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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound fidelity, the Etymotic ER4XR offers better overall sound quality and superior noise isolation, ideal for focused listening in noisy environments or for air travel—a good choice if you're after auditory precision. In contrast, Sony Linkbuds, being less expensive, have a more open design which may be beneficial for staying aware of your surroundings, which can be a safe option for outdoor activities. The Linkbuds also provide a comfortable fit for long wear, have a microphone, and are optimized for use with both Android and Apple devices, making them versatile for calls, meetings, and general use. They're wireless with a battery life of over 17 hours with the case and support features like app customization and ear detection. Choose the Er4XR for high isolation and sound quality or the Linkbuds for convenience and situational awareness. 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 Etymotic ER4XR
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Music
8.0
6.6
The Etymotic ER4XR is very good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
5.5
The Etymotic ER4XR is only fair for gaming, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Phone Calls
4.7
6.8
The Sony Linkbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER4XR is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
7.8
The Sony Linkbuds and Etymotic ER4XR are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Sony Linkbuds is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.4
5.4
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for TV and video, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
2.5
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The Etymotic ER4XR does not have a battery. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$234
$178
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $178.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
9.3
The Sony Linkbuds and Etymotic ER4XR both have excellent build quality.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $178 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 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 | 9.1/10 | 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 | 9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 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 | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Etymotic ER4XR
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | May 2015
"The Etymotic ER4XRs' top qualities are the detail and definition of the midrange, rewarding the closest listening. While the soundstage is large rather than gigantic, the excellent separation and spatial precision mean you can dive deep into music just as much as when wearing a pair of full-size open-backed headphones."
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 Etymotic
Etymotic Research is an American based research, development and manufacturing company founded in 1983. They invented the first insert earphones that were used for the diagnosis and research of hearing loss and other auditory disorders. They went on to pioneer the market of high fidelity, isolating, in-ear earphones.
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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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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