – some that deliver great results, and others that are a reminder of how they work. Let’s see why open sound remains a challenging field.
The most prominent feature of LinkBuds Open is its unique design. Unlike traditional headphones that seal off your ear canal, these headphones have circular drivers shaped like a donut, allowing ambient sound to pass through naturally.
This is an improved design of the original LinkBuds, now with an additional pair of stabilizing fins to help keep the headphones firmly in place. Although the new design adds a bit of weight (5.1g per ear compared to 4.1g for the predecessor), the improved stability is a welcome trade-off, especially for those who often through movement.
LinkBuds Open battery life significantly improved, addressing one of the biggest complaints from seniors. The earbuds themselves offer about 9 hours of playback, with the charging case providing an additional 13 hours.
The LinkBuds Open’s packaging is beautifully made, with a porcelain-like lid that is sleek and aesthetically pleasing. Charging just 3 minutes will give you about 60 minutes of music playback. However, it lacks wireless charging, a somewhat unfortunate omission at this price point.
Sound quality is where things get interesting. Sony has clearly worked to address the bass limitations common to open-back headphone designs. The result is a warmer, fuller sound than the original LinkBuds, although at the expense of clarity in the higher frequencies.
Music lovers should note that these headphones won’t deliver the detailed, immersive experience you get from traditional in-ear headphones. However, for its primary use – maintaining awareness while enjoying audio – the LinkBuds Open strikes the right balance. The included equalizer in Sony’s Sound Connect app helps you fine-tune the sound to your preferences.
Sony has equipped LinkBuds Open with a series of impressive features. LE Audio’s implementation with LC3 codec promises lower latency for Android users. Multipoint connection works smoothly, allowing you to connect to two devices at the same time. The speak-to-chat feature, which automatically pauses the music when you start speaking, is one of those “cool” features you might not use every day but will appreciate. when needed.
However, the controls present some challenges. Although the touch areas work quite well, the limited range of gestures can feel restrictive. Sony tries to compensate with voice controls and even head gestures to manage calls, but these alternatives are sometimes more advertising than practical. The “Wide Area Tap” feature, which extends the touch area to your cheek, is smart but takes some getting used to.
Call quality of LinkBuds Open surprisingly good for an open headphone. Microphones do a great job of focusing on your voice while reducing background noise, although they struggle in very noisy environments. An IPX4-equivalent water resistance rating means they can handle light rain and sweat well, making them suitable for sports and outdoor activities.
The real highlight of LinkBuds Open lies in specific use cases: chill cycling through the streets, working in an office where you need to hear your colleagues, or exercising outdoors. The ability to maintain a natural awareness of your surroundings while enjoying music or a podcast is really helpful in these situations. However, this strength becomes a limitation in noisy environments like buses or crowded cafes, where the lack of soundproofing means you’ll struggle to hear yourself or turn up the volume. .
Summary
With a price of over 5 million VND, LinkBuds Open puts itself in an interesting position in the market. They don’t try to be all-purpose headphones, and that’s okay. Instead, they excel at what Sony set out to do: provide your daily soundtrack without losing connection with your surroundings.
For those who understand and appreciate what open sound has to offer, the LinkBuds Open are definitely a headphone worth buying. They’re not perfect, but they show that Sony is seriously committed to growing the category. Just make sure you understand your needs before investing – LinkBuds Open is a specialist tool, not a universal headset for everyone.