Sony’s LinkBuds series is traditionally recognized for its collection of wireless earbuds, with designs ranging from open-ring to in-ear models, and even sporty versions. However, the LinkBuds Speaker stands apart as an exception in the lineup. Despite the “buds” in its name, it isn’t a pair of wireless earbuds but rather a portable Bluetooth speaker. The speaker is clearly targeting the same demographic as the LinkBuds earbuds, particularly those looking for trendy, portable audio solutions—much like the youthful audience Sony aimed for with the Olivia Rodrigo-endorsed LinkBuds Fit.
Sony previously tried to break into the Bluetooth speaker market with the four-star ULT Field 1, but couldn’t surpass the dominance of competitors like the JBL Flip 6 and Charge 5. In this new iteration, Sony may have found the right formula—or “missing Link”—with the LinkBuds Speaker.
See the Sony LinkBuds Speaker on Amazon Here (Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases)
Build & Design
The LinkBuds Speaker has a compact design, measuring roughly the height of a standard deodorant can, though it’s a bit bulkier. It’s designed to be portable, so it can sit neatly on a desk, rest on a shelf, or be tossed into a bag when heading out. Despite its size, the speaker feels solid and durable. It has an IPX4 waterproof rating, which offers protection against splashes and light rain, though it’s not as rugged as its competitors, such as the JBL Charge 5 or Flip 6, which have IP67 ratings. Still, for light outdoor use, the IPX4 rating is sufficient.
In terms of build, the LinkBuds Speaker feels sturdy and able to handle everyday wear and tear. Its built-in carry loop is strong and appears capable of supporting the 520g weight without issue. The speaker’s fabric exterior is tightly woven but can accumulate dirt if exposed to grime, and users might prefer the black version to avoid stains on the lighter off-white variant.
The speaker’s design is minimalistic, with a full mesh exterior and few adornments. It features four main controls at the top: two volume buttons, a play/pause button, and a preset button to quickly access streaming services like Spotify or Amazon Music. At the bottom, you’ll find a small power button and a covered USB-C port for charging, though the speaker comes with a wireless charging pad for convenience.
Features
One of the standout features of the LinkBuds Speaker is its seamless integration with the LinkBuds family of products. The speaker automatically switches between playing through the speaker and your LinkBuds earbuds as you take them in and out of their charging case. When the earbuds are in use, the audio seamlessly shifts to the earbuds, and when you put them back in the case, the speaker resumes playing. This automatic transition works smoothly every time, as tested with the LinkBuds Fit earbuds.
In addition to this interconnectivity, the LinkBuds Speaker boasts an impressive 25 hours of playback time, which is more than the JBL Flip 6 (12 hours) and the JBL Charge 5 (20 hours). This makes it a great option for extended listening on the go. The speaker also includes a built-in microphone, allowing you to take voice calls—something the JBL Flip 6 lacks. The speaker does a good job of reproducing clear voices during calls, and the person on the other end can hear you clearly as well.
The LinkBuds Speaker also offers stereo pairing, meaning you can connect two speakers for an enhanced sound experience. It connects via Bluetooth 5.2, but it only supports SBC and AAC codecs. Unlike many of Sony’s earbuds, it lacks LDAC support.
The Sony SoundConnect app is available for managing the LinkBuds Speaker’s settings, including selecting your preferred music service, stereo pairing, and adjusting the speaker’s equalizer. While the app could be more user-friendly, it still provides useful features such as a five-band equalizer and quick access to streaming apps.
Sound Performance
The LinkBuds Speaker features a two-way speaker system with a 16mm tweeter and a 48x56mm balanced mid/bass driver, delivering what Sony claims is “impressive bass and clear vocals with less distortion.” Passive radiators further enhance the bass, while Sony’s Sound Diffusion Processor ensures that the sound is evenly distributed, rather than focused in a single direction.
In practice, the speaker lives up to this promise of omnidirectional sound. It delivers consistent audio quality from all angles, ensuring that the sound remains clear and well-balanced whether you’re standing directly in front of the speaker or off to the side. The midrange is particularly impressive, with a high level of detail that makes the vocals stand out, especially on tracks like REM’s “Nightswimming” or Stephen Fry’s narration of “Right Ho, Jeeves.”
While the speaker’s overall sound is clear and detailed, it lacks the punch and bass power that some other Bluetooth speakers, like the JBL Flip 6 or Charge 5, provide. The LinkBuds Speaker focuses on a clean, refined sound that may appeal to those who value detail over booming bass. However, for those who enjoy heavy bass, especially in genres like hip-hop or rock, the speaker’s sound may feel a bit too restrained. Tracks like Muse’s “Madness” sound clean and organized but lack the dynamic force that JBL’s models offer, particularly in more intense, bass-heavy moments.
Verdict
The Sony LinkBuds Speaker offers a refined, portable Bluetooth speaker option for those who prioritize sound clarity and design over powerful bass. While it doesn’t deliver the dynamic punch of competitors like the JBL Flip 6 or Charge 5, it offers an impressive level of detail, especially in the midrange and vocal reproduction. The speaker is perfect for casual listening, but if you’re after a speaker with heavy bass and punch, you may want to consider other options.
Rating
Sound: 4/5
Build: 4/5
Features: 5/5
