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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Since you're considering between the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick and Sony Linkbuds and you've noted that price is a factor, with the Nothing Ear Stick being less expensive, it's important to consider what features and qualities you prioritize. If you're looking for a more affordable option and are willing to sacrifice some sound quality and features, the Nothing Ear Stick could be the better choice. However, if sound quality, battery life, and additional features like touch controls or noise-canceling are important to you, and you're willing to invest more, then the Sony Linkbuds may be worth the extra cost. Keep in mind that the specific use case, like whether you need them for sports, commuting, or casual listening at home, can also influence which product would be better suited to your needs. Each model will have its own unique design and comfort level, so consider the fit and form factor, as well. 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 "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Gaming
8.1
5.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for gaming, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Phone Calls
8.6
6.8
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for phone calls, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
7.8
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony Linkbuds is good.
TV and Video
7.5
5.4
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is good for TV and video, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Cost
$99
$178
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has a price of $99 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $178.
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Key similarities
Music
6.1
6.6
The Sony Linkbuds and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both only fair for music.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for noise reduction.
Battery
5.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
9.0
9.3
The Sony Linkbuds and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick both have excellent build quality.
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How the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $178 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | "Nothing" Brand | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2022 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.2/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.7/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.2 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 22 | 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 | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | 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 | Small | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.4 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
"Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | December 2022
"If the Ear (stick) fits your ears, its light weight means you can easily wear it until the unimpressive battery life totally drains. The IP54 rating of the buds lends some confidence that it’ll survive some light abuse too. Finally, for the person who only wears earbuds at their desk, the Nothing Ear (stick) with its decent microphone could offer a reasonable Zoom meeting solution."
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 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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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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