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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EQ offers superior performance, better for immersive music and quiet environments, though at a higher cost. However, if you are looking for unique open-ear design headphones that allow ambient sound in for awareness of your surroundings and you're budget-conscious, the Sony Linkbuds would be a better fit, especially for outdoor activities or situations where you need to stay alert to ambient noises. Keep in mind, the Beoplay EQ may offer a more snug and isolating fit, whereas the Linkbuds are designed for a more natural, less intrusive wearing experience. 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 Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Gaming
8.4
5.5
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is very good for gaming, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8
7.8
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony Linkbuds is good.
TV and Video
7.8
5.4
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for TV and video, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Noise Reduction
7.0
2.5
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for noise reduction, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Battery
6.5 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.
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Key similarities
Music
6.8
6.6
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and Sony Linkbuds are both only fair for music.
Phone Calls
7.2
6.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ to be good for phone calls, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Cost
$176
$178
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has a price of $176 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $178.
Build Quality
8.9
9.3
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony Linkbuds to have excellent build quality, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has very good build quality.
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How the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$176 | $178 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bang and Olufsen | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2021 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.2/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.4/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.5 Hours | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | 17.5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | March 2022
"Bang & Olufsen’s audio products prioritize style and function just as much as sound quality. The company’s latest Beoplay EQ noise-cancelling true wireless earphones combine strong, accurate-leaning audio with solid noise cancellation in an exceedingly classy design."
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 Bang and Olufsen
Bang and Olufsen is an almost century-old electronic goods manufacturer based in Denmark with a very special focus on design. Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen created the first AC radio in 1925 and went on to develop televisions, telephones and, of course, headphones and loudspeakers. Today, they are partnered with several companies, like Audi, BMW and Aston Martin, to provide very high-quality audio solutions.
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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