Sony LinkBuds Open review

LinkBuds Open are the only pick here that look like normal earbuds. Instead of a hook or cuff, Sony uses an 11mm ring-shaped driver with an open center, so the bud sits in the concha while outside sound passes straight through the hole. Air Fitting supporters in the box help it stay in place, and Sony sells alternate supporters separately. That small shape suits people who find hooks awkward with glasses or masks. Through the Sound Connect app you get DSEE Extreme upscaling, Spatial Sound with head tracking on compatible Android phones, and Speak-to-Chat, which pauses music when you start talking. Multipoint keeps two devices connected. Battery is the trade-off: 8 hours from the buds and 14 more from the case, 22 hours in total, which trails Shokz and Cleer. The buds are IPX4 rated, but Sony states the case is not water resistant. At $229.99 they are priced as a premium alternative to the Bose cuff.

Who it is for

People who prefer a small earbud that sits in the ear rather than a hook or cuff, and want Sony's app features.

Price

$229.99 at Sony.

Model: LinkBuds Open $229.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 7, 2026.

Key features

• 11mm ring-shaped driver with an open center for ambient sound
• Air Fitting supporters included to hold the bud in place
• 8 hours from the earbuds plus 14 hours from the case, 22 hours total
• Multipoint connection to two Bluetooth devices
• Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme and Spatial Sound through the Sound Connect app

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The smallest and least visible shape here, with nothing behind the ear
• Strength: Ring design lets ambient sound in fully while the bud sits in the ear
• Strength: Sound Connect app brings Sony features such as Speak-to-Chat
• Weakness: 22 hours total is the shortest case battery among the premium picks
• Weakness: IPX4 on the earbuds only; Sony says the case is not water resistant
• Weakness: Alternate fitting supporters are sold separately

Key facts

• Price: $229.99
• Fit: In-ear ring with Air Fitting supporters
• Water resistance: IPX4 (earbuds only)
• Battery: 8 hours, 22 hours with case

Where it ranks

Sony LinkBuds Open is No. 6 in our Best Open Ear Earbuds verdict.