Sony doesn’t want to plug your ears anymore. The company has unveiled the LinkBuds Clip, a new pair of wireless earbuds designed to sit on the ear rather than inside it, letting users hear their music and the world around them simultaneously.
Sony says the LinkBuds Clip is built around an “always-on” open design that keeps users aware of their surroundings while listening to music, podcasts, or taking calls. Unlike traditional in-ear earbuds, the clip-style design avoids blocking the ear canal, which Sony says reduces ear fatigue and makes the earbuds comfortable enough for all-day wear.
The company positions the earbuds as ideal for daily activities like commuting, running, walking, or working, where hearing traffic, announcements, or conversations matters just as much as audio playback.
The LinkBuds Clip features a C-shaped form that wraps around the ear without applying pressure inside it. Sony says this design allows the earbuds to fit a wide range of ear shapes. To help fine-tune comfort and stability, removable fitting cushions are included and can be adjusted along the band.
Smarter listening modes
Since open earbuds can sometimes struggle in loud environments, Sony added three specific modes you can toggle by tapping the device:
- Standard mode: Balanced audio for general music.
- Voice boost: Designed to make podcasts or audiobooks clearer when you’re in a noisy train station.
- Sound leakage reduction: A “quiet mode” that prevents your neighbors from hearing your music in a silent office.
While the design is new, the internal tech relies on Sony’s established audio expertise, including DSEE upscaling to improve the quality of compressed music.
Sony is also tackling call quality with a “bone conduction sensor.” This tech picks up the vibrations of your voice directly from your body, which, when combined with AI noise reduction, helps filter out wind or street noise so the person on the other end can hear you clearly.
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Battery, price, and availability
The LinkBuds Clip boasts a total of 37 hours of battery life — nine hours from the buds themselves and another 28 from the charging case. If you’re in a rush, a quick three-minute charge will give you an hour of playback.
The LinkBuds Clip is available now for $229.99 USD ($299.99 CAD). The LinkBuds Clip comes in black, greige, green, and lavender. Optional case covers and fitting cushions are sold separately ($24.99) in multiple colors, allowing users to mix and match.
Also read: Limited-edition Year of the Horse AirPods Pro 3 shows how earbuds are starting to look like collectibles, not just commute gear.