Sony has recently released the LinkBuds Fit earbuds, a new addition to their mid-range lineup, offering significant improvements in design and sound quality. Priced at $200, the LinkBuds Fit sit alongside the LinkBuds Open, with both models offering a more refined experience compared to their predecessors. However, it’s the LinkBuds Fit that stand out as the true highlight, particularly as Sony’s response to the popular Beats Fit Pro.
Design and Comfort
The LinkBuds Fit are lightweight and compact, weighing just 4.9 grams per earbud, making them ideal for all-day wear. They are IPX4-rated, meaning they are both splash-proof and sweat-resistant, which makes them perfect for workouts or outdoor use. The design includes new air fitting supporters, which are essentially sports fins designed to ensure a secure fit. Sony also offers interchangeable fins in various colors, allowing users to customize their earbuds for a more personalized look. In addition, the company offers optional case covers in matching colors. While this accessory customization may seem a bit gimmicky, it does offer a fun way to personalize your earbuds and make replacements more accessible.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the LinkBuds Fit deliver a solid experience. Powered by Sony’s V2 chip, they offer real-time noise-cancelling optimization based on the user’s environment, making them efficient for immersive audio. Additionally, the dual noise sensor technology, using multiple microphones, enhances the performance by filtering out exterior noise. The noise cancellation is not as advanced as the flagship WF-1000XM5 model, but it still provides a very good overall experience for the price point.
In terms of fit, the LinkBuds Fit are a more user-friendly option compared to the WF-1000XM5 earbuds, especially for those who struggle with getting a tight seal. Sony has redesigned its ear tips and included multiple sizes, including extra-large tips, ensuring a better fit for a wider range of users. For comparison, users may find that other models like the WF-1000XM5 require third-party ear tips to achieve a satisfactory fit, but the LinkBuds Fit seem to do a better job out of the box.
Sound Quality
The LinkBuds Fit have a sound signature that leans towards the warmer side, with a slight emphasis on bass. The sound is open and dynamic, making it a good fit for various music genres. While some users might notice a lack of clarity, the bass response and overall audio quality will likely satisfy most listeners. In terms of competition, the LinkBuds Fit outperform the Beats Fit Pro in bass punch, and they offer better sound quality than Apple’s AirPods Pro 2.
Sony has also introduced a new app, the Renewed Sound Connect app, which replaces the Sony Headphones app. This app is more streamlined, with a focus on providing an intuitive user experience, though it still offers plenty of customization options. The app allows users to adjust sound profiles through an equalizer and improves the ambient mode, making it sound more natural compared to previous LinkBuds models.
Noise Cancellation and Voice Calls
While the noise cancellation doesn’t quite match the WF-1000XM5’s top-tier performance, it’s still highly effective. In real-world scenarios, like using the earbuds in busy city streets, the performance is impressive, with minimal background noise during calls. The voice calling performance is also noteworthy, with callers reporting minimal noise interference and clear audio during conversations.
Key Features and Battery Life
The LinkBuds Fit are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, support for multi-point Bluetooth pairing, and feature Sony’s Speak-to-Chat functionality, which automatically pauses music when you start speaking. They also support voice controls, allowing users to manage their music and calls hands-free by saying “Hey headphones” followed by a command. Gesture controls are another handy feature, allowing users to accept or reject calls by simply nodding or shaking their head.
Battery life is rated at 5.5 hours with noise-cancelling on at moderate volume levels, and the charging case provides an additional three recharges. However, the charging case lacks wireless charging, which is a slight downside considering the earbuds’ $200 price tag. The case is also somewhat bulkier than other models, although it’s still smaller than the Beats Fit Pro’s case.
Final Thoughts
Sony has certainly moved the LinkBuds line forward with notable design and performance improvements. While some of the customization options might feel like a marketing tactic, they do add a fun element to the product, and the price increase from previous models is consistent with the trend seen in other premium earbuds. If you’re someone who prefers a noise-isolating fit over open-ear designs, the LinkBuds Fit are a strong choice and arguably better suited for Android users compared to the Beats Fit Pro.
Ultimately, the LinkBuds Fit are among the best new earbuds of 2024, offering great performance, solid noise cancellation, and impressive sound quality. While they might not dethrone Sony’s flagship models, they offer a fantastic value for those looking for a comfortable, feature-rich pair of earbuds.