This is the most comprehensive review between linkbuds S and XM4 that Ive ever seen. I decided to choose Linkbuds S because of lighter weight and better calling quality. Thanks for your sharing.
I got my XM4 to sound more open with changing EQ. I got it to sound more smooth and open not neutral more close to that. I can't upgrade higher then 1.4.2 with firmware just yet. So my eq settings will probably sound different with 1.5.0. Here they are: ESEE extreme is on on auto Clear bass: -8 400 Hz: -7 1 Khz: -5 2,5 Khz: -1 6,3 Khz: -6 16 Khz: -5 The thing is with smoothing out the frequencies you get more instrument seperation and a more open sound in my opinion (because you're removing peaks in the frequency response and giving more space to all the frequencies). I'm using the Spinfit CP360 tips on my XM4 too which I like - so not the foamies. Loving your in depth reviews thank you for the work you put in.
I really liked the open sound of the LinkBud. The LinkBuds S are really good as well, but something totally different. If Sony can make the concept of the LinkBuds more comfortable, those will be my go-to in-ears. Pity that ANC isn't possible, but the open sound just sounds better. I have no problem with the bass. That becomes way too punchy in in-ears anyway. That Sony put the LinkBuds and LinkBuds S in the same series doesn't make sense at all. They couldn't be more different. The LinkBuds S should be in the same series of the XM4 or in it's own series.
I loved them too (the linkbuds, not the linkbuds S) but my left ear wouldn't cooperate and the bud kept falling :/ even after trying all the available silicon thingies
After a few weeks i using Linkbuds, Linkbuds S and WF 1000xM4 ! I knew why Sony Name it Linkbuds S ! Its about Comfort of Linkbuds S, I feel the same way of comfort with Linkbuds and we easily Link offline and Online world especially it got ANC if you want to disconnect from your Offline world ! I cant wear WF 1000xM4 for along time but Linkbuds S is not the same.
I just got the linkbuds s and I previously had the xm4’s both are amazing headsets for sure if you want to listen to the left earbud independently on the linkbuds you’ll have to go to the services tab scroll to the bottom and turn service link off for those who don’t know that but they are surprisingly similar to the xm4’s great review I definitely agree 100%
@@chaseabendschein5528 the xm4’s are larger but have a little better noise canceling in my opinion both have great sound quality I personally can’t tell much difference there, and the linkbuds s seem to have better transparency mode and are smaller which is sometimes harder to get out of the case but I also have large hands but I can also wear them longer because of the fit in my ears. That being said you really can’t go wrong with either one of them
I recently purchased the Sony Linkbuds S from the Amazon Prime day sale July 2022, I can honestly say they are a good pair of earbuds if you do not want to pay the price tag for the Sony WF-1000XM4. I found that the Linkbuds S still packed good sound, not as good as the XM4's however still very good, but most importantly, the comfort on the Linkbuds for my ears were much preferred over the XM4's, thats not to say that i'll be putting my XM4's to one side, they will be getting used time to time, I just feel like the Linkbuds S will be more for my daily wear to avoid ear fatigue over long periods of sitting at my desk whilst working. Thanks for the comparison video too Aaron, always great to see your videos and appreciate everything you have to say.
@@aaronloudnwireless Hey Aaron, i'm curious to know have you personally or know of anyone who has experienced call connection issues with the WF-1000XM4 or the Sonylink buds S with iPhone iOS? I thought it was only my XM4's that I was experiencing this issue. During calls the connection for me would randomly drop, my earbuds would no longer be connected to my phone, then about 3-5seconds later they would reconnect, the person on the other end would be able to hear me during this disconnect but I am not able to hear them as I would get the device disconnect tone on the earbuds, during a call this can happen multiple times. I have been using the Sony linkbuds S for calls over the last couple of days and have experienced exactly the same behaviour. I have tried reseting them and repairing with both sets of earbuds, the XM4's were fine for a little while but soon enough I started experiencing the same again. I know others have experienced the same after reading some posts on Reddit but it doesn't look hopefully Sony will be addressing this issue. Hoping you can shine some more light on this topic. Thank you
Thank you so much for the detailed comparison and great video! It gave me all the Infos I was looking for and couldn't find anywhere else! I must say you did a great and professional job here, many thanks again, you certainly got a new follower!
good advice! Based on many years of experience, blowing your nose is very important, at least every half hour, to hear the best quality! Seriously, try it and you'll agree!
Been looking for my next earbuds and this video finally sold me on the link buds s. Scavenged through tons of reviews but this one seemed the most honest with regards to sound quality. I’m upgrading from the Samsung galaxy 2s
Linkbuds S are great earbuds- watching this now using them. They’re the most comfortable earbuds I’ve used, plus they support multipoint bluetooth connection. Love the textured plastic feel of the buds & case. I just returned a set of Beats Fit Pros(too big for my ears, no multipoint) & replaced them with these Linkbuds.
Hello bro Which one sound quality,anc,bass? *Sony link buds s *Soundpeasts Opera 05 *Earfun Air 3 pro *Sennheiser CX True Wireless *Samsung Galaxy buds pro What would your rank be like? Thanks You king 👑
tengo los linkbuds S y me encantan. los prefiero por que son un poco mas versatil y su sonido es realmente convincente e impactante. es de calidad y tiene bajos potentes. el unico punto en contra es que no tiene carga inalambrica y los microfonos no son del todo perfectos, pero es son cosas de gustos personales. la conectividad es optima al igual que la bateria. el ANC es increible para un producto tan pequeño.y ademas cuando activas el ambient es increible. el xm4 son muy buenos pero su diseño no me gustó y no son discretos. si los comparo con los airpods en general, Considero que los sony, son lejos mejores que los airpods. pd: es el unico comentario en spanish que encontrarás, saludos
@@edgarmolina8383 "Sony LinkBuds S" if they are very secure in your ear (for me they didn't really hold in my ears, but with the foam Ear-Tips from the Sony Wf-1000xm4 they were really secure 👍🏽) the Sony Wf-1000xm4 were also really secure in my ear.. they are nearly the same TBH (I now only own the Sony Wf-1000xm4 and returned the LinkBuds S)
@@edgarmolina8383Se supone que uno elige segun las necesidades. Ambos son atractivos y tiene prestaciones similares pero por dimensiones, comodidad y seguridad al usarlos, me quedo con los link buds. yo soy mas sencillo y prefiero siempre algo discreto. y eso fue lo que influyó en mi elección. otra cosa ya son la calidad de sonido etc. creo que ofrecen algo muy bueno, dentro de la gama existente.
I love the LinkBuds S! Small and light. Very decent sound (better than my airpods pro), and the noise cancellingis not perfect, but good enough, and it feels so much more comfortable than that of Apple. They’re also small enough than it’s comfortable to side sleep with them. My only nitpicks are: - the battery, especially the case. - And compared to my over the ear XM5 the bluetooth connection is not as strong when I move around the house. Overall super happy with them. I don’t use my airpods pro anymore; I rotate between the Linkbuds and the big XM5 now.
agree bro, my xm4 just past one year the right earbuds could last only 30mins now totally disappointing after paying a premium price tag… losing interest with sony products now
I had so many issues with the linkbuds i returned them. Cool feature mine came with, if i used the awareness mode at some point it would give me the wonderful surprise of a max volume piercing whine. I hated these buds.
Great to see you back with your new place Aaron! Great review too. Thanks! These seem like they should be 150.00 not 200.00. I had the XM4 but sadly had to send them back because of comfort issues. I am sure these would be VERY comfortable. I am using the new MTW3 and find them to be comfortable and sound great. I hope you do a review on the Sennheisers soon.
Waiting on my MTW3 to get here on Friday. You returned the XM4's due to comfort, apart from that - which do you prefer (XM4 or MTW3) if comfort wasn't an issue?
@@DBAMAN7 Hi Hulk. I think you will be very happy with MTW3s... I liked the way the Sony's sounded because I kind of prefer the darker/warmer sound. So my MTW3s are EQed to more of a V shape. I have poor hearing, but I do believe the MTW3's are more dynamic and if you want more BASS they have a setting under the EQ for that. Bottom line, if comfort were not an issue I would still have the Sony's and probably own the MTW3's too! ;-) Please share your thoughts when you get them!
Im using xm4 for 8 month. Not comfortable with the foam eartips. Painful. But now i change it using Spinfits eartips. Daily use 5-8hrs with no problem. Love the ambient.. Hope sony keep on improve in term of design 😂.
Man believe me these are the ONES!. My Powerbeats Pro died and decided to buy one with ANC. Tested Beats Fit Pro, Galaxy Buds 2 and Jabra Elite 85t. I got to say , Linkbud S is the whole Package. Comfy. Good sound and ANC is wayyy better than the rest. Is almost like the XM4 . I Can have this all day long. The app has so many settings when you go into the EQ you can have these sounding MUCH better than the Beats and Jabra, just some tweaks, I even like them better than the XM4 because of better highs and much richer , you can add more base with the app in “Crystal Boost” I have mine@ +4 . Can’t go wrong with these. I think these are only topped by Senheisser and Tecnichs but the size and weight just make them better fit and a better option.
Not sure why everyone's so up in arms. The XM4s were on sale for $110 refurb with two years warranty. The Linkbuds S were on sale for $85 refurb with two years warranty. $25 difference is well worth it for the better product. Chill people.
Wow. I didn't even know these were an option. My Jabra Elite 75T Active's just died on me. Amazing headphones. Super comfortable to wear at night. Seeing as how the XM4's look a little too big to fit that purpose for me, the Linkbuds S look like the sweet spot. Battery life is a little meh, but I won't complain if they're comfy. Thanks so much for the review. It's awesome to see that they're so similar in sound, and actually better at call quality than the XM4's.
@Bryan I disagree with the review. I've been A-B listening to both and there's a massive difference in audio performance, especially if you're a >75dB listener. The XM4s are immersive, meaty, and even holographic in comparison to the linkbuds. The linkbuds are much thinner sounding with sloppier imaging, questionable mid/treble separation, muddier treble, and MUCH less impactful/dynamic bass (Sony app +10 boost matches +0 for the XM4 maybe for volume but not quality). Worse is that sub-bass falls off quickly as volume goes beyond 50% on the S21 ultra -- like how the Homepod speaker DSP boosts bass at low volumes but can't keep up if you try to fill even a small room. At higher volumes, the linkbuds forget nearly all sub-bass just to try and survive. Weaker amplification is likely the price paid for such an amazingly small and comfortable design. If blinded, I would guess that the linkbuds are using a single 5mm dynamic driver and the XM4s are using a 7mm dynamic driver with a couple balanced armatures for highs. Bottom line: for podcasts and RU-vid, linkbuds all day, but for musical immersion, XM4s. For the linkbuds soundstage, the musicians are between your ears, but with the XM4s, your ears are between the musicians. I wish there wasn't this huge difference because I would much, much rather wear the tiny, light, and nicely textured linkbuds with their better microphones and competitive ANC. Both have really limited bud-based controls compared to Jabra 7 Pros (muffled mics) and Sennheiser M3s (uncomfortable for me), especially if you want to use the buds independently.
@@thegrimmer After actually going out and buying them and listening to them, I ended up returning them and getting the Jabra Elite 7 Pro's. Although I have some minor gripes in comparison to the 75T Active's, but since I can't seem to get my hands on those for a reasonable sum, I'm content with my Elites. Overall much better sound IMO as well. I still wanted something smaller so I could sleep with them in my ears. I'm sure the XM4's handily beat the Linkbuds as well. Thanks for the follow up personal review, my friend.
@@b1_ferg Yeah the 7 Pros might be the most comfortable buds I've ever tried, including passive. I just needed a bit more clarity in calls after years of complaints. Cheers.
Linkbuds s support LC3 codec so it has a way lower latency than those with aptXLL the thing is that only more modern phones use it such as the S23ultra and Iphone 14pro, great video anyway 👌 thanks to you I bought the linkbuds s 👍
I have the xm4 but I'm using them so much I need something more discret for outside and light. I think I'll take those it seems like a good compromise, specially now that they are 150e
i think wf xm4 is not worth 300-400$ the comfort is not there.. the sound is not as loud.. but if you want best anc out of tws this the way to go. but 300-400$ no.. go for bose qc earbuds if you dont mind the 90's style bluetooth earbuds lol.
My XM4 is dying as the left side only has 30 mins battery life and the right side has 50 mins. Currently looking at the expensive AirPods Pro 2 or this cheaper LinkBuds S.
I tested the Jabra 75t and they were "absolute garbage" compated to the Apple AirPods Pro (mid 2021) maybe they improved with software updates.) the "Sony LinkBuds S" are great but not better than the "Apple AirPods Pro" just different: better sound and ANC but "worse" transparency Mode.
Ty u for doing this video I wanted to see it I even try to search it up if any one had it load it up I'm have to watch it when I'm back from.walking my dog can't decide from the xm4 or buds s
Question is, does it have the same nightmarish battery problem like the XM4? I just tried to change the batteries of the XM4 today and broke the flex cable of the right earbud by accident. I won't waste another dime on this. I'd rather buy a new set, and preferably a new model
I bought both and some cheaper technics to compare for myself. Tonight is xm4 night. Couple hours in and my ears hurt from the large size. Waaay better sound quality than technic. Probably sending these both back. Link buds coming in tomorrow!
i don't think it "addressed" flaws of the basic LinkBuds, considering the very short time (few months maybe?) between the release of the two. you simply can not (re)design, test, put into production - especially in this volumes - a product in such a short period.
Are there any tips that improve the noise cancellation of the Sony Linkbuds S, without spoiling the comfort and that also fit correctly in the case? Which models do you recommend?
Man. I shouldn't have believed the hype. I love a crisper sound signature. The xm4 disappointed me. Too warm but for some reason the bass is wierd almost like muted idk. Xm4 aint for my hearing taste. I love bass but crisp and detail is more important to me
@@aaronloudnwireless Can you elaborate please? In my country they're priced the same, and my top priorities are comfort and best anc possible, but sadly I can't go and try them in any store, and I can't return them if I bought them. I really need help deciding whether the linkbuds will give the same anc as xm4 with the foam eartips
@@Billoo04 I'd choose the xm4 , the noise cancelling is superior and they have a better sound quality. The only drawback is the comfort , which i don't mind
@@damianussy4366 I just had to come back to this comment to say that I bought both and it's just like you said. Linkbuds are definitely more comfortable... but xm4 is superior in every other way, especially when it comes to noise canceling. When I'm traveling and I'm on a plane, bus etc the linkbuds removes about 70% of the noise, where as the xm4 removes what feels like 99% 😂.
When you use Sony Linkbuds S in outside from rec a whatsapp audio or whatsapp call ramdomly change drastically the soud quality of the audio…the sound start great but after 20 seconds turns in something very muffled
thank you, without your videos would not be able to make a more personalized decision: ( all earbuds owned with. Lead lights on the earbuds have failed due to that particular problem' This link bud s has absent lead lights somebody caught the failures' most all of basic and low cost earbuds have lead lights this maybe a cheap trick from the developers and manufacturers, making then fragile on that interior circuitry, just to produce and make more dependancy on new better products, like in every vehicle that has fuses once they blow up and crack the whole thing malfunctions...?! Thank you Mr. Aaron...?!
Nice video Aaron! Now i wondering buy the Linkbuds S. I have also a pair of WF 1000XM4 im super happy with. But its more "work" to make them fit correctly every time i put them in my ears, and i must often press several times when i wearing them to have the right sealing. Use the largest foam tips, the medium is way to small. I've tried silicon tips but its was not good for the XM4. It can be hard to use them for a long period. My WF C500 and WF 1000XM3 are more comfy to use for long periods. But i love the small case on the XM4. How is the comfort on Linkbuds S compared to the C500 ? I can easily use mine for 10 hours without feeling ear fatuige.
hardly anything fits perfectly for me, but the WF1000XM4 with silicone tips gave me perfect fit for the first time in my life. the problem with silicone tips is that you need to tip roll, so if you've been buying brands that just don't fit you, the cons is that even when you explore all size options, you still won't have a good fit. But silicone ear tips provide superior and cleaner sound, and once you have the fit correct, silicone tips let you just pop the IEM in without the hassle of foam tips. but due to sound quality, i will always avoid foam tips. i'd return the IEM if no silicone tips work because the foam sounds audibly worse the moment i use it, even if it seals properly.
Damn near even in terms of sound quality and ANC. I got the Sonys at launch and I’ve been using the Beats every single day since November. Transparency mode is way better on the Beats tho
I had a pair of Linkbuds S for one night but I had serious problems with them sticking way too deep in my ears, which was super uncomfortable if not painful. Don’t you experience anything like that and do the xm4 go deep into the ear canal like the S too, so they are no alternative for me?
Great informative video,thank you ! I think the xm4 are a little bit "cheating"with noise cancelling with the foam tips, I liked the link buds , but it was not possible for me to get a secure fitting.and I am not the only one with this problem.to many movement in my face muscles.perhaps Botox could fix it 😉.so the link buds s are for me the best choice for every day use. to enjoy music they are very good,but for my ears not the same level as the soundcore liberty 3 pro.
the Sony Wf-1000xm4 are very secure in my ear 👂🏼. The "Sony LinkBuds S" are getting lose after a while. but when using the Ear-Tips from the Sony Wf-1000xm4, then the "Sony LinkBuds S" are very very secure 👍🏽
I found that both earphones are pretty much the same price! the difference is shipping time, the LinkBuds take over a month whereas Xm4s just a week or so. I want a good pair for workouts, would the xm4's perform as expected?
I can only recommend the Sony Wf-1000xm4 for jogging 🏃 if the are very secure in your ear, otherwise you will hear the "step noise" and it's really bad then. But for me, they are holding very secure ☺
I have a question, does Linkbud S and the case feel cheap? I have a chance to touch it at best buy and I felt it was like something from Aliexpress, please advise
It feels like plastic on a budget car's cupboards and consoles, because that's literally what it's made of. I handled the blue one briefly and it seems a bit more matte as it also has recycled water bottles added to the mix (sadly it is a bit more expensive in North America and often avoids the sale price of the other colours).
I just bought my Linkbuds S today. The bass is definitely not as punchy as the XM4, but I can't complain considering the price difference. Aside from that, almost all of the features are still there, the ones that are not there are not needed anyway. But I notice when switching to different ambient modes, or when connecting to my phone, instead of the female voice notifying me, there's just these ringtones. The earbuds are still on version 1.0.1. Considering what happened to my XM4 after updating to the 1.4.2, I will not update my Linkbuds S. I can't find any thread online of people having the same problem, but I don't think Sony is really so cheap that they take a away the voice guide from this model and replace it with just the ringtones instead (I have Voice Guidance turned on by default). Could anyone provide any input on this? Thank you!
@@maximes4428 The EQ is bad. I can bring out the mids but too much and it sounds papery and thin, while clear bass just makes it sound puffy and distorted.
How do the Linkbuds S compare to the Jabra 7 Pro/Active? Looking for something relatively low profile, and can currently get the Actives for $150. Are these worth it over the Jabras?
Last week, I have return my Jabra elite 7 pro for buy the linkbuds S because i have a wh-1000-xm4 and i want just one apps on my phone and i love my wh-1000xm4. The Anc is better for me on Jabra Elite 7 pro. I think the Anc is very bad on the Linkbuds S. I hear the sound of car on the street. at the gym, the ANC does not filter any noise. I thought I was in transparent mode but no.... I'm disappointed and i have return on Amazon. I have buy wf-1000-xm4.I hope it will be better Sorry for my english !
@@natesmith3653 oh yes you are right, Sennheiser is the best of the best sound quality and i love this. But he is very expensive at 245$. I have buy my wf1000xm4 on Amazon Warehouse for 170€ in very good condition. I use just for sports and work... To listen in good conditions i use my WH1000XM4 at home. But thanks you !
I would like to ask you where I can buy Zenypower Z55H or equivalent CP 1254 C1 batteries, please ask SONY because I want to replace the battery in the right helmet, after the software upgrade the battery gets very hot?
Anyone seeing this comment: please don't buy Sony Linkbuds S. I was thinking that they are the great earbuds, based on review, but I have to say it is a piece of crap. Eveyone is saying that micrphone/call quality is top-notch, but it is actually the worst part of the earbuds. Immediately after starting the call, they automatically turn on Sidetone (like an ambient mode) and you can barely hear the other side due to wind/white noise + ambient sound around it. Interestigly enough, there is no SINGLE WORD about that from the reviewer. That makes them unsable in any environment except its own quiet room. It is imppossible to use them in train / open office / coffee shops / running...so please stay away from them and buy way better earbuds in the same price range: Nothing Ear 2 or Anker Libert 4 (4 NC) or similar price range Jabra models...
Sound quality cannot compete against 10€ MH-1 or MH-755. Why do I need to tweak it to sound good? Why is the soundstage so narrow? An why did I pay 200€ for this?
