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ZDNET Highlights
- The Sony LinkBuds come with clip ear fitting cushions.
- These cushions dramatically change the way the earbuds fit and perform.
- If your ear structure is compatible with clip-on earbuds, you won’t need them.
Sony’s linkbuds clip It includes removable ear-fitting cushions, which address fit and stability issues common with clip-on open-ear earbuds. Sony’s inclusion of fitting cushion is ideal for people like me who stay away from clip-on earbuds due to poor fit, which often degrades the listening experience and causes discomfort.
Luckily, these cushions are included with your purchase, similar to eartip replacements for in-canal earbuds.
Also: Sony LinkBuds Clip vs Bose Ultra Open
I haven’t seen third-party products that solve the same problem as Sony’s fitting cushions, and people with ear anatomy that’s suitable for clip-on earbuds won’t need them. However, if clip-on earbuds feel heavy, prick your ears, or create pressure after a few minutes of wear, these may enhance your experience. This way.
Why is the design great?
I rarely wear clip-on earbuds because after a few minutes, I start feeling an uncomfortable amount of pressure; I believe my ear anatomy is not ideal for this style of earbuds, so I’ll stick with my AirPods. After fitting my LinkBuds clip with the included cushion, the gap between the earbuds’ hook and my ear closed, allowing the earbuds to clip onto the firmer part of my ear.
Sony’s clip-on earbuds aren’t fundamentally different from competitors; They all use rigid materials in the hinges to achieve a one-size-fits-all form factor. For some unlucky people like me, this form factor causes ear fatigue and pain, which can be easily corrected with fitting cushions. Instead of the earbuds relying solely on your concha for support, the cushions attach to your helix as an additional support anchor.
As a result, I can see myself wearing these earbuds for most of my workday, which wasn’t possible with the competing models I tested.
How does this translate into audio performance
In addition to physical discomfort, a poor fit can negatively impact your audio quality and voice pickup when making phone calls. A stable fit is even more important for those who gravitate toward clip-on earbuds for exercise, as quick, forceful movements can easily disrupt your intended fit.
Plus: Shox’s latest earbuds have a unique trick that puts them above OpenRun for me
Your experience with clip-on earbuds depends on the fit more than you think, as this style of earbuds is highly directional, and the slightest change in fit can change the way sound is delivered to your ears. The cushioned fit kept the LinkBuds clip more stable on my ears, reducing the chance of the speaker moving and keeping my audio experience more consistent.
my decision
Sony’s ear fitting cushions dramatically changed my feeling about clip-on earbuds. Instead of agony and fear of less-than-ideal audio quality, this quick fix showed me why people are so excited about this style of earbuds. On the face of it, the fitting cushion seems like an obvious accessory for manufacturers to consider, so I hope more brands follow Sony’s lead here.
Also: Your Sony headphones just got a useful Bluetooth upgrade with the latest software patch
Clip-on earbuds are becoming extremely popular, and Sony’s entry into the market has further strengthened that popularity. However, a universal approach to form factor can put consumers off ears that cause misalignment, and Sony helps address this issue at the time of purchase. For linkbuds clipAt the $230 price point, maximum fit and audio experience is essential.
