In the increasingly crowded wireless earbuds market, Sony continues to be a dominant force with their innovative designs and audio expertise. The Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) represents an interesting middle ground in Sony’s lineup, positioned between the standard LinkBuds with their unique open ring design and the flagship WF-1000XM5. After extensive testing across various environments and use cases, I’ve compiled this comprehensive review to help you decide if these ultralight earbuds deserve a place in your daily audio arsenal.
Pros/Cons Summary
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Excellent noise cancellation for the size
- Clear, balanced sound profile with good detail
- Impressive call quality in various environments
- “Auto Play” feature automatically resumes audio when inserted
- Responsive touch controls with customization options
- Quick charging capability (1 hour playback from 5-minute charge)
- IPX4 water resistance rating (learn about IP Ratings)
- Wide codec support including LDAC for hi-res audio
- Speak-to-chat functionality pauses music automatically
Cons:
- Battery life is good but not class-leading
- Bass response lacks the punch of larger earbuds
- Case lacks wireless charging in the standard model
- Premium price point compared to some competitors
- Sound stage is somewhat narrower than open-style earbuds
- Some features only available when paired with Sony Headphones app
Technical Specifications
- Driver Unit: 5mm dynamic driver
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20,000Hz (44.1kHz sampling) / 20Hz-40,000Hz (LDAC 96kHz sampling)
- Bluetooth Version: 5.2
- Supported Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC
- Battery Life:
- Up to 6 hours with noise canceling on (earbuds)
- Up to 20 hours total with case
- Up to 9 hours with noise canceling off (earbuds)
- Charging Time: Approx. 2 hours for full charge
- Quick Charge: 5 minutes for 60 minutes of playback
- Water Resistance: IPX4 rating (splash resistant)
- Weight: 4.8g per earbud, 35g charging case
- Sensors: Proximity sensor, touch sensor, acceleration sensor
- Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation with Ambient Sound Mode
- Microphones: Dual noise sensing microphones per earbud
- Connectivity Features: Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair
- Voice Assistant Support: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri
Sound Quality Assessment
The Sony LinkBuds S deliver a surprisingly refined sound signature that punches above their weight class, especially considering their diminutive size. Sony’s V1 processor, the same chip found in their premium models, handles the audio processing duties here to great effect.
The sound profile out of the box leans slightly warm with a well-controlled bass response that provides adequate depth without overwhelming the mids. The bass doesn’t have quite the same impact as Sony’s larger WF-1000XM5, but it’s pleasantly rich without being boomy, particularly when using the optimal ear tip size for your ear canal.
Midrange frequencies shine on these earbuds, with vocals coming through with impressive clarity and presence. Whether listening to podcasts, acoustic performances, or vocal-heavy music, the LinkBuds S presents voices with natural tonality and excellent intelligibility.
Treble is well-extended and detailed, though Sony seems to have deliberately avoided any harsh peaks that might cause fatigue during long listening sessions. This tuning makes the LinkBuds S exceptionally versatile across genres, from jazz to rock to classical.
When using the LDAC codec with compatible Android devices, the sonic presentation steps up noticeably with improved resolution and spatial awareness. The LinkBuds S support Sony’s 360 Reality Audio for spatial audio content, though the effect is more subtle than with larger headphones.
The sound stage is respectably wide for in-ear monitors, though not as expansive as open designs like the standard LinkBuds or some competitors like the AirPods Pro. Instrument separation is good, allowing you to pick out individual elements in complex mixes.
Using the Sony Headphones Connect app opens up significant customization options, including a 5-band equalizer with several presets and the ability to save custom profiles. The DSEE Extreme upscaling technology attempts to restore detail to compressed audio sources with varying degrees of success depending on the source material.
Comfort and Fit
Where the LinkBuds S truly excels is in the comfort department. At just 4.8 grams per earbud, they’re among the lightest premium true wireless earbuds available, resulting in virtually no ear fatigue even after hours of continuous wear.
The ergonomic design features a compact form factor that sits nearly flush with the ear, making them ideal for side sleepers or those who need to wear earbuds under hats or helmets. The package includes four sizes of silicone ear tips (XS, S, M, L), and finding the right fit is crucial not just for comfort but also for optimal sound quality and noise cancellation performance.
Once properly fitted, the LinkBuds S provide a secure seal that keeps them in place during moderate physical activity. While they’re not specifically designed as sport earbuds, the IPX4 rating means they can handle sweat and light rain without issue. For intense workouts, you might want something with ear hooks or fins for additional security.
The touch-sensitive panels on each earbud are responsive without being overly sensitive, reducing accidental activations. The controls can be customized through the app, allowing you to assign different functions to each earbud.
Battery Life (Wireless)
Battery performance on the LinkBuds S sits squarely in the middle of the current true wireless landscape. With noise cancellation active, you can expect about 6 hours of continuous playback from the earbuds themselves, which extends to approximately 20 hours total when including the charging case’s additional capacity.
Disabling noise cancellation extends the earbuds’ runtime to around 9 hours, which is impressive for their size. The case provides roughly two additional full charges, which should be sufficient for most daily use scenarios.
The quick charge feature is particularly useful in a pinch – a brief 5-minute charge delivers about an hour of playback time. A full charge of both the earbuds and case takes approximately 2 hours via USB-C.
One notable omission at this price point is wireless charging for the case, which is becoming increasingly standard among premium true wireless options. Sony does offer a wireless charging case version in some markets, but it comes at an additional cost.
Additional Features
The LinkBuds S come packed with smart features that enhance their everyday usability:
- Adaptive Sound Control: Automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels based on your activity and location. The system learns your frequent locations over time and can switch between ambient sound and noise cancellation automatically.
- Speak-to-Chat: Automatically pauses audio and activates ambient sound mode when you start speaking, allowing for quick conversations without removing the earbuds.
- Auto Play/Pause: Music automatically pauses when an earbud is removed and resumes when reinserted. The “Auto Play” feature can also automatically resume audio content when you put the earbuds in after a period of not wearing them.
- Multipoint Connection: Connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, seamlessly switching between them as needed.
- Find My Earbuds: Locate misplaced earbuds using the Sony Headphones app.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri for hands-free control.
- Wide Codec Support: In addition to standard SBC and AAC codecs, the LinkBuds S support Sony’s LDAC for high-resolution wireless audio on compatible devices (primarily Android).
- 360 Reality Audio: Support for Sony’s spatial audio format on compatible streaming services.
The Sony Headphones Connect app provides deep customization options, including control assignments, EQ settings, ANC adjustment, and firmware updates.
Price/Value Analysis
At their standard retail price of $199, the Sony LinkBuds S position themselves in the upper mid-range of the true wireless market. They’re less expensive than Sony’s flagship WF-1000XM5 ($299) but pricier than many mid-range alternatives.
For the money, you’re getting premium features like effective noise cancellation, LDAC support, and Sony’s excellent sound tuning in an ultra-comfortable package. The value proposition strengthens during sales events, where they can often be found for $30-50 off the regular price.
Considering the build quality, sound performance, and feature set, the LinkBuds S offer solid value for those who prioritize comfort and all-day wearability alongside good sound quality and noise cancellation. However, if you’re primarily concerned with maximum battery life or the most powerful bass response, there may be better options at this price point.
Comparison to Alternatives
vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: The LinkBuds S are significantly lighter and more comfortable for extended wear, but the XM5 offers superior noise cancellation, better battery life, and more impactful bass. Choose the LinkBuds S if comfort is your top priority.
vs. Apple AirPods Pro 2: The AirPods Pro 2 offer better integration with Apple devices and slightly superior noise cancellation, but the LinkBuds S have a more balanced sound signature and better compatibility with Android. The AirPods Pro 2 include wireless charging by default.
vs. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: Bose offers class-leading noise cancellation, but the LinkBuds S are much lighter and more comfortable for long sessions. The Bose have a more consumer-friendly bass-forward sound signature.
vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2: Samsung’s offering provides better integration with Galaxy devices and a more dynamic sound profile, but the LinkBuds S offer better noise cancellation and a more universal fit.
vs. Standard Sony LinkBuds: The open-ring design of the standard LinkBuds provides unmatched awareness of your surroundings but lacks any noise cancellation. The LinkBuds S are more versatile for various environments.
Who Should Buy This
The Sony LinkBuds S are ideal for:
- All-day wearers: Office workers, students, or anyone who needs comfortable earbuds for extended periods.
- Commuters and travelers: The effective noise cancellation makes them great for public transportation and flights.
- Android users: Particularly those with Sony Xperia phones, who can take full advantage of the LDAC codec and seamless integration.
- Those with smaller ear canals: The lightweight design and range of tip sizes accommodate most ear shapes comfortably.
- Mixed-use listeners: People who need both good awareness modes for safety and noise cancellation for focus.
They’re less ideal for:
- Bass enthusiasts: While the bass is well-balanced, it lacks the impact of larger earbuds.
- Intense athletes: Though IPX4-rated, they lack additional security features for high-impact activities.
- Budget-conscious buyers: There are cheaper options if you’re willing to compromise on certain features.
- iPhone-centric users: While they work fine with iOS, you’ll miss out on LDAC support and some integrated features.
Takeaways
The Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) represent an excellent compromise between the lightness of open earbuds and the isolation of traditional noise-cancelling models. Their standout feature is undoubtedly the exceptional comfort that allows for truly all-day wear without discomfort – something that can’t be said for many competitors.
Sound quality is impressive for such a small form factor, delivering a balanced, detailed presentation that works well across genres. While they may not satisfy extreme bass enthusiasts, the overall tuning strikes a pleasant balance that most listeners will appreciate, with the option to adjust via EQ if desired.
The smart features, particularly Adaptive Sound Control and Speak-to-Chat, add genuine utility to daily use rather than feeling like gimmicks. Battery life, while not class-leading, is sufficient for most use cases, especially with the quick-charge capability.
At their price point, the LinkBuds S face stiff competition from numerous brands, but they carve out a clear niche for those who prioritize comfort alongside good sound quality and effective noise cancellation. They’re especially compelling for those who find most earbuds uncomfortable for extended periods.
In a market filled with true wireless options, the Sony LinkBuds S stand out by excelling in the fundamentals while adding thoughtful features that enhance the user experience. They’re a worthy consideration for anyone seeking premium wireless earbuds that you can literally forget you’re wearing.
