True Wireless
Sony LinkBuds Open
72Good
$230
Full review dataSony LinkBuds Open vs Sony WF-1000XM6: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sony WF-1000XM6 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sony WF-1000XM6 - Outstanding overall at around $298.
True Wireless
Sony WF-1000XM6
88Outstanding
$300
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Sony LinkBuds Open
Sound6.5
Battery8.0
Value7.0
Sony WF-1000XM6
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Sony LinkBuds Open | Sony WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $230 | $300 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2024 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 11mm ring-shaped driver unit | dynamic |
| Driver type | - | custom driver |
| Driver size | 11 mm | 8.4 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless range | 10 m | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 12 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 8 h |
| Battery incl. case | 22 h | 24 h |
| Full charge time | 150 min | 90 min |
| Quick charge | approx. 3 min = up to 60 min playback | 3 min = 1 h |
| Wireless charging | No | Yes |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes |
| ANC type | none | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes | Yes |
| Custom EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Wear detection | No | Yes |
| Controls | touch | touch |
| Voice assistant | - | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 5.1 g | 6.4 g |
| Case weight | 30.6 g | 47 g |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | No | - |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 8 |
| Microphone | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Sony LinkBuds Open
The Sony LinkBuds Open are open-style wireless earbuds that prioritize situational awareness and all-day comfort over noise isolation. They offer a clever ring-driver design, solid battery life, and a robust feature set, though their sound signature is a compromise typical of this category. They are a practical choice for those who need to stay tuned in to their surroundings, but audiophiles may find the audio performance underwhelming.
- Pro:Extremely comfortable and lightweight for all-day wear
- Pro:Strong battery life with quick charging support
- Pro:Transparency-focused design keeps you aware of your environment
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Sound quality is not as rich or immersive as sealed earbuds
- Con:Lacks wireless charging support
Sony WF-1000XM6
The Sony WF-1000XM6 true wireless earbuds deliver a top-tier audio experience with adaptive noise cancellation and robust sound quality, making them a strong all-around choice for daily use and workouts. They feature a long battery life, LDAC support, and multipoint connectivity, though their premium price and slightly bulky case are minor trade-offs. Overall, they excel in most areas, with call clarity and customization options further boosting their appeal.
- Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
- Pro:Rich, detailed sound with LDAC support
- Pro:Long battery life even with ANC on
- Con:Premium price point may deter budget buyers
- Con:Charging case is somewhat larger than rivals
- Con:Stock ear tips might not fit all ear shapes
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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