Open-ear monitors have significantly increased in usage in recent years, especially as we continue to learn more about how in-ear monitors (AKA earbuds) affect our hearing and even the physical condition of our ear canals. That said, there’s still a lot of room for improvement in the category, which is why the space is transforming so much from one model to the next (just look at Bose’s Ultra Open compared to Nothing’s Ear (open) buds).
Several years after popularizing the ring-driver concept with a central hole for ambient pass-through, Sony’s LinkBuds line is now aiming to push the needle even further, introducing its first clip-on model.
Sony’s Open-Ear Evolution
Since the original LinkBuds dropped in 2022 with their 12mm ring transducer, Sony has been carving out a niche for itself in the open-ear space that keep you aware of your surrounding while you listen to music or take phone calls. While competitors like Bose and Shokz have each brought their own takes on clip-style designs, Sony’s approach with the LinkBuds Clip draws directly from its years improving its audio tech for the flagship 1000X series.
The C-shaped design takes inspiration from ear cuff piercings. There’s no intrusion into the ear canal here, which means they’ll accommodate different ear shapes without the usual trial-and-error of swapping silicone tips. The main body and upper band provide the grip, while included Fitting Cushions let you dial in the fit along the band.
Listening Modes That Adapt
The earbuds offer three modes you can toggle by tapping. Standard mode delivers what Sony calls “natural, expansive sound” with their usual tuning expertise from the 1000X series. Voice Boost mode amplifies vocals when you’re navigating noisy environments, which is one of the main issues you’ll find with open-ear designs. Sound Leakage Reduction mode strips out some high frequencies for quieter settings where you’d rather not broadcast what you’re listening to — though it won’t be ideal for any audiophiles out there.
The 10-band EQ in Sony’s Sound Connect app gives you granular control, while DSEE upscaling attempts to restore detail to compressed audio files.
Tech Where It Counts
In terms of phone calls, earbuds that are placed outside your ear canal typically means your mouth is farther from the microphones, making it difficult for others to hear you clearly. Sony’s solution involves a bone conduction sensor that picks up your voice through skull vibrations, paired with an AI-powered noise reduction system for better clarity.
Battery life clocks in at up to 37 hours total — 9 hours from the earbuds themselves, plus another 28 from the charging case. Likewise, a three-minute quick charge gets you an hour of listening time. The buds themselves have an IPX4 water-resistance rating against things like sweat and light rain.
Spec Sheet
Model: Sony LinkBuds Clip (Truly Wireless Open Earbuds)
Design: C-shaped clip-on, ear cuff-inspired
Listening Modes: Standard, Voice Boost, Sound Leakage Reduction
Audio Tech: DSEE upscaling, 10-band EQ, 360 Reality Audio
Call Quality: Bone conduction sensor, AI noise reduction
Battery Life: Up to 9 hours (earbuds) + 28 hours (case)
Quick Charge: 3 minutes = 1 hour playback
Water Resistance: IPX4 (earbuds only)
Connectivity: Multipoint Bluetooth
Accessories: Fitting Cushions (included), optional case covers
Pricing & Availability
The Sony LinkBuds Clip are available now at Sony’s website for $230 in black, greige, green, and lavender. Optional case covers and additional Fitting Cushions run $25 each, available in coral, green, blue, lavender, and black.
Recap
Sony LinkBuds Clip Earbuds
Sony’s LinkBuds Clip are the company’s first clip-on open earbuds, bringing an ear cuff-inspired design with three listening modes that let you balance music and ambient awareness depending on your environment. For calls, you get a combination of bone conduction tech and AI optimization for clarity.
