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Sony Linkbuds
Sony WH-1000XM5
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024· Prices updated 24 hours ago
If you want superior sound quality and active noise cancelling, the Sony WH-1000XM5 would be the better choice, which is excellent for air travel and listening in noisy environments. However, they are bulkier and more expensive. On the other hand, the Sony Linkbuds are more affordable and offer a unique open-ear design that allows you to hear your surroundings, making them a good option for exercise and outdoor activities. But they provide less noise isolation and overall sound quality compared to the WH-1000XM5. Both are suitable for music, calls, and use with virtual surround features, offering good battery life and app-based customizations. Give Feedback
Advantages of the Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.6
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Phone Calls
6.8
5.5
The Sony Linkbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8
6.0
The Sony Linkbuds is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Battery
5.5 Hours
40.3 Hours
The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$178
$398
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Sony Linkbuds has a price of $178 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.5
5.6
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.4
5.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.3
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony Linkbuds to have excellent build quality, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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How the Sony Linkbuds and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
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Sound Quality Score
Price
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony Linkbuds | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$178 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2022 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.7/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.4/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5.5 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 17.5 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9.3/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.5 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
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."
Sony WH-1000XM5
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Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the Sony Linkbuds or the Sony WH-1000XM5
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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.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones evaluated
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
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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.
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.