The wireless earbuds craze began over five years ago when Apple launched its first AirPods. That moment set off a wave of innovation across the audio industry, and since then, both demand and variety have exploded. Today, the market is overflowing with choices — from ultra-budget options costing a few euros to premium models with sky-high price tags. Amid this noise, Sony has carved out a solid reputation with its audio gear.
Back in 2022, I had the chance to test Sony’s LinkBuds series. Now, the company has followed up with an updated version: the Sony LinkBuds Fit — a refresh of the earlier LinkBuds S. Let’s explore what makes these earbuds stand out, and whether they deserve a place in your ears.
Design
Sony’s approach to design in the LinkBuds lineup hasn’t exactly been consistent. The Fit version is the third in the series, and it looks noticeably different from its predecessors. Still, it has its own charm — coming in a neat, compact box that includes a charging case small enough to slip easily into a pocket or get lost in a big backpack.
The square-shaped case looks like one of those candy burgers kids love — with a USB-C port and pairing button on the back, an LED on the front, and the earbuds nestled inside. The earbuds themselves are lightweight, small, and super comfortable. It’s clear Sony has fitness-focused users in mind. And rightly so — they’re a great match for people who work out often.
As the name “Fit” implies, they sit snugly in your ears. After a few minutes, you might even forget they’re there. Even after an hour or two, there’s no discomfort — just smooth, easy listening.
Sound and Performance
Sound is where things get interesting. If the older LinkBuds S delivered well-balanced audio, the LinkBuds Fit come across like they’ve been given a sonic energy boost. Think of it as the S model on steroids — especially if you’re hitting the gym or running outside. The bass is bold, and the overall sound has a driving punch that helps you stay motivated during workouts.
That said, the strong low-end can slightly compromise detail and nuance. So if crystal-clear audio is your top priority, this might not be the best match. But for daily use or high-energy sessions, the LinkBuds Fit more than hold their own.
They support SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs — plus Sony’s DSEE tech, which helps enhance lower-quality tracks. As for noise cancellation, it’s decent but nothing groundbreaking. It blocks a fair amount of ambient noise, but you’ll still hear some background sounds. If you spend a lot of time in loud environments, there are stronger options at this price point.
Everything is adjustable via the Sony Headphones Connect app. You can tweak noise cancellation, ambient sound levels, and access other basic settings. The app is functional but nothing flashy — just a reliable way to manage your Sony audio gear.
Battery Life
Here’s where things dip a bit. These earbuds offer around 5.5 hours of playtime with noise cancelling on, and up to 8 hours without it — pretty average. The case adds another 15.5 hours. Compared to Sony’s WF-C510, which lasts up to 11 hours but lacks noise cancelling, this model feels slightly underwhelming.
Charging is done via USB-C — no wireless charging here — and it takes roughly three hours to fully top off.
Final Verdict
So, are the Sony LinkBuds Fit worth buying? If you’re looking for compact, comfortable earbuds built for movement — and you value punchy sound above all — they’re a strong option. They feel tailor-made for sporty, on-the-go lifestyles.
However, be aware of the drawbacks: the battery life is average, and the noise cancelling doesn’t lead the pack. If possible, try them before buying to see if their sound profile suits your taste. All in all, a solid but situational pair of earbuds.
