Sony LinkBuds Open vs Sony WF-1000XM6: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sony WF-1000XM6 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sony WF-1000XM6 - Outstanding overall at around $278.

True Wireless

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sony WF-1000XM6 leads on 5 of 7 measures.

Sony LinkBuds Open
Sony WF-1000XM6

HearWiki score

Sound

6.4

9.3

Noise cancelling

9.2

Battery

7.8

8.4

Calls

8.4

Value

5.5

8.1

Price (USD)

$230

$280

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

Sony WF-1000XM6 (2026) against Sony LinkBuds Open (2024). The Sony WF-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Wireless charging and Wear detection.

LinkBuds Open2024
WF-1000XM620262 yr newer

What differsLinkBuds OpenWF-1000XM6

ANC type: None; Adaptive
Wireless charging: No; Yes
Wear detection: No; Yes

Level on: Bluetooth, Top codec, LE Audio (LC3), Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app, Water resistance.

Specifications

LinkBuds OpenWF-1000XM6

Type: True Wireless; True Wireless
Price (USD): $230; $280
HearWiki score: 68; 85
Released: 2024; 2026
Availability: Still sold new; Sold new
Driver: 11 mm dynamic; 8.4 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 11 mm; 8.4 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 20 Hz - 40 kHz
Bluetooth: 5.3; 5.3
Codecs: SBC, AAC, LC3; SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing: Yes; Yes
Wireless range: 10 m; 10 m
Battery life: 8 h; 12 h
Battery life (ANC on): -; 8 h
Battery incl. case: 22 h; 24 h
Full charge time: 150 min; 90 min
Quick charge: 3 min → 1 h; 3 min → 1 h
Wireless charging: No; Yes
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: Alexa, Google Assistant; Google Assistant
Weight: 5.1 g; 6.5 g
Case weight: 30.6 g; 47.1 g
Water resistance: IPX4; IPX4
Foldable: No; -
Detachable cable: No; -
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Model code: WF-L910/B; -
Microphones: -; 8
Call noise reduction: -; Yes

Specification comparison of Sony LinkBuds Open vs Sony WF-1000XM6
Spec	Sony LinkBuds Open	Sony WF-1000XM6
Type	True Wireless	True Wireless
Price (USD)	$230	$280
HearWiki score	68 / 100 Good	85 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2026
Audio
Driver	11 mm dynamic	8.4 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	11 mm	8.4 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	20 Hz - 40 kHz
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.3	5.3
Codecs	SBC, AAC, LC3	SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing	Yes	Yes
Wireless range	10 m	10 m
Battery
Battery life	8 h	12 h
Battery life (ANC on)	-	8 h
Battery incl. case	22 h	24 h
Full charge time	150 min	90 min
Quick charge	3 min → 1 h	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	Alexa, Google Assistant	Google Assistant
Design
Weight	5.1 g	6.5 g
Case weight	30.6 g	47.1 g
Water resistance	IPX4	IPX4
Foldable	No	-
Detachable cable	No	-
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Model code	WF-L910/B	-
Calls
Microphones	-	8
Call noise reduction	-	Yes

What reviewers said

Sony LinkBuds Open

The Sony LinkBuds Open are open-ear wireless earbuds that prioritize comfort and environmental awareness over noise isolation. They offer a feature-rich experience with multipoint connectivity, app support, and a secure, lightweight fit, though their audio performance reflects the inherent trade-offs of the open design. Battery life is a notable strength, providing solid endurance for daily use.

Pro:Extremely comfortable and secure open-ear fit
Pro:Strong battery life for the form factor
Pro:Useful features like multipoint and custom EQ

Con:Sound lacks bass impact compared to sealed earbuds
Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Audio quality may not satisfy critical listeners

Sony WF-1000XM6

The Sony WF-1000XM6 true wireless earbuds deliver a top-tier audio experience with adaptive noise cancellation and a robust feature set, including LDAC support and multipoint connectivity. They perform exceptionally well for music and calls, though their premium price and case size are minor trade-offs. With strong battery life and IPX4 water resistance, they are a versatile, high-performance choice for most listeners.

Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
Pro:Rich, detailed sound with LDAC support
Pro:Solid battery life and wireless charging case

Con:Premium price point
Con:Included ear tips may not suit all ear shapes
Con:Charging case is somewhat bulky

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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