The latest LinkBuds from Sony (
MX$4,386 or
$178) are priced to go toe-to-toe with other popular headphones, including Apple's third-generation AirPods (
MX$4,049 or
USD$169).
And while they are both quality and reputable brands, the LinkBuds offer a unique design that will allow you to stay fully immersed in the outside world while allowing you to listen to your music, podcasts, or streaming audio.
intrigued?
Here's everything you need to know before deciding between Sony LinkBuds for a more transparent everyday sound or 3rd-gen AirPods for a more traditional experience.
Apple wants to block out outside noise, while Sony struggles to amplify it
Neither the third-generation AirPods nor the LinkBuds feature active noise cancellation, a popular feature that uses microphones and low frequencies to help cancel out certain sounds, but Apple's design is similar to the more expensive AirPods Pro, minus the tips. of silicon.
As a result, there is less outside noise.
Beats Fit Pro review: The lightest, most comfortable and safest headphones for working out
On the other hand, the Sony LinkBuds have ring-shaped drivers with a small and conspicuous hole, which allows you to hear everything that happens around you while playing music or a podcast.
And while that may seem counterintuitive when looking for a new pair of headphones, it's a great feature for anyone who isn't interested in removing a headphone to hear someone speak, or knowing if they're due to board a flight at the airport or for workouts. outdoors such as running or cycling.
Different layouts, different controls
LinkBuds and 3rd-gen AirPods may be opposites in terms of their physical appearance, but they still share some key features, like IPX4 certifications for sweat and water resistance (good for the gym or inclement weather).
And while the LinkBuds weigh just 4.1 grams, the AirPods skew a little heavier at 4.25 grams.
When it comes to controls, AirPods (
MX$4,049 or
$169) stick to classic Apple pressure-sensing sensors, allowing you to squeeze them to play/pause music or skip a song.
The LinkBuds (
MX$4,386 or
$178) take a more sci-fi approach, allowing you to simply touch your face between your cheek and ear to play or pause the audio.
Although this worked well during our tests, we recognize that there is a possibility that it may be less accurate.
Additionally, the LinkBuds come with a feature called
Speak to Chat
that will automatically pause your music if the earbuds detect you speaking.
AirPods don't have that functionality;
although you can manually pause your music.
And if you're a fan of voice controls, keep in mind that LinkBuds work with the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, while AirPods use Siri exclusively.}
The four best headphones for sleeping in 2022
Sony's LinkBuds offer great sound quality, but AirPods are better
In our tests, we found the LinkBuds to offer excellent sound quality with a crisp, clear stage as well as solid bass, even with that hole in their design.
However, because Apple's third-generation AirPods come with a tighter seal on your ears, everything from the treble in your tunes to the powerful bass will sound crisper and more defined.
Of course, this also brings us back to what you may be looking for in a pair of headphones for your specific lifestyle.
Why the Sony XB13 speaker is the perfect spring break travel accessory
Both sets of headphones ship with a 360-degree form of audio for better immersion, with Sony including its 360 Reality Audio format for services like Tidal, Amazon Music and Deezer, while the AirPods Spatial Audio feature is available exclusively through AppleMusic.
AirPods have better battery life than LinkBuds
If battery life is important to you, the third-gen AirPods offer a solid six hours of listening time on a full charge, and the included case extends that to about 30 hours.
The LinkBuds lasted five hours and 45 minutes on a full charge during our tests, but the case extended that to 17 hours.
When it comes to recharging, AirPods are equipped with a Lightning port and wireless charging compatibility.
The LinkBuds use a USB-C port and don't come with wireless charging, though they do offer useful fast charging, with a 10-minute charge providing up to 90 minutes of listening time.
KlipXtreme Zaffire user experience: a good sound bar at a very low price
In conclusion
The Sony LinkBuds (
MX$4,386 or
$178 USD) and third-generation Apple AirPods (
MX$4,049 or
USD$169) offer quality sound and specific controls, although they are aimed at different types of users.
You may want some AirPods if you use a lot of Apple products.
However, if you're interested in stepping out of your comfort zone and want a pair of headphones that offer state-of-the-art design and controls, as well as the ability to easily hear your surroundings without removing them from your ears, the Sony LinkBuds are an interesting option. for the same price.
Don't forget to join our Telegram group. For more recommendations, offers and reviews read CNN Underscored in Spanish
Follow our social networks: Instagram, Twitter, Telegram and Facebook