Home Wireless Earbuds Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Vs. Sony Linkbuds S

Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Vs. Sony Linkbuds S Review

Last updated on Aug 18, 2024   14 minute read
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Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

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Reasons why you might like the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Overall Score 7.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 6 hours
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
VS
Sony LinkBuds S

Sony LinkBuds S

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Reasons why you might like the Sony LinkBuds S

Overall Score 7 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 6 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Vs. Sony Linkbuds S Review In Summary

Category Features Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) Sony LinkBuds S
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IPX4 IPX4
weight 8.56g 9.6g
has no wires or cables
sweat resistance
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (noise control)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 11mm 5mm
lowest frequency 10Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 20,000Hz 40,000Hz
POWER battery life 6hours 6hours
battery life of charging case 30hours 14hours
charge time 0.3hours 2hours
has wireless charging
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5 v5.2
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has aac
has ldac
MICROPHONE number of microphones 6only 6only
has a noise-canceling microphone
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has find earbuds feature
supports fast charging
multipoint count 2only
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
warranty period 1Years
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
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Ingress protection ratings refer to the rank of protection offered by an enclosure, against solids and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value of the IP rating means protection against solids such as dust, followed by the one that refers to protection against liquids (water).

Having a value of IPX4, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s rating is read as, the first number of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second number of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes. Compared to the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), Sony LinkBuds S have a rating of IPX4 meaning that we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust) and that of liquids is that, they both have the same rating against liquids The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a weight of 8.56g . We prefer a lower weight best for the reason that lighter devices are easier to carry.

The Sony LinkBuds S, at 9.6g weigh more than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by of 1.04g True wireless devices have no cables connecting any part of the device together, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are true wireless for this case since they have no wires. This is a major distinction since wireless earbuds have cables connecting the two earbuds . Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless since it doesn't have cables linking the two earbuds together. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have sweat resistance Sony LinkBuds S's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.

Both Sony LinkBuds S and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers Active noise cancellation uses more advanced kind of tech to actively counter noise. ANC works when, it studies the sound pattern of incoming noise and inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 (sound from your surrounding) and adding -1 (inverted noise) to make zero hence "diluting" the noise.



The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Active Noise Cancellation enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears since you don't have to crank up the device volume to overcome background sounds. The Sony LinkBuds S too have Active Noise Cancellation making either of the earbuds ideal for flights and morning travels. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) and Sony LinkBuds S operate with different noise cancellation modes, pick the noise cancellation type that you prefer for commute or that enhances your chill time.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) sit tightly in place, creating an acoustic covering that tones down background sounds and also prevents the earbuds voice audio from leaking out at the same. Both of these devices have passive noise reduction this means that both limit ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, therefor producing better bass.

A driver unit is the component that makes sound in the device, the unit size dictates the loudness of the device. Sony LinkBuds S driver unit is 5mm in diameter, which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 6mm , many people have a misconception that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so yes, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not indicate that they produce better quality sound.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well an audio component generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal on its way through. Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) can make sound with a juicier bass than the Sony LinkBuds S The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well an audio device makes high recognizable frequencies and if it adjustments to the signal while at it. Sony LinkBuds S's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, this means that Sony LinkBuds S produce a clearer and crispier treble than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge.

A device's battery life is commonly given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings. Sony LinkBuds S's battery life is equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) . Every time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to.

This is given by the manufacturer, and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s case has a charge of 30 hours. A charging case with more battery hours enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go many times before recharging the case itself. Sony LinkBuds S's charging case has a battery life of 14 hours, less than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 16 hours It takes 0.3 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery.

It is highly adivsable to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for long periods. Sony LinkBuds S takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery, more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1.7 hours Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, you just place down on a compatible charging pad.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the earbuds has a low battery. The battery indicator lights indicate the charging status of your earbuds and case. Sony LinkBuds S too have a battery level indicator, these allow you tell the charging state of your device, if charged fully, or having a low battery.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data movement between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Sony LinkBuds S has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, newer than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) . Newer versions provide faster data transfers. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.

Sony LinkBuds S have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.



Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) will work well with your iPad. If you intend on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well. The Sony LinkBuds S support AAC as well.

Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have 6 microphones. The Sony LinkBuds S microphones are 6, equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) . More microphones record better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out noise.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are intended to reduce background sounds from the earbuds' sound. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when removed from your ears so that the music is paused. Sony LinkBuds S support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears saving battery life.

If lost in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support the find earbuds feature. The Sony LinkBuds S also have the find earbuds feature. Simply use the device app on your phone to play a sound from your device to locate them.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to charge the earbuds. The Sony LinkBuds S too support fast charging.

This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in 30 minutes. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them.

For example, you can seemlessly switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The Sony LinkBuds S too have this function.

It means that you unilaterally turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party talk. With the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the device. Sony LinkBuds S also have a control panel on them.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a warranty period of 1 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have voice prompts. Automatically receive information through audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection.

Sony LinkBuds S also support voice prompts .i.e the earbuds notifies you when the battery is running low, and you need to recharge the earbuds. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) come with a special case. Carrying earbuds without a case, or placing them inside your bag without a cover can easily put them at risk of getting damaged.

Sony LinkBuds S too have a case included, which offers safe transportation.

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