Overall Score 7.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Overall Score 7 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Category | Features | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | Sony LinkBuds S |
---|---|---|---|
DESIGN | ingress protection (ip) rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
weight | 10.6g | 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 | 20Hz | 20Hz | |
highest frequency | 20,000Hz | 40,000Hz | |
POWER | battery life | 6hours | 6hours |
battery life of charging case | 24hours | 14hours | |
charge time | 1hours | 2hours | |
has wireless charging | ✓ | ✗ | |
has a battery level indicator | ✓ | ✓ | |
CONNECTIVITY | has usb type-c | ✗ | ✓ |
bluetooth version | v5.3 | 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 | ✓ | ✓ | |
has voice prompts | ✓ | ✓ | |
travel bag is included | ✓ | ✓ | |
See price on Amazon | See price on Amazon |
IP ratings refer to the rank of protection offered by an enclosure, against dust and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating means protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (water).
Having a value of IPX4, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s rating is read as, the first value of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second value 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 Pro (2nd 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
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a weight of 10.6g . We consider a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are easier to transport.
Sony LinkBuds S, at 9.6g are lighter than the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) by -1g For a device to be true wireless it must have no cables connecting any part of the device together, Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are true wireless for this matter since they don't have cables. This is a major distinction since wireless earbuds have cables linking the pair of earbuds together. Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless since it has no wires connecting the 2 earbuds . Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have sweat resistance Sony LinkBuds S's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.
The Sony LinkBuds S also have stereo speakers ANC makes use of more advanced technology to actively cancel noise. ANC works when, it listens to the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then inverts the soundwaves to counter it. Simply put, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) and adding -1 (inverted noise) giving zero thus "diluting" the noise.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have ANC enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue since you don't need to crank up the device volume to overcome background sounds. The Sony LinkBuds S too have ANC which makes both earbuds ideal for plane rides and rush hour travels. Each work with different noise cancellation settings, pick the mode that suits your commute or that suites your relaxation time.
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) sit tightly in place, this creates a sound seal that tones down background sounds and also prevents the device voice audio from leaking out . Both Sony LinkBuds S, and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have passive noise reduction which implies that they tone down ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the device, the unit size determines the sound made by the earbuds.
Sony LinkBuds S driver unit is 5mm in diameter,
which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) by 6mm
, a common assumption that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so it's true that, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not imply that they produce better quality sound. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well an audio device generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through.
Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that both devices produce equal bass Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response tells how well an audio device generates high audible frequencies and if it changes to the signal while at it. Sony LinkBuds S's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, this implies that Sony LinkBuds S can generate a clearer and crispier treble than the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is commonly given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often.
Sony LinkBuds S's battery life is equal to that of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) . Each time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less playing time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time. The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s case is said to have a full charge of 24 hours.
A charging case with a longer battery life allows 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 Pro (2nd Gen) by 10 hours It requires 1 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for extended periods.
Sony LinkBuds S takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery, more than that of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) by 1 hours The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you just place down on a supported charging pad. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery.
The battery indicator lights show the charging state of your earbuds and case. Sony LinkBuds S too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you to determine the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or having a low battery. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5.3, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data transfers between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.
Sony LinkBuds S has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, older than that of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) . Newer versions provide faster data transfers. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd 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 Pro (2nd Gen) Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio.
It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it provides better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.
Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) will work fine with your MacBook.
If you are planning 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 Pro (2nd Gen) have 6 microphones. While the Sony LinkBuds S microphones are 6, equal to that of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) . More microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background sounds. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) use a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background sounds from the desired sound.
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient sound so that they can still be heard even when wearing them The Sony LinkBuds S support ambient sound mode as well, it’s useful when you want to listen to music while being aware of your surrounding, for example when you’re having a jog but would still want to be able to hear traffic. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears . Sony LinkBuds S too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience. If misplaced in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support the find earbuds feature.
The Sony LinkBuds S also have the find earbuds feature. Use the earbuds app on your phone to play a sound from your device to help you locate them. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support fast charging.
Usually, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to lower the time it takes to charge the earbuds. Sony LinkBuds S too support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, only that the battery fills up much faster.
Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just 30 minutes. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can seemlessly switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds. The Sony LinkBuds S also have the mute function. The mute function means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party talk.
With the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the earbuds. Sony LinkBuds S too have a control panel on them. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support voice prompts.
Automatically receive information through audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection. The Sony LinkBuds S too have voice prompts meaning the earbuds will notify you if the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge them. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) come with their own special case.
Carrying earphones without a case, or placing them in your pockets without a cover can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. Sony LinkBuds S also have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.