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 - 7 reviewers had varied opinions
7
Reviews
82.0
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." | |||
| Wired | Feb 16, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"Sony’s latest LinkBuds, the Clip, are fine. They’re not the best sounding or lightest buds in their class, and their clip-on design cribs loads of earbuds before them, most notably from Anker's Soundcore line. Sony adds some fun colorways to mix thin" | |||
| Mashable | Feb 21, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"Sony's no stranger to the open-ear category — its original LinkBuds were one of the first you could buy — and yet the company remained content to stick with an in-ear shape, even while brands like Shokz and Soundcore were enjoying success" | |||
| * Price represents starting price. Price can increase based on product options and selection. | |||
⚔ Top Competitors
_Black_04.jpg/jcr:content/renditions/cq5dam.web.1920.1920.jpeg)
📦 More from Sony
⬆ Higher Rated
🤓 Nerd Verdict
Updated: February 25, 2026
The Sony LinkBuds Clip are a solid choice for those looking into open earbuds, especially if you're a Sony fan, but they might not be worth the $230 price tag given the competition.
✅ Strengths
- While The Verge praised their comfort and glasses compatibility, CNET found their battery life impressive at 9 hours per charge.
- The inclusion of color-matched silicone skins for the charging case adds both style and protection.
- They offer a good balance between design and functionality, with clear sound quality and convenient controls.
⚠️ Weaknesses
- The awkward case configuration makes it less convenient to use compared to some alternatives.
- Call quality is mediocre, which could be a significant drawback in noisy environments.
- At $230, the price point is high for buds that can't handle loud noises or deep water, making them less versatile than their cheaper counterparts.
💡 Bottom Line
If you're a Sony loyalist and value convenience and comfort over pure sound quality, the LinkBuds Clip are worth considering. However, if you prioritize overall performance and affordability, there are better options available in the market.
