Jada Jones/ZDNET
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**ZDNET’s Key Takeaways**
Sony’s new LinkBuds Clip come equipped with specially designed ear-fitting cushions that significantly influence both comfort and acoustic performance. These removable accessories are a thoughtful inclusion, addressing one of the most common frustrations with clip-on open-ear earbuds: achieving a secure yet comfortable fit. For users whose ear shape naturally accommodates clip-on earbuds, these cushions may not be essential. However, for many listeners — particularly those who experience discomfort, pressure, or instability from the common one-size-fits-all approach — the innovation could drastically transform their listening experience.
Sony has deliberately engineered these cushions to compensate for the inconsistencies of human ear anatomy, acknowledging that not everyone’s ears provide the same natural anchor points for clip-on earbuds. Their inclusion echoes the way in which manufacturers typically supply replacement ear tips for in-canal earbuds, giving users the flexibility to fine-tune their comfort and sound experience without additional purchases. Impressively, these cushions are not a third-party afterthought but are included with every LinkBuds Clip purchase, signaling Sony’s awareness of user diversity and its commitment to comfort-focused design.
While some individuals with an ideal ear structure may find that the earbuds stay perfectly in place without assistance, others often struggle with issues like pinching sensations, slipping during activity, or uneven pressure. In such scenarios, Sony’s ear-fitting cushions can deliver a dramatic improvement, ensuring an evenly distributed grip that preserves stability throughout daily use or exercise sessions.
**Why the Design is Brilliant**
Historically, clip-on earbuds have been a challenging category for me. After only a few minutes of wear, the hard pressure points begin to cause discomfort, leading me to revert to my traditional in-ear AirPods. I had assumed my ear shape simply wasn’t compatible with this style—until I tried the LinkBuds Clip with Sony’s integrated cushion system. Once attached, the cushions filled the minor gaps between my ear and the earbud’s frame, redistributing the contact area so the clip latched onto a sturdier section of my ear and reduced friction considerably. The shift was almost immediate: instead of experiencing constant pressure, I felt balanced support that allowed the earbuds to rest naturally.
What makes this adjustment so effective is how it counteracts the rigidity inherent to clip-on earbuds. Most competing models use firm hinge mechanisms designed to accommodate all ears, but this approach rarely accounts for nuanced variations in human anatomy. The result is predictable — people like me end up with soreness, fatigue, and eventually avoidance of the product. Sony’s cushions mitigate precisely this problem, transforming the experience from tolerable to genuinely comfortable. Moreover, by engaging both the concha and the helix — two different parts of the ear — the design distributes weight and tension more evenly than before, creating a multi-anchor fit that feels both secure and natural. For the first time, I could envision wearing clip-on earbuds for long stretches of my workday without distraction or discomfort.
**How it Affects Audio Performance**
Comfort isn’t the only aspect influenced by fit; the acoustic and functional performance of open-ear earbuds are intrinsically tied to how well they rest on the ear. An unstable or suboptimal fit can distort audio balance, diminish clarity, or cause variations in the direction of sound projection. Similarly, microphone pickup—particularly during phone calls—depends on the earbuds maintaining a consistent position. Any slippage or shift can lead to altered voice quality or unpredictable changes in perceived volume. For those who use earbuds during physical activity, the issue becomes even more pronounced, as constant motion can loosen the fit or disrupt sound alignment.
Once I installed Sony’s ear-fitting cushions, the difference in stability became obvious. The earbuds retained their intended angle and position far better than before, even when moving or turning my head. As a result, audio delivery felt more consistent and immersive. The directionality of sound — a defining characteristic of clip-on open-ear designs — remained steady, ensuring a high-quality, uninterrupted listening experience. This improvement also carries practical benefits for daily multitasking or outdoor use, where maintaining audio consistency amidst movement is essential.
**Final Impressions and Verdict**
Sony’s inclusion of ear-fitting cushions in the LinkBuds Clip package has genuinely reshaped my perception of clip-on earbuds. Where I once anticipated discomfort and mediocre performance, I now experience sustained comfort and superior stability — attributes that fundamentally alter my attitude toward this category of audio devices. Sony’s solution feels so logical and elegantly simple that it raises an obvious question: why hasn’t every manufacturer adopted such a feature? Ideally, this innovation should set a new industry precedent, inspiring rivals to consider similar approaches in future releases.
As clip-on earbuds grow increasingly popular within the personal audio market, Sony’s timely entrance reinforces both the appeal and the legitimacy of this form factor. Yet, a one-size-fits-all product philosophy often risks sidelining potential users whose ears fall outside the median shape or size. By addressing this issue directly at the point of purchase, Sony extends inclusivity and comfort to a wider audience — a move that is both practical and empathetic. Considering the LinkBuds Clip’s $230 price point, this additional layer of thoughtful engineering feels not just justified but essential, ensuring that users get maximum comfort, performance consistency, and lasting value from their investment.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/sony-linkbuds-clip-earbuds-review/
