ZDNET’s comprehensive review of Sony’s LinkBuds Fit draws attention to several defining characteristics that distinguish these earbuds within the increasingly competitive landscape of personal audio technology. Priced at approximately $198, this model combines the refined craftsmanship expected from Sony with practical functionality that addresses the diverse needs of everyday users. Among its standout qualities is the inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC), a technology that successfully minimizes background interference and allows listeners to remain immersed in their chosen content. Equally noteworthy is the ergonomic design, which demonstrates meticulous attention to comfort and wearability — an often undervalued factor that becomes crucial during prolonged use. However, while these earbuds succeed admirably in comfort and ambient noise reduction, their sound intensity and power output fall slightly short of expectations for those who prioritize robust, bass-driven performance.
Before examining the technical attributes more deeply, ZDNET invites readers to consider the broader question of what defines an ideal pair of earbuds. The answer, as the author explains, varies considerably according to context and personal preference. When relaxing at home, one might crave the expansive range and dynamic volume that make music resonate with full emotional depth. In contrast, during a vigorous gym session, durability and effective sound isolation become the decisive criteria. Sony’s LinkBuds Fit manage to strike a delicate balance between these demands, performing competently in both relaxed and active environments. Having spent over a week testing the product in various daily scenarios, the reviewer found them to be reliable companions throughout all activities — so indispensable, in fact, that they rarely left the reviewer’s side.
Particular praise is reserved for the charging case, a seemingly minor accessory that nevertheless contributes significantly to the overall user experience. The review unit arrived in a pale green finish featuring a marble-textured lid coupled with a soft rubberized base. This aesthetic combination not only enhances visual appeal but also provides a subtle tactile contrast that conveys quality. Although there is no definitive confirmation that these materials offer additional structural reinforcement, the author enthusiastically commends their pleasing appearance and thoughtful construction, describing it as one of the most elegant charging cases they have ever owned.
In many respects, the LinkBuds Fit represent a natural evolution of Sony’s earlier LinkBuds S model, refining its predecessor’s strengths while incorporating incremental design adjustments to improve both performance and usability. Retaining the wireless, noise-cancelling framework of the previous generation, Sony has implemented modifications that focus primarily on comfort. The casing now possesses a slightly reduced length, and the earbuds are enveloped in what Sony refers to as a “silicone supporter.” Within this layer rests an air cushion, engineered to improve the fit and minimize friction against the ear. The result is a listening device that can be worn for extended periods with minimal irritation — a claim confirmed through real-world testing, which even included falling asleep with the earbuds still in place without any residual soreness afterward.
The effectiveness of the active noise cancellation shows Sony’s commitment to precision engineering. The system activates automatically when both earbuds are inserted, immersing the listener in quietude without requiring manual input. Should users wish to deactivate ANC, a simple double-tap on the left earbud suffices, while the feature conveniently suspends itself when one earbud is removed — a small but highly practical design choice. The ANC performance dynamically adapts to surrounding noise conditions: at home, faint environmental sounds such as distant traffic remain slightly perceptible, whereas in louder environments like a gym, external noise is notably suppressed, yielding an almost cocoon-like experience. Despite its strengths, the technology is not infallible; exceptionally loud noises can still penetrate the barrier, though the overall performance remains impressively well-calibrated.
In terms of endurance, Sony claims a battery life of approximately 5.5 hours per charge, extendable to 25 hours with the accompanying case. The reviewer’s personal trial yielded a slightly better performance, reaching nearly seven hours on a single charge with ANC active and moderate volume levels — an outcome that suggests users could achieve similar or even superior results through conservative settings. Battery longevity, therefore, positions the LinkBuds Fit well within the competitive midrange tier of wireless earbuds.
Audio output on the LinkBuds Fit attains a high standard of clarity and tonal balance, particularly in its rendering of vocals and acoustic compositions. Instrument separation appears precise, facilitating an engaging listening experience. Nevertheless, listeners who prefer deeper bass tones may find the low-frequency response less emphatic than desired. Genres such as pop, rap, or electronic music lack a certain visceral fullness that more bass-focused products — for instance, models from Sennheiser or Bose — might deliver.
From a value perspective, Sony’s LinkBuds Fit occupy an appealing position in the marketplace, offering a refined synthesis of comfort, smart design, and capable ANC performance at a moderate price. Available in multiple colors — black, white, green, and violet — they allow for a degree of personal expression. Buyers can enhance their experience further with optional accessories, including decorative case covers with key ring attachments and silicone supporters in matching or contrasting hues. Although Sony lists the retail price around $200 on its official site, certain retailers, such as Best Buy, occasionally offer color-specific discounts — with the white model currently marked down to roughly $145. ZDNET ultimately concludes that if your priorities lean toward superior comfort, reliable ANC, and elegant styling, then the LinkBuds Fit warrant strong consideration. Yet, for those whose main criterion is powerful audio output, alternatives like the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 may represent a better match. In essence, Sony’s LinkBuds Fit exemplify thoughtful midrange engineering — a product designed not to dominate with raw force, but to excel in subtlety, comfort, and everyday usability, qualities that together create a rewarding listening experience.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/these-earbuds-outperformed-my-airpods-in-real-world-tests-and-theyre-37-off/
