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The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for better overall sound and comfort, as well as an experience optimized for Apple devices with features like ear/head detection, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) would be the better choice. However, if you prioritize having an open design for a more natural listening experience and a smaller form factor for portability, along with better app equalization and customization, the Sony LinkBuds might suit you better. It's also worth noting that the Apple AirPods offer slightly better battery life both in the earbuds and with the charging case, and they include wireless charging, which Sony's LinkBuds do not. Neither of them are ideal for noise isolation due to their respective enclosure types, so keep that in mind if you plan to use them in noisy environments. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony Linkbuds
- The Sony Linkbuds has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods (3rd generation).
Key differences
Music
7.1
6.6
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.6
6.8
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
7.8
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony Linkbuds is good.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.4
5.5
The Sony Linkbuds and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5
5.4
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for noise reduction.
Battery
6.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$170
$178
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $170 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $178.
Build Quality
9.0
9.3
The Sony Linkbuds and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$170 | $178 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Sony Linkbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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