Audio Quality
The LinkBuds S feature small 5mm dynamic drivers, which is a 17% reduction from the already small 6mm drivers on the WF-1000XM4. They offer Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC up to 32-bit, 96kHz, and 990Kbps.
In terms of sound, the LinkBuds S have a laidback, warm sound with a prominent but not overpowering bass response. The bass boost has a gentle curve that adds to the warmth and rumble of the recording without being too distracting. The mid-range performance is generally good, with vocals and instruments having a natural timbre and tonality. However, the upper mid-range and treble are a bit muted, which can obscure some instrumental detail and breathiness of vocals, resulting in a slightly duller sound that may not be suitable for all recordings.
Overall, the LinkBuds S offer a relaxing and pleasant listening experience, but their sound may not be as balanced as some other options, such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro or the AirPods Pro 2. You can improve the sound by using the EQ or the Bright preset, but if you want a more balanced sound out of the box, you may want to consider alternative options.
Noise Cancellation
The LinkBuds S offer excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) performance, using the same custom processor as the WF-1000XM4, although I was unable to confirm if this is actually the case as I did not have a pair of 1000XM4 to compare while testing the LinkBuds S. In comparison, the Google Pixel Buds Pro seemed to be only half as effective at cancelling noise, with ANC that seemed mostly perfunctory.
Sony’s ambient sound mode also works well enough, although it doesn’t sound completely accurate, especially at higher levels. I found it best to leave it at level 16 for a natural sound, with higher levels better for hearing every rustle of your clothes.
