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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value a more immersive sound experience and seamless integration with Apple devices, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are an excellent choice, with adaptive sound and lower latency for Apple users. However, if you're looking for earbuds with a unique open design that allows ambient sound to blend with your audio and prefer having a more current model without a stem, the Sony Linkbuds might suit you better. The Linkbuds are generally more expensive, but they come with silicone fins for a secure fit and boast a recent launch with potentially updated features. Keep in mind that AirPods' closed design can provide more isolation from external noise compared to Linkbuds' open structure, which can be less isolating but more aware of your surroundings. If call quality is crucial for you, both have integrated microphones, but the actual performance might differ. 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 Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Music
5.8
6.6
The Sony Linkbuds is only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
5.5
The Sony Linkbuds and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the Sony Linkbuds is somewhat better.
Battery
4.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$128
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $128.
Build Quality
7.6
9.3
The Sony Linkbuds has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
6.9
6.8
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Sony Linkbuds are both only fair for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
7.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (2nd generation) to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony Linkbuds is good.
TV and Video
5.4
5.4
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $128 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 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 | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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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."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Sony Linkbuds
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
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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Why trust us
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
91,100
Recommendations made
13,665
Consumer hours saved
About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
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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