Sony LinkBuds S, also known as WF-LS900N, are the company’s latest wireless headphones (true wireless, TWS headphones. This is the name for compact wireless devices). They are the brand’s smallest and lightest noise-cancelling headphones, being 40% smaller and more than 30% lighter than the flagship WF-1000XM4 . Despite their smaller size and price (2,600 rubles cheaper), LinkBuds S offer a similar set of features as the more expensive model, including active noise cancellation, ambient sound mode, DESS Extreme digital audio enhancement technology, the ability to connect to multiple devices, etc. In today’s review we will tell you in detail about the new product.

Sony LinkBuds S’s packaging is plastic-free and the headphones and case are made using recycled materials from automotive parts.

Both the headphones and the case have a textured matte surface. On the one hand, they do not slip out of your hands and are pleasant to the touch, on the other hand, they very quickly collect dust and dirt.

The case weighs 35 g. The company logo is located at the top, and technical information is listed at the bottom. At the junction with the lid there is an LED strip to determine the battery charge level. And on the rear panel there is a USB-C connector and a physical pairing button.

Each earbud weighs only 4.8 g. The main advantage of small and lightweight earbuds is a comfortable fit. The set includes four pairs of ear pads of different sizes. They allow you to choose the best option so that the headphones are almost invisible in your ears even after prolonged use.

The earbuds are round in shape and fit snugly to the ear. Each earbud is marked with the Sony logo and L (left) / R (right) markings. On the inside there are magnetic mounts for charging, and on the side there are meshes covering the microphones.

Although the LinkBuds S inherit much of the technology from the WF-1000XM4, Sony has managed to make the headphones less bulging and more compact. Photo: techradar.com

Although the LinkBuds S inherit much of the technology from the WF-1000XM4, Sony has managed to make the headphones less bulging and more compact. Photo: techradar.com

The headphones can be used during light rain or sports (IPX4 rating). The charging case is not waterproof.

The LinkBuds S in Earth Blue have a more vibrant and unique look, but are not available in all markets. Photo: reddit.com

Sony LinkBuds S are available in white , beige and black . In some regions, an additional Earth Blue option will be available, made from recycled water bottles mixed with plastic dispensers that go with them. This model has an interesting marble pattern.

To access all the features of your headphones, you must install the Sony Headphones Connect app (iOS/Android). With it, you can update the firmware, configure touch controls and monitor the battery level of each earphone and case. There is also an equalizer (presets are available and you can customize the sound to your own taste).

It is possible to install quick access to Spotify and Endel (an application for creating personalized sound backgrounds) and select which codec to use (SBC, AAC or LDAC). Let us remind you that SBC and AAC are the most widespread and popular codecs. The first one works with Android devices, the second one with Apple devices. LDAC is a Hi-Res codec from Sony, but it is less stable (the connection quality is weak).

This model is equipped with a removal sensor – when any earphone is removed from your ear, music playback automatically stops. To disable this feature, navigate to the settings menu within the application. The Speak-to-Chat function is also enabled here – when the user starts talking while listening to music, the volume is automatically lowered and transparency mode is activated.

Sony LinkBuds S connect to your device of choice using Bluetooth 5.2. The headphones are equipped with Google Fast Pair technology for quick pairing with gadgets running Android OS.

The headphones support simultaneous connection to two devices. You can manage pairing in the app. It also displays not only active connections, but also gadgets that were used previously.

You can control the headphones by tapping on the touch panels on the outside of the earbuds. For each earphone, you can set the action for single, double, triple and long press. In this case, you choose one of four possible groups of actions:

ambient sound control / Quick Access (can be translated as “quick access”);

playback control;

volume control;

not assigned.

That is, if you selected playback control and volume control, then you cannot control noise reduction and transparency mode from the headphones. The default settings are as follows:

Command Action Pause / Play Right earphone tap Next track Right earphone double tap Previous track Right earbud triple tap Right earbud virtual assistant Long right earbud Noise canceling/transparency mode switch Left earphone long Quick Access Left earphone double tap

You can change the settings in the proprietary application.

The headphones are not very sensitive to successive touches, so take a short break between each touch. Each successful press is accompanied by a sound signal.

The stated battery life of the LinkBuds S is 6 hours of continuous music playback with noise cancellation turned on and 1 hour after 5 minutes of charging. As usual, Sony doesn’t specify which codec the information applies to.

During testing, LinkBuds S lasted 6 hours 50 minutes with AAC (remember, this is a codec for Apple devices). A 5-minute charge provided 1 hour and 14 minutes of playback. With LDAC (Hi-Res codec from Sony) – 4 hours 5 minutes and 44 minutes after a 5-minute charge.

It’s worth noting that DSEE Extreme audio enhancement technology reduces battery life. For example, in the case of the AAC codec – up to 4 hours 47 minutes.

The case provides an additional 14 hours of operation.

Unlike the Sony WF-1000XM4 , the LinkBuds S do not support wireless charging.

The LinkBuds S use fairly small 5mm dynamic drivers, which is 17% smaller than the 6mm drivers inside the WF-1000XM4. However, frequency response is significantly improved compared to previous LinkBuds . Similar to the WF-1000XM4 , the LinkBuds S have a fairly balanced sound with warm lows and somewhat muddy highs. Some users may not have enough power.

Most genres of music sound good through the Sony LinkBuds S. However, the lack of high-frequency emphasis means that some sounds will be heard much less prominently. For example, when listening to the song Search and Destroy by the rock band The Stooges, the vocals, guitar and bass sound clear, but the drums and cymbals sound muffled. Using an equalizer you can improve sound quality. Specifically for the above track, the Treble Boost preset helped.

The Sony LinkBuds S have a decent microphone for a pair of wireless headphones, at least in ideal conditions. You can clearly hear the other person (and you) during a telephone conversation at home or in a quiet place. However, the microphone does not cope well with external noise on a busy street, resulting in the speaker’s voice being conveyed less well.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Sound Mode are powered by the same integrated V1 processor found in the flagship WF-1000XM4.

ANC significantly dampens low humming sounds, such as the rumble of a car engine or the roar of a lawn mower. When listening to music in a cafe, you will not be disturbed by the clatter of dishes or the conversations of people at the next table. Higher frequencies and random noises will still be audible (for example, the hum in the subway).

The ambient sound mode on these Sony headphones works quite well. In our opinion, it is better to set it not at full power (maximum 20), but at level 16. This will be enough to hear your own steps while jogging.

LinkBuds S is a well-balanced pair of True Wireless headphones with decent sound and noise cancellation and almost all the smart features of the flagship XM4 model at a better price (12,590 rubles versus 15,190 rubles at the time of publication).

compact, lightweight, comfortable;

balanced sound;

decent noise reduction;

many functions (including a smartphone application);

moisture protection.

easily collects dirt (both headphones and case);

average autonomy;

no wireless charging.