The latest additions to Sony’s lineup are the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open. Sony claims these models provide "improved wearability," primarily due to their newly designed wings. Dubbed "Air Fitting Supporters," these wings help to minimize pressure points, enhancing the comfort of the wireless earbuds.
Design Features
Among the two models, the LinkBuds Open share a design reminiscent of the first wireless earbuds released in this series. They feature an "open ring design" that allows ambient sound to enter, promoting better awareness of the surroundings. Although these newer earbuds are notably smaller, they are equipped with a new 11 mm driver.
Sony highlights that this driver enhances bass performance and delivers louder sound compared to the previous version. Additionally, the LinkBuds Open introduce voice controls that do not rely on any smart assistant. The processing occurs directly on the device, allowing users to execute voice commands for actions like skipping tracks and adjusting volume.
Upgrades in Fit Model
On the other hand, the LinkBuds Fit serve as an upgraded iteration of the LinkBuds S that Sony launched in 2022. These earbuds are lighter and more compact, but their reduced size does come at the cost of battery life. The LinkBuds Fit offer a runtime of up to 5.5 hours, whereas their predecessors provided 6 hours.
However, there is a positive aspect to the LinkBuds Fit, as they can achieve up to 21 hours of battery life when used with the charging case, marking an improvement over earlier models. Another significant feature is the inclusion of the same V2 processor found in the flagship Sony WF-1000XM5.
Additionally, they incorporate the Dynamic Driver X technology from the premium models, ensuring high-quality audio performance. The LinkBuds Fit also come with built-in voice controls.
Pricing and Availability
In terms of pricing, both the LinkBuds Fit and the LinkBuds Open are priced at $199.99. The Open variant is available in black and white, while the Fit comes in black, white, and purple. Both models are currently open for pre-order.