Sony LinkBuds Open

Name: Sony LinkBuds Open
Brand: Sony
SKU: 9509

Manufacturer: Sony

The Sony LinkBuds Open are true wireless earbuds built around an open-ear fit, making them a distinct option for those who prefer to remain aware of their surroundings while listening. They weigh just 10.2 g and come with a travel bag included, reflecting a design aimed at everyday portability. A noise-canceling microphone and headset functionality round out their communication capabilities, while multipoint pairing allows simultaneous connection to two devices at once.

On the technical side, the LinkBuds Open use an 11 mm driver unit with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz and a neodymium magnet. The earbuds deliver 8 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case extending total use to 14 hours; fast charging is supported, and the case connects via USB Type-C with a full charge taking around 1.5 hours. Bluetooth connectivity tops out at a 10 m range with AAC codec support, and the earbuds carry an IPX4 ingress protection rating for sweat resistance during active use.

Pros

Open-ear fit allows users to remain aware of their surroundings during use
Supports simultaneous connection to two devices via multipoint pairing
Fast charging is supported, reducing downtime between uses
Includes a find device feature to help locate misplaced earbuds
Noise-canceling microphone helps reduce background noise during calls
Travel bag is included, making the earbuds easier to carry and store

Cons

No active noise cancellation or passive noise isolation, offering no sound blocking
Does not support wireless charging, requiring a cable for every charge
Lacks spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, and all aptX codec variants, limiting audio format flexibility
No in-ear detection means music does not pause automatically when the earbuds are removed
Fast pairing and NFC pairing are not supported, making initial device setup less convenient
Bluetooth range is limited to 10 m, restricting movement from the connected device

Who is this for?

The Sony LinkBuds Open are well suited to users who want to stay aware of their environment while listening — such as those who commute on foot, work in shared spaces, or exercise outdoors. The open-ear design makes them a practical choice for anyone who needs to hold conversations or monitor ambient sound without removing the earbuds. With multipoint pairing and headset functionality, they also appeal to people who regularly switch between devices or take frequent calls throughout the day. The included travel bag and lightweight 10.2 g build further support an on-the-go lifestyle.

Who is this NOT for?

Users seeking an immersive, isolated listening experience will find the LinkBuds Open unsuitable, as they offer no active noise cancellation or passive noise isolation. The open-ear fit means external sound is always present, which makes them a poor fit for noisy environments where focused listening is important. Audiophiles or those who rely on high-resolution audio formats will also be underserved, given the absence of LDAC, aptX variants, and spatial audio support. Additionally, users who prefer the convenience of wireless charging or need extended Bluetooth range beyond 10 m will encounter limitations with this model.

Design:

Fit	Open-ear
Ingress Protection (IP) rating	IPX4
water resistance	Sweat resistant
weight	10.2 g
has no wires or cables	✓
are neckband earbuds	✕
wingtips included	✕
has RGB lighting	✕
has stereo speakers	✓
has UV light	✕
Has a display	✕

The Sony LinkBuds Open feature an open-ear fit and a fully wireless design with no neckband, cables, or wingtips. They weigh just 10.2 g and include stereo speakers, making them a compact listen-through option for daily wear. The earbuds carry an IPX4 ingress protection rating, meaning they are sweat resistant, though they lack RGB lighting, a UV light, and a display. Neckband construction is not part of the design.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC)	✕
has passive noise reduction	✕
driver unit size	11 mm
lowest frequency	20 Hz
highest frequency	20000 Hz
supports spatial audio	✕
has Dolby Atmos	✕
has Dirac Virtuo	✕
has a neodymium magnet	✓

The Sony LinkBuds Open use an 11 mm driver unit backed by a neodymium magnet, covering a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The earbuds do not include active noise cancellation or passive noise reduction, and there is no support for spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, or Dirac Virtuo.

Power:

Battery life	8 hours
Battery life of charging case	14 hours
charge time	1.5 hours
has wireless charging	✕
Has a solar power battery	✕
has a battery level indicator	✓
has a rechargeable battery	✓

The Sony LinkBuds Open offer 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, with the charging case providing an additional 14 hours of total use. The rechargeable battery reaches a full charge in 1.5 hours, and a battery level indicator is included to keep track of remaining power. Wireless charging and solar battery functionality are not supported.

Connectivity:

has fast pairing	✕
Has USB Type-C	✓
has LDAC	✕
has LDHC	✕
has Bluetooth LE Audio	✕
has aptX Adaptive	✕
has aptX Low Latency	✕
has aptX HD	✕
has aptX	✕
has aptX Lossless	✕
has aptX Voice	✕
has Auracast	✕
maximum Bluetooth range	10 m
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC	✕
Can be used wirelessly	✓
has AAC	✓

The Sony LinkBuds Open connect wirelessly with a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m and support the AAC codec for audio transmission. Charging is handled via USB Type-C, though wireless charging is not available. The earbuds do not support fast pairing, NFC pairing, or Auracast, and none of the aptX codec variants — including aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, aptX Lossless, or aptX Voice — are included. Bluetooth LE Audio and LDHC are likewise absent from the feature set.

Features:

has ambient sound mode	✕
has in/on-ear detection	✕
has find device feature	✓
Supports fast charging	✓
multipoint count	2
can read notifications	✕
has a mute function	✓
can be used as a headset	✓
control panel placed on a device	✓
Has voice prompts	✓
travel bag is included	✓
Has an in-line control panel	✕
Has a temperature sensor	✕
Has a built-in camera remote control function	✕

The Sony LinkBuds Open support multipoint connection to two devices simultaneously and include fast charging for added convenience. They can be used as a headset and feature a mute function, voice prompts, and a device-based control panel, while an in-line control panel is not present. A find device feature helps locate misplaced earbuds, and a travel bag is included in the box. The earbuds do not offer ambient sound mode, in-ear detection for auto-pause, notification reading, a body temperature sensor, or a built-in camera remote shutter.

Microphone:

has a noise-canceling microphone	✓

The Sony LinkBuds Open are equipped with a noise-canceling microphone, which helps reduce unwanted background sound during calls and voice interactions.

Final Verdict

The Sony LinkBuds Open occupy a well-defined niche within the wireless earbuds category, built around the practical advantages of an open-ear design that keeps users connected to their surroundings without sacrificing core functionality. Their strengths lie in everyday usability — multipoint pairing, fast charging, a noise-canceling microphone, and a lightweight build that pairs well with the included travel bag. Where they fall short is equally clear: the absence of noise isolation, advanced audio codecs, and wireless charging means they are not positioned for users who prioritize immersive listening or high-resolution audio. Taken as a whole, the LinkBuds Open are a capable and thoughtfully designed option for those whose daily routine genuinely calls for situational awareness, making them most valuable when worn as much for connectivity and convenience as for music.