Overall Score 8.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Overall Score 7 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Category | Features | Sony WF 1000XM4 | Sony LinkBuds S |
---|---|---|---|
DESIGN | ingress protection (ip) rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
weight | 7.1g | 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 | 6mm | 5mm | |
lowest frequency | 20Hz | 20Hz | |
highest frequency | 40,000Hz | 40,000Hz | |
sound pressure level | 105dB/mW | ✗ | |
POWER | battery life | 8hours | 6hours |
battery life of charging case | 16hours | 14hours | |
charge time | 1.5hours | 2hours | |
has wireless charging | ✓ | ✗ | |
has a battery level indicator | ✓ | ✓ | |
CONNECTIVITY | has usb type-c | ✓ | ✓ |
bluetooth version | v5.2 | v5.2 | |
maximum bluetooth range | 10meters | 10meters | |
has aac | ✓ | ✓ | |
has ldac | ✓ | ✓ | |
has aptx hd | ✓ | ✗ | |
MICROPHONE | number of microphones | 4only | 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 |
Ingress protection ratings refer to the rank of protection offered by an enclosure, against solids 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 (sweat).
Scoring IPX4, the Sony LinkBuds S's rating is read as, the first value of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, and of liquids that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.
Compared to the Sony LinkBuds S, Sony WF 1000XM4 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
Sony LinkBuds S have a weight of 9.6g . We prefer a lower weight best for the reason that lighter devices are easier to move with.
The Sony WF 1000XM4, at 7.1g
are lighter than the Sony LinkBuds S by -2.5g
True wireless devices have no cables linking any part of the device together, Sony LinkBuds S are true wireless for this matter since they have no cables. This is a major distinction since wireless earbuds have wires linking the pair of earbuds .
Sony WF 1000XM4 also is true wireless because it has no wires connecting the 2 earbuds .
Sony LinkBuds S have sweat resistance
Sony WF 1000XM4's resistance to sweat makes both devices good for use during long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc
Sony LinkBuds S have stereo speakers, what this means is that Sony LinkBuds S's speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 also have stereo speakers
Active noise cancellation 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 after inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (sound from your surrounding) then adding -1 (counter sound by the device) to make 0 therefore "diluting" the noise.
Sony LinkBuds S have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower levels of volume, causing less ear fatigue since you don't need to crank up the earbuds volume to overcome background sounds.
Sony WF 1000XM4 too have ANC which makes both devices ideal for flights and rush hour travels. Each operate with different noise cancellation modes, pick the setting that you prefer for travel or that suites your chill time.
Sony LinkBuds S sit tightly in place, this creates an acoustic covering that tones down background sounds well as preventing the device music from leaking out .
Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which means that both reduce ambient noise without using ANC to cancel it out.
Sony LinkBuds S driver unit is 5mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, therefor producing better bass.
The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the device, its size determines the loudness of the device.
Sony WF 1000XM4 driver unit is 6mm in diameter,
making them have a larger driver unit than that of Sony LinkBuds S by 1mm
, a common assumption 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 can generate louder sound, but this does not imply that they deliver better quality sound.
The Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component produces low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal on its way through.
Sony WF 1000XM4's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that
both devices produce equal bass
Sony LinkBuds S's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well an audio component makes high recognizable frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.
Sony WF 1000XM4's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, this implies that
both devices can generate equal treble
SPL, is the level of pressure of sound, measured in decibels, dB, Sony WF 1000XM4's measurement is 105dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.
The Sony LinkBuds S'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 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 WF 1000XM4's battery life is
more than that of Sony LinkBuds S by 2 hours
. Every time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to.
This is given by the vendor, and Sony LinkBuds S's case is said to have a charge of 14 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 WF 1000XM4's charging case has a battery life of 16 hours,
more than that of Sony LinkBuds S by 2 hours
It requires 2 hours to fully charge the Sony LinkBuds S's battery. It is highly adivsable to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for extended periods.
Sony WF 1000XM4 takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery,
less than that of Sony LinkBuds S by 0.5 hours
Sony WF 1000XM4, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, you just place down on a compatible charging pad.
The Sony LinkBuds S have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging status of your earbuds and charging case.
Sony WF 1000XM4 too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you tell the charging state of your device, if charged fully, or having a low battery.
The Sony LinkBuds S use USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.
Sony WF 1000XM4 too have USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current electronics.
The Sony LinkBuds S have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.
Sony WF 1000XM4 has a Bluetooth version of 5.2,
equal to that of the Sony LinkBuds S
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
Sony LinkBuds S have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.
Sony WF 1000XM4 have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the Sony LinkBuds S
Sony LinkBuds S support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it provides better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.
Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Sony LinkBuds S will work fine with your iPad. If you are planning on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 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 Sony LinkBuds S support LDAC, a codec developed by Sony
which allows streaming high-resolution audio over Bluetooth connections at up to 990 kbps at 32 bit/96 kHz.
It can reach a high bitrate of 990kbps, providing high-resolution audio.
Sony WF 1000XM4 support it as well, LDAC, can automatically change to a lower bitrate of 330kbps or 660kbps to increase stability.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 support APTX HD, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It supports high-quality 24-bit audio (at a bit rate of 576kbps).
Sony LinkBuds S have 6 microphones.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 microphones are 4,
less than that of Sony LinkBuds S by 2
. More microphones record better sound quality and help the device to filter out noise.
Sony WF 1000XM4 have a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are made to reduce background sounds from the desired sound.
The Sony LinkBuds S support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises to still be heard even when wearing them
The Sony WF 1000XM4 support ambient sound mode as well, helpful when you want to listen to music while being aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re having a jog but still want to hear traffic.
Sony LinkBuds S support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when removed from your ears .
Sony WF 1000XM4 too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience.
When lost in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Sony LinkBuds S have a find earbuds feature.
Sony WF 1000XM4 also have the find earbuds feature. Simply use the earbuds app on your phone to play a sound from your device to find them.
The Sony LinkBuds S support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the amount of time it takes to fully charge the earbuds.
Also the Sony WF 1000XM4 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 thirty minutes.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 support multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.
The Sony LinkBuds S have a mute function, they support the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 too support this function. It means that you can turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party's voice.
With the Sony LinkBuds S, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 also have a control panel on them.
Sony LinkBuds S have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 too support voice prompts .i.e the device notifies you if the battery is low, and it's time to recharge the device.
The Sony LinkBuds S come with a special pouch. Carrying earbuds without a case, or putting them inside your bag without a casing can easily put them at risk of getting damaged.
Sony WF 1000XM4 too have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.