Having tested both the XM4s and Linkbuds S. I was honestly disappointed in the XM4s. The Buds S do better in everything than the XM4s except ANC and battery. The ANC was STILL impressive, sound was more balanced. I really liked the Linkbuds S more than the XM4s.
me too. I own both love both , but linkbuds s is better except sound, anc, and batter quality. Linkbuds s fit me better than xm4 despite both are comfortable in my small ears. i also own srsxb33 and wh-1000xm5. I like the linkbuds s for exercise bc no bone conduction issue of thumping noise with elephant feet on hardwood floor and concrete like sidewalks when they just ned in ward mic ot prevent it as they are air tight seal. i like the gray look of the earbuds too bc i never sen gray earbuds often as well as no creaking on lid unlike xm4 i have to push hinge to the left oto avoid and abnormal use case of pushing the middle bottom of the lid. Lukliy, linkbuds s 's battery is only 4 hours differece with anc on. I had to eq linkbuds s to sound better unlike xm4 but it hs that feature of eq so i didn ot brother wth the out of box sound not good. i put the xm4's hybrid foam tips on the linkbuds s to avoid the whoosh sound when clutching teeth or moving jaw. whe nusing silicon tips, which oddly is not there when using foam or hybrid foam tip. I prefer hybrid foam tips form Sony. since they least years and years unlike regular foam tips. Hybrid foam tips are the best. TBH, I have small ears. www.reddit.com/r/answers/comments/7ptpaf/why_is_it_that_when_i_clench_my_jaw_with/ www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/ltn0xb/when_i_wear_headphones_and_clench_my_jaw_shut_i/
I have small ears, I could never wear anything by Soundpeats comfortably. The Linkbuds S fit comfortably and securely without any discomfort. If you have smaller ears, the Linkbuds S might be your best bet. The next closest bvest fit for me was the Fiil style earbuds and Earfün buds based on Fiil style buds.
I love your reviews bro! I just bought the link buds S and they’re great, and after reading a lot of negative experience and cons on the xm4 about the fit and having battery drain I guess ill have to wait for Sony to show the xm5 and hoping that they reduce the size. I really wanted to buy the xm4 but im afraid of buying them and having the same issues. Hoping that to be pretty soon.
I deeply regret buying my XM4s. They're the most uncomfortable earbuds I've ever worn. They're enormous and feel jagged in my ear. The foam eartips themselves are comfortable, but they retain dirt and earwax and are super easily damaged if you try to clean them. They do sound good and the ANC is great, but I can't wear them more than 30 minutes to an hour without serious discomfort.
@@pickyaudio I'm getting better at not buying into the hype on stuff like this, but when there were and are so many major publications, reviewers big and small, etc. showering these things in praise it was harder to resist. I've found the same thing over and over again; that hyped up product is DEFINITELY not going to blow you away or meet every expectation. In fact, in many cases, major glaring problems are ignored or glossed over in these reviews.
@@pickyaudio I've tried many earbuds at this point in different categories and as of now I think the "flagship"/ultra-premium products in this category are almost never worth the extra cost, or the best option for your money. Mid range seems to be the way to go.
lol I'm looking at various in ear headphones, when I then look on YT I come across a review of them by you!!! Struggling to find a decent review of the Denon AH-C830NCW though @ £99 in the UK. Good reviews by the way, you've helped me cross a few off the list!!!
First of all I love your reviews very detailed and informativ. I had the Liberty 3 Pro's but they are broken now. So I need something new. I struggle to decide between the Nothing ear 2, the Linkbuds S and the Liberty 4. Which one would your recommend? Sound quality is the most important thing. All the best✌🏾️☺️
watching from many reviews and experience it my self, i think you can choose either of those 3 and would be happy with your choice, since they all have great ANC, and all have amazing sound for the price, just depends on what type of sound you like more, cuz they all really that good few drawbacks on the Sony tho, they don't have wireless charging, and the case fit and finish is a bit flimsy, although the nothing's case scratch easily, it's no doubt have the best build quality out of these 3
Please answer my question I can't/won't use spatial audio/head tracking and wireless charging...and those nodding gestures.... So now , which one should I get ? Link buds s @ (100$) Xm5 @ (200$) I already have Sony xb901n (200$)
thank you but linkbuds s do support smart switch now and it works great with both my android phones and also with my laptop although i didnt use them much with it
Please help me out, I have watched all your videos and more and can’t decide between the Sony WF-1000XM4s, the Bose QC Earbuds 2 and the Sennheiser Momentum TWS 3. I use them for some bass heavy music when working out and for listening to podcasts and watching movies. Which would be the one trick pony amongst these? If none, which would provide the best voice clarity and separation when watching movies? The Bose’s lack of multipoint is a bit heartbreaking.
Don't know about the XM4s. Bought the Sennheiser MTWS3 and it would not update to give me multi-point. So pissed off. Sad about Bose not having multi-point because I really like what they are saying about its ANC. I would buy them in an instant if they got multi-point.
@@J.I.R.A, I tried everything. Reset a few times. Nothing worked. I ended up returning them. Waiting for the new Sony, WF 1000 XM5. Hopefully it will have good sound, multi-point, top ANC and good microphones.
I had the xm4 switch to linkbuds s and I'm just not getting the bass unless i only listen to bass test and the volume near to max. It's more like having a midranger and tweeter in my ear.
After returning the linkbuds s i received my new sony xm4 and right out of the box i can hear some white nois is like wind nois on the left side so i went into the app and turnd off the nois and ambient sound off and didn't hear it anymore, could be firmware update needed i don't know. Would sony replace? If anyone knows.
Looking for a new pair of earbuds. Currently torn between the Linkbuds S and the Soundcore Space A40. I was pretty set on the Linkbuds S but a bit of researching led me to find issues that persist on the earbuds regarding wind noise and inconsistent battery. Now i dont know anymore :(
I have used the Linkbuds S on outdoor walks and I think they handle the wind very well. For a comparison my other buds LG Tone Free FP8 are basically unusable in windy conditions. As for the battery the only inconsistency I have noticed is that the right and left earbuds don't usually show exactly the same percentage (for example left=86%, right=90%) but the difference stays about the same so the other bud doesn't really drain faster.
@@sasropakis Though, Sony acknowledged the wind noise problem as a known issue at some point and is planning to come up with a fix. It may come in days or even months. I'm an ambient mode user. I dont use ANC or normal mode 90% of the time since its more "comfortable" for me to use the ambient mode as it gives the illusion of an openback pairs. The reports on wind noise and sony's slow update unfortunately doesnt give me 100% confidence to commit to a purchade.
Does your earbuds automatically change mode as soon as you start call so that you hear all surroundings? It seems like ANC is not working at all during the call and there is some white noise happening as soon as the call/ recording is started. Do you have same issue? Thanks
Hy are there any jbl products which are better than Sony linkbuds in terms of sound quality and comfort? If so please suggest some. I'm planning to buy a pair
It's only with the Sony WF-1000XM4's if they are charging. If you want, you can get the Sony LinkBuds in this video or the Sony WF-1000XM5 for a little extra.
If you think the Linkbuds sound better or equivalent to XM4, think again. Don't go by these reviews. Everyone's preference is different for audio, but if you like more flatish and more extended sound, get XM4. My friend bought Linkbuds s and I have xm4 and honestly he's disappointed with Linkbuds. Be it sound quality or ANC. So have a listen outside somewhere and get whatever you like. He returned Linkbuds BTW.
If you use hi-res streaming, xm4's are miles better. For those who have smaller ears, just avoid the Xm4's. Luckily, mine are big enough. Linkbuds don't have enough bass. For me, linkbuds have better comfort and call quality. Everything else is better on the wf1000xm4's.
Yeah bought the sony sound links buds and they sound shit like shit. Change to the xm4 and they sound way way better. Even my friend told me the sound link buds are crap.
i agree they sound just fine. that is if they were any budget company and not sony but still the size of the buds is just way better than the xm4s which kind of justify the sound quality and you could have changed some EQ it does make a deference
Stop promoting garbage products. Sony is a dying brand therefore limited/useless support. My purchased my Sony Linkbuds S in Germany and migrated to Canada. My battery died after 5-6 months and Sony support wants me to send them back to service centre in Germany.
This is exactly where I am I'm stuck between these three I checked through his comments Linkbuds s is the better option to go for but I'll keep checking too
I just got my Linkbud S pair - these are excellent! Your review is spot on.
Having tested both the XM4s and Linkbuds S. I was honestly disappointed in the XM4s. The Buds S do better in everything than the XM4s except ANC and battery. The ANC was STILL impressive, sound was more balanced. I really liked the Linkbuds S more than the XM4s.
me too. I own both love both , but linkbuds s is better except sound, anc, and batter quality. Linkbuds s fit me better than xm4 despite both are comfortable in my small ears. i also own srsxb33 and wh-1000xm5. I like the linkbuds s for exercise bc no bone conduction issue of thumping noise with elephant feet on hardwood floor and concrete like sidewalks when they just ned in ward mic ot prevent it as they are air tight seal. i like the gray look of the earbuds too bc i never sen gray earbuds often as well as no creaking on lid unlike xm4 i have to push hinge to the left oto avoid and abnormal use case of pushing the middle bottom of the lid. Lukliy, linkbuds s 's battery is only 4 hours differece with anc on. I had to eq linkbuds s to sound better unlike xm4 but it hs that feature of eq so i didn ot brother wth the out of box sound not good. i put the xm4's hybrid foam tips on the linkbuds s to avoid the whoosh sound when clutching teeth or moving jaw. whe nusing silicon tips, which oddly is not there when using foam or hybrid foam tip. I prefer hybrid foam tips form Sony. since they least years and years unlike regular foam tips. Hybrid foam tips are the best. TBH, I have small ears. www.reddit.com/r/answers/comments/7ptpaf/why_is_it_that_when_i_clench_my_jaw_with/
www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/ltn0xb/when_i_wear_headphones_and_clench_my_jaw_shut_i/
The XM4s are better in sound....wdym
LinkBuds S really sounds like a solid option for the money. Thank you for another great review, Picky! 👍
Thank Z
I have small ears, I could never wear anything by Soundpeats comfortably. The Linkbuds S fit comfortably and securely without any discomfort. If you have smaller ears, the Linkbuds S might be your best bet. The next closest bvest fit for me was the Fiil style earbuds and Earfün buds based on Fiil style buds.
Nice! Yep the Earfun free pro/free pro 2/FIIL buds aren't as thin but are just as compact
I love your reviews bro! I just bought the link buds S and they’re great, and after reading a lot of negative experience and cons on the xm4 about the fit and having battery drain I guess ill have to wait for Sony to show the xm5 and hoping that they reduce the size. I really wanted to buy the xm4 but im afraid of buying them and having the same issues. Hoping that to be pretty soon.
Thanks bro! Yea I don’t think it will be too long of a wait 👌
yeah they did actually, xm4 are approx 41g and xm5 are approx 39g
I deeply regret buying my XM4s. They're the most uncomfortable earbuds I've ever worn. They're enormous and feel jagged in my ear. The foam eartips themselves are comfortable, but they retain dirt and earwax and are super easily damaged if you try to clean them. They do sound good and the ANC is great, but I can't wear them more than 30 minutes to an hour without serious discomfort.
Yea same here sadly 😢
@@pickyaudio I'm getting better at not buying into the hype on stuff like this, but when there were and are so many major publications, reviewers big and small, etc. showering these things in praise it was harder to resist. I've found the same thing over and over again; that hyped up product is DEFINITELY not going to blow you away or meet every expectation. In fact, in many cases, major glaring problems are ignored or glossed over in these reviews.
@@pickyaudio I've tried many earbuds at this point in different categories and as of now I think the "flagship"/ultra-premium products in this category are almost never worth the extra cost, or the best option for your money. Mid range seems to be the way to go.
@@WinterReflections well said, most of the highend and flagship earbuds are nice to have, but they don't always worth to own
No for everyone
0:54 wow you are strong, only gymgoers know how impressive that bench is
Yeah I was thinking that too he must have a sleeper build
#flex haha
lol I'm looking at various in ear headphones, when I then look on YT I come across a review of them by you!!! Struggling to find a decent review of the Denon AH-C830NCW though @ £99 in the UK. Good reviews by the way, you've helped me cross a few off the list!!!
Thanks for the fantastic review. Very helpful! Have you done any test with Microsoft Teams call in terms of connectivity, call quality etc?
Thank you for such regular good videos.. nicely done.
Thank you 😊
First of all I love your reviews very detailed and informativ.
I had the Liberty 3 Pro's but they are broken now. So I need something new.
I struggle to decide between the Nothing ear 2, the Linkbuds S and the Liberty 4.
Which one would your recommend? Sound quality is the most important thing.
All the best✌🏾️☺️
watching from many reviews and experience it my self, i think you can choose either of those 3 and would be happy with your choice, since they all have great ANC, and all have amazing sound for the price, just depends on what type of sound you like more, cuz they all really that good
few drawbacks on the Sony tho, they don't have wireless charging, and the case fit and finish is a bit flimsy, although the nothing's case scratch easily, it's no doubt have the best build quality out of these 3
Thanks! I sad to hear about the liberty 3 pro 😢 like Ezra said any option is great but if I was to choose only one I’d go for the nothing ear 2
Loved the hardstyle kicks for the sub rating!
Can you try doing a comparison between the Google Pixel Buds Pro and the Sony Linkbuds S?
I tried linkbuds s but they will go back. I have the earfun free pro and they are so much better in clear Sound , Bass and they cost the half price.
Hello picky audio which of these earbuds should I buy soundcore space a40, jabra elite 4 active or the link buds s. I am stuck between buying them!
What do you think about Soundcore by Anker Space A40? Soundcore by Anker Space A40 vs SONY LinkBuds S
I’m yet to test the A40 properly. I wasn’t too impressed at first honestly but I think my pair may be faulty
Please answer my question
I can't/won't use spatial audio/head tracking and wireless charging...and those nodding gestures....
So now , which one should I get ?
Link buds s @ (100$)
Xm5 @ (200$)
I already have Sony xb901n (200$)
Just bought these for AUD $179 (US $119). It was on sales.
thank you but linkbuds s do support smart switch now and it works great with both my android phones and also with my laptop although i didnt use them much with it
Please help me out, I have watched all your videos and more and can’t decide between the Sony WF-1000XM4s, the Bose QC Earbuds 2 and the Sennheiser Momentum TWS 3. I use them for some bass heavy music when working out and for listening to podcasts and watching movies. Which would be the one trick pony amongst these? If none, which would provide the best voice clarity and separation when watching movies? The Bose’s lack of multipoint is a bit heartbreaking.
Don't know about the XM4s. Bought the Sennheiser MTWS3 and it would not update to give me multi-point. So pissed off.
Sad about Bose not having multi-point because I really like what they are saying about its ANC. I would buy them in an instant if they got multi-point.
I’d get the AirPods Pro 2, prob the most well balanced bud and even better if you’re in the Apple ecosystem
@@sicebim1 Have you managed to find a solution for the MTWS3? I feel the same way about the Bose earbuds. Hopefully there’ll be an update.
@@adamcohen4310 I can’t quite get them to fit properly in my ears and have to keep readjusting them every few minutes.
@@J.I.R.A, I tried everything. Reset a few times. Nothing worked. I ended up returning them.
Waiting for the new Sony, WF 1000 XM5. Hopefully it will have good sound, multi-point, top ANC and good microphones.
I had the xm4 switch to linkbuds s and I'm just not getting the bass unless i only listen to bass test and the volume near to max. It's more like having a midranger and tweeter in my ear.
After returning the linkbuds s i received my new sony xm4 and right out of the box i can hear some white nois is like wind nois on the left side so i went into the app and turnd off the nois and ambient sound off and didn't hear it anymore, could be firmware update needed i don't know. Would sony replace? If anyone knows.
Looking for a new pair of earbuds. Currently torn between the Linkbuds S and the Soundcore Space A40. I was pretty set on the Linkbuds S but a bit of researching led me to find issues that persist on the earbuds regarding wind noise and inconsistent battery. Now i dont know anymore :(
I have used the Linkbuds S on outdoor walks and I think they handle the wind very well. For a comparison my other buds LG Tone Free FP8 are basically unusable in windy conditions. As for the battery the only inconsistency I have noticed is that the right and left earbuds don't usually show exactly the same percentage (for example left=86%, right=90%) but the difference stays about the same so the other bud doesn't really drain faster.
@@sasropakis Though, Sony acknowledged the wind noise problem as a known issue at some point and is planning to come up with a fix. It may come in days or even months. I'm an ambient mode user. I dont use ANC or normal mode 90% of the time since its more "comfortable" for me to use the ambient mode as it gives the illusion of an openback pairs. The reports on wind noise and sony's slow update unfortunately doesnt give me 100% confidence to commit to a purchade.
Does your earbuds automatically change mode as soon as you start call so that you hear all surroundings? It seems like ANC is not working at all during the call and there is some white noise happening as soon as the call/ recording is started. Do you have same issue? Thanks
Hy are there any jbl products which are better than Sony linkbuds in terms of sound quality and comfort? If so please suggest some. I'm planning to buy a pair
picked the linkbuds s up 3 weeks ago or so? purely for how low profile it is.
Nice! 👍
I have tiny ears, which is better the link bud s or the soundcore a40 or the soundpeats mini? I do need to wear them for work which is about 8-10 hrs
Any issues with the linkbuds s? Reddit says it has a lot
Which ear tip are you using on linkbuds s ? it is seem like diffirent
The ones included
@@pickyaudio I lost mine with box 🥲 so if you should buy a new couple what is your choise
Spinfit CP360 would work great. They’re a very similar style but with more grip
@@pickyaudio Thank you bro
It still hasn’t been at least three months since multi point was added to the xm4?
Thanks for the video but pls get a coach for em bench presses😭😭😭😭
You're gonna break your back that way
Thanks! This is a safe way to barbell bench press. The strongest benchers use this technique 👍
lmao don't give advice on stuff you know nothing about
They get really hot. Worried about Sony products going into thermal runaway when charging or in use
It's only with the Sony WF-1000XM4's if they are charging. If you want, you can get the Sony LinkBuds in this video or the Sony WF-1000XM5 for a little extra.
If you think the Linkbuds sound better or equivalent to XM4, think again. Don't go by these reviews. Everyone's preference is different for audio, but if you like more flatish and more extended sound, get XM4. My friend bought Linkbuds s and I have xm4 and honestly he's disappointed with Linkbuds. Be it sound quality or ANC. So have a listen outside somewhere and get whatever you like. He returned Linkbuds BTW.
That must be user error. The Linkbud S sounds amazing! No problem getting a completely flat and natural sound!
@@hepphepps8356 have you listened to XM4
If you use hi-res streaming, xm4's are miles better. For those who have smaller ears, just avoid the Xm4's. Luckily, mine are big enough. Linkbuds don't have enough bass. For me, linkbuds have better comfort and call quality. Everything else is better on the wf1000xm4's.
Xm4 were 420$+tax before the 5 came out. I can get linkbuds s currently for 160$ plus tax vs 300$ xm4… its a no brainer
Linkb S has far more bass than needed and they sound superb with a tiny bit of tweaking!
the comfort issue can be changed with third party eartips. XM4s are amazing imo
Yeah bought the sony sound links buds and they sound shit like shit. Change to the xm4 and they sound way way better. Even my friend told me the sound link buds are crap.
i agree they sound just fine. that is if they were any budget company and not sony
but still the size of the buds is just way better than the xm4s which kind of justify the sound quality and you could have changed some EQ it does make a deference
What about Volume? You always speak about that 😢
I mentioned it near the end
@@pickyaudio Ups!
airpods pro 2 blow em all away. too bad it's design mostly for apple users ...almost a perfect tws.
The pro 2's aren't that much better
Airpods sound like shit
Stop promoting garbage products. Sony is a dying brand therefore limited/useless support. My purchased my Sony Linkbuds S in Germany and migrated to Canada. My battery died after 5-6 months and Sony support wants me to send them back to service centre in Germany.
Xm4 mic is absolute garbage. 1 USD mic.
that arch lol
Hello picky audio which of these earbuds should I buy soundcore space a40, jabra elite 4 active or the link buds s. I am stuck between buying them!
This is exactly where I am
I'm stuck between these three
I checked through his comments
Linkbuds s is the better option to go for but I'll keep checking too