Sony's LinkBuds Fit earbuds have emerged as a compelling option in the crowded true wireless earbud market, particularly for users prioritizing comfort and a secure fit. Released recently, these earbuds build upon Sony's established reputation for audio quality and innovative design, offering a unique combination of features aimed at both everyday listening and active lifestyles.
One of the most lauded aspects of the LinkBuds Fit is their exceptional comfort. Weighing in at under 5 grams per earbud, they are remarkably lightweight, making them easy to forget you're even wearing them. The design incorporates soft silicone ear tips and flexible ear fins (or "wings") that conform to the ear's natural shape. These fins play a crucial role in securing the earbuds, ensuring they stay in place even during rigorous activities like running or workouts. Reviewers have noted that the hollow silicone construction of the ear wings avoids excessive pressure, contributing to the overall comfortable experience. While the included ear tip selection might be limited for some, many users find the pre-installed tips to be a surprisingly good fit.
Beyond comfort, the LinkBuds Fit deliver solid audio performance. The sound profile is generally described as punchy and powerful, with a satisfying bass response that's well-suited for energizing workouts. While some audiophiles might find the high-end detail slightly lacking, the overall listening experience is enjoyable and clear. The earbuds also support Sony's 360 Reality Audio for a more immersive soundstage, and the Sony Sound Connect app allows users to customize the sound to their preferences with EQ adjustments.
The LinkBuds Fit also include active noise cancellation (ANC), although its performance is a point of contention among reviewers. While the ANC effectively reduces ambient noise, it's not class-leading and may not be sufficient for very noisy environments. The design, which prioritizes comfort over deep ear canal insertion, can compromise noise isolation. However, the earbuds also offer a transparency mode that allows users to hear their surroundings, which is useful for situational awareness. Some reviewers find the transparency mode amplifies ambient sounds and introduces some background hissing, while others find it effective, especially at lower levels.
Other notable features of the LinkBuds Fit include multipoint pairing, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices, and a "wide area tap" feature that enables users to control playback and calls by tapping the area in front of their ear. Battery life is decent, though not exceptional, and the charging case is compact, although its cube-like shape may not be as pocket-friendly as some competitors.
Despite their strengths, the LinkBuds Fit have some drawbacks. The touch controls can be finicky, and the ANC performance is not top-tier. Some users may also find the design less aesthetically pleasing than other earbuds. Additionally, the LinkBuds Fit are not able to stream over LDAC codec while using multipoint pairing at the same time.
Overall, the Sony LinkBuds Fit are a well-rounded pair of true wireless earbuds that excel in comfort and secure fit, making them a great choice for fitness enthusiasts and anyone who struggles to find earbuds that stay in place. Their solid audio quality, coupled with a range of useful features, makes them a strong contender in the mid-range price bracket. While the ANC performance and design might not appeal to everyone, the LinkBuds Fit offer a compelling combination of style and substance.
