Customer Ratings & Reviews
- Model:
- WFL900/H
- SKU:
- 6493580
Rating by feature
- Sound Quality
Rating 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Battery Life
Rating 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Connectivity
Rating 4.0 out of 5 stars
Customers are saying
Customers commend the LinkBuds True Wireless Open-Ear Earbuds for their sound quality, open-ear design, and comfort. They appreciate the ability to hear their surroundings while listening to music and find the earbuds comfortable to wear for extended periods. However, some customers have concerns about the fit, battery life, volume, price, and bass.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
- Pros mentioned:Sound quality
Good, but conflicted with GPS
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Call quality was good, and audio was fairly good for this style of ear bud. Some reviewers stated they had problems keeping this in their ear, but I didn't have that problem. They seemed to stay in place pretty well. The only reason I returned these is because of issues with the music on my Garmin watch. It played music fine until I connected to GPS. Then the audio was very choppy and cut out constantly. Without GPS, it worked fine. Other bluetooth devices did not have this problem, so I believe it's a compatibility issue.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Eddie,
We're glad that you like the sound, call quality, and fit of the LinkBuds. It's unfortunate that you already returned them because of connectivity issues. Having the latest software version installed is recommended for optimum performance. Restarting the Garmin device, resetting, and initializing the LinkBuds might have resolved those issues.
The all-new Sony LinkBuds feature a comfortable open-ring design that naturally blends your online and offline worlds. The LinkBuds provide crystal clear calls with our Precise Voice Pickup technology. Sony’s V1 Processor provides a well-balanced and high-quality sound for an authentic listening experience. The LinkBuds feature an IPX4 splash-proof and sweat-proof design, Adaptive Volume Control adjusting the volume to the environment around you and a battery life is 5.5 hours and up to 17.5 hours with the charging case. The Ultra-small and light design gives you the ability to listen to music, take calls and game all while still connecting with the world around you.
Thanks for sharing your review and we hope you consider Sony in your future purchase.
-Ralph
- Pros mentioned:Sound quality
Awesome at ambient sound but my ears dont like fit
||Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Sound is good not great. Ambient sound is very good because of open design. No noise cancelling due to open design. I can only speak for myself, but my ear was not designed to wear them. I do believe it to be hit or miss that just depends on the individuals ear. They are a solid pair though. In conclusion if they fit your ear and you don’t need noise canceling these might be for you 
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Jason, Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback about your Sony Linkbuds. While we're glad you like the sound quality and ambient sound due to its open-ring design, we regret to hear that these earbuds didn't fit you properly. We understand that finding the perfect fit can vary from person to person. We recommend trying different fitting supporters and experimenting with the positioning to achieve a snug fit. You may refer to this link to watch the video to find out how to change the fitting supporters and how to wear the headset in your ears. https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000445573.html
Hope this helps and thank you for choosing Sony! -Sam
- Cons mentioned:Bass
Genuinely pleased
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I really like the design since I can’t use the more mainstream earplug style earbuds and was genuinely pleased at how well they stay in your ear. The open concept works well when you don’t exactly want to block out *all* of the background noise around you. I do however wish there was a bit more deep bass. I’m not sure if it’s just my earbuds or if it’s something I have to tweak in the app, but when I raise the volume to the highest level it sounds lower?? but other than that I’m really enjoying these so far
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Zakiya, We are so glad to hear that you are enjoying your new earbuds! With LinkBuds, you are always connected with your everyday life. Comfortably wear them around the clock as you hear sounds around you transparently, feeling nothing on your ear, while you remain in touch with people and places, without ever having to pause your personal soundtrack. LinkBuds bridge your daily life and the entertainment you love, wherever you go, whatever you do. -Carl
- Pros mentioned:Design, Sound quality
On par with AirPods almost
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Great sound quality and design. App lets you change the eq. Downsides: can only connect to one device at a time. There is no way to locate EarPods if you loose them
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi NickyWilhelm,
We're so happy that you like the incredible audio quality and design of the unit. Glad to know you're utilizing the built-in eq on the Sony Headphones Connect app. The LinkBuds does not currently support Multipoint Connection. It can be PAIRED with multiple devices at the same time, but unlike the WH-1000XM4/WH-1000XM5 model, it cannot be CONNECTED with multiple devices at the same time. The headset can be paired with up to 8 devices. When the headset is paired with two or more devices, you'll need to switch the Bluetooth connection to the desired device.
The good news is that you can find your headphones with Fast Pair. LinkBuds support Google’s helpful new Fast Pair feature. You can easily locate where you left your headphones by ringing them or checking their last known location on your smartphone. You’ll even receive a notification when your headphones battery is running low, so you know when to charge them.
The LinkBuds provide crystal clear calls with our Precise Voice Pickup technology. Sony’s V1 Processor provides a well-balanced and high-quality sound for an authentic listening experience. The LinkBuds feature an IPX4 splash-proof and sweat-proof design, Adaptive Volume Control adjusting the volume to the environment around you and a battery life is 5.5 hours and up to 17.5 hours with the charging case. The Ultra-small and light design gives you the ability to listen to music, take calls and game all while still connecting with the world around you. Thank you for choosing Sony! -Jess
- Pros mentioned:ComfortCons mentioned:Connectivity
These earbuds are good
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I like them, and they are comfortable. But sometimes they disconnect when I'm talking!!
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi RobertL, We're glad that you like that these are comfortable. We're sorry if they disconnect sometimes, for optimum performance, please ensure the software is updated. For additional troubleshooting steps, please check the Help Guide:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/index.html
I hope this helps but if you still need assistance, do not hesitate to drop us an email at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Sincerely,
Erin
- Pros mentioned:Sound qualityCons mentioned:Fit
Issues
||Posted . Owned for 4 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I owned these headphones for 2 months - already making a warranty claim because they don’t play any music unless the body is slightly bent in the ears which is not really a safe way to listen to music and keep them in - I use these when I commute on my one wheel and I hate having to push them against my ear every 5 seconds to hear any sound come out - theyre great when they work but be weary.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Drayzha, We are sorry to hear that you are experiencing issues with your Sony WFL900. We'd love to ensure that you get the assistance that you need with your LinkBuds. May we contact you to help? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com
Apologies if you disclosed some of this information in your review and to customer service, we just want to ensure that we have your accurate details at the time of communication.
Full Name:
Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
Regards,
Carl
- Cons mentioned:Fit
not for small ears
||Posted . Owned for 7 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.the head phones work great, but they hurt my ears. i have small ears, and the inserts were not small enough. gave to my husband as they work great
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi CheriO, We are glad to hear that the WFL900 headphones work great for you. However, we are sorry to hear that they hurt your ears due to the size of the inserts. The WFL900, also known as LinkBuds, come with medium-sized (M) ear fitting supporters by default. If these are too large, you can try smaller sizes to achieve a better fit and comfort.
To replace the ear fitting supporters, follow these steps:
Gently raise the fitting supporter and remove it from one side of the LinkBuds. Be careful not to pull the fitting supporter forcibly.
Select a different size fitting supporter and align the protruding part of the LinkBud with the cutout on the fitting supporter.
Make sure to insert the fitting supporter completely.
After attaching the fitting supporter, check that there is no movement on the LinkBuds by shaking your head back and forth. If they fall off or move in your ears, select a different size
Should you need assistance with your Sony product, please contact us for help.
Send us an email at socialsupport@am.sony.com using the format below.
Apologies if you disclosed some of this information in your review and to customer service, we just want to ensure that we have your accurate details at the time of communication.
Full Name:
Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
Regards,
Carl
- Pros mentioned:Sound qualityCons mentioned:Fit
Great for daily use, designed for call clarity.
||Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Really solid for daily drivers. I wear these for WFH meetings, walks, out in town, and similar situations. They're great for phone calls and solid for music, however, a traditional pair of over-ear headphones will be much better for the latter. These are clearly designed for calls/vocal clarity, but again, they do not miss in terms of music quality for what they are. Fit can be a bit difficult to get right, definitely try the other earpieces to get it situated in your ears.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Everett4God, We are glad you are enjoying the all-new Sony LinkBuds which feature a comfortable open-ring design that naturally blends your online and offline worlds. The LinkBuds provide crystal clear calls with our Precise Voice Pickup technology. Sony’s V1 Processor provides a well-balanced and high-quality sound for an authentic listening experience. The LinkBuds feature an IPX4 splash-proof and sweat-proof design, Adaptive Volume Control adjusting the volume to the environment around you and a battery life is 5.5 hours and up to 17.5 hours with the charging case. The Ultra-small and light design gives you the ability to listen to music, take calls and game all while still connecting with the world around you. Thank you for choosing Sony! Erin
- Pros mentioned:Sound qualityCons mentioned:Battery life
Buy these and hear new things in yohr favorite son
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.At first, I was very septical about these earbuds but after a while, these quickly became my favorite. Sound Quality was really great, if you are not in a noisy or busy area, which in that case they becomes okay. Battery life is okay at best. I used them everyday for around an hour a day which kills the case battery in anout 3-4 ish days. Altogether, it is a great start for anyone wanting to get into hi-fi music.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi EpicSoundGuy2022, Great! We're glad that you are enjoying the sound quality and battery life of the all-new Sony LinkBuds which feature a comfortable open-ring design that naturally blends your online and offline worlds. The LinkBuds provide crystal clear calls with our Precise Voice Pickup technology. Sony’s V1 Processor provides a well-balanced and high-quality sound for an authentic listening experience. The LinkBuds feature an IPX4 splash-proof and sweat-proof design, Adaptive Volume Control adjusting the volume to the environment around you and a battery life is 5.5 hours and up to 17.5 hours with the charging case. The Ultra-small and light design gives you the ability to listen to music, take calls and game all while still connecting with the world around you. Thank you for choosing Sony! Erin
- Cons mentioned:Battery life
Terrible battery but great buds
||Posted . Owned for 1.5 years when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I would give these a 5 star but after a year and half owning them the battery just drains when not in use. And reading online it seems like a common problem. It's a shame because they were my favorite buds clocking in 250hrs. I love open ear design and hope more companies pick up on this.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Brian,
Thank you for the review and we're sorry to hear what happened with the battery of your headphones. Please check this article on how to isolate and resolve your issue.
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wf-l900/articles/00204618
If the situation does not improve, even after following the steps provided in the link, service may be required. For us to better assist you, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Best Buy Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
-David
- Cons mentioned:Fit
Great, but I constantly check if they’re on right
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Very innovated and creative idea. Although they do a pretty good job at staying in your ear, there are still times where it doesn’t feel very secure. Not sure if I’ll be able to do a good run while wearing these, but I do enjoy using them while traveling and doing schoolwork.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi LMPplusY, Thank you for the positive review! Good to know you like the open-ear design of your new Sony Linkbuds. We understand that finding the perfect fit can vary from person to person. We recommend changing the fitting supporters to another size to comfortably and snugly fit your ears and to prevent the earbuds from falling out. You may refer to this link for the instruction manual video and for additional information:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000445573.html
Thanks for choosing Sony! -Sam
- Pros mentioned:Sound quality
Work as intended!
||Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.These were a cool concept! But they didn't feel that comfortable in my ear and it was pretty hard to hear the music. All the things they promised with natural ambient noise and connecting to the outside world came true, but I just found myself turning up the volume to hear it better. So, these just weren't for me.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Sound qualityCons mentioned:Fit
Good buds for the price
||Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Good quality for the price. Sound is very good also. Would have been a 5 if they would stay in my ears better.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi KSHaRT,
Thank you for the review and we're glad you like the sound quality of the headphones. M-sized fitting supporters come attached to the left and right units of the headset at the time of purchase.
If you feel the size of the fitting supporters does not fit your ears, change the fitting supporters to another size that fits your ears better. The size of the left and right fitting supporters may be different.
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000456408.html
Link your online and offline worlds with headphones that keep you in both. The all-new Sony LinkBuds feature a comfortable open-ring design that naturally blends ambient sound with digital sound. Stay authentically connected to everyday life while listening to music, taking calls, gaming, and more, all with dynamic sound. With IPX4 splash resistance and long battery life, LinkBuds keep you ready for anything that life brings.Thank you for choosing Sony!
Regards,
David
- Cons mentioned:Battery life
Great , but need a lot of improvement.
||Posted . Owned for 3 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I personally loved these earbuds. Are they the best no! with that being said I am not a fan of the whole noise-canceling or earbuds plugging my ears, this is the reason I bought these ones. The sound is good and very comfortable to wear. The battery sucks and compatibility with my phone is also not the best, I use a note 20 ultra. I really hope they are working on the next generation and that sony at the very best fix the battery issue, it SUCKS!
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Cnambo01, thank you for choosing and purchasing our product. We're glad you love the comfort and sound quality of the LinkBuds. We're sorry to hear that you have an issue with the battery of your SONY unit. Please follow this link to isolate the issue:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000449917.html?search=battery
If you require any additional support in regards to this product, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details: Name: Username: Model Number: Issue: Telephone Number:
Link your online and offline worlds with headphones that keep you in both. The all-new Sony LinkBuds feature a comfortable open-ring design that naturally blends ambient sound with digital sound. Stay authentically connected to everyday life while listening to music, taking calls, gaming, and more, all with dynamic sound. With IPX4 splash resistance and long battery life, LinkBuds keep you ready for anything that life brings. Thank you for choosing SONY.
~Earl
- Cons mentioned:Fit
Great for being out and about
||Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.A great product as long as the fit is comfortable. The sound is clear yet plain. Not much bass uless they fit ever so perfect and deep in your ear. In which they're not meant to. BUT if wanting an ear piece that keeps u open to your surroundings so that u can take calls, listen mildly to music or video AND have them pauce when u speak, these are CLUTCH. i think the price will be the biggest draw back. Otherwise for an everyday out and about bluetooth, these are great
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi DeeCee,
Thanks for sharing your review and experience with the WFL900 LinkBuds. For optimum fit and comfort, make sure that you are wearing the headphones properly. You can also obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance when wearing the headphones properly. Please refer to this link for more information:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000445573.html
Additionally, you can use the equalizer/CLEAR BASS functions of the Sony Headphones Connect app to tailor-fit the sound quality to your needs. You may find this link helpful:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/hpc/v1/en/index.html
Hope this improves your experience. In case you need further assistance, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com.
Full Name:
Best Buy Username:
Telephone Number:
Sony Headphones Model Number:
Issue:
Additional Information regarding your experience with your WFL900.
Sincerely,
-Ralph
Sony Social Support
- Pros mentioned:Comfort
Sorely Disappointing for the Price
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I didn't want to leave a bad review, however, I feel obligated to say that I've never experienced so many completely odd issues with any wireless earbuds before. The tap controls fire randomly when chewing (which makes sense considering how they function). I've used these in my office linked to my PC and have encountered issues with one or both earbuds. Beyond this, there is often a complete loss of sound quality at times resulting in a very tin can audio quality. Things only get worse when I switch to Bluetooth on my phone, granted my phone isn't the greatest so I assume its Bluetooth adaptor isn't either. But still, for 180 dollars I should not be having connection issues, not to mention the oddest so far. One earbud begins playback about half a second before the other. This issue I've never had in any headphones. The plus side is that I can hear my surroundings quite well at about half volume. The battery life and comfort are very nice as well. The design is on par with any other 200 Dollar headphones. Frankly, I should probably give a 1 Star review but they still work for what I need. Wouldn't recommend to anyone thinking of being actively moving while using them. Compared to the other options at this price point. I've had less confusing and more functional earbuds for 30 dollars or less.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Caleb,
Thank you for your review.
While we are pleased that you are satisfied with the comfortable fit & open-ring design that naturally blends ambient sound with digital sound and long-lasting battery life of our WF-L900, we are really sorry if you are encountering issues. This is definitely not the experience we wanted you to have on our premium headphones.
For the wide area tap function, the LinkBuds may not operate correctly when a vibration identical to a tap is detected from coughing or the attachment/detachment of accessories around the ears, chewing, etc. When the headset reacts incorrectly, you can use the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app to turn wide area tap off and switch to headset tap.
Reference: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000467224.html
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000456614.html
For the sound quality, some of these issues can be fixed by following the troubleshooting steps on these articles:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000445760.html
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wf-l900/articles/00276486
For audio out of sync issue between the left and right LinkBuds, this problem can be fixed by initializing the headset to restore factory settings. For instructions, please refer to the following links:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000449912.html
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wf-l900/articles/00275420
And if you haven't yet, to ensure you get the most out of your WF-L900 LinkBuds, we recommend updating its firmware to the latest version (1.1.0). The software includes key features, applications, bug fixes, and feature improvements. For more information, please visit the link below:
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wf-l900/downloads
Should you need more assistance, please feel free to contact us and we'll be more than happy to assist you. You may send us an email at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following:
Name:
BestBuy Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
We appreciate you & your input, and thank you for choosing Sony.
Sincerely,
Romeo
Sony Social Support
- Pros mentioned:Comfort, Sound quality, Weight
LinkBuds
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Comfortable. Good sound. Light weight. Good for riding bike.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi LinkBuds, We're extremely happy you like you are enjoying the all-new Sony LinkBuds which feature a comfortable open-ring design that naturally blends your online and offline worlds. Glad to know these are perfect for your lifestyle. The LinkBuds provide crystal clear calls with our Precise Voice Pickup technology. Sony’s V1 Processor provides a well-balanced and high-quality sound for an authentic listening experience. The LinkBuds feature an IPX4 splash-proof and sweat-proof design, Adaptive Volume Control adjusting the volume to the environment around you and a battery life is 5.5 hours and up to 17.5 hours with the charging case. The Ultra-small and light design gives you the ability to listen to music, take calls and game all while still connecting with the world around you. Thank you for your purchase and for the 5-star rating! -Jess
- Cons mentioned:Connectivity
Different, but sometimes different is good
||Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.These are not meant for any noise cancelation. These are meant to listen to your connected devices and the world around you. Once you get the fit right, these things are amazing. I have fallen asleep numerous times with these in without discomfort or them falling out. I wouldn't try to mow the lawn with them, but around the house or office they are great. I took away one star because I would have liked them to have a wireless charging case.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi cschmach,
Thanks for feedback and we're glad you like the headphones. Link your online and offline worlds with headphones that keep you in both. The all-new Sony LinkBuds feature a comfortable open-ring design that naturally blends ambient sound with digital sound. Stay authentically connected to everyday life while listening to music, taking calls, gaming, and more, all with dynamic sound. With IPX4 splash resistance and long battery life, LinkBuds keep you ready for anything that life brings. Thank you for choosing Sony!
Regards,
David
- Pros mentioned:Sound qualityCons mentioned:Battery life
Dang near perfect (for me)
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.They feel excellent and they sound excellent. My only issue is that the battery life is pretty short.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Paul,
Thank you for the review and we're glad you like the sound quality of the headphones. Depending on the settings for the headset functions and usage conditions, the speed of energy consumption for the rechargeable battery may vary between the left and right units. However, this is not a malfunction.
NOTE: When you have finished using the headset, be sure to set the headset in the charging case. If the headset is placed in the pockets, etc., the headset recognizes that the headset is worn, and it may turn on by mistake.
Link your online and offline worlds with headphones that keep you in both. The all-new Sony LinkBuds feature a comfortable open-ring design that naturally blends ambient sound with digital sound. Stay authentically connected to everyday life while listening to music, taking calls, gaming, and more, all with dynamic sound. With IPX4 splash resistance and long battery life, LinkBuds keep you ready for anything that life brings. Thank you for choosing Sony!
Regards,
David
- Cons mentioned:Battery life
Great for work environment
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Pros - For me I find these earbuds to be very light and comfortable. They don't stuff your ears but if you want you can buy separate plugs on amazon to cover the holes to enhance the sound. Mic is decent for phone calls. Cons- I have issues with only earbud working sometimes. The battery life is a bit light compared to other earbuds at this price.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi FrankJ,
We're happy that you like these LinkBuds which feature a comfortable open-ring design that naturally blends your online and offline worlds. Glad to know you appreciate the phone call quality that is also noteworthy. We're sorry you've been running into difficulty. We'd love to troubleshoot this and make this a better experience for you. The Sony LinkBuds support the use of one unit by itself. In this case, only the unit that has been removed from the charging case will turn on. Even if you are using only one unit of the headset, you can play music with the unit you are wearing. When Service Link is turned on with the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app, use the right unit of the headset. You cannot use only the left unit of the headset.
Check that the touch sensor on the earbud you want to use by itself is set up to support the use of one earbud at a time. For more details, visit this helpful link: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wf-l900/articles/00229345
The LinkBuds feature a battery life is 5.5 hours and up to 17.5 hours with the charging case. However, if you set the functions from this help guide link, the available operating time of the battery becomes short: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000449917.html
Stay connected and aware to people and places in everyday life, without ever having to pause your personal soundtrack. LinkBuds bridge your daily life and the entertainment you love, wherever you go, whatever you do. Thank you for sharing your feedback! -Jess