Sony's LinkBuds Clip: A New Take on Open Audio
The market is flooded with truly wireless earbuds and earphones, but finding the perfect pair can be a challenge, especially if you prefer a more natural feel without ear tips. Many in-ear devices rely on silicone or foam tips, which might not suit everyone's ears.
If you're an Apple AirPods fan, you might prefer a different approach. Open audio solutions have emerged, offering a unique design where earbuds sit around the ear, avoiding the need for ear tips. This concept is similar to clip-on earrings, where the device clips onto the ear, resting over the fleshy part to stay in place and deliver sound.
Bose and Shokz have already explored this idea with their Ultra Open and OpenDots, respectively. Now, Sony is joining the trend with the LinkBuds Clip, an evolution of their previous open-audio attempt. This new design takes a more conventional approach, clipping onto the side of the ear.
Sony's LinkBuds Clip features a 10 mm driver on each side and an IPX4 water-resistant design, ensuring it can handle sweat. In terms of sound quality, it offers a similar experience to Sony's noise-canceling headphones, minus the noise cancellation. Instead, it utilizes Sony's Digital Signal Enhancement Engine (DSEE) and various modes to optimize sound for different environments.
Comfort is a key feature, as the LinkBuds Clip includes attachable fitting cushions, making it suitable for extended wear. The battery life is impressive, providing up to 9 hours of music playback or 4 hours of talk time, which should be sufficient for most users. The charging case extends this to a total of 37 hours of playback time, allowing for multiple charges throughout the day.
However, the LinkBuds Clip comes at a higher price point, starting at $330 in Australia, which might be a consideration for those seeking noise cancellation or isolation. Despite this, Sony's LinkBuds Clip is an exciting development in the world of open audio, offering a unique and comfortable listening experience.
