Sony unveils LinkBuds Clip open-clip earbuds for everyday listening

Sony has introduced the LinkBuds Clip, a new pair of open-clip wireless earbuds designed to blend personal audio with awareness of the surrounding environment. The launch expands Sony’s wearable audio lineup and targets users who want to enjoy music, podcasts, and calls without becoming disconnected from what is happening around them.

Unlike conventional in-ear earbuds that block the ear canal, the LinkBuds Clip use an open design that allows ambient sound to pass through naturally. This approach is intended to support safer and more practical listening in everyday situations such as commuting, walking outdoors, or moving between appointments, where hearing traffic, announcements, or conversations remains important.

Sony positions the LinkBuds Clip as a socially friendly listening option. Users can continue listening while speaking naturally with others, without needing to remove the earbuds. The open structure also aims to reduce ear fatigue by improving airflow and avoiding pressure inside the ear canal, making the earbuds suitable for extended wear throughout the day.

Open design focused on comfort and awareness

The physical design of the LinkBuds Clip is central to its purpose. The earbuds feature a distinctive C-shaped form that clips onto the ear rather than sitting inside it. This design is intended to fit a wide range of ear shapes while remaining stable during daily movement.

Sony has engineered the main body and upper band to work together to provide a secure fit. To further tailor comfort, matching-coloured Air Fitting Cushions are included, allowing users to adjust how the earbuds sit on the ear by changing their position along the band. This flexibility is designed to balance comfort with stability without compromising ease of use.

The open structure supports what Sony describes as an always-on listening experience. Users can stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying audio content, making the earbuds suitable for situations where situational awareness matters. This design choice also reduces the sense of isolation often associated with sealed earbuds, positioning the LinkBuds Clip as a practical everyday companion rather than a device focused solely on immersive listening.

Despite the open form factor, Sony maintains that audio performance remains a priority. The LinkBuds Clip are designed to deliver clear vocals and detailed sound, aligning with expectations from Sony’s broader audio portfolio.

Listening modes, smart features, and battery performance

The LinkBuds Clip include three listening modes that can be switched by tapping on the earbuds. Standard mode delivers balanced sound quality with clear vocals and sufficient detail for a wide range of music and content.

For noisier environments such as train stations or crowded public spaces, Voice Boost mode amplifies voices to improve clarity. This mode is intended to make spoken content such as podcasts, videos, or calls easier to follow across more situations. In quieter environments where sound leakage may be a concern, Sound Leakage Reduction mode helps limit how much audio can be heard by people nearby.

Beyond sound modes, the LinkBuds Clip offer a range of features aimed at everyday convenience. Battery life extends up to 37 hours when used with the charging case, reducing the need for frequent recharging. A quick charge feature provides up to one hour of playback from just three minutes of charging.

The earbuds carry an IPX4 water resistance rating, allowing them to be used in light rain or during workouts without concern over sweat. Multipoint Connection support enables easy switching between two connected devices, while customisable settings are available through the Sony Sound Connect app. Additional features include tap controls, quick access functions, and scene-based listening, which adapts audio settings based on the user’s environment and activity.

Pricing and availability in Singapore

The Sony LinkBuds Clip will be available in Singapore from February 2026 in Black, Green, Lavender, and Greige. The suggested retail price is S$299.

An early bird promotion will run from launch until 31 March 2026. During this period, the earbuds will be available at a promotional price of S$269. Customers who complete product warranty registration during the promotion period will also receive a complimentary hedgehog plushie, created in collaboration with themellowberry, while stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.