Category: Sony

Does the hot new Sonos Ace take the crown from longtime favorites Bose and Sony?

I tried some of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market, and I have a new favorite.
Headphones or earbuds? If you can’t decide how best to pipe audio into your ear holes, allow me to make the case for cans: The best wireless headphones from Bose, Sony, Sonos and more crush earbuds when it comes to battery life, and for many users there’s a comfort advantage as well with cushy cups (aka “cans”) that cover your ears rather than silicone ‘buds that sort of screw into them. And let’s not overlook sound quality: Headphones have much larger drivers (the actual speakers inside) than earbuds, meaning they produce a larger soundstage with greater range. If you like your music more concert-hall than club, jam with cans.

There’s a downside, though, and that’s physical size: Headphones don’t exactly fit in your pocket. I’d also argue that modern wireless earbuds are a bit better when it comes to ANC (active noise cancelling). Even so, headphones make a great choice for listening to music, podcasts and audiobooks and watching movies, TV shows and YouTube videos.

The best noise-cancelling wireless headphones of 2024

Best wireless headphones overall

Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones

Driver size:40mm |Spatial Audio:Yes |Foldable:No |Controls:Buttons/switch |Colors:Black, White |Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.4, wired |Weight:11 ounces |Carrying case:Zippered clamshell |Max battery life:30 hours

I tend to get a little jaded when it comes to audio gear, because it’s rare that I have a “wow” moment. It all sounds pretty good to me, or at least good enough. But,wow, the Sonos Ace: The company’s debut headphones bring a richness and fullness to music that my ears haven’t experienced elsewhere. Yes, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM5 come very close, but if you want to hear every detail, every nuance, of your favorite playlists, these are the ones to get.

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It probably means breaking open the piggy bank, though. They’re among the pricier headphones we tested. That’s not surprising — Sonos is a premium audio brand — but if you’re not in a rush, consider waiting for a sale.

Sonos supplies a nicely illustrated quick-start guide, though curiously there’s no mention of charging the headphones. Although you don’t strictly need the Sonos app to use the Aces, you’ll definitely want it for things like equalizer settings and firmware updates. The app is fairly easy to use overall, with nearly all headphone status info and settings listed on a single page. 

It’s hard to make headphones stand out, but I like the matte finish and overall look of the Ace. The earcups hinges are hidden inside the earcups themselves, meaning those with long hair are less likely to get tangled in them. Although there’s very little “play” in those hinges, I found that the Aces fit snugly and comfortably. Maybe a little too snugly, though? After about 30 minutes, my ears wanted some air. (For the record, this is true with nearly all over-the-ear headphones — for me, at least.)

Instead of touch controls, Sonos opted for physical ones: The right earcup is home to a noise-control toggle button (press to switch between ANC and transparency modes) and the “Content Key.” The latter is small slide-switch used to raise and lower volume, but it’s also a button: press once to play/pause, twice to skip to the next track and three times for the previous track. I like the Content Key overall; it’s a little more intuitive than Apple’s digital crown.

I do wish Sonos gave the option of a voice prompt to indicate which noise mode is selected, instead of the largely indistinguishable tones that play when you toggle them.

As noted above, I’ve rarely been so enamored with the warmth and fullness of headphone audio. I found myself noticing vocal and instrumental details I’d never heard before, or at least never heard so clearly. The Ace also crushes spatial audio, with flawless head-tracking that creates an amazing sense of “there-ness.” 

Meanwhile, if you’re already part of the Sonos ecosystem (meaning you have one of the company’s soundbars), you may appreciate the TV Audio Swap option: With the press of a button, you can switch from soundbar to headphones, the better to listen in private (while also enjoying a much more pronounced spatial audio than you get from the soundbar alone). At this writing, the feature works only with the Sonos Arc; support for the Beam and Ray models is coming. Because the Aces don’t use Wi-Fi, however, you can’t “hand off” audio from Sonos speakers like the Era, Roam and Move.

If your budget won’t accommodate the Sonos Aces, I suspect you’d be just as happy with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony XM5 (though the latter is far more limited when it comes to spatial audio). But I’m calling it: These are currently my favorite wireless headphones.

Pros

• Useful printed quick-start guide
• Cleverly designed volume/play-control switch
• Immaculate sound quality and spatial audio
• Works with Sonos soundbars to provide private listening and spatial audio
• USB-C-to-stereo cord included for wired listening

Cons

• Sky-high price
• Some might find it a little tight for comfort
• Can be difficult to determine which noise mode is selected
• TV Audio Swap currently works with Sonos Arc only

Other noise-cancelling wireless headphones we recommend

Best budget wireless headphones

Soundcore Space One Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

Driver size:40mm |Spatial Audio:No |Foldable:Yes |Controls:Buttons |Colors:Jet Black, Latte Cream, Sky Blue |Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.3, wired |Weight:9 ounces |Carrying case:Drawstring |Max battery life:55 hours

If you’re wondering whether $100 headphones can possibly rival ones costing three or four times as much, get ready for a surprise: It can. Soundcore’s Space One offers sweet sound and robust ANC. On those merits alone, I’d have no qualms about recommending it. But to quote the old commercial: Wait, there’s more.

Soundcore supplies a detailed quick-start guide that covers basic setup and operation. It’s a little “busy” because it crams multiple languages into each panel, but it’s still far more complete than the print instructions included with most headphones. Similarly, the Soundcore companion app is a model of simplicity: Everything is clearly labeled and logically organized.

Space Ones look stylish and feature comfortable padding throughout, though the build feels just a touch plasticky overall. The volume and play/pause buttons on the right earcup are a good size and well-placed, but good luck remembering which of the two left-earcup buttons is for power and which is for toggling ANC modes. (At least you get a vocal notification of which mode is active, which is preferable to the indecipherable tones produced by some other headphones.)

These ‘phones can play for a whopping 55 hours on a charge, or 40 if you use ANC. Just five minutes of USB-C quick-charging nets you up to four additional hours. (That’s for wireless play, by the way; Soundcore also supplies a stereo cord for wired listening, which requires no battery at all.) Apple’s pricey AirPods Max need to recharge after just 20 hours.

Space Ones also support LDAC, a lossless, high-resolution audio codec that promises even better sound from sources that support it. (That generally means Android phones; iPhones don’t do LDAC.) Is this a big deal for most listeners? No. Is it notable considering that some headphones costing significantly moredon’tsupport it? I’d say yes.

One of my favorite features is Easy Chat: Cup your hand over the left earcup and the headphones quickly switch into transparency mode so you can converse more comfortably. Soundcore also borrowed from Sony by including a speak-to-chat option (which at press time was in beta): No cupping needed, just start talking and transparency mode kicks in. Although it works as advertised, I don’t love it because sometimes I sing or talk to myself and don’t want the music cutting out every time. That said, the option is there for those who want it.

Also there: preprogrammed and custom equalizer modes, plus Soundcore’s HearID hearing test that will create a customized equalizer profile. It’s a fun little test to take, though I can’t say I noticed a huge difference between the before and after. Your mileage may vary depending on your age and hearing.

I’m no audiophile; I just like listening to music and going about my business. Space Ones don’t match the depth and richness offered by higher-end headphones like the Sonos Aces, but they sound perfectly good to my ears. And noise-cancelling exceeded my expectations given the price point (though this is one area where the app is a little confusing). 

Pros

• Useful printed instruction guide
• Very good sound and noise-cancelling
• Excellent companion app
• Stellar battery life
• Priced well below many competitors
• Supports high-resolution LDAC codec

Cons

• Slightly cheap feel
• Drawstring carrying case
• Button layout could be better

Best noise-cancelling wireless headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Driver size:35mm |Spatial Audio:Yes |Foldable:Yes |Controls:Touch |Colors:Black, Sandstone, White Smoke |Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.3, wired |Weight:9 ounces |Carrying case:Zippered clamshell |Max battery life:24 hours

If blocking the outside world is your top priority, look no further than Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra headphones. Like the company’sQuietComfort Ultra earbuds, they take the prize for best ANC. As for fit, features and sound quality, they’re top-notch there as well.

Just don’t expect any help with setup, at least until you install and run the Bose app. The box includes no printed instructions, only a QR code to scan and a rudimentary diagram explaining the controls. Thankfully, once you use the app to pair the headphones with your phone, you’re immediately offered helpful tutorials on using various features.

For example: media controls. There’s a lone multi-function button that’s use to play/pause and skip tracks — easy enough. But to raise or lower volume, you run your finger along a skinny touch-sensitive strip embedded on the back of the right earcup. (You can also touch and hold the strip to activate a shortcut, like accessing your phone’s voice assistant.)

Both the button and touch-strip can be difficult to find without a little groping, at least until you get used to reaching for them. But because the touch control isn’t relegated to the entire outside edge of the earcup, as on some other headphones, you’re less likely to graze it by accident.

I do find a few aspects of the app confusing, like the Modes page where you choose between Quiet (aka ANC), Aware (transparency) and Immersion (spatial audio). But then there’s an entirely different screen devoted to Immersive Audio. 

With these headphones, Bose continues its tradition of beautifully balanced and richly detailed audio. I can think of no other superlatives; the QC Ultras sound great, end of story. They also deliver terrific spatial audio, with a nifty option to toggle between Still and Motion modes depending on whether you’re sitting or moving.

The real standout feature, however, is ANC: In my tests, the Ultras were better at blocking noise than any other headphones. Consequently, these are probably my second-favorite cans behind the Sonos Aces. There’s a similarly premium price tag attached, though, and sale prices to date have been pretty modest.

Pros

• Useful in-app tutorials and feature explanations
• Rich, detailed sound and wonderful spatial audio
• Top-notch noise cancellation
• Folding design

Cons

• Expensive
• No printed setup instructions
• So-so battery life
• Awkwardly placed volume control

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Best headphones for Android users

Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Driver size:30mm |Spatial Audio:No |Foldable:No |Controls:Touch |Colors:Black, Midnight Blue, Silver |Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.2, wired |Weight:8.8 ounces |Carrying case:Zippered clamshell |Max battery life:30 hours

If you’ve asked around (by which I mean looked at other websites), you know that Sony’s XM5s are widely regarded as one of the best ANC headphones you can get, if notthebest. But they’re two years old now, with smaller drivers than some competitors, limited spatial audio and an older version of Bluetooth. Is it time to look elsewhere?

If you’re not a tech-savvy user, then I’d say yes. Sony supplies no useful printed setup or operation instructions, just a QR code to scan. That takes you to the Sony Headphones Connect app, which shows up on your phone as just “Headphones” (confusing if you’re looking for something labeled Sony).

As with theSony WF-1000XM5 earbuds I tested earlier this year, I ran into trouble pairing them with my iPhone. After a fair bit of hair-pulling, I rebooted the phone; only then would it detect the XM5. I had no such issues with any other headphones I tested.

Next, the Sony app asks you to perform various setup activities, including 360 Reality Audio (which works only with select few apps). You can skip all these, but it’s just a lot for a novice user to take in. Same goes for Sony’s commendable but complex Adaptive Sound Control system, which “detects your actions and the places you frequent” to automatically adjusts ANC accordingly.

Put simply, I find Sony’s app to be unnecessarily confusing; you can read more about why in the aforementioned earbuds review. All my same complaints apply here.

So let’s overlook that and focus on the headphones themselves. They’re superb, bringing music to life with full-bodied detail and sumptuous bass. If you’re an Android user, you’ll also enjoy Sony’s LDAC Bluetooth codec, which supports Hi-Res Audio content (from compatible sources). iPhone users like me still enjoy premium sound, just without that optimization.

As for noise cancelling, it’s also excellent, on par with the best you’ll find anywhere. (That said, I must note that the XM5earbudsare better still.)

I have mixed feelings about Sony’s speak-to-chat feature: If you start talking to someone, the music cuts out while the microphones cut in — the better to allow clear conversation. Very cool on paper, but if you routinely talk to yourself or sing along to the music, you’ll want to toggle this off.

The only real downside here is the lack of ubiquitous spatial audio, a feature available in headphones from Apple, Bose, Sonos and others. Some people love it; others can take it or leave it. I’m in the former camp, but if you’re in the latter, the only remaining issue is sticker shock: The XM5 has a list price of $400, but they’re frequently on sale during the holidays. Even then they’re a splurge, but worth it for anyone who prizes a premium audio experience.

Pros

• Eco-friendly packaging
• Premium sound
• Versatile noise-cancelling automatically adapts to your environment
• Lots of useful tools in Sony’s companion app
• High-resolution LDAC codec for Android users

Cons

• Expensive (but often discounted)
• Non-folding design
• Spatial audio available only with a select few apps
• App can be confusing in places

Best headphones for Apple die-hards

Apple AirPods Max

Driver size:40mm |Spatial Audio:Yes |Foldable:No |Controls:Analog |Colors:Green, Pink, Silver, Space Gray, Sky Blue |Connectivity:Bluetooth |Weight:14 ounces |Carrying case:Sort of |Max battery life:20 hours

The Apple AirPods Max are not the best wireless headphones you can buy, not by a longshot. They sound great, sure, but they’re very expensive, with mediocre battery life and some notable usability quirks. Plus, they’re not a good choice for Android users; I’d recommend them only to die-hard Apple fans, and even then with some caveats. 

Like other AirPods, Maxes are easy to pair with your iPhone or iPad; you just turn them on and bring them close: a screen pops up to get you connected. Of course, you need to charge the battery first, something not mentioned in Apple’s terse, incomplete printed instructions. (Neither is how to actually turn them on — which you can’t do if they’re not charged!)

Speaking of which, they still rely on a Lightning port; Apple has yet to transition them to USB-C, as it has done with AirPods Pro. That’s annoying, but this is even worse: Like the latter, the AirPods Maxes incorporate an inexplicably dumb, super-tiny charging LED. When you plug in the Lightning cable, it lights up orange — but only for a few seconds. Then it goes dark and stays that way; there’s no way to know at a glance if they’re actively charging, no way to know if they’re done charging. Instead, you have topress a buttonto see if it’s still orange or has made it to green (which indicates at least 95% full).

Sure, you can pull out your phone to check charging status, but that’s a hassle. Nearly every other electronic product on the planet keeps the LED illuminated, especially during charging.That’s how you know the status. Oh, and if the headphonesaren’tconnected to power and you push the button, the LED lights up green — which indicates at least 15% charge remaining. Only if it’s below 15% does it glow orange. 

Meanwhile, if you’re using Maxes for the first time, you could easily overlook that LED and those few seconds of orange. Then you might think the headphones weren’t charging and come to the conclusion they’re defective. I wonder how many of these have been returned due to this.

Another user-hostile design decision: The big “L” and “R” inside the earcups (to indicate left and right ear) are the same non-contrasting color as the rest of the material, so it’s difficult to see them unless you catch the light just so. Consequently, I have to spend an extra few seconds figuring out proper orientation.

AirPods Maxes have the same controls as an Apple Watch: a button and a “digital crown.” The button quick-switches you between ANC and transparency modes. To adjust volume, you rotate the crown, which is great; I like this better than the button or touch controls employed by most other headphones. It’s super-precise and easy to find by feel.

However, the crown is also a multi-function button: press once to play/pause music or accept/end a phone call; twice to skip to the next track or reject a call; or three times to go to the previous track. That’s already a fair bit to remember, but when calls are involved, lotsa luck: you press and hold to reject a second incoming call, or twice to switch the current call from the headphones back to your phone, and so on and so on. I’ll never remember all this.

Because the AirPods Max don’t fold, they make for an extra-bulky addition to your backpack or carry-on bag. Much has already been said about the Maxes’ carrying case, which offers no protection for the headband and makes the whole thing look like a purse. Stylish? Sure, I guess. But also annoying: To put the headphones into ultra-low-power mode (which consumes less battery), you have to park them inside the case. They’ll also go into that mode if they spend 72 hours outside the case (and don’t get touched). Ooookay. 

To cap off all this power/charging nonsense, AirPods Maxes can last a maximum of 20 hours on a charge — well below most of the other headphones in this roundup. 

If it seems I’m spending an inordinate amount of time on usability issues versus, say, sound quality, it’s because I expect better from Apple — and from the amount I spent on them. Make no mistake, AirPods Maxes sound great; ANC quality: also great. Spatial audio: superb. I also like the build quality, shiny metallic coloring and overall comfort. (These are some seriously cushy and breathable earcups.)

But that’s what I expect from a premium headphone with a premium price. And while on that subject, AirPods Maxes are among the most expensive headphones on the market. Like Apple’s AirPods Pro earbuds, they’re frequently discounted, but even on sale they’re costlier than premium competitors from Bose and Sony.

Therefore: If you love Apple gear and you’re willing to overlook numerous irritating flaws, I suspect you’ll love the AirPods Maxes. Everyone else: You can do better.

Pros

• Solid build quality
• Very comfortable earcups that are easy to replace
• Easy to pair with Apple devices and automatically switches between them
• Superb spatial audio

Cons

• Very expensive (even when discounted)
• Confusing setup instructions
• Poorly designed charging LED
• Still uses Lightning connector instead of USB-C
• Below-average battery life
• Digital crown is great for controlling volume but bad for everything else
• No headphone jack for wired listening
• ‘Smart’ case is anything but

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How we test wireless headphones

With dozens (and dozens) of over-ear headphone models to choose from, how did I decide which made the cut? Audio is a highly subjective thing; the best sound to one set of ears might sound less so to another. For example, if you’re not a fan of heavy bass, you might dislike ‘phones designed to boost that thump. And if you’re older, maybe you care more about dialogue enhancement (for movies, podcasts and such) than anything else.

There’s also the question of fit: Not every headphone sits comfortably atop every head. A tight headband or mushy earpads can make for an uncomfortable experience.

Finally, when evaluating headphone sound, there’s always the source to consider: If you use a music streaming service like Apple Music or Spotify, data compression can result in a slight loss of fidelity. Will the average listener care about that, or even notice it? Probably not, but it’s still a piece of the puzzle.

All this is to say that different people have different ears, heads, needs and preferences. Budgets too. Therefore, my picks for this roundup are based on a combination of personal experience, product reputation, professional reviews, specs, user ratings and, finally, price tag. You won’t find only high-end, super-expensive headphones here, nor will you find cheap off-brand junk. Every product I’ve selected deserves its “best” designation for one reason or another.

FAQs

What is active noise cancelling (ANC)?

The hot headphone feature of the 21st century is active noise cancelling, otherwise known as ANC. Flip a switch (or press a button) and the earpieces magically reduce a certain range of ambient sounds. Jet engines, for example, or backyard lawnmowers. The result is that you’re able to fly, work or exercise in relative peace.

Some headphones perform this trick better than others, but the good news is it’s now a staple feature: Even the most affordable ones have it. Take note, however, that activating ANC will cost you a bit of battery life and possibly some audio fidelity as well. But it’s optional, so you can always turn it off if it’s not necessary or if you decide you don’t like it.

What’s the difference between ‘noise canceling’ and ‘noise cancelling’?

An extra letter “L,” that’s it. They’re exactly the same technology, but for whatever reason, both spellings are used. (Go home, English language, you’re drunk.)

What is driver size and why does it matter?

In simple terms, “driver” is just audio-speak for “speaker.” And bigger is always better, right? Yes,but… there’s a bit more to it than that. As with actual speakers, there’s more to sound quality than just size. The materials used, the electronics behind those materials, the overall fit of the headphones, etc. Don’t let driver size alone determine which headphones you buy.

Do you need special headphones for watching TV?

In most cases, no! Many modern TVs and streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, etc.) support Bluetooth, meaning you could pair any of these headphones for private listening. The only potential issue is audio that’s slightly out of sync with video, which can happen with older TVs/streamers. And if you have gear that doesn’t support Bluetooth, you might need to invest in something like theSennheiser RS 175 wireless headphone system for TVs, which relies on RF (radio frequency) technology for wireless listening.

How do noise-cancelling headphones work?

This will sound strange, but these headphones fight noise with … noise. External microphones listen to the ambient sounds, then reproduce those frequencies in your ears, effectively cancelling them out. Talk about sufficiently advanced technology that’s indistinguishable from magic! 

Do noise-cancelling headphones protect hearing?

After a fashion. By reducing outside sound, ANC headphones save you from having to crank the volume just so you can hear your music — and that itself is a form of hearing protection. There’s a related benefit as well: If you’re on a long flight or stuck in a noisy terminal, ANC helps to drown out engine and crowd noise, the better to keep your stress level low.

Are noise-cancelling headphones safe?

There are no known safety hazards to using noise-cancelling headphones. The only risk, as with any headphones, is playing music too loudly and damaging your hearing.

The rumor mill is beginning to grind the sheafs of Sony speculation into the flour of fact

If you’re think that the Sony WH-1000XM6 must be due soon, to replace the now-several-years-old current model, you might be right. The Sony WH-1000XM5 rank among the best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy today – but this is an incredibly competitive market and there’s no shortage of contenders for the crown, and Sony’s own headphones are so good that the previous model, the Sony WH-1000XM4, are currently atop our best-buy guide.

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That means Sony needs to keep improving its flagship over-ears if it wants to keep selling new pairs to people. And the rumour mill says that it’s going to do just that, and that the Sony WH-1000XM6 will be with us soon… but not too soon.

Given that the WH-1000XM5 got five out of five stars in our review, which also noted that the WH-1000XM4 were so good that the improvements were “more marginal than before”, what on earth could Sony be planning for the next generation? Here’s what we think we know so far.

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 release date rumors

Back in June, GSM Arena reported two key stories: one, the Sony LinkBuds and LinkBuds S would get a 2024 update at tge same time; and two, the WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5 earbuds would not. Instead, Sony was most likely “targeting the first six months of next year” for its flagships.

Given that the first story proved to be exactly correct when Sony announced two new LinkBuds models, and that the second story was from the same source, we’re inclined to think that the prediction of a launch in the first half of 2025 is probably sound too. And another leak on Chinese social media site Weibo said that Sony wants to synchronize the update cycles for the two flagships, which again would mean a 2025 launch, since that’s when the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds will hit two years and be due an update, under Sony’s usual cadence.

We haven’t seen much leak evidence of this yet, until recently, perhaps. The Sony watchers at The Walkman Blog have spotted a new wireless Sony headset code in import documents. It has the product code YY2984, and according to the blog it “could be” one of the XM6 models. Then again, it’s simply listing some kind of wireless headset with a plastic shell, so it could be anything.

That said, when the current models were about three months from release they showed up in FCC regulatory filings; devices need a lot of paperwork before they go on sale, so it’s not impossible that YY2984 are indeed these future candidates for the best Sony headphones. It’s pretty weak sauce, I know, but that’s the exciting world of headphones for you. It’s the FCC filing you really want to be on tenterhooks for – that will start the countdown. Perhaps that’ll come in in December for March-ish launch.

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Sony’s WH-1000XM6: what we’d like to see
Bose-beating noise cancellation: Sony has gone from being a total leader here to being merely very good. Bose’s latest noise cancelling headphones have exceptional ANC that beats Sony, so let’s see if Sony can reclaim the crown.

Better battery life: Sony has basically dictated the average for this for years now, hitting 30 hours consistently. But when the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and Cambridge Audio P100 can hit 60 hours, Sony should really offer us more. I’m not holding my breath for this, though.

Water resistance: This is something that’s increasingly common among rivals, and it would be nice to see some official IP ratings.

The return of the fold: The XM5’s revised design made the headphones less portable, which was a surprise – they could return to our list of the best travel headphones with this tweak. The headband could do with a bit more padding too, while I’m complaining.

Dolby Atmos spatial audio: No doubt Sony’s 360 Reality Audio will be here again, but with Dolby Atmos supported by several music services and – even more importantly, all the big movie services, we’d love to see support here. Especially if it comes with Dolby’s own head-tracking, which is excellent on the Sonos Ace and LG Tone Free T90S.

USB-C audio: Easy true hi-res audio from phones and laptops? Many of the best wireless headphones offer this, but Bose doesn’t, so Sony can get one up on its old rival.

SONY’s LinkBuds range has two main purposes. First, it gave the company a platform to launch radically different designs, such as the first generation of LinkBuds in the shape of doughnuts. It also allowed SONY to develop the LinkBuds S, a more traditional product that offers a taste of its flagship product at an inexpensive price.

Two years after the launch of LinkBuds and LinkBuds S, SONY has introduced a completely new product and improved on the original. With LinkBuds Fit, the company has developed a suite of fully functional, comfortable earbuds with impressive sound. With LinkBuds Open, SONY has tweaked its unique open wear mode by updating some of its tools. Next up is the third product in the LinkBuds trio, the LinkBuds Speaker, which is designed to seamlessly integrate with two pairs of new earbuds when you get home or to work. This is what I’ve been saying about these products since SONY launched them, so be prepared because you’re going to get three reviews for one price.

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LinkBuds Fit

Sony flexes its mobile audio muscle on the LinkBuds Fit, combining great sound with tons of features.

Pros

• Tiny, comfy design
• Surprisingly big sound
• Lots of handy features

Cons

• ANC performance is lacking
• Battery life
• Call quality is fine, but not great

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Sony’s LinkBuds S were a low-key hit in 2022. They have some of the great features from the 1000X line, with a similar overall shape, too. Small and comfy.With this year’s LinkBuds Fit, Sony has debuted the next progression in its active noise canceling (ANC) LinkBuds.
This is the option for people who prefer a closed design and a secure fit. Sony completely redesigned the LinkBuds Fit, aiming for the optimum shape for most people. To get there, the company made the main housing a lot smaller, as the whole thing tucks almost entirely into your ear. There’s a so-called Air Cushion silicon support wing that’s hollow instead of solid. This allows more flexibility, and honestly it’s more comfortable since you can tuck it into the ridges of your ears however you need to. The combination of the smaller size and the Air Cushion make the LinkBuds Fit some of the most comfy in-ears I’ve tested. Even though they plug your ears closed, they never become a burden, even after hours of constant use.

One of the best things about the LinkBuds S was the impressive sound quality for the price. That continues on the LinkBuds Fit as Sony offers balanced tuning right out of the box. There’s crisp highs, ample mid range and snappy bass throughout most genres.Vol. 2. Plus, the company’s DSEE Extreme upscaling can help restore some audio quality lost over compression for Bluetooth streaming. Audio presets and a 5-band EQ are here for adjustments, but I didn’t even think about using them.

The sound capabilities of LinkBuds Fit are on full display in BONES UK’s Soft. Crunchy guitars, humming basslines and punchy kick drums provide a full, deep sound field with textured sounds floating around. Interestingly, LinkBuds Fit’s heavy rhythm has nuances, not just the rhythm of one note. All this sound improvement is partly due to the earbuds inherits the dynamic driver X and the integrated processor V2 audio chip from 1000X. The WF-1000XM5 has more surround sound, but not much, as SONY has narrowed the gap between its flagship model and the LinkBuds line – for now.

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Features like Adaptive Sound Control, multipoint Bluetooth and Speak to Chat make their return on the LinkBuds Fit from the LinksBuds S. But Sony has gone well beyond those with a host of new conveniences. The company took a page from Apple’s book and now allows you to answer or reject calls by nodding or shaking your head. There’s also a built-in voice control that doesn’t require your phone’s assistant, something akin to what Bose offers on the new QuietComfort Earbuds. And because the earbuds are so small, there aren’t onboard touch controls. Instead, Sony employs the Wide Area Tap gestures from the original open-design LinkBuds. They work really well, but I will never be comfortable tapping my upper cheek to make adjustments.

Perhaps the only area where the LinkBuds Fit fall well short of the WF-1000XM5 is ANC performance. I’d call this active noise reduction more than cancellation. You’ll get some relief from constant sources like white noise machines or a raucous fan, but these earbuds don’t silence them. They also struggle mightily with human voices, so if you sit near a chatty coworker, you’ll have to crank up the volume to compensate.

For calls, the LinkBuds Fit will give you better-than-average voice clarity, which means you’ll sound better than if you’re on speakerphone. The earbuds also do a decent job of blocking background noise, although I noticed a slight delay in them picking up sounds that began during calls. Sony also boasts that this model has its “best ambient sound,” and while I’m not ready to bestow that honor, the audio mode does have a natural quality that makes it pleasant to use. Plus, a new Auto Ambient Sound feature can automatically adjust the level of transparency when you encounter a noisy environment.

With the LinkBuds Fit, Sony says you can expect up to five and a half hours with ANC on and 21 hours total when you factor in the case. There are a lot of advanced features at work here, and those have an impact on power consumption. With the volume at a comfortable 75-80 percent, I only managed around four hours and 45 minutes. That’s with noise-canceling active as well as Voice Control, Speak to Chat and DSEE Extreme all enabled. The good news is that Sony offers a tool called Auto Battery Save that will disable the latter three tools, as well as any EQ tweaks, to conserve power. This will extend things beyond the 5.5-hour mark, but not by a ton.

The LinkBuds Fit are a massive advancement over the LinkBuds S. In fact, they’re some of the best earbuds Sony has ever made. But they aren’t without a few significant faults. My primary gripe is ANC performance, and though it’s the only one, it’s a biggie. Like it usually does on the 1000X line, Sony has packed in a ton of features here, and for the most part they work as advertised. It’s clear the company is taking notes from the competition with the Apple-esque head gestures and automatic sound adjustments, in addition to the Bose-like built-in assistant. But, somehow, Sony managed to innovate and keep the price tag exactly the same as the LinkBuds S.

LinkBuds Open

The LinkBuds Open show progression from the first-gen model, but they’re still uncomfortable.

Pros

• Improved sound quality
• More features than the previous version
• Unique design

Cons

• More expensive than their predecessor
• Still uncomfortable
• Good sound requires some tweaks

The original LinkBuds were wonderfully weird. After years of very normal-looking earbuds (besides the Xperia Ear Duo), Sony took a big swing in early 2022 with the donut-shaped, open design model that sought to provide all-day wear while keeping your earbuds unobstructed from your environment. They were different, but they were unique, with their own drizzle of Sony’s special sauce. However, overall comfort was a big issue, and one the company sought to remedy on the follow-up with the LinkBuds Open.
To start, Sony reduced the overall size of the IPX4-rated LinkBuds Open. Like the LinkBuds Fit, this model also has the Air Cushion silicon support that’s more flexible. That’s a big improvement from the small hump meant to stabilize the first version that didn’t offer much added support. Unfortunately though, the casing for the ring-shaped driver that sits in your ear is still hard plastic. After about 45 minutes, it became uncomfortable, and after several hours it was downright unbearable. On the bright side, the cheek-based Wide Area Tap controls are back and they’re reliable, if not slightly awkward.

Sony made two key adjustments to improve the sound quality on the LinkBuds Open. First, it built a revamped ring-shaped driver and paired it with the Integrated Processor V2 chip from the 1000X line. These two changes make for louder sound and richer bass, according to Sony. And the claim holds up. You’ll only need around 65-70 percent volume, unless you suffer from some degree of hearing loss. And there is more pronounced low-end tone, though you’ll have to coax it out with an EQ tweak.

By default, the stock tuning is heavily reliant on treble, which means vocals tend to overpower most of the mix. However, Sony’s EQ tools actually help balance things out, and adding more mids and bass makes the LinkBuds Open’s sound profile more well-rounded. After this adjustment, the kick drum thumps under vocals and guitars, an improvement over the default sound profile for Better Lovers’ thunderous, crunching single “A White Horse Covered In Blood.”

Like it did with the LinkBuds Fit, Sony brought over a lot of the handy tools from the 1000X earbuds to the Open. Those include multipoint Bluetooth and Speak to Chat, but Adaptive Sound Control automation isn’t here. Sony did add its voice assistant, Adaptive Volume Control and head-gesture recognition for answering calls. The company also offers a fit check via your phone’s camera, something it’s done for other products to check your positioning for 360 Reality Audio. Most of these work well, though in my experience Speak to Chat is still tripped up when I coughed or cleared my throat. And it seemed to be even more sensitive on the LinkBuds Open than other models I’ve tested.

Thanks to the design, the LinkBuds Open are nice to wear during calls since, well, you can hear yourself. However, the quality of your voice on the other end isn’t as clear as what I encountered on the LinkBuds Fit. It will get the job done, but I did sound slightly muffled. And background noise, while subdued, is noticeable at times when I’m talking.

Sony says you should be able to eke out eight hours of use on the LinkBuds Open, a significant improvement over the five and a half hours on the first LinkBuds. Indeed, I had no trouble hitting that number during my tests with DSEE Auto and other power-taxing tools enabled. If you find yourself in a pinch, Sony devised a faster quick charge solution that gives you an hour of use in three minutes. What’s more, Auto Battery Save from the LinkBuds Fit is in play here, automatically disabling advanced features when you hit 20 percent battery to extend listening time.

The LinkBuds Open offer some improvements over the first-gen model, but Sony hasn’t addressed an inherent issue with the design. Simply put, they aren’t comfortable to wear for longer than a few minutes and that will be a problem for a lot of people. I understand the outer shell around the ring driver has to be robust enough to protect it, but there needs to be even the slightest bit of cushioning to relieve the pressure. If Sony fixes that, it will have a more compelling product rather than a novelty.

LinkBuds Speaker

The LinkBuds Speaker is designed to be a stationary companion to Sony’s earbuds and headphones, but it doesn’t offer anything more than that.

Pros

• Tiny but loud
• Charging dock is included and convenient
• Auto Play routines are handy

Cons

• Pricey for the size
• Restrained bass, absent mid range

The LinkBuds Speaker is an unexpected part of the new LinkBuds lineup. It’s a small Bluetooth speaker that’s designed to be your go-to device when you’re stationary, and is equipped with several features that sync with the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open in a bid to make your life easier – at least in terms of listening to music or podcasts.
The LinkBuds Speaker won’t win any design awards, but that’s par for the course with small Bluetooth speakers. Up top are volume and playback controls which you can also use to start music from select streaming services with one tap (Amazon Music, Spotify and Endel). There’s also a microphone for calls, if you’re okay with a no-frills speakerphone option. Around back, the power button sits at the bottom just above a USB-C charging port. There’s also an attached loop here so you can hang the LinkBuds Speaker on a hook or carabiner. That USB-C port is technically the backup charging method though, since the IPX4-rated speaker comes with a charging cradle that connects via metal contacts on the bottom.

The LinkBuds Speaker works with Sony’s new Sound Connect app for access to various settings. There’s one key feature I’ll discuss since it’s unique to this device. First, the app allows you to set up routines so that your music starts at specific times during the day. There’s also an automatic switching element to this that works with the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open, along with additional support for the LinkBuds S, WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5. All of this is managed in the Auto Play section of the app.

Sony’s new earbuds are open for business

(Image from Sony)

Sony LinkBuds Open
The Sony LinkBuds Open are a credible update to their predecessor, the Sony LinkBuds. However, the open design isn’t for everyone, and you need to be sure that you want open earbuds before choosing these. If that sounds like you, then you should definitely give these a chance.

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What we like

• Stabilizer fin
• Fit
• LE Audio

What we don’t like

• Price
• Open design means sound quality tradeoffs

Open earbuds are starting to see their day in the sun, and one of the more high-profile options was Sony’s original LinkBuds. But how do the sequels stack up? I had a few days to give them a whirl, so let’s listen in.

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What’s it like to use Sony LinkBuds Open?
Using the Sony LinkBuds Open is an interesting experience, even if you’re used to unsealed or open earbuds like AirPods and the Nothing Ear (Open). I say that because they definitely blur the line a lot more than either of those products do between merely unsealed and open earbuds. On the one hand, the earbuds let in just about all noise around you, but on the other, they still sit in your ears right in front of your ear canal.

(Image from Sony)

To hold these earbuds in place, Sony added a very flimsy rubber ear fin. However, having a low amount of resistance allows the fin to fit more comfortably to your ear. By having this secondary method to secure the earbuds in your pinnae, even a really bulbous earbud stands a decent chance of fitting you even if it’s not the ideal shape for your ear. I found this to be comfortable, though I was constantly afraid of the earbuds rocketing out should I move quickly — they didn’t, but the feeling of loose-fitting earbuds is something I’ll never get used to.

The earbuds do not have an ingress protection rating, but they do have what Sony is calling “IPX4 equivalent” moisture protection. If true, this would mean the earbuds could take incidental moisture from sweat or rain and keep kicking, making them a decent choice for workouts.
When it’s time to recharge, the Sony LinkBuds Open come with a very small charging case, clad in a marble-patterned top. The back of the case has a USB-C port for charging, and does not support wireless charging.

Should you use the Sony Sound Connect app for the Sony LinkBuds Open?

In order to make the most of the Sony LinkBuds Open, you’ll need to install the Sony Sound Connect app for the earbuds. Though installing extra utilities on your phone can make some squeamish for totally-understandable reasons, you’ll want the latest firmware, and the ability to customize your sound a bit with the equalizer if you struggle to get the results you want.

Additionally, installing the app unlocks a few extra features, like Sony 360 Reality Audio with head tracking, answering or rejecting calls with a nod and head shake, adjusting the wide area tap sensitivity, and toggling sound priority modes. If you’re hoping to use the Sony LinkBuds Open in a low-latency mode, toggling the LE Audio will reduce latency should your phone support it.

How do the Sony LinkBuds Open connect?
The Sony LinkBuds Open connect to their source devices via Bluetooth 5.3 over SBC, AAC, and LC3. I’m happy to see the LC3 here, as that means that the earbuds are fully embracing the advantages of LE audio, such as minimizing latency on Android devices.

…the earbuds are fully embracing the advantages of LE audio
If you’re liable to swap products often, the Sony LinkBuds Open support Bluetooth Multipoint, and you can manage your connected devices through the app. I didn’t have any trouble swapping between devices in the lab, and that was a nice departure from other recent devices. In fact, I was far less frustrated using the Sony LinkBuds Open than I was my old headphones, as I didn’t have to pair and repair every time I switched devices. Though Multipoint is everywhere nowadays, there are definitely some products that do it better than others.

How long does the Sony LinkBuds Open battery last?

（Image from Sony)
Subjecting the Sony LinkBuds Open to our standardized battery endurance gantlet, the earbuds were able to last 9 hours and 30 minutes of playback time. This is an outstanding result, and we don’t often see earbuds last this long — even if it’s not unheard of. Though you’re probably not going to be listening to these for ultra-long periods of time, it is nice to know that you should be able to listen at a safe level for long periods of time.

How well do the Sony LinkBuds Open block out noise?

The Sony LinkBuds Open are designed to not block out noise, so it shouldn’t be terribly surprising that they don’t isolate their listeners much. There’s a little bit of noise softened in the highest octaves of your hearing, but there’s a low likelihood that you’ll notice or care much. That’s really not the point of open earbuds like the Sony LinkBuds Open.
This is very good for activities where you need to hear the world around you, say, biking or interacting with other people. But it’s very poor for listening to music in a city or on a commute. As long as you understand that outside noise will be a constant nuisance, you can adjust your expectations accordingly.

Should you buy the Sony LinkBuds Open?
If you find that you make extreme use of transparency mode, or you find yourself in situations where you need to hear the world around you at all times, a set of open earbuds like the Sony LinkBuds Open is a good choice. Just remember that all open earbuds struggle in the presence of noise, and their semi-in ear design can be tough to fit. Still, it’s a clever design with an undeniable appeal. The creative controls and features make for an interesting experience, and the use of LC3 to reduce latency also is a very nice future-proofing feature. I’d like to see more earbuds follow this path, and it’s important to note products that offer genuinely cool features.
Open earbuds like the Sony LinkBuds Open are not the best fit for those who primarily need their earbuds for commuting, as they don’t attenuate noise very well by design. So if you find yourself wanting active noise canceling or less noise, you’re going to want to keep looking.

Sony’s WH-1000MX5 and WF-1000XM5 are now available in a brand new color

(Image credit: Sony)
As much as we love the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones they’re not much fun in the color department: earbuds like Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are much more visually entertaining, and while this month’s AirPods Max update was a little disappointing there’s no denying that Apple’s colors are more fun than those in Sony’s flagship. So it’s nice to see a new color option for both the in-ear and over-ear Sony flagships.

The new color is called Smoky Pink and as you can see it’s more of a pastel pink than a Barbie hue or the bright coral of the Pixel Buds Pro 2. That fits with the other color options – black, midnight blue and platinum silver – which are all low-key and understated.

Sony has helpfully provided a video to show you what pink looks like and suggested it’s for “all the girly girls!” Don’t let that put you off, though.

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Why Sony’s thinking pink

How do you make our long-running picks for the best over-ear headphones and best wireless earbuds even better? Releasing them in a cool new shade of pink certainly doesn’t hurt. That’s exactly what Sony’s done with its new Smoky Pink versions of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds, both of which are up for preorder now.

I got to check out these new variants ahead of their October release date, which was like seeing an old friend in a fancy new suit. The “smoky” in Smoky Pink is fitting; the new color is subdued and almost salmon-like, rather than, say, the hot pink you’ll find on the new iPhone 16. I’m always happy to see headphones offered in a wider range of attractive colors, especially since the WF-1000XM5 earbuds were previously only available in black and silver.

This is an especially ideal time for the XM5 headphones to get a new color, as one of their main competitors — Apple’s ubiquitous AirPods Max — just got refreshed with USB-C charging and a fresh suite of hues that include an attractive blue, purple and orange.

The new smoky pink versions of the Sony WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5 are on sale now from the usual outlets.

Off the heels of their 2024 VMAs performance, the K-Pop girl group talks teaming up with Sony Audio on a brand new colorway of their best-selling noise-canceling headphones

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The trendsetting members of Le Sserafim know that there needs to be style backing substance. As one of the most exciting acts to watch in 2024 and beyond, they’re certainly well known for their top-notch choreography — but their chic fashion senses have garnered attention off the stage as well, and their latest collaboration with Sony Audio shows it.

The audio giant is adding a new ‘Smoky Pink’ colorway to their award winning 1000X noise-canceling headphones that releases Oct. 14 (pre-orders are open online now) inspired by the aesthetics of the hitmaking K-pop group, and they’re not just aiming for them to have the perfect sound — the members want it to be a stylish staple, too. “I use it often as a fashion item, because it gives a clean look and goes with any outfit,” member Sakura told Rolling Stone. Hong Eunchae adds, “It’s a rare color you don’t see everywhere, which matches well with our unique aesthetic as a team.”

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The new versions of the WH-1000XM5 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds (which are among the best headphones our team has tested) also have the noise reduction and audio quality we love, just in a soft and refined package. Le Sserafim’s fourth self-titled mini-album Crazy, released on August 30, will be the theme song for their campaign, and they recently had the opportunity to perform it live at the 2024 vma Awards, marking another career milestone.

But even ICONS who have achieved so much in just two years on the scene, especially in an industry obsessed with visual effects, are still constantly trying to push their style and sound as hard as they push themselves. They learned a lot for themselves as they transitioned from the lighthearted genre (influences heard on Impurities from 2023’s Unforgiven) to the fast-paced EDM of Crazy and turned to Blackpink’s Coachella performances. “Our true value lies in our fearlessness and willingness to push boundaries, which is part of our identity as LE SSERAFIM,” Sakura said.

The group sat down to speak withRolling Stoneabout their Sony headphone collab, learning how to vogue, and how their style differs on and off the stage.

Now that you’re collaborating with Sony Audio, do you feel like audio gear needs to look stylish and fashion-forward beyond just sounding good? 

Sakura:I use it often as a fashion item, because it gives a clean look and goes with any outfit.

Kim Chaewon:I love how Sony Audio can double as a stylish accessory, while still delivering impressive sound quality.

Huh Yunjin:I would definitely say audio accessories have become a fashion statement in recent years. Whether it’s a retro wired earphone or a sleek bluetooth headset, I think I definitely consider the aesthetics of audio gear as well.

Kazuha:It’s really nice to be able to enjoy music, while also using it as a fashionable accessory.

Hong Eunchae:Although sound quality is the most important of all, I think being able to incorporate it into your style is also significant, especially these days. [The ‘Smoky Pink’ colorway] is a rare color you don’t see everywhere, which matches well with our unique aesthetic as a team.

Sakura:I think the cute, yet sophisticated vibe is a perfect match for Le Sserafim. I love the Smoky Pink color!

How would you describe your personal style as a group versus what you wear out in everyday life?

Chaewon:Along with music, we enjoy experimenting with new styles, so our aesthetic as a group has been continuously  evolving since our debut in a way that not only matches our sound, but also highlights our individual style. For performances, we opt for bolder outfits that match our sound, while our everyday attire is more relaxed and casual, as we love to be comfortable off stage.

Your MV for“Crazy”has been praised for paying homage to the ballroom scene — what inspired you to tap into that subculture, and what was it like learning how to vogue?

Kazuha:When our team first heard the EDM-house track “Crazy,” we all agreed voguing would be a perfect fit. We felt it was important to thoroughly study not only voguing and its movements, but also the subculture behind it to bring our interpretation to life on stage. Meeting and collaborating with voguing powerhouses the Iconic House of Juicy Couture and Dashaun Wesley was incredible, and it’s an invaluable learning experience that we will cherish for a long time.

For Huh Yunjin —What was it like being the main producer for the last track on the album, “Crazier”? 

Yunjin:I was grateful and honored to debut as a main producer for the track “Crazier,” signaling the beginning of more to come! It was a little awkward at first working with the members in the studio on the other side, but I tried to do my best to bring out the best in them. The track celebrates the beauty in embracing both our crazy and unrestrained moments. I sincerely hope listeners will wholeheartedly connect with whatever their hearts are passionate about!

From sampling legendary Korean diva Kim Wan-sun’s “Pierrot Laughs At Us” to dipping into house music, how have you challenged yourself with new styles of music and performances for this mini album? 

Sakura:With every album, we challenge ourselves to new styles of  music, and performances as it’s both our forte and our passion. Our 4th Mini AlbumCrazyencourages listeners to have fun, let loose, and go crazy together with us, and we tried our hand at EDM-house and voguing that we felt aligned with the theme of the album. Our true value lies in our fearlessness and willingness to push our boundaries that are embedded in our identity as Le Sserafim.

Think of your own personal playlists: what types of songs or artists have you been “crazy” for lately?

Chaewon:Sabrina Carpenter’s new album.

Yunjin:Chappell Roan. I love her music!

Eunchae:Le Sserafim’s 4th Mini AlbumCrazy!!!!!