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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats EP are wired on-ear headphones with better overall sound quality and are suited for casual music listening. However, they lack a microphone, making them not ideal for calls or meetings. On the other side, Sony Linkbuds are wireless earbuds with an open ear design that supports AAC codec for Apple devices, has an integrated microphone, and is sweatproof, making them more versatile for calls, exercise, and use with Apple products. While the Beats EP may excel in sound for music, the Sony Linkbuds offer more features and are more adaptable to various situations despite being slightly more expensive. 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 Beats EP
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
6.6
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
5.5
The Beats EP is only fair for gaming, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Phone Calls
4.2
6.8
The Sony Linkbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the Beats EP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
7.8
The Sony Linkbuds is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
5.4
The Beats EP is good for TV and video, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Beats EP and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The Beats EP does not have a battery. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$178
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $178.
Build Quality
8.0
9.3
The Sony Linkbuds has excellent build quality, while the Beats EP has very good build quality.
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How the Beats EP and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $178 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | 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 | 8/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
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."
Get a great deal on the Beats EP or the Sony Linkbuds
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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
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.
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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