Experts recommend Sony WF-1000XM4 more than Sony LinkBuds S
As of 15 Jan 2025, experts prefer Sony WF-1000XM4 over Sony LinkBuds S, but both Earbuds have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, Sony WF-1000XM4 received 1 recommendation: from Laptop Mag (17 Mar 2023). Sony LinkBuds S was also endorsed 1 times: by Laptop Mag (17 Mar 2023). However, experts generally ranked Sony LinkBuds S lower than Sony WF-1000XM4 in their articles, which caused it to rank lower in ReviewFinder ranking.
| Rank | Change | Price | Earbuds |
Forbes  | Rtings.com  |
Laptop Mag  | What Hi-Fi  |
Wirecutter  | Android Central  | The Verge  | Tom's Guide  | SoundGuys  | TechRadar  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | N/A | Check price |  Sony WF-1000XM4 The Sony WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds have received positive reviews for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, connectivity, and additional features, making them a reliable choice for users who prioritize these aspects in their earbuds. | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 41 | N/A | $158 |  Sony LinkBuds S The Sony LinkBuds S are wireless earbuds with excellent active noise cancelling, a well-balanced sound signature, and a range of advanced features, making them a great choice for music lovers, professionals, and anyone who wants to stay connected on the go. | - | - | 10 | - | - | -
| - | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire Wireless Earbuds ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 17 Mar 2023 Laptop Mag ranked Sony WF-1000XM4 as #1 and Sony LinkBuds S as #10
Rank Earbuds Comment #1 out of 13 Sony WF-1000XM4 The best wireless earbuds overall... ... ... #10 out of 13 Sony LinkBuds S Excellent wireless buds worthy of flagship recognition... ... ... Source: www.laptopmag.com
After counting and adding up the 82 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Sony WF-1000XM4 outranks Sony LinkBuds S. This is not to say that Sony LinkBuds S is a bad option. Like Sony WF-1000XM4, it is recommended by experts, but less.
As can be seen below, in Jan 2025 neither Sony LinkBuds S nor Sony WF-1000XM4 were recommended by key experts who publish Wireless Earbuds recommendations.
| Rank | Change | Price | Earbuds | Forbes | Rtings.com | Laptop Mag | What Hi-Fi | Wirecutter | Android Central |
The Verge | Tom's Guide | SoundGuys | TechRadar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | $298 |  Sony WF-1000XM5 The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds have received highly positive expert reviews for their sound quality, noise cancellation capabilities, comfort, battery life, connectivity features, and additional features, making them a top choice for premium true wireless earbuds. | - | 1 | - | 1 | - | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - |
| 2 | - | $279 |  Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are highly praised for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, connectivity, and durability, making them a recommended choice for music enthusiasts who value strong bass and treble, effective noise cancellation, comfort for extended use, and durability for various activities. | 1 | - | - | 5 | - | 4 | 3 | 5 | - | 4 |
| 3 | - | $225 |  Apple AirPods Pro 2 The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are highly praised for their exceptional sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, comfortable design, and convenient features, making them a top choice for everyday use. | - | 7 | 2 | 7 | - | - | 5 | - | 2 | 6 |
| 4 | - | $149 |  Nothing Ear A | - | 3 | - | - | - | - | 2 | - | 5 | 2 |
| Show all rows | |||||||||||||
Expert reviews [22]
Total expert reviews: 22
- with a score: 18
- without a score: 4
| Highest score by Stereo Guide | 91 |
| Average score based on 22 reviews | 80 |
| Lowest score by Rtings.com | 57 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
Expert reviews [16]
Total expert reviews: 16
- with a score: 12
- without a score: 4
| Highest score by What Hi-Fi | 100 |
| Average score based on 16 reviews | 91 |
| Lowest score by Rtings.com | 79 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
From Seller:
- SMART SOUND- Smart features and settings learn from your behavior and automatically adjust sound settings to provide the right sound for the moment.Specific uses for product : Personal, Business,
- NEVER OFF- Automatically switches between superlative noise canceling or optimized ambient sound for listening without distractions. Sony's best transparent ambient sound in truly wireless headphones (As of May 9th 2022. Excluding Open style.)
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From Seller:
- Industry-leading noise canceling bluetooth earbuds with the new Integrated Processor V1.Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ears.Battery Charge Time : Approx. 1.5 hrs. Battery Life (continuous music playback time)Max. 8 hrs (NC On) / Max. 12 hrs (NC Off)..Magnet : High-power neodymium magnets
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