A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Sony Linkbuds offer an open design that might not isolate noise well, which is not ideal for noisy environments but can be safer for outdoor activities as they allow you to hear your surroundings. They are lighter and may be more comfortable for exercise, with a secure fit thanks to silicone fins. The Linkbuds also support wireless ear/head detection and have a slightly longer battery life in the earbuds themselves. On the other hand, the Sony WF1000XM5 provides superior overall sound quality and has active noise cancelling, making it a better choice for air travel or in noisy places. They offer longer battery life when considering the charging case and support wireless charging, which adds convenience. Additionally, the WF1000XM5 earbuds come with LDAC support for high-resolution audio streaming but are somewhat heavier and larger. If budget is a concern and you prioritize environmental awareness and lightweight convenience, Linkbuds are a strong choice. If superior sound and noise isolation are more important, and you don't mind spending more, the WF1000XM5 would be the better option. 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 Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.6
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Phone Calls
6.8
5.0
The Sony Linkbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8
4.9
The Sony Linkbuds is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Battery
5.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$178
$298
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Sony Linkbuds has a price of $178 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
Build Quality
9.3
8.5
The Sony Linkbuds has excellent build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM5 has very good build quality.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Gaming
5.5
5.1
The Sony Linkbuds and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.4
5.4
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for TV and video.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Sony Linkbuds and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony Linkbuds | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$178 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2022 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.7/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.9/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.4/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5.5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 17.5 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9.3/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.5 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony Linkbuds
See more
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."
Sony WF1000XM5
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Sony Linkbuds or the Sony WF1000XM5
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
154,700
Recommendations made
23,205
Consumer hours saved
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.
Jason Lew
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.
Featured in
