Sony LinkBuds Fit - Better Than WF-1000XM5?

Summary

The Sony LinkBuds Fit are a new entry in the earbuds market, focusing on comfort and fit without sacrificing sound quality. Weighing just 4.9 grams each, they feature customizable air-fitting supporters and a unique case design. Priced at $179, they offer excellent audio performance with a wide sound stage, effective noise cancellation, and an intuitive app with adaptive sound settings. While not as premium as the WF-1000XM5, they provide impressive sound quality for the price, making them ideal for active lifestyles. With features like head nod controls and a recyclable design, these earbuds blend functionality and style seamlessly.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sony has released the LinkBuds Fit, emphasizing comfort and a lightweight design at 4.9 grams per bud.
• 🎨 The LinkBuds Fit feature customizable air-fitting supporters available in multiple colors, allowing users to personalize their earbuds.
• 🔊 Despite being more affordable at $179, the LinkBuds Fit utilize the same 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X as the flagship WF-1000XM5, delivering impressive sound quality.
• 🎧 The new Sony Connect app enhances user experience with tools like 'Find My Fit' to help select the right ear tips for optimal audio quality.
• 🔋 The battery life of the LinkBuds Fit is up to 5.5 hours with active noise cancellation, extending to 21 hours with the charging case.
• 🔇 Noise cancellation is effective, outperforming the AirPods Pro but slightly less effective than the XM5, particularly in higher frequencies.
• 🔊 The LinkBuds Fit support a variety of codecs, including Sony's LDAC, allowing for high-resolution audio streaming.
• 👂 Ambient sound mode and Speak-to-Chat features allow users to interact with their environment while using the earbuds.
• 📱 The updated app supports multi-point pairing and offers extensive EQ options, including a personalized equalizer tool.
• 📦 The LinkBuds Fit case is unique in design, customizable with silicon covers, but lacks wireless charging capabilities.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the design of the Sony LinkBuds?

The primary focus of the design is on fit and comfort, aiming to make users feel as if they are almost not wearing the earbuds at all.

How do the LinkBuds compare in price to the Sony WF-1000XM5?

The LinkBuds are priced at $179, which is more affordable compared to the WF-1000XM5 priced at $259.

What unique feature do the LinkBuds offer regarding customization?

The LinkBuds come with replaceable air-fitting supporters in different colors, allowing users to mix and match for a unique fit.

What is the battery life of the LinkBuds when noise cancellation is on?

The LinkBuds provide up to 5.5 hours of playback with noise cancellation on, and a total of 15.5 hours including the case.

How do the LinkBuds' sound quality compare to the WF-1000XM5?

The sound quality of the LinkBuds is surprisingly close to the WF-1000XM5, with excellent clarity and bass output, especially considering the lower price.

What are the codec options available for the LinkBuds?

The LinkBuds support SBC, AAC, Bluetooth LE, and Sony's proprietary ELAC codec, which allows for higher bitrate audio streaming.

What type of noise cancellation do the LinkBuds offer?

The LinkBuds provide effective noise cancellation that performs better than the AirPods Pro, but the XM-5s offer superior noise cancellation overall.

What are some of the notable features of the updated Sony Sound Connect app?

The app includes adaptive sound support, customizable EQ settings, 360 reality audio, and the ability to prioritize sound quality or connection.

How does the ambient pass-through mode of the LinkBuds perform compared to other models?

The ambient pass-through mode on the LinkBuds is effective and performs better than the XM-5s, making it easier to hear surroundings.

What innovative control feature is available on the LinkBuds for answering calls?

Users can answer calls by nodding their heads and cancel calls by shaking their heads, which is a new feature in the LinkBuds.