Live in the moment
LinkBuds Open are uniquely designed with an open ring drive to keep you connected to your surroundings. What's more, the compact design and new Air Fitting Supporters for LinkBuds Open make them comfortable enough to wear all day.
Connected, present
The open ring driver unit at the centre of the diaphragm maintains audio transparency, so you can hear the world around you. You'll hear when someone calls your name while you're on a call, and stay connected to your friends while you listen to music.
Automatically adjusts sound volume to your environment
Adaptive Volume Control is a smart function that automatically optimises volume based on where you are. Enjoy lower volume in quiet places and higher volume in noisier environments.
Comfortable and stable
LinkBuds Open combines a shape that perfectly matches the human ear with an ergonomic design for a more stable fit. We've designed LinkBuds Open utilising extensive ear shape data collated since introducing the world's first in-ear headphones in 1982, as well as evaluation of the sensitivity of various types of ears to ensure an ideal shape that is comfortable for many people.
Innovative Fitting Supporters
LinkBuds Open are built with an evolved geometric form that fits comfortably in the ear. The newly developed Fitting Supporters ensure a stable fit for various ear sizes. Their wide coverage range maintains the fit at the tip in larger ears and at the middle for smaller ears.
Compact and lightweight
Small and light, LinkBuds Open are as easy to store and carry as they are to wear all day, wherever you go.
All-day comfort
The newly developed Air Fitting Supporters for LinkBuds Open have a soft and ergonomic form factor, making them comfortable for longer.
Authentic, high-fidelity sound
Enjoy well-balanced, high-quality audio with clear mid- to high-ranges, powered by our Integrated Processor V2 and the specially-designed 11 mm ring-shaped driver unit.
Music, as it should sound
Our unique 11 mm ring shaped driver had to overcome significant design challenges to deliver such high-quality sound. A high-compliance diaphragm and powerful neodymium magnet were specially selected to reproduce clear mid-high frequency sounds.
Superior sound balance
Our Integrated Processor V2 offers an authentic listening experience by reproducing the detail in your music with minimal distortion. The sound tuning is intentionally designed to be well-balanced from low to high frequencies, with natural and clear vocals.
Keeping your authentic sound
When an original music source is compressed, it loses the high-frequency elements that add detail and richness to a track. Our Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE™) faithfully restores these to produce high-quality sound that's closer to the original recording.
Ultra-clear, noise-free calls
With precise voice pickup technology and advanced audio signal processing, the person on the other end of the call will hear your voice clearly, even when you're somewhere noisy. Our noise reduction algorithm was developed with AI machine learning using more than 500 million voice samples to suppress ambient noise and extract your voice clearly in a wide range of environments.
A new sound experience for AR gaming
If you're looking for new entertainment options beyond music and movies, the LinkBuds Open uses new sensors and spatial sound technology to deliver immersive sound for Augmented Reality games like "Ingress" from Niantic.
When playing "Ingress" with the LinkBuds Open, sensor and spatial sound technologies deliver a new experience: using head tracking, the sound is conveyed from different directions to line up perfectly with the action on the screen.
Head tracking function
With compatible smartphones and services, head tracking creates a realistic and compelling listening experience by automatically adjusting sound fields to compensate for your head movement. Sounds are precisely aligned with your smartphone screen, even as you move, to completely involve you in your viewing.
Conventional use
With conventional earbuds, when your head moves, the sound moves with the earbuds. This disconnects the sound from its position in space, impairing the 3D effect and presence.
With head-tracking capability
With head tracking, when you move your head, the sound field retains its original position in 3D space, for a realistic viewing and listening experience.
Certified earbuds for a personalised experience
With 360 Reality Audio certified earbuds and the Sony | Sound Connect app, optimise your experience by analysing your individual ear shape, and enjoy the ultimate immersive music experience.
A personal cinematic experience With BRAVIA
Enjoy a thrilling Dolby Atmos® experience and 360 Spatial Sound that adapts to your ears with BRAVIA and these headphones.
360 Spatial Sound Personalizer
With the Sony | 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer app, you'll enjoy a sound experience that's optimised for you. The app captures and analyses your ear shape, allowing these headphones to create your own personal spatial sound field when paired with BRAVIA TVs.
Seamless sounds. Pure joy
Switch playback between your LinkBuds earbuds and an optional LinkBuds Speaker seamlessly every time with Auto Switch. Simply place your headphones back in their case when you're near the Speaker and playback will continue on the Speaker. It automatically switches back when you take your earbuds out again for on-the-go listening.
Quick Access
A shortcut to your music with simple taps, and no need to touch your smartphone. You can simply enjoy your music effortlessly.
Experience Auto Play
Auto Play delivers music and audio notifications exactly when you need them. Playback starts automatically when you put your headphones in - no need to touch your smartphone - and plays the right music for the moment, based on your daily routines or sensing activities like a daily walk, gym workout, or commute. And, with Voice Cue you'll still be notified of important information like appointments and reminders, so you can always stay connected to both life and entertainment wherever you go.
Near, not just on the ear
With Wide Area Tap, you can use double or triple taps in front of either of your ears to control your music playback, so there's no need to touch the LinkBuds themselves to operate them.
Instant pause. Instant play.
Just take the earbuds out of your ears and the music stops. A proximity sensor knows when you are wearing one or both earbuds. Pop the earbuds back in and the music starts again.
Control headphones with head gestures
You can operate your earbuds using natural head gestures, like receiving or declining calls or operating Auto Play by nodding or shaking your head.
Control with your voice
Get hands-free help - just say "Hey Google" or "Alexa" to activate your preferred voice assistant. Listen to music, connect with friends, get notifications, set reminders, and more when connected to your smartphone. Or, you can also use built-in voice control for volume, and playback when connected to any device.
Talk and hear only ambient sound
You can set Speak-to-Chat to automatically pause the music as soon as you speak to someone, so you can hear just ambient sound and conduct a conversation - handy if you want to keep your earbuds on or your hands are full. And once your chat is over, your music starts playing again automatically.
Total convenience for everyday ease
Packed full of convenient features, perfect for daily use.
Total convenience, total customisation
LinkBuds Open are even better with the Sound Connect app. The simple, intuitive interface lets you dial in your ideal sound and shortcut settings, and can keep track of your recent listening history. Safe Listening even lets you check you're in line with WHO healthy listening habits.
Background Music Effect
When activated, Background Music Effect uses Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to make audio sound as though it's playing in your space, rather than feeling like it's localised in your head - perfect for when you're doing other tasks, or want something a little less intense.
Listen all day, charge in minutes
You can enjoy a full 8 hours of listening from your earbuds and store another 14 hours in the case. That means up to 22 hours of listening time every time you leave the house. In a hurry? Just a 3-minute quick charge gives you up to 60 minutes of play time, and the Sony | Sound Connect app will even notify you when your charging case drops below 30%.
Multipoint Connection
For total convenience, these Bluetooth® earbuds can be paired with two devices at the same time. So when a call comes in, your earbuds know which device is ringing and connects to the right one automatically.
Water resistant for everyday use
With an IPX4 water resistance rating, splashes and sweat won't stop these earbuds, so you can keep on moving to the music.
Find your earbuds with Fast Pair
In one tap, the LinkBuds Open enables quick, effortless Bluetooth pairing with your Android devices. You can even check to see where you last placed it.
Easy pairing with your computer
Swift Pair makes it quick and easy to pair your earbuds with your Windows 11 or Windows 10 laptop, desktop PC or tablet. Pop-up pairing guidance appears on nearby Windows 11 or Windows 10 devices when pairing mode is selected.
Next-generation Bluetooth® audio
These earbuds are ready for LE Audio (Beta version), a next-generation wireless audio standard that enables ultra low latency, ideal for gaming.
A clearer, more stable Bluetooth® signal
For low latency and high sound quality, even around other interference, the Bluetooth® signal is transmitted to both ears at the same time. Thanks to the powerful Integrated Processor V2, you'll enjoy stable, skip-free, wireless sound.
*(A) Conventional L to R Relay BT Transmission. (B) LinkBuds L/R Simultaneous BT Transmission
Aiming to achieve a zero environmental footprint
Inspired by the beauty of the world, Sony is doing its part to help preserve the Earth, while still offering superior sound quality and listening experiences. With a goal of achieving a zero environmental footprint across the entire Sony Group by the year 2050, we are accelerating numerous green initiatives.
Recycled plastic materials
LinkBuds Open incorporate recycled plastic materials in both the earbuds and the charging case.
No plastic in individual packaging
No plastic is included in the packaging material for LinkBuds Open, reflecting our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our products.
Accessibility
We believe technology should make the world more interactive, more creative, more entertaining, and more inclusive. By incorporating human-centric, inclusive design into our audio products, we deliver our Kando experience to all our users, regardless of age, ability or environment.
Size & Weight
WEIGHT
Approx. 5.1g x 2 (including fitting supporters)
General Features
HEADPHONE TYPE
Open Air
DRIVER UNIT
11mm
MAGNET
High-power neodymium magnets
FREQUENCY RESPONSE(BLUETOOTH® COMMUNICATION)
20 Hz - 20,000 Hz (44.1 kHz sampling)
VOLUME CONTROL
Yes
WATERPROOF
Yes (IPX4 equivalent)
MULTIPOINT CONNECTION
Yes
DSEE
Yes
Battery
BATTERY CHARGE TIME
Approx. 1.5 Hrs
BATTERY CHARGE METHOD
USB charge (with case)
BATTERY LIFE(CONTINUOUS MUSIC PLAYBACK TIME)
Max. 8 hrs
BATTERY LIFE(CONTINUOUS COMMUNICATION TIME)
Max. 4.5 hrs
BATTERY LIFE(WAITING TIME)
Max. 13 hrs
Bluetooth® Specification
BLUETOOTH® VERSION
Bluetooth Specification Version 5.32
EFFECTIVE RANGE
10m
FREQUENCY RANGE
2.4 GHz band (2.400 0 GHz - 2.483 5 GHz)
PROFILE
A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, CSIP, MCP, VCP, CCP
SUPPORTED AUDIO FORMAT(S)
SBC, AAC, LC3
SUPPORTED CONTENT PROTECTION
SCMS-T
Charging Case
WEIGHT
Approx. 30.6 g
DIMENSION
Approx. 46.0 x 46.0 x 29.4 mm
BATTERY CHARGE TIME
Approx. 2.5 Hrs (USB charging)
As an international traveller you are entitled to bring a certain amount/value of goods that are free of Customs duty and exempt Goods and Services tax (GST) into New Zealand. This is called your duty free allowance and personal goods concession. It is important to review these for any purchases you make on The Mall.
Your duty free allowance entitles you to bring into New Zealand the following quantities of alcohol products free of customs duty and GST provided you are over 17 years of age. You do need to be 18 years or over to purchase.
- Up to six bottles (4.5 litres) of wine, champagne, port or sherry or
- Up to twelve cans (4.5 litres) of beer
- And three bottles (or other containers) each containing not more than 1125ml of spirits, liqueur, or other spirituous beverages
Goods other than alcohol and tobacco, whether purchased overseas or purchased duty free in New Zealand, that have a combined total value not exceeding NZ$700 may also be brought as part of your personal goods concession.
When travelling overseas there are legal limits on the amount of duty free alcohol and other goods you can take with you. These amounts will vary depending on the country you are flying into. We always recommend you check the latest limits and exemptions.
Your order can be picked up at an Auckland Airport Collection Point. There is one in departures and one at arrivals in the international terminal. Alternatively, if you are arriving between 11pm and 6am you will be able to collect your order from our lockers. See map
Please bring your order confirmation email and your passport. If you are collecting from lockers you will have been sent an email with your access code, be sure to have this on you in order to collect your order.
If you’re departing Auckland Airport, we recommend that you come to the Auckland Airport Collection Point at least 60 minutes before your flight. If you miss your pickup time or your flight details have changed please let us know as soon as possible.
When you collect your order you will have the opportunity to inspect the items and sign for them.
If you need to return an item, our Collection Point team are there to help you. If you are collecting after hours please return the item to your locker and our team will be in touch as soon as possible. You may also like to view our Returns & refunds which provides information on how this works and outlines the individual retailer's returns and refunds policies.
After Hours Collections
If your order needs to be collected after the Auckland Airport Collection Point desk is closed, your order will be placed in the lockers next to the desk. All the details you will need to collect your order will be provided in your Order Confirmation and Ready to Collect Email.