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 is the rating of protection given by a casing, against dust and water. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value refers to protection against solids such as 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 for solids indicates 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. In comparison 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
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a weight of 10.6g . We take in account a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to transport.
The Sony LinkBuds S, at 9.6g weigh less than the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) by -1g True wireless devices have no cables connecting any part of the device together, Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are true wireless for this case since they don't have wires. This is an important distinction as some wireless earbuds have cables connecting the 2 earbuds . Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless because it has no wires connecting the 2 earbuds together. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have sweat resistance Sony LinkBuds S's resistance to sweat makes both devices ideal 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 utilises advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. ANC works when, it listens to the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and inverts the soundwaves to counter it. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 (noise) and adding -1 (inverted noise) giving zero thus "diluting" the noise.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have ANC allowing you to listen at lower levels of volume, good for your ears since you don't need to crank up the earbuds volume to outcompete background sounds. Sony LinkBuds S too have ANC which makes either of the earbuds ideal for flights and rush hour travels. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and Sony LinkBuds S operate with different noise cancellation settings, pick the mode that you prefer for travel or that enhances your chill time.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) sit well in place, this creates an acoustic covering that tones down background noise and also prevents the earbuds sound from leaking out at the same. Both Sony LinkBuds S, and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have passive noise reduction which implies that they reduce ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, and can produce better bass.
A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the device, its size dictates the loudness of the device. 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
, 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.
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well an audio device produces low audible frequencies and if it alters the signal on its way through. Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that both devices make sound with equal bass The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well an audio component makes high recognizable frequencies and if it changes to the signal while at it. Sony LinkBuds S's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, this means that Sony LinkBuds S can produce 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 for a single charge.
A device's battery life is usually 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 Pro (2nd Gen) . Every time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less playing time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.
This is given by the vendor, and the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s case has a full charge of 24 hours. A charging case with more battery hours 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 fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been unused 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 earbuds, you just place down on a compatible charging pad.
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights display the charging status of your device and case. Sony LinkBuds S too have a battery level indicator, these enable you tell the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or having a low battery.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5.3, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows 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 connecting 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 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.
Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) will work well with your iPhone. 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. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have 6 microphones. Sony LinkBuds S microphones are 6, equal to that of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) . More microphones record better sound quality and help the device to filter out background sounds.
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a noise-canceling type of 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 the earbuds The Sony LinkBuds S support ambient sound mode as well, it’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of your surrounding, for example when you’re having a jog but still want to hear traffic. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when removed from your ears . The Sony LinkBuds S support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience.
When misplaced in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a find earbuds feature. Sony LinkBuds S also have the find earbuds feature. You can use the device app on your phone to play a sound from your device to locate them.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the time it takes to charge a device. Also the Sony LinkBuds S support fast charging.
This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling 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.
For example, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The Sony LinkBuds S too have the mute function.
The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the earbuds' microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds. Sony LinkBuds S also have a control panel on them.
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection. Sony LinkBuds S also have voice prompts .i.e the device notifies you if the battery is running low, and you need to recharge them.
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) come with their own special case. Carrying earbuds openly, or putting them in your bag without a casing may easily damage them. Sony LinkBuds S also have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.