Open-ear done right: Inside Sony’s new LinkBuds Clip always-on audio earbuds

The latest evolution of Sony’s open-ear true wireless buds lean into everyday wearability and offer a raft of novel convenience features. The LinkBuds Clip are designed for those that want personal audio, but would rather not shut out the world with noise cancelling technology.

Featuring a funky clip-style design, multiple listening modes and a strong emphasis on voice clarity, they arrive in four colours – Greige (a kind of grey beige), Black, Lavender and Green.

Unlike regular cans, nothing goes into the ear canal. Instead, the LinkBuds Clip rest lightly against the ear, allowing air, and sound from the outside world, to pass freely. The result is a listening experience that’s less like wearing headphones and more like having a personal soundtrack that follows you around.

Designed for those that want personal audio, but would rather not shut out the world around them…

Open by design

This ‘always-on’ nature of the LinkBuds Clip is central to their appeal. Because they don’t seal the ear, wearers remain aware of traffic, station announcements and the distractions of everyday life.

The main body and upper band provide stability across a wide range of ear shapes, while removable fitting cushions allow for fine adjustment.

Sonically, Sony is applying expertise drawn from its flagship 1000X series headphones.  

The brand’s familiar DSEE (Dynamic Sound Enhancement Engine) is on hand to upscale compressed music, restoring detail lost in streaming formats, and there’s a 10-band equaliser, accessible via the Sony Sound Connect app. 

For the less technically inclined, the neatly named ‘Find Your Equaliser’ feature guides users toward their preferred sound profile without requiring audio jargon or guesswork.

There’s also a Background Music Effect, which pushes music into the periphery, when you need to concentrate. 

Three ways to listen

The LinkBuds Clip offer three listening modes, switchable with a tap. Standard mode delivers the most balanced sound, suitable for music, videos and everyday listening.

Voice Boost lifts vocal frequencies, making podcasts and spoken content easier to follow in noisy environments. Finally, Sound Leakage Reduction subtly reins things in, reducing outward sound when you’re in quieter spaces where discretion matters.

Call quality is another area where Sony has clearly invested effort. Each earbud houses two microphones, supported by bone conduction that isolates your voice from ambient noise. Add AI-based noise reduction, and the result is call clarity that remains impressively consistent, even in busy environments, says the brand.

Battery life is generous. There’s nine hours from the earbuds themselves, extending to 37 hours with the charging case. A three-minute quick charge delivers up to an hour of playback, ideal for rushed mornings.

The Clip also support multipoint connection, making it possible to switch between phone and laptop, and offer IPX4 water resistance, so sweat and rain are no concern.

Integration with Google Assistant allows for hands-free control, while scene-based listening automatically adapts sound to your activity.

Sony LinkBuds Clip earbuds are available this month, priced at £180 (€200).