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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If audio quality and a spacious soundstage are your top priorities for critical listening, the AKG K712 Pro headphones will serve you well, albeit at a higher cost. The open-back design delivers a more natural and expansive listening experience but performs poorly in noisy environments and leaks sound. On the other hand, the Sony Linkbuds are more affordable and versatile, suitable for casual listening, workouts, and commuting due to their portable and comfortable design. Unlike the AKG K712 Pro, they block more ambient noise and don't leak sound, making them more practical for public use. However, they may not match the level of detail and sound quality that the K712 Pro provides for serious audiophiles. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the AKG K712 Pro
- Good for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Music
7.7
6.6
The AKG K712 Pro is good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Gaming
7.0
5.5
The AKG K712 Pro is good for gaming, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Phone Calls
4.9
6.8
The Sony Linkbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the AKG K712 Pro is poor.
TV and Video
8.4
5.4
The AKG K712 Pro is very good for TV and video, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The AKG K712 Pro does not have a battery. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$529
$178
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The AKG K712 Pro has a price of $529 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $178.
Build Quality
8.5
9.3
The Sony Linkbuds has excellent build quality, while the AKG K712 Pro has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8
7.8
The AKG K712 Pro and Sony Linkbuds are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The AKG K712 Pro and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the AKG K712 Pro and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K712 Pro | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$529 | $178 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2013 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 17.5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 235 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
AKG K712 Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Headfonics
Michael | October 2013
"AKG has created a mini-masterpiece in my opinion. I enjoy this headphone a great deal and it will become my go-to reference headphone for the time being. She is slick, sexy, well-balanced, and crazy comfortable."
Sony Linkbuds
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Sound Guys
Sam Moore | February 2022
"The Sony LinkBuds is definitely the most unique audio product to release so far in 2022, and it largely executes well on it's unoccluded design. However, it's hamstrung by all the same things as other unsealed earbuds."
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About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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