Sony’s latest entry into the open-earbud market, the LinkBuds Clip, offers a sleek design and strong performance but comes at a premium price of $230. Following the success of the original LinkBuds and the more recent LinkBuds Open, these clip-on buds target users seeking situational awareness without sacrificing audio quality. While not groundbreaking, they deliver a comfortable fit, good sound for the category, and exceptional voice-calling capabilities.
The Rise of Open-Ear Headphones
The headphone market is shifting toward open designs. Consumers increasingly prefer earbuds that don’t block out ambient sound, whether for comfort, safety (hearing traffic while running), or simply avoiding the feeling of sealed ear canals. Market research confirms this trend: open earbuds are currently the fastest-growing segment, driven by design preferences and practicality.
The LinkBuds Clip fit into this trend with a glossy finish and a flexible C-shaped band that securely clips onto the ear. They come in four colors – green, lavender, “greige,” and black – and include optional silicone cushions for smaller ears.
Comfort and Fit
The LinkBuds Clip are designed to be worn clipped to the midpoint of the ear, though users will likely adjust the position for optimal comfort and sound. The glossy finish feels smooth, allowing easy adjustments. The closer the driver sits to the ear canal, the better the bass response, but finding the right balance between sound and comfort is key. The case remains compact, matching those of the LinkBuds Open and Fit models, though wireless charging is notably absent.
Sound Quality and Features
While not exceptional, the LinkBuds Clip deliver a natural and well-balanced sound experience for casual listening. They don’t compete with noise-isolating earbuds in the same price range, but they hold their own against other clip-on models like the Shokz OpenDots One and the Baseus Inspire XC1.
Key features include:
- Sound Modes: Standard, Voice Boost (for podcasts), and Sound Leakage Reduction.
- Equalizer: A 10-band EQ in the Sony Connect app for customization.
- Bluetooth Codecs: Support for SBC and AAC, but not Sony’s LDAC.
- Battery Life: Up to 9 hours per charge, with an additional 28 hours in the case.
- Multipoint Pairing: Connect to two devices simultaneously.
Voice-Calling Excellence
The standout feature of the LinkBuds Clip is their voice-calling performance. Advanced noise reduction and bone-conduction technology ensure clear calls even in noisy environments. Tests in busy New York City proved the buds effectively filtered background noise, delivering a natural voice quality to callers.
Final Verdict
The Sony LinkBuds Clip are well-designed, comfortable, and deliver impressive voice-calling capabilities. However, at $230, they are priced higher than many competitors without offering significant audio advantages. Their value depends on whether users prioritize open-ear design and superior call quality over pure audio fidelity. If discounted, they could become a more compelling option, but as of now, they remain a premium choice in a rapidly evolving market.
