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If you've been expecting Sony to unveil a new edition of its top-of-the-line WF-1000XM buds, rumor has it you only have to wait a few more weeks. In the meantime, the company is expanding the slightly lesser-known LinkBuds portfolio with a pricey new model that somehow looks even more... exotic than the 2024-released Open and Fit.
Inspired by ear cuffs
Much like the aptly named LinkBuds Open from a couple of years ago, the just-unveiled Sony LinkBuds Clip take great pride in offering an "open ear listening experience." That's obviously a good way to stay in touch with your surroundings when playing your favorite tunes, but it usually impacts the sound quality in pretty clear and significant ways while also making features like active noise cancellation physically impossible to achieve.
Are these weird-looking or... weirdly fashionable? | Image Credit -- Sony
For what it's worth, Sony pinky-swears that its "renowned" audio performance is not affected by the LinkBuds Clip's "unique" shape, with "impressive" overall sound quality promised and three listening modes allowing users to boost voices, reduce sound "leakage", and go for a "standard" music playing experience depending on your preferences and the environment around you.
Now, the second interesting (and decidedly unconventional) design element here is the "clip" part, which secures the buds to your ears without putting pressure on your ear canal or intruding in any way. As someone who's had a lot of trouble with "conventional" wireless earbuds over the years from a comfort and health standpoint, I find this easily the most intriguing aspect about the LinkBuds Clip, as it could eliminate the risk of ear infections while providing a stable all-day fit.
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Will you buy the LinkBuds Clip?
Definitely
0%
Probably
100%
Not with that weird design
0%
Not at that price
0%
Not until I read some reviews/hear some opinions
0%
I know, it's a little weird to see a pair of wireless buds wrapped around one's ears like that, but after a while, I think I could start viewing these as a fashion accessory, especially in an eye-catching green, lavender, or "greige" color. The fourth available hue is of course black, and somewhat surprisingly, there's no white option.
Up to 37 hours (!!!) of battery for $229.99
Those are two equally eye-popping numbers if you ask me, although obviously, the LinkBuds Clip can't actually deliver 37 hours of music without having to go in their charging case during that time. But the 9-hour battery life rating sans said case factored in is also pretty impressive, as is the three minutes of charging needed to offer "up to an hour" of uninterrupted use.
Sony LinkBuds Clip
True Wireless Earbuds with Open-Ear and Always-On Clip Design, Comfortable and Secure Fit, Ambient Sound Awareness, Premium Audio, Three Listening Modes, Touch Controls, AI Voice Pickup Technology, IPX4 Water Resistance, Up to 9 Hours of Uninterrupted Listening Time, Up to 28 Hours of Battery Life with Charging Case, Multipoint Connection, Four Color Options
In contrast, the industry-leading Sony WF-1000XM5 are advertised as capable of delivering up to eight hours of playing time by themselves and just 24 hours with their charging case also taken into consideration.
That's not quite a fair comparison given the LinkBuds Clip's lack of active noise cancellation, but it's a comparison many prospective buyers are likely to make when deciding if they should spend 230 bucks on Sony's latest earbuds... or wait and see what the WF-1000XM6 are about.
So should you or should you not pull the trigger?
I actually don't have a magical answer for you (at least not for all of you), as the Sony LinkBuds Clip arguably have no direct competition to speak of.
Even the charging case looks unconventional. | Image Credit -- Sony
These are very different from your AirPods Pros, your Galaxy Buds Pros, or Bose QuietComfort Ultras, and while their audio quality is almost definitely not on par with the best wireless earbuds money can buy in 2026, that design and the clear real-life benefits that come with it could make your $229.99 purchase worth it... if the sound is at the very least decent and the battery life lines up with Sony's promises.
Otherwise put, you should probably wait for a few Amazon or Best Buy customer ratings and reviews before making your final decision here.
Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.
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