Sony just dropped a trio of new gadgets, and I’ve got to say — I didn’t expect to be this intrigued. The new LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open, and a surprising new LinkBuds Speaker are officially here, and they’re not just refreshes. They’re a whole vibe.
Let’s be real: Sony’s LinkBuds line has always had a quirky identity. Those original donut-shaped drivers? Straight out of a sci-fi flick. But here’s the thing — Sony didn’t stop at “weird for weird’s sake.” These new updates bring real-world improvements, smarter features, and yes, actual style.
LinkBuds Fit — Now, They Actually Fit
First impressions matter. The new LinkBuds Fit are a sleek, streamlined evolution of the previous LinkBuds S, but with more comfort and customization built right in. They’ve kept the compact shape but added softer silicone “support arcs” that make a big difference when you’re wearing them for hours. They’re snug without pressure — something a lot of premium earbuds still can’t get right.
Sound-wise, Sony claims this is the best ambient-aware audio they’ve done yet. And honestly? That’s not fluff. This time around, transparency mode adapts to your environment. So if you’re walking through a quiet park, it’ll let more ambient sound in — like someone calling your name. If you’re in a noisy subway station? It’ll balance things out so you don’t get overwhelmed by screeching brakes and human chaos.
They’re IPX4-rated, so they’ll hold up to sweat or light rain — perfect for the gym, the jog, or dodging puddles in the city. And Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC support means they’re future-proof, at least for a while.
LinkBuds Open — Staying Open Without Compromise
Remember the OG LinkBuds? Those open-circle drivers that made it feel like the sound was coming from inside your skull? The new LinkBuds Open keep that spirit alive — and improve on almost everything.
For starters, the sound is beefier. The new circular driver delivers deeper bass and louder output, so you don’t have to crank the volume just to hear your podcast over traffic. The open design still lets in ambient sound, but now with battery life that actually competes — 8 hours from the buds themselves, 22 with the case.
They’re still IPX4-rated, and like the Fit model, they’ve got Bluetooth 5.3, multi-point pairing, DSEE upscaling for streaming quality, and a killer new feature called Background Music Mode. Think of it as a spatial filter — music sounds like it’s coming from a speaker in the room, not being pumped directly into your skull. It’s subtle, but it genuinely helps with focus when you’re trying to work without being isolated.
The Customization Game: Silicone Swag
One thing that surprised me? Custom cases and covers. Sony is letting you buy swappable covers for both the buds and the charging case — \$10 a set for the buds, \$20 for the case. Finally, a way to break out of the endless black-and-white rut of audio gear. Mix and match colors, change the look on the fly — it’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference for those of us who are tired of tech all looking the same.
The Unexpected Star: LinkBuds Speaker
Now here’s the curveball: Sony’s new LinkBuds Speaker is small, smart, and surprisingly well thought-out.
Why? Because Sony gets it. 70% of younger users already have a Bluetooth speaker, and they want seamless handoff between headphones and speakers. This speaker does exactly that.
You walk in the door with your LinkBuds in → you take them out → your music instantly switches to the speaker. No taps, no voice commands, no settings. Just music where you want it, when you want it.
And get this — it works with:
- New LinkBuds Fit
- New LinkBuds Open
- LinkBuds S
- WF-1000XM5 earbuds
- WH-1000XM5 over-ears
Sadly, it won’t work with Sony’s more budget models like the WF-C700N or WF-C510. But for flagship owners? This is smooth.
The speaker itself has 25 hours of battery life, a fast-charging base, IPX4 resistance, a loop handle for carrying, and a proper woofer + tweeter setup with side-facing passive radiators. And yes — a five-band EQ in the app, just in case you want to tweak the bass or crisp up the mids.
Is It All Worth It?
That depends on what you value. If you’re deep in Apple’s ecosystem, you’re probably loyal to your AirPods Pro — and fair enough. But here’s where Sony carves its own lane:
- LinkBuds Fit are a more natural-feeling alternative to the AirPods Pro 2, especially with ambient control and LDAC.
- LinkBuds Open are in a league of their own — there’s not really a true rival in the “stay-aware but high quality” audio space.
- LinkBuds Speaker is the silent killer. Everyone has a Bluetooth speaker, but this one feels like it actually belongs in your life instead of just your bag.
Plus, pricing is fair. The earbuds are \$199.99, the speaker is \$179.99. Compared to Bose or Apple? That’s borderline generous.
Where to Buy in the US
If you’re thinking of picking up one of these — or all three — these platforms are your best bet:
- Sony.com: Always the first to list and often includes exclusive colors or bundles.
- Best Buy: Great return policy, and they regularly run bundle promos — sometimes you’ll get a gift card or case thrown in.
- Amazon: For Prime users, it’s hard to beat the delivery speed. Just be cautious of third-party sellers.
- Target: Surprisingly competitive on earbuds. RedCard discounts apply.
- B\&H Photo: Audio nerds know — their headphone selection is top-notch, and their customer service is reliable.
From a Kitchen Table Listening Session
I’ve been swapping between the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open while writing this. Outside, the Fit isolate beautifully and adapt to the world around me like magic. Inside, the Open let me listen to ambient synth music while hearing my dog bark at the mailman and my coffee machine hiss to life. It’s oddly intimate, almost like the sound is part of my room, not my gear.
Then I drop the buds in their case, and the LinkBuds Speaker kicks in. The same track, now filling the kitchen with warm low-end and crisp highs. No buttons. No Bluetooth hiccups. It just works.
These new LinkBuds aren’t for everyone. But if you care about smart design, seamless transitions, and comfort that doesn’t compromise, they’re absolutely worth a listen — and maybe more.
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