Sony Linkbuds S Vs WF1000XM4 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Sony Linkbuds S Vs WF1000XM4

Both the Sony Linkbuds S & WF1000XM4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences such as sound quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Sony WF XM4 rather than Sony Linkbuds S.

Why Do I Recommend Sony WF XM4? 

  • The Sony’s WF-1000XM4 features noise cancelling technology with its HD Noise Cancelling Processor, which is renowned for its High Quality sound & listening experience. But the Sony Linkbuds S still providing robust noise cancelling,that provide slightly less isolated listening experience.
  • With the Sony WF1000XM4 earbuds, you’ll perceive more vocal and instrumental clarity than the Sony Linkbuds S. This improved clarity is helped by new 6mm dynamic drivers, compared to the Sony Linkbuds S .
  • The WF-1000XM4 offers exceptional sound quality with strong bass and a broad soundstage, enhanced by its support for LDAC, allowing high-resolution audio playback and the Sony Linkbuds S delivers balanced audio profile with clarity, particularly in the mid-range.
  • Battery performance is stronger in the Sony WF-1000XM4, with up to 8 hours with ANC on; 12 hours without. The Sony Linkbuds S offers up to 6 hours with ANC on; 9 hours without, which is ample but falls short of Sony’s offering.
  • The SONY WF-1000XM4 offers customizable touch controls, including Speak-to-Chat for pausing music when speaking. And the Sony Linkbuds S have touch controls with voice-activated commands but lacks the Speak-to-Chat feature.
  • The WF-1000XM4 Offers adjustable transparency mode, allowing users to control how much ambient sound to let in. On the other hand the Sony Linkbuds S features an automatic transparency mode with no manual adjustment.
  • Both headphones use USB-C for charging, but Sony supports wireless charging with its quick charge feature, providing 4 hours of playback from just 20 minutes of charging. On the other hand Sony Linkbuds S lacks quick charge feature, requiring about 1.5 hours for a full charge.

Maybe the Sony Linkbuds S price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Sony WF XM4. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureSony WF-1000XM4Sony LinkBuds S
DesignErgonomic, rounded design, slightly largerCompact, lightweight design, fits comfortably in the ear
Drivers6mm drivers5mm drivers
Audio QualityHigh-resolution sound, supported by LDAC codec; DSEE Extreme for upscalingClear sound quality with LDAC support; DSEE for upscaling
ANCIndustry-leading ANC with Adaptive Sound ControlBasic ANC, suitable for most environments
Transparency ModeYes, with adjustable levelsYes, with automatic transparency mode
Ambient Sound ControlAdaptive Sound Control adjusts sound settings based on the environmentNo manual adjustment for ambient sound
Battery Life (Earbuds)8 hours with ANC on, 12 hours without6 hours with ANC on, 9 hours without
Battery Life (Case)16 hours with ANC on, 24 hours without14 hours with ANC on, 20 hours without
Quick Charge5 minutes for 1 hour of playtime6 minutes for 1 hour of playtime
Charging OptionsUSB-C charging cable, wireless charging with Qi supportUSB-C charging cable
Audio CodecsLDAC, AAC, SBCLDAC, AAC, SBC
Voice Assistant SupportGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa, SiriGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.2, with Multipoint supportBluetooth 5.2, no Multipoint support
Water ResistanceIPX4IPX4
ControlsCustomizable touch controls, Speak-to-ChatTouch controls, Voice-activated commands
Sony Headphones Connect AppFull support for equalizer, ANC, and other settingsFull support for equalizer, ANC, and other settings
Smart FeaturesAdaptive Sound Control, auto-pause when removedAdaptive Sound Control, auto-pause when removed
CaseLarger, rounded caseCompact, pocket-friendly case
Colors AvailableBlack, Silver, GoldBlack, White, Ecru Blue
PriceCheck Sony WF XM4 PriceCheck Linkbuds S Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  1. Bluetooth Connectivity: Both offer Bluetooth 5.2 for a stable connection to devices, ensuring high-quality wireless audio streaming.
  2. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Both models provide ANC, reducing unwanted background noise for a focused listening experience.
  3. Transparency Mode: Both include a transparency mode that allows ambient sound to pass through, enabling awareness of the surroundings.
  4. Voice Assistant Support: Both earbuds support Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri, allowing hands-free control and interaction.
  5. Touch Controls: Both models offer touch controls for playback, volume adjustment, and voice assistant activation, making interaction seamless.
  6. Auto-Pause/Play: Both models automatically pause playback when removed from the ears and resume when worn, making listening convenient.
  7. Sony Headphones Connect App: Both models are supported by the Sony Headphones Connect app, which offers equalizer settings, ANC adjustments, and other customization options.
  8. DSEE: Both models include Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) technology, which upscales compressed audio files, enhancing audio quality.
  9. Water Resistance: Both models feature an IPX4 rating, making them resistant to sweat and splashes, allowing for use during workouts and in light rain.
  10. Quick Charge: Both models offer a quick charge feature, providing 1 hour of playtime after a 5-minute charge, ensuring rapid recovery of battery life.

Common Features

FeatureSony WF-1000XM4Sony LinkBuds S
Bluetooth ConnectivityBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)ANC ANC 
Transparency ModeTransparency mode Transparency mode 
Voice Assistant SupportSupports Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri, allowing hands-free control and interaction.Supports Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri, enabling hands-free control and interaction.
Touch ControlsTouch controls allow for playback, volume adjustment, and voice assistant activation, streamlining interaction.Touch controls offer playback, volume adjustment, and voice assistant activation, streamlining interaction.
Auto-Pause/PlayPlayback automatically pauses when removed from the ears and resumes when worn, making listening convenient.Automatically pauses playback when removed from ears and resumes when worn, making listening convenient.
Sony Headphones Connect AppSupported, providing customization options like equalizer settings, ANC adjustments, and other settings.Supported, offering equalizer settings, ANC adjustments, and other customization options.
DSEEDigital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) 
Water ResistanceIPX4IPX4
Price Check Sony WF XM4 Price Check Linkbuds S Price

FAQ

  1. Q: What is the main difference between the Sony WF-1000XM4 and the Sony LinkBuds S?
    • A: The WF-1000XM4 offers a higher-end experience with superior audio quality, industry-leading noise cancellation, and adaptive sound control. The LinkBuds S focuses on lightweight comfort, affordability, and practical features.
  2. Q: How does the ANC compare between the two models?
    • A: The WF-1000XM4 has industry-leading ANC with Adaptive Sound Control, making it more powerful and responsive than the basic ANC offered by the LinkBuds S.
  3. Q: Can both models connect to multiple devices simultaneously?
    • A: The WF-1000XM4 supports multipoint Bluetooth 5.2, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously, while the LinkBuds S does not have this feature.
  4. Q: How do the batteries compare between the Sony WF-1000XM4 and the LinkBuds S?
    • A: The WF-1000XM4 provides 8 hours of battery life with ANC on (12 hours without), while the LinkBuds S offers 6 hours with ANC on (9 hours without). The WF-1000XM4’s charging case adds an additional 16 hours of battery life, compared to 14 hours from the LinkBuds S’s case.
  5. Q: Do both models support wireless charging?
    • A: The WF-1000XM4 supports wireless charging with Qi technology, while the LinkBuds S only offers USB-C charging.
  6. Q: How do the audio codecs compare between the two models?
    • A: Both models support LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs, ensuring high-quality audio streaming and compatibility with various devices.
  7. Q: Do both models support voice assistants?
    • A: Yes, both the WF-1000XM4 and the LinkBuds S support Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri, allowing for hands-free control and interaction.
  8. Q: Are both models water-resistant?
    • A: Yes, both the WF-1000XM4 and the LinkBuds S have an IPX4 rating, making them resistant to sweat and splashes, suitable for workouts and light rain.
  9. Q: What apps are available for customizing the earbuds?
    • A: Both models are supported by the Sony Headphones Connect app, offering customization options like equalizer settings, ANC adjustments, and other settings.
  10. Q: Which model is better for long listening sessions?
    • A: The WF-1000XM4 has longer battery life and a secure fit, making it suitable for extended listening sessions. The LinkBuds S, on the other hand, has a lightweight design, providing comfort for long-term use.
  11. Q: What are the pricing differences between the two models?
    • A: The WF-1000XM4 is priced higher due to its premium features, while the LinkBuds S offers a more affordable option for casual users.