Sony LinkBuds Clip are open-ear earbuds designed for comfort and situational awareness rather than immersive audio. SoundGuys called them a 'solid addition to the LinkBuds line' and noted their IPX4 rating makes them suitable for runners and outdoor enthusiasts. The earbuds clip to the outer ear and don't occlude the ear canal, which contributes to their unique feel. Kevin the Tech Ninja from YouTube found them surprisingly comfortable after an initial adjustment period, though he emphasized they're not for those seeking the best audio experience. The controls are accessed by tapping the tragus, which can be finicky and requires the Sound Connect app for customization.
Full review
Distinctive clip design
The Sony LinkBuds Clip feature a unique C-shaped clip design that secures them to the bottom of the outer ear, pointing the speaker toward the ear canal. This unconventional approach sets them apart from typical in-ear or over-ear designs, though it requires an adjustment period to get used to. SoundGuys noted that the earbuds appear as though they're a 'colored plastic cuff' and that 'the band doesn’t provide enough tension to comfortably stay on your ear,' suggesting that the fit may be inconsistent for some users. The design includes a flat ribbon-shaped bridge with simple geometric shapes, which differs from the wiry bridge found on other models. Resonance Reviews highlighted that the clip's stiffness helps clamp the two parts securely, but the overall form factor still feels somewhat odd to many users.
The physical controls are accessed by tapping on the earbuds themselves, rather than through physical buttons. The touch controls are functional but can be finicky, as noted by SoundGuys who mentioned that 'the controls can be a bit finicky' and that 'it was a little weird to not have a single tap function.' The LinkBuds Clip also include a glossy finish on both the earbuds and case, which, while aesthetically pleasing, may attract smudges and scratches over time, according to GSM Arena. The case itself is described as 'adorable' and 'ring box-like,' though it presents challenges in opening due to its cleverly hidden hinge, which can make it difficult to determine the correct orientation.
Comfort and fit
Resonance Reviews reported that the earbuds were stable and secure during activities like gardening, jogging, and even skateboarding, with the reviewer's wife, who has small ears, finding them comfortable after using the included Fitting Cushions. However, SoundGuys found that 'the earbuds always seem like they’re ready to fall out, even though they’re completely secure in place,' and noted that the fit can be inconsistent, particularly for those with smaller ears. TechGuys SmartBuy emphasized that the open design doesn't require entering the ear canal, which reduces ear fatigue, but also noted that the learning curve for proper fitting can be steep.
The LinkBuds Clip are available in four color options: black, lavender, greige, and green, with Resonance Reviews noting that the color combinations are appealing to those who enjoy 'cute colors.' The case is described as somewhat boxy but still pocketable, though it may not fit in skinnier jeans. The inclusion of Fitting Cushions is recommended for users with smaller ears, as they significantly improve comfort and stability, as noted by both Resonance Reviews and GSM Arena.
Audio performance
Sony LinkBuds Clip feature a single 10mm dynamic driver, which delivers clear and wide audio, though with limited bass performance. SoundGuys rated the audio quality as 'solid' and noted that 'Sony’s stellar audio in a small-ish package' was evident, particularly in the bass performance for open buds. TechGuys SmartBuy emphasized that the default EQ setting provided strong bass, great mids, and balanced highs, which was particularly evident when listening to interviews, trailers, and phone calls. The audio quality is described as 'clear and wide' by PCMag, but they also noted that 'the mics could be better' and that the lack of deep bass is a notable limitation. The LinkBuds Clip support Bluetooth 5.3 and audio codecs including SBC and AAC, but do not include Sony's LDAC codec, which is a disappointment for audiophiles.
The LinkBuds Clip offer three listening modes: Standard, Voice Boost, and Sound Leakage Reduction. The Voice Boost mode enhances clarity for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sound Leakage Reduction mode reduces high-frequency sounds that are more likely to escape from the ear canal. Resonance Reviews found that Voice Boost was 'genuinely-useful' for audiobooks and podcasts, but noted that it 'just acts a mediocre EQ preset' for music. The Sound Leakage Reduction mode was effective but compromised music quality, making it better suited for sensitive environments. The app also includes a customizable 10-band EQ, DSEE wireless sound, and multi-point connection, though these features are limited compared to Sony's other offerings.
Battery life and charging
Battery life is a standout feature of the Sony LinkBuds Clip, with the earbuds delivering up to nine hours of continuous use per charge, and the case adding 28 more for a total of 37 hours. PCMag noted that this is 'one place where the Linkbuds Clip are clearly superior to the AirPods 4 With ANC,' which last just 5 hours with ANC off and 4 hours with it on. The quick charge capability allows for 60 minutes of playback with just a 3-minute charge, which is a useful feature for users who need a quick power boost. However, the lack of wireless charging is noted as a significant oversight, especially at this price point. TechGuys SmartBuy highlighted that the battery life is 'long-lasting' and 'excellent' for all-day comfort, which is a key selling point for users who rely on their earbuds throughout the day.
The charging case is described as 'larger than the actual buds' and has a glossy finish that may attract smudges and scratches. The case is still pocketable, though it may not fit in skinnier jeans. The LinkBuds Clip come with a charging cable, but the lack of wireless charging is a notable omission, as PCMag pointed out that 'there’s no wireless charging, which feels like an oversight at this price point.' Despite this, the overall battery performance is praised as 'impressive' and 'excellent' by multiple reviewers.
Software and app features
The LinkBuds Clip connect to the Sony Sound Connect app, which is consistent with Sony's other audio products and offers a well-designed interface for customization. The app allows users to adjust tap gestures, configure EQ settings, and toggle listening modes, among other features. Resonance Reviews noted that the app provides 'a bunch of listening modes' and 'a set of presets' for tap gestures, including options like 'Select Song' and 'Playback Control,' though the customization is limited. PCMag emphasized that the app experience is 'plenty of customization' and that 'the main screen shows listening mode controls, EQ settings, and playback options, with everything else accessible relatively easily.' The app also supports DSEE wireless sound, multi-point connection, and 360 Reality Audio, which are valuable features for users seeking enhanced audio experiences.
However, the app's limitations are also noted, with SoundGuys mentioning that 'the controls can be a bit finicky' and that 'you can also increase the sensitivity of them,' suggesting a need for improvement in the user experience. The LinkBuds Clip do not support wear detection, meaning they do not automatically play or pause when inserted or removed from the ears. This is a missed opportunity for convenience, especially when compared to more advanced earbuds in the market. Despite these drawbacks, the app's functionality is seen as sufficient for most users, particularly those who value the ability to customize their audio experience.
Microphone performance
Microphone performance on the Sony LinkBuds Clip is a notable weakness, with multiple reviewers highlighting that the mics are 'average' or 'could be better.' TechGuys SmartBuy reported that despite Sony's use of a dual-mic system and a bone-conduction sensor, they had trouble being heard on calls in noisy environments such as a ShopRite or while picking up takeout. The mics were reportedly fine for quiet home environments, but failed in more challenging acoustic settings. PCMag echoed these concerns, stating that 'the mics could be better' and that the open-ear design means 'zero noise cancellation available,' which makes it difficult to compete against loud environments. This limitation significantly impacts the usability of the earbuds for hands-free communication, especially in public or noisy settings.
The lack of effective noise cancellation and the subpar microphone performance are particularly problematic for users who rely on their earbuds for phone calls or voice assistants. Resonance Reviews noted that while the earbuds are 'useful for commuting, parents, and the paranoid,' the microphone quality is not sufficient for professional or frequent use. The inability to automatically play or pause based on wear detection further compounds the issue, as users must manually manage their listening sessions. Despite these shortcomings, the LinkBuds Clip still offer a compelling package for users who prioritize audio quality and comfort over microphone performance.
Water resistance and durability
The Sony LinkBuds Clip are rated IPX4 for water and sweat resistance, which is suitable for outdoor activities such as running or working out. This rating allows them to handle splashes from rain or sweat, but they are not designed for submersion in water or use in showers. GSM Arena noted that the IPX4 rating is 'good for runners, bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts,' but also emphasized that 'you should definitely avoid showering with any wireless earbuds.' The earbuds themselves are made of glossy plastic, which, while sturdy, may attract smudges and scratches over time. The case, however, is described as having a matte finish on the bottom and glossy plastic on the top, which may be more prone to wear and tear.
Resonance Reviews highlighted that the LinkBuds Clip are 'actually quite light' and 'stable and secure on my ear, even when tripping and falling off of my board,' suggesting that they can withstand some physical activity without compromising performance. However, the glossy finish on the case and earbuds may age poorly, as noted by GSM Arena. The inclusion of Fitting Cushions is recommended for users with smaller ears to improve both comfort and durability. Despite the overall build quality being 'good' and 'sturdy,' the glossy finish and lack of wireless charging are noted as drawbacks that may affect long-term satisfaction.
Strengths
- +Battery life is solid
- +Convenience of hearing surroundings while listening
- +Comfortable for extended wear once adjusted
- +IPX4 waterproof rating suitable for outdoor use
Watch-outs
- −Sound quality is not premium
- −Case feels a bit bulky
How it compares
The Sony LinkBuds Clip provides a comfortable fit and situational awareness, advantages over the Shokz OpenDots 2 and Nothing Ear (Open) models. While the Shokz models offer better battery life and bone conduction technology, the Sony earbuds provide IPX4 water resistance and a more traditional open-ear design that's easier to adjust for extended wear.
Rating sources
“The LinkBuds Clip’s biggest feature is actually its physical design. Sony heavily revised the geometry of their previous open-ear products to improve comfort, stability, and compatibility with small-eared listeners.”
Our 3.6 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 2 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
