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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the Sony Linkbuds and Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones depends on your priorities. The Sony Linkbuds, while more expensive, offer a unique open ring driver for a natural listening experience with a wide soundstage, but their noise isolation is limited. Their small size and app-enabled customization cater to comfort and convenience for on-the-go use, including exercise. If you're concerned about situational awareness or have hearing impairments, the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones allow you to hear ambient sounds while listening to audio. They also have a more durable build and are sweatproof, making them suitable for active uses. However, they have lower overall sound quality and soundstage compared to the Linkbuds. 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
- The Sony Linkbuds has no clear advantages over the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones.
Advantages of the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.6
4.8
The Sony Linkbuds is only fair for music, while the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones is poor.
Gaming
5.5
4.9
The Sony Linkbuds and Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones are both poor for gaming, though the Sony Linkbuds is somewhat better.
Cost
$178
$36
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Sony Linkbuds has a price of $178 and the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones costs $36.
Build Quality
9.3
8.0
The Sony Linkbuds has excellent build quality, while the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
6.8
6.5
The Sony Linkbuds and Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones are both only fair for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8
8.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony Linkbuds is good.
TV and Video
5.4
5.1
The Sony Linkbuds and Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Sony Linkbuds and Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones are both poor for noise reduction.
Battery
5.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life. The Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones has 8 hours of battery life.
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How the Sony Linkbuds and the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony Linkbuds | Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$178 | $36 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Youthwhisper | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2022 | June 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.7/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.9/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.4/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7/10 | 7.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5.5 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | Unknown | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 17.5 | N/A | |
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 | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9.3/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.5 Grams | 29 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."
Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones
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Stozz Audio
Stozz Audio | October 2023
"If you're looking for a pair of headphones that can be worn while running or cycling, these Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones are a great alternative to more expensive models. They're lightweight and compact, so they won't get in the way when wearing them while exercising. Plus, they have a built-in microphone so you can take calls during your workout without having to stop and fumble with your phone. The sound quality is great for this style of headphones, and it has many other cool features."
Get a great deal on the Sony Linkbuds or the Youthwhisper Bone Conduction Headphones
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
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