Sony - LinkBuds True Wireless Open-Ear Earbuds - Dark Gray

Name: Sony - LinkBuds True Wireless Open-Ear Earbuds - Dark Gray
Brand: Sony
SKU: 6493580
Rating: 3.4 (836 reviews)

Model: WFL900/H

SKU: 6493580

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Key Specs
- Connection Type: Wireless
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth (The manner in which a device sends data to another device over a short distance without the use of wires or cables.)
- True Wireless: true (These headphones not only lack wires between the device and headphones, they also lack wires between the headphones themselves. (true wireless is really only possible with in-ear headphones))
- Maximum Wireless Range: 32.81 feet
- Water Resistant: true (Resists some degree of water penetration.)
- Built-In Microphone: true
- Carrying Case: true
- Headphone Fit: Open-Ear
- Battery Charge Time: 1.5 hours (Battery charge time will vary depending on the product configuration, product model, applications loaded on the product, power management setting of the product and the product features used by the customer. Charging time will likely decrease with time and usage of the battery.)
- Works With: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant (Compatible with or able to be connected to other smart devices or applications.)
- Voice Assistant Built-in: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant (A digital assistant built into the device that uses voice commands to answer questions and control smart devices.)
General
- Product Name: LinkBuds True Wireless Open-Ear Earbuds
- Brand: Sony
- Model Number: WFL900/H
- Color: Dark Gray
Audio
- Sound Isolating: true
- Environmental Noise Control: true (A technology that automatically or manually adjusts, or eliminates, ambient background sound to allow conversational voices to be heard clearer.)
- Volume Limiting Function: false
Connectivity
- Connection Type: Wireless
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth (The manner in which a device sends data to another device over a short distance without the use of wires or cables.)
- True Wireless: true (These headphones not only lack wires between the device and headphones, they also lack wires between the headphones themselves. (true wireless is really only possible with in-ear headphones))
- Bluetooth Version: 5.2 (The Bluetooth specification formalized by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. All versions of the Bluetooth standard are backwards compatible with previous versions.)
- Maximum Wireless Range: 32.81 feet
Features
- Water Resistant: true (Resists some degree of water penetration.)
- Waterproof: true (Designed or treated to be impervious to water in certain situations. Products are tested under controlled laboratory conditions and then assigned an Ingress Protection (IP) rating to denote the degree of protection from water ingress. The level of protection may decrease over time with natural wear of the product.)
- Built-In Microphone: true
- Carrying Case: true
- Body Metrics Measured: Not Applicable
- Bone Conducting Technology: false
- Lighting Type: None
Design
- Headphone Fit: Open-Ear
Power
- Rechargeable: true
- Battery Charge Time: 1.5 hours (Battery charge time will vary depending on the product configuration, product model, applications loaded on the product, power management setting of the product and the product features used by the customer. Charging time will likely decrease with time and usage of the battery.)
- Charging Accessory Included: Case, Cable
Compatibility
- Works With: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant (Compatible with or able to be connected to other smart devices or applications.)
- Voice Assistant Built-in: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant (A digital assistant built into the device that uses voice commands to answer questions and control smart devices.)
Warranty
- Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts: 1 year
- Manufacturer's Warranty - Labor: 1 year
Other
- UPC: 027242923003

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 blends natural and digital sound. Stay authentically connected to everyday life while listening to music, taking calls, gaming, and more, all with dynamic sound.

Every world. Always on.: LinkBuds connect all your worlds perfectly with an open-ring design that allows you to hear calls, listen to music, play games, and hear other types of online content anytime, all while remaining naturally connected to the ambient sounds around you.
Connected and aware: A newly developed ring-type driver unit with the center of the diaphragm open for audio transparency allows you to clearly hear all of the real-world sounds happening around you.
Wide Area Tap: Even with the small size of LinkBuds, they’re still incredibly easy to operate with Wide Area Tap. With this feature, you can double or triple tap the area in front of either ear to control your music playback. You never even need to touch LinkBuds to operate them.
Adaptive Volume Control: Adaptative Volume control automatically optimizes volume based on your environment. LinkBuds adjusts to lower volume in quieter places and higher volume in noisier situations.
Authentic and natural sound: Our Integrated Processor V1 reproduces all the detail in your music with minimal distortion for an authentic listening experience. Enjoy well-balanced, high-quality sound with a clear mid-high range.
DSEE – Give your favorite music a boost: When an original musical source is compressed our Digital Sound Enhancement Engine faithfully restores music to high-quality sound that’s closer to the original recording.
Crystal clear calling: Precise Voice Pickup technology optimally controls multiple microphones and performs advanced voice signal processing that allows the person on the other end of calls to hear you clearly, even through noisy surroundings.
360 Spatial Sound Personalizer: With the Sony | 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer, you’ll enjoy a sound experience that’s optimized for you. The app captures and analyses your ear shape, allowing these headphones to create your own personal spatial sound field when paired with BRAVIA XR TVs.¹
Battery life: Use the LinkBuds during your entire workday. With up to 5.5 hours of battery life and a total of 17.5 hours with charging case, you’ll always have your digital world with you. Quick charging gives you 90 minutes of playback after just a 10 minute charge.²
IPX4 splash-proof and sweat-proof design: With IPX4 splash resistance and long battery life, LinkBuds keep you ready for anything that life brings.³
Fast Pairing: Enjoy fast pairing capability through LinkBuds support with Googles new Fast Pair feature. Quickly pair your LinkBuds with your Android device with just a tap. You can also easily locate your headphones by pinging them or checking their last known location on your smartphone.⁴
Speak to Chat: With the Speak to Chat feature, the LinkBuds will automatically pause your audio as soon as you speak to someone so you can effectively have a conversation without taking the headphones out and will resume playing your audio.⁵ ⁶
Environmentally Friendly Design: The LinkBuds are packaged with the environment in mind, using recycled plastic materials that come from automobile parts and plastic free packaging that reflects our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our products.⁷
Bluetooth: For low latency and high sound quality even around other interference, the Bluetooth signal is transmitted to both ears at the same time. Thanks to the powerful Integrated Processor V1, you'll enjoy stable, skip-free, wireless sound.
Charging Case: An ultra-small, stylish, rounded charging case design allows the charging case to fit comfortably in your hand and your pocket.
Ideal form factor for always on listening: Ultra-small and light for a fit that stays all day

Whats Included

Headphones
Charging Case
USB cable
ARC supporters
Operating Instructions
Reference Guide
Warranty

Q: while I understated this can be subjective how are they for sleeping. AirPods always feel like they are pushing into my ear if my ear is against the pillow.

A: Everyones fit inside the ear is different but I would be confident in saying these would be extremely uncomfortable to sleep in. Its hard and they dig into certain spots in my ear and they are not very comfortable past the 1 hour mark.

Q: I assume that since they are bluetooth, they will work with iPhones. Is that correct?

A: Yep, there is an application for it as well where you can customize its EQ and other things. This app exists on both Android and iOS for all Sony ear/headphones. I don’t think the app exists for Mac/PC however, but they will still connect to any device via Bluetooth.

Q: Is it possible to have the LinkBuds connected to a PC and use them for stereo audio AND a hands-free mic at the same time? Setting my output device to 'Headphones (LinkBuds Stereo)" and input to "Headset (Linkbuds Hands-Free AG Audio)" = echoing.

A: Hi VideoconferencingQs, Thanks for reaching out to us. We're sorry to hear if the music playback sound quality on your LinkBuds is poor when connected to a computer. Check to make sure the computer is set to output sound through the headphones. If the music playback sound quality is poor, check that the A2DP function which supports music playback connections is enabled in the computer settings. Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) is intended to playback music. The Hands-free Profile (HFP) and Headset Profile (HSP) are intended for voice calls. You will notice a bit of quality difference in the way different devices and software version do this. • When listening to music from a computer on the headset, the sound quality may be poor (e.g., difficult to hear the singer’s voice, etc.) for the first few seconds after a connection is established. This is due to the computer specifications (priority on stable connection at the start of transmission and then switches to priority on sound quality several seconds later) and is not a headset malfunction. If the sound quality does not improve after a few seconds, use the computer to establish an A2DP connection. As for the operations on your computer, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the computer. • When you make a video call on your computer, select calling connections (HFP/HSP) and not music playback connections (A2DP). If you select music playback connections, a video call may not be available. On the speaker settings, select calling connections [Headset (LinkBuds Hands-Free)]. ([Headphones (LinkBuds Stereo)] is for music playback connections.) • Depending on the video calling application you are using, calling connections [Headset (LinkBuds Hands-Free)] or music playback connections [Headphones (LinkBuds Stereo)] may not be selectable on the speaker or microphone settings, and only [LinkBuds] may be displayed. If this is the case, select [LinkBuds]. To isolate and hopefully resolve this issue, please refer to this link: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbuds/v1/en/contents/TP1000445760.html If you continue to experience issue, this may be improved by restarting the computer. For more information, you may find this link helpful: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wf-l900/articles/00250089 Should you need further assistance, you can email us at [email protected] with the following details: Name: Best Buy Username: Model Number: Issue: Telephone Number: Regards, Jess

Q: I would like to know if there is sound bleed? In other words can other people hear the audio from the buds if they are in a quite room with you?

A: Hi Quads, Thank you for your question. Sony LinkBuds are open-ear wireless earbuds that deliver high-quality call and audio with minimal sound leakage. These also do not include the noise canceling feature. However, in a quiet room, some degree of sound leakage may still occur depending on individual factors such as ear shape, fit, and the volume at which you are listening to your music or other audio. To minimize sound leakage, select a fitting supporter to help the LinkBuds fit snugly and comfortably in your left and right ears. Additionally, reducing the volume level can also help to minimize sound leakage. I hope this helps! Regards, Jess

Q: Can the linkbuds be used one at a time, when one gets low on battery can you switch to the other like Samsung galaxy buds live ?

A: yes

Q: Can you skip, rewind, pause, play all on one earbud?

A: Hi there, Thanks for your question. Yes, the touch control on the LinkBuds let you play, stop, or skip through tracks and adjust the volume. LinkBuds feature a wide tap area, allowing you to control the headset simply by tapping the side of your head! You can use either the left or right unit to perform the following operations. • Play/Pause: Tap the headset or in the area near your ear twice quickly (with an interval of about 0.2 seconds). • Skip to the beginning of the next track: Tap the headset or in the area near your ear 3 times quickly (with an interval of about 0.2 seconds). In addition to tapping around your ear, tap operations are detected when you tap the headset unit. Note: In the factory settings, you cannot adjust the volume on the headset. Adjust the volume on the connected device. If you are unable to adjust the volume on the connected device, install the “Sony | Headphones Connect” smartphone app and adjust the volume in the app or assign the volume adjustment function to the touch control. Regards, Jess

Q: Whats the latency on these things? Would using them for video games and movie playback be fine without desynch?

A: There is an option in the app to prioritize Bluetooth stability or quality. Even with quality selected, the lag isn’t that bad. Movie/video is fine without noticeable lag in iPhone 12 Pro or HP Zbook studio. However for gaming, I would strongly advise going with wired headphones/earphones if you play games in which reaction time is important. Or perhaps something designed specifically for it.

Q: Where can I get repairs if I experience issues with charging or if the device is malfunctioning?

A: Hi Customer, Thank you for reaching out to us! We're sorry to hear what happened with your headphones. For charging issues, 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?cpint=spt-mdr_triage_00204483_charge For us to better assist you, please email us at [email protected] with the following details: Name: Best Buy Username: Model Number: Issue: Telephone Number: -David

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.

Customer Images

The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Bold Design
Sony’s attempt at an open design/style wireless earbuds works great but not without some features sacrificed, that many consider a standard. The current price point would suggest otherwise. But price aside; LinkBuds does aim at what it targets to do. Link both online & offline worlds together. From eco packing to recycled plastics to make the buds & case themselves; Sony is in the right direction. There are subtle flakes in the colors of buds & case. Sound signature is great with audio quality that comes balanced. Use with the app can help with audio by tweaking the equalizer. Calls made sound clear. Choosing the right ear fins helps to get the right fit. The “wide tap” feature is something I’ve never expected but works great. It’s very lightweight and the case is very compact. A few features carry over from the wf1000xm4; speak to chat & dsee. The design is bold with literally a hole in the center of the driver. This allows “ambient” sound in naturally. There is no ANC, No Transparency Mode (Technically), and No Wireless Charging; to name a few. These are in line with AirPods (excluding Pro) & Galaxy Live. If the budget allows then I would recommend these.
Posted 3 years ago by VoltageSky
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Worth it as long you don’t expect years of use.
I’ve owned a pair of these since 2022. To begin with the sound quality and functionality was excellent. After a year the speakers on the left started going out and the battery life started decreasing rapidly. They are supposed to hold a four hour in use charge. As of today they won’t even charge so if you’re looking for longevity and bang for your buck this isn’t the route you want to going everyday use. Especially for the 150+ price tag.
This review is from Sony - LinkBuds True Wireless Open-Ear Earbuds - White
Posted 1 year ago by BCB2089Luther
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Fine at best, but not worth it
I purchased these earbuds a hair over a year ago, and in summary - don't buy them. There are several things that I really like about them. I work in an environment that requires a certain level of awareness, and the majority of earbuds out there employ both passive and active noise cancelling - I don't want to constantly toggle "ambient mode" or whatever each manufacturer calls it. So when I saw these goofy lil things with holes in them, it seemed like the perfect fit for me. And in a lot of ways, that's correct - I can listen to music and still be able to hear essentially everything going on around me. They're also quite light, and the case is small, so I can throw them in my pocket and occasionally forget that they're even there. Finally, while there are a lot of things I'd like to see improvements on, I feel like the app expands functionality (such as adjusting EQ) enough to justify having it. Unfortunately that's where the good things end. The buds are just not worth buying, especially if you plan on keeping them long term (which should absolutely be the case when you're paying this much). - The case visually looks like it's degrading. I'm not sure if it's a top coat or what, but the case is now splotchy in spots. Purely aesthetic, but that matters to some people. - The holes of the buds (not the cool hole that I bought these for, but the little holes the sound actually comes from) themselves fill up with ear gunk. Gross, I know, and not unique to these, but I don't feel comfortable enough with digging that crud out without accidentally stabbing the bud's internals. - The sound is... well they have holes in them. That, coupled with absolutely NO passive sound cancellation means that these lack all bass and a healthy amount of mids in general use. If you're in a quiet place or boost the volume, you'll get a wider profile, but in general don't expect these to be more than background noisemakers for your head holes. - THE BATTERY. Look, I understand that itty bitty earbuds are gonna have itty bitty batteries, but the battery life on mine degrading to a shocking degree. As of now, 1 year after purchase, the right earbud maxes out at 45% battery and drains at about 1% per minute. The case ALSO drains faster than usual. These went from an advertised battery life of 5 ish hours to a functional life of less than an hour. This is absolutely unacceptable. - The case design could use some work. The buds are held in with magnets which is good, but they 'click' into place (there's a small latch mechanism that holds them in), and that seems to have introduced some variability of if the buds detect themselves as in the case. There have been multiple times I've put them away, and an hour later noticed that my phone was still playing music through one of them which thought that it was in my ear. I'll be replacing these, but not with another set, and probably not with another set of Sonys. Battery issues seem to be rampant with their earbuds, so I'll be exploring other options going forward. If you wanna spend almost $200 for less than a year of use, be my guest. But I wouldn't recommend you do so.
This review is from Sony - LinkBuds True Wireless Open-Ear Earbuds - White
Posted 1 year ago by Brett