When Sony finally released its next-generation noise-canceling earbuds, the WF-1000XM5, the company’s flagship line was once again at the top of the market. But for many consumers, the XM5’s premium price tag and the weight of its battery-heavy design can be a deterrent. Sony’s new LinkBuds Fit offer a more compact, lighter alternative that still delivers a solid set of features for a fraction of the cost.
Design and Fit
The LinkBuds Fit are true-wireless earbuds that sit inside the ear canal, unlike Sony’s open-design LinkBuds. They’re built around Sony’s new Air-Fitting Supporters, a small frame that keeps the earbuds in place without the bulk of a traditional ear-tip. The earbuds come with a full range of tip sizes, including an XL option that the author found fits most ears comfortably. Because they’re smaller than the flagship WF-1000XM5, they weigh only 4.9 grams per earbud, which is lighter than the 5.8 grams of the XM5.
Audio Performance
The LinkBuds Fit use Sony’s V1 processor – the same chip found in the older WF-1000XM4 – to drive a pair of 6.5 mm drivers. The sound is clear and balanced, with mids that feel slightly forward. While the bass is not as punchy as the XM5’s, the author notes that the earbuds still produce “well-defined bass” without sounding boomy. The overall sound profile is described as “open and nicely detailed,” and the earbuds are said to handle a wide variety of music genres without listener fatigue.
Noise Cancellation
Unlike the open-design LinkBuds, the Fit are noise-isolating. They use the standard ear-tip design to block out external noise, but they do not feature Sony’s more advanced V2 processor. As a result, the noise-cancelling performance is described as “decent” – not as powerful as the XM4 or XM5, but still useful for everyday commutes or office use. The author notes that the earbuds “do a good job of muffling traffic and other background noise” when ANC is on.
Call Quality
The earbuds are equipped with three microphones each, which help isolate the user’s voice from ambient noise. In a noisy street-testing scenario, the author reports that the call recipients could hear the user’s voice clearly, with only minimal background hiss. The microphones perform well in windy conditions, and the author finds the call quality “solid” overall.
Battery Life
On a single charge, the LinkBuds Fit provide up to 6 hours of continuous playback with ANC off, and roughly 4.5 hours with ANC on. The charging case adds another 15-20 hours of total battery life, bringing the total to around 20 hours for a full day of use. The author highlights the earbuds’ quick-charge capability: a 5-minute charge yields about an hour of listening time.
Connectivity and Controls
The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3, which gives a stable link even at distances of up to 30 feet. They feature multipoint pairing, allowing the user to switch between a phone and a tablet without re-pairing. On-ear controls are voice-activated; the author can say “Hey Sony” to trigger playback commands. The companion app is straightforward, letting users tweak EQ settings and check battery status.
Value Assessment
Sony’s flagship WF-1000XM5 is often praised for its industry-leading noise cancellation and 8-hour battery life. The LinkBuds Fit, while not matching the XM5’s performance, still deliver “80% of the features” for a significantly lower price point. The author suggests that buyers who can’t afford the XM5 but want a solid all-round earbud should consider the Fit, especially when it’s on sale.
Comparison to Other Sony Models
- LinkBuds – the open-design version, more discreet but lower audio quality.
- LinkBuds S – noise-isolating, smaller than the WF-1000XM4, but still heavier than the Fit.
- WF-1000XM4 – still a strong contender if found at a discount.
Bottom Line
Sony’s LinkBuds Fit bring together a lightweight form factor, a decent soundstage, and solid call quality. They’re not a direct competitor to the XM5, but they offer a more affordable, portable alternative for users who value convenience and versatility over the absolute best in noise cancellation.
The author concludes that while the LinkBuds Fit may not be “the best in the world,” they’re a reliable pair that can serve a wide range of listening scenarios – from commuting to workouts – without breaking the bank.
