Why You SHOULD Get The LinkBuds S vs WF-1000XM4

Summary

In this review of the Sony LinkBuds S, the reviewer compares them to the larger Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds, highlighting the LinkBuds S' superior comfort, compact design, and multi-point connection. While the XM4s offer slightly better sound quality and noise canceling, the LinkBuds S are praised for their fit, ease of use, and affordability. Features like adaptive sound control and decent transparency mode add to their appeal, making them a great choice for users prioritizing comfort and functionality over absolute sound performance. Overall, the LinkBuds S are recommended for those seeking a versatile, budget-friendly option.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Sony LinkBuds S are incredibly compact and comfortable, especially for people with smaller ears.
• 😀 The LinkBuds S offer a more secure fit than the WF-1000XM4 when using larger ear tips, making them suitable for weight training.
• 😀 The LinkBuds S provide a solid 6 hours of battery life from the earbuds and 20 hours total with the case, while the WF-1000XM4 lasts 8 hours from the earbuds and 24 hours with the case.
• 😀 The LinkBuds S case is thinner and more pocketable than the XM4 case, similar in size to the AirPods Pro case.
• 😀 Both the LinkBuds S and WF-1000XM4 support fast charging (5 minutes for 1 hour of playback).
• 😀 The LinkBuds S offer beep feedback for controls, which is preferred over the slow voice prompts on the XM4.
• 😀 The LinkBuds S feature multi-point connection, allowing users to connect to two devices at the same time, a feature missing in the WF-1000XM4.
• 😀 Both earbuds feature auto-pause when removing or inserting them, but the LinkBuds S seem to have more consistent music playback when moving between devices.
• 😀 The LinkBuds S provide impressive sound quality for the price, with clear vocals and balanced bass, while the XM4s offer slightly better overall sound.
• 😀 The LinkBuds S are great for casual gaming with 400ms latency, and 200ms latency for fast-paced games like shooters.
• 😀 The ANC of the LinkBuds S is decent but not as strong as the XM4, ranking 8th in overall performance. The XM4s have top-tier noise cancelling, making them more suitable for noise isolation.

Q & A

How do the Sony LinkBuds S compare to the Sony WF-1000XM4 in terms of fit and comfort?

The Sony LinkBuds S are more compact and comfortable, especially for users with smaller ears. They provide great comfort for extended wear with minimal pressure in the ear canal. In contrast, the WF-1000XM4s are bulkier, which can affect comfort, especially for users who find the ear tips less secure.

What is the battery life comparison between the LinkBuds S and the WF-1000XM4?

The LinkBuds S offer 6 hours of playtime from the buds and 20 hours in total with the case, while the WF-1000XM4 provide 8 hours of playtime from the buds and 24 hours with the case. Both offer fast charging, but the WF-1000XM4 supports wireless charging, which the LinkBuds S do not.

How does the noise cancellation performance of the LinkBuds S compare to the WF-1000XM4?

The WF-1000XM4s offer superior active noise cancellation, ranking among the best in the market. The LinkBuds S are not as effective in blocking noise, ranking lower in ANC performance, but they do offer adaptive sound control and strong transparency mode for a good balance in everyday use.

Are the LinkBuds S good for use during physical activities like running or weight training?

The LinkBuds S are generally good for daily activities but may not be the best for intense physical activities like running or weight training. While they stay in the ears for casual use, they may shift slightly during intense exercises, affecting sound quality and noise cancellation. A secure fit can be achieved with larger ear tips, but they may still not perform well during high-impact activities.

How does the sound quality of the LinkBuds S compare to the WF-1000XM4?

The sound quality of the LinkBuds S is impressive for their size, offering great balance, clear mids, and a nice mix of bass. The WF-1000XM4s provide slightly better overall sound quality, but the LinkBuds S are highly competitive, especially when considering their price range.

What is the difference in controls between the LinkBuds S and the WF-1000XM4?

Both the LinkBuds S and the WF-1000XM4 feature touch-sensitive controls, but the LinkBuds S offer improved feedback with beep sounds, making it easier to know when commands are registered. The LinkBuds S also have more consistent auto-pause and auto-play functionality when removing and inserting the earbuds compared to the WF-1000XM4.

Can the LinkBuds S connect to multiple devices at once?

Yes, the LinkBuds S support multi-point connection, allowing users to connect two devices simultaneously. This feature is not available on the WF-1000XM4, although Sony has promised it will be added in the future.

How does the transparency mode on the LinkBuds S compare to the WF-1000XM4?

The transparency mode on the LinkBuds S is some of the best in its price range, providing a natural and clear listening experience for users in environments where they need to stay aware of their surroundings. The WF-1000XM4s offer slightly better transparency, but the difference is minimal.

What is the main advantage of the LinkBuds S over the WF-1000XM4?

The main advantage of the LinkBuds S over the WF-1000XM4 is their compact size, comfort, and the addition of multi-point connectivity. They are a great choice for users who prioritize portability, comfort, and ease of use in everyday situations, especially for casual activities and office use.

Do both the LinkBuds S and the WF-1000XM4 support wireless charging?

No, only the WF-1000XM4 supports wireless charging. The LinkBuds S do not have this feature, which could be seen as a downside considering the price point of the LinkBuds S.