Sony LinkBuds Clip
The Sony LinkBuds Clip are Sony’s first clip‑on, open‑ear wireless earbuds, designed to let you listen to music while staying fully aware of your surroundings. They clip around the ear rather than sealing inside it, offering comfort, airflow, and natural transparency
Jumoka Cobbs 
Sony LinkBuds Clip Review Score
Mixed reviews - 5 reviewers had varied opinions
5
Reviews
79.0
Highest
68.0
Lowest
Battery
Buds:Up to 9hrs case:Up to 28hrs
Bluetooth
5.3
Water Resistant
IPX4
Review Sources:
| Publication | Score (100) | Review Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engadget | Jan 21, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"Sony tried its hand at a clip-on, open-fit design, but didn't do enough to set the LinkBuds Clip apart from the competition." | |||
| The Verge | Jan 25, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The Sony LinkBuds Clip are comfortable with good sound, but are light on features for the price." | |||
| Lifehacker | Jan 27, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"Probably not the only earbuds you should own, but an excellent secondary pair for when you’re out and about." | |||
| CNET | Jan 21, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"While there isn't anything terribly innovative about Sony's new $230 LinkBuds Clip earbuds, they're attractively designed, sound good and feature strong voice-calling performance." | |||
| Soundguys | Jan 31, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The bottom lineOpen earbuds are a bit odd, but definitely suit many people's needs. If you're looking for clip-style open earbuds, the Sony LinkBuds Clip are a solid addition to the LinkBuds line." | |||
| * Price represents starting price. Price can increase based on product options and selection. | |||
🤓 Nerd Verdict
Updated: February 7, 2026
While the Sony LinkBuds Clip offer excellent transparency for staying aware of your surroundings, they come at a premium price that might not justify their cost for everyone.
✅ Strengths
- The Sony LinkBuds Clip provide perfect transparency, which is highly valued by reviewers for safety and situational awareness. The earbuds are also well-designed and comfortable to wear, with a premium glossy finish that adds to their appeal. Additionally, they feature good battery life and excellent voice-calling performance.
⚠️ Weaknesses
- The LinkBuds Clip are priced at $230, which is significantly higher than many competitors, making them less attractive for budget-conscious consumers. Some reviewers noted that the touch controls can be finicky, requiring multiple attempts to activate desired functions. Furthermore, while they offer transparency, their performance in noisy environments like planes or trains is suboptimal.
💡 Bottom Line
If you frequently find yourself in situations where hearing your surroundings is crucial and are willing to pay a premium for quality and comfort, the Sony LinkBuds Clip might be worth considering as a secondary pair of earbuds. However, if budget constraints are more important, there are likely better options available that still offer great transparency without the high price tag.
