David vs. Goliath! Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Linkbuds S ultimate comparison with sound samples 

So uh... other than my very wrinkled shirt and farmer's tan that's peaking through..... what were YOUR biggest takeaways from this video?

The simplicity and straightforwardness of the review is all I needed! 😊

One of the most simplest and straightforward reviews that I’ve seen so far. Thanks a lot for the review.

So about the sound comparison. 1. if you play the same clip and not continue with the music then its way easier to compare. Right now you switched when a new part of the song started, which is like having a totally different clip and its very hard to compare. 2. As we do not know how your test system in general distorts the sound, maybe you could add to comparison some headphones that are known to have a very good sound quality. I hope this helps, keep up the good work!

This is the best earbuds review I've ever seen, the DEMO parts are awesome! Great job!

Thx so much bro for EQ settings for my LINKBUDS S 🙏🏻 this is the most accurate of all the ones i have tried! it sounds sooo good! you have earned a new sub ❤

This was an amazing summerization of both the buds, great review style, keep it up man!!👌👌

Wow that was the best test I have seen. Very nice and thank you for this. Greetings from Germany

I saw another creator with comments saying how underrated he is (he ONLY had 128 k subs) but seeing you with only 4k bro, your early underrated

wow, such an amazing comparision between the two. I especially love and appreciate the demo. the sound quality difference is very apparent and hopefully I will be able to get the xm4 on sale soon. thanks again! lovely stuffs!

Such a humble and an informative review of two titans from Sony! The Link Buds S continue to be impressive for the price. Thank you John Scott!

This was an excellent, very high quality video, keep it up!

I stumbled upon this video and i got to say, this was a very good tech video! I watch a ton of the big ones and I find yours to be very informative without al the clutter. You strike the right balance of wording your opinion and giving me the tools to form my own. I see you have not posted in a while, i dont know why. You got my sub and I hope you continue your journey as a tech youtuber. 🎉

exactly the video I was looking for right now, thank you!!

Crisp and a precise review. Sound samples captured are with/without Custom EQ Settings for both models?

Thank you for clear concise review and made my mind up look forward to other reviews

this review is concise and detailed, underrated af

Just got the Linkbuds S. Still playing around with the EQ to get things just how I want them. Comfort is insanely good. Fell asleep with them in a few times and had zero discomfort when I woke up. Transparency mode is phenomenal and they only way you could tell you have earbuds is when you talk.

love that you dont use meaningless audiophile lingo, but more objectively defineable words when describing the audio. I have the XM4's and they were HORRIBLE out of the box, but with some time spent on EQing the highs/mids up, i can get them really close to sounding like my UTSW3's with Moondrops. the only compromise im running into now with them is the volume, i wish it went a little louder, and also the highs falling flat after a certain point in the volume, all that goes up is the lows. They are definitely the best small/simple/well integrated solution with good sound quality without going to way larger UTSW3 or UTSW5 and custom buds. good video

I don't usually comment on vids but I've been going around in circles trying to decide on whether the link buds are worth it. You've done a great job here. And on your recommendation I'll be picking myself up a new pair of link buds s. Thanks man😊

Thankyou very much for this video! This is the best video i could find for the conparison of these two earbuds. Again Thankyou!

Thanks for Linkbud S EQ settings - provides more clarity and magically enhances soundstage. Out of the box flat EQ were really good, but yours brings music more to life. These are excellent earbuds even compared to my Airpod Pro 2. Linkbuds have fantastic ANC, comfort, and fit/stability - over the Airpods

You are certainly the only person to have this result, and it is certainly the only video where the microphones of the Xm4s are better than those of the Linkbuds S

Thanks for your review it was no BS and straight to the point👍

Great review. Thanks for equaliser tips for the linkbuds S. it’s a big improvement.

Thanks for the thorough review!

Love your detailed review!!

i just grabbed these earbuds to replace the XM4's (one of the earbuds went AWOL while i was out) and i just used your EQ settings and i can say that i am immediately happy with the set up. These buds fit my ear canal so much better than the XM4's which were just a bit too big to sit comfortably in my ear and those foam eartips never worked for me. Thankfully I am not an audiophile, just a neurodivergent dork who needs music/audiobooks/podcasts while i go about my day to day tasks and I wish I had given the Link Buds S a look rather than assuming the more expensive XM4's (which are fantastic in their own right) as these are a much better solution for my needs.

Thank you! Superb review. I also have linkbuds s and there are very comfortable. I can even sleep with them on side. And thank you for your EQ setting - I used it right away!

The music test was really good . Thanks

Understanding your explained recording difficulties, the overall sound demo was not very helpful because of poor ear bud recordings. Your overal comparison, and thankfully, your detailed personal description and comparison was awesome. Truly. Definitely a thumbs up, despite poor sound demo. Thank you!

what a grear review and very well explained! Thank you!

Thank you for such informative video. Helped me a lot.

Are you able to adjust the balance of noise cancelling for the S? Maybe toning it down would actually improved the mic quality outside with backround noise.

Really awesome review! I have probably gone through every other creators review, but I must say you put it in the most complete, concise and clearly! Keep it up! ❤️

I had my Linkbuds S replaced because one earbud started having static. Within 1 week the replacement had the exact same issue on the other ear. I tried everything to fix it but couldn't. They also have static when in calls.

Listening to your XM4 Sound quality test on my XM4s 🙂. I have been using the XM4s for the last 1yr as my primary TWS and in this period these have truly Matured from a base heavy , lil bumpy software, weird resulting SW updates, no Multipoint, lil more smoothness, solving the frequent auto diconnection issues ...........into a much smoother sound signature with me being able to findnthe best settings , Much smoother App experience, Disconnection issues solved and AT LAST Multipoint added because of which I was almost about to switch. Now these work great smooth transition in multipoint (really well) along with better accidental touch protection, And a much better smoother overall Battery performance ❤ These have become like a new pair for me now. Back in the end of 2022 sony launched a software update that practically fried the left right adjustment in the older version XM4 buds and I had to send mine to sony for Replacements under warrenty. But since the new XM4 hardware version buds were replaced with along with the Best Sw update with multipoint and battery performance improvements, these like got a frexh new life into themselves. M NOT SWITCHING ANYMORE. These arent for all specially those with small ear canals but for people with big ear canals like me , these have been the absolute sweet spot in aomost everything maturing through time ........ I truoy appreciate SONY for Working hard on these turning a not fully prepared product into a allriund product 1yr down the line. ✌🏻❤️

Thank you so much for this. My XM4s suddenly crapped out after a recent update and I will be getting reimbursed by the warranty company. I was torn between these two or whether I should just buy some cheap earphones until the XM5 comes out this summer.

Awesome comparison, thanks

Since having both, every point in this comparison is accurate. I'm very much looking forward to the next generation of the 1000X series. Cheers!

Great video. Like the in depth detail!

Thank you for the video, I really appreciate the way you presented the info and gave actual audio examples of each in a real environment. Subbed for more great content! I have the XM4s now but have never found them comfortable. Is there any way i could get your EQ settings?

Please all RU-vid reviewers take notes. This man nailed it. Well done sir. You earned my sub. Thank you

Listening to this with my just acquired Linkbuds S.😊😊😊

Thanks man this video helped me heaps

Hi and thanks! Would be nice with a comparison of Sony Linkbud S and Jabra Elite 85T.

I used the wf-1000xm4 earbuds to listen to this and they are way better than the other.

Great review 👍🏽

great review bro

The only review that helped me make a choice

Awesome review

I got the linkbuds s about a week ago, love them. I can wear them for such a long time. The battery isn't really a big deal, because they charge so fast. They sound amazing. The features and app work very well

Great review

I screamed when i saw your wallpaper because i had the same! The webb image of Carina Nebula

as soon as you began explaining the anc... toe nail fungus ad pops up awesome

They're very similar in sound and I'm not focused on calls or much of anything else though as I only want it for my music so I'm good with that and the bass output I'm looking forward to getting the xm4s

How about comparison of how the music sounds from earbuds from different price ranges, including bare bones cheapest ones?

Good comparison, but why did not compare the ANC function of the models directly

this is an excellent review :) as an android user i got apple airpods pro and for comfort those are great but for an android user it's just not handy because i can't use the full potential with options and updates, i tested out the Sony WF-1000XM4 and my ears started hurting after 30 minutes XD i will buy the Linkbuds S to test them out. ( I subbed :)

12:29 The linkbuds run out of gas for bass and especially sub-bass quickly after you're above 50% volume. They just pulled on more mids and treble as you go higher, really distorting balance

How do they compare with the Jabra Elite 7 Active?

thanks for this very useful

Hi, thank you so much for this review, i was really looking for these types. Could you please suggest one more other earphones which have a good sound stage.

In terms of sound quality would you choose Sony WF-1000XM4, Sennheiser Momentum TW2 or Sennheiser Momentum TW3? Thank you in advance!!!

Dang bro- I can't believe that you only have 20 videos- you seem like a pro- Can you review the Pixel buds pro and compare them with Samsung buds pro or these Linkbuds? Anyway - great video and I look forward to more.

keep in mind, this is from my own personal experience with the link buds s; if you enjoy loud music, these aren’t that loud, granted they are decently loud but you’re one of those people that likes their music super loud then they’re not for you. another thing, if you crank the volume all the way high the mids seem to get pushed forward heavily & the low hz bass frequencies lower aswell, but they still sound good asf nonetheless

Are the headphones able to stay in ambient mode when you only have one in? That was a deal breaker on the galaxy buds pro.

XM4 has battery problem at the end but does anyone have that problem no matter how many time taking it back still the same or just me ?

why the volume of xm4's are not that loud even thou I maxed all the eq and volume

Would you say these are good for working out as well? I just wanted a good sounding earbud but one I could run in

Thanks, my LinkBuds come in a few days.

The noisy environment microphone results for all other reviews was the opposite. The XM4s typically do a horrendous job of filtering background noise. I have both and people tell me the same. It's like they can't separate your voice and the background noise, but instead just mute everything in between speech volume sounds. I literally have to disconnect them for calls outside and just use the phone

I’m curious, can you adjust the microphone sound via the EQ? I doubt it, but then I think, why don’t they offer that feature?

Why the track electric blue in mono?

I am interested in noise cancelling earbuds for shooting sports. Looking at sony linkbuds s or walker silencer bt 2.0. What Db do the linkbuds s cancel? Not finding the answer on sony website. Thanks for any help.

Does the Linkbuds S provide multi-point connectivity? If not, which pair of earbuds is your favorite that does provide this option?

Hi john Im looking for a small pair of earbuds that fit good in the pocket and comfortable in the ears for a daily use. I have the sennheiser mtw3, they have a great sound quality but not very comfortable in the ears and especially in the pocket. Do you think the linkbuds s can be good for my needs? Im affraid to get disappointed by the sound quality. Btw your review is great! Thanks

Nice review. I'm more tempted by the Linkbud S for pretty much the same reasons as you. Though I'm a bit concerned about call quality. Another I'm considering are LG's free tone utf80 (currently under £100). I like the case features but haven't heard the audio quality. Using lg v60 and iPhone 11 Pro max

Great video! The sound samples were a huge help! Can I request you do put out a video comparing Sony LinkBuds S with Jabra Elite 7 Pro? Or maybe a suggestion from your end about which one to choose? I am from India and right now due to running offers, both are being offered at the same price at Amazon. My priorities are comfort, sound quality (bass is important for me but it need not be over the top punchy) call quality (while outdoors or in a setting with background noise), sound leaking and battery life.

Can you compare linkbuds s to soundpeats h1

You got those nice-looking ears that can record what is being played, can't you also use those to also test the noise canceling and give us an impression?

Test was good. Thanx

insane call quality

I really wanted to try to buy this linkbud s since i lost my xm4, but im very much worried that it will sound not as good, becauss all the review are saying that xm4 are better in audio quality, however i have issues with overly sensitive microphone on background noise which seems to be solved in the linkbud s, this is so hard :(

i hate the foam tips on my XF4s. they slip off and stay in my ear when i take them off

Woulda been nice if the settings you use on the Link Buds S you used is shown here.

XM4 all day baby drivers are banging

Actually this is the only comparison says that xm4 she is the best / but can I use the sony headphones with only one side, right or left, and control the properties, or is there only one main side? Since I own an old version of JBL + Sony, and they only have one main side As I own Samsung bods, and they have the feature to control in either direction

Can someone share their eq for the linkbuds s?

Great video ❤️ keep it up !!!

What is the best eq for linkbudsS thx❤

13:24 I'm astounded that you're not hearing a vastly superior sound stage in the XM4s. It's not even close for me or for the majority of comparisons I've found

Hi, can u try to test mic on a cafe with music background? Ive had problems with xm4 mic, person on the other side of the phone cant hear me when im in cafe.. they all say background noise is too loud, louder than my voice even when i speak very loudly.. which i dont like to do..

Thanks

just listening on my TV to me it sounded like the linkbuds actually sounded better or atleast the same as the XM4s. I did have the XM4s for literally an hour and i returned them, overall I wasn't impressed with the sound quality compared to my Soundcore Liberty 2 Pros and the XM4s were also really uncomfortable in my ears and the ANC actually gave me a headache because of how tightly the buds fit in my ears and how much pressure the ANC created in my ears. It was an extremely easy decision for me to return them. i have to say though that i was really disappointed in them, i was expecting this mind-blowing audio experience when infact to me it was just mediocre. The bass wasn't anything to write home about and the mids sounded muddled while my Liberty 2 Pros provide great bass and nice clear crisp mids.

Been doing a lot of research as there is a lot of opinions out there but seems like everyone ends up with the linkbuds S for comfort and it is very close to sound quality to the xm4s. Not as good but very close. Great vid and thanks

As a professional musician I find the XM4 largely ahead in therms of sound. The rendition of the sax is much more clean, vibrant and alive than the other. Sadely I have little ears :S

having the cut from original soundtrack to the earbuds at the drop was a bad idea. original is giving me some instruments and then you switch to the earbuds exactly at the time other instruments are introduced. other than that, it's the best review around Linkbuds S

Can you show while riding motor bike with ‘min 40km hr.:

Yeah, the Sony WF-1000XM4 has a SERIOUS BATTERY ISSUE that they've NOT RESOLVED. Mine developed "uneven" battery drain at the bud one year after purchase. There's a firmware update, but it does nothing. Some blogs suggest deactivating "active listening" so that the battery doesn't "drain." It doesn't help. I'll never spend $279 on a pair of Sony Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds - neither should you. Total junk.