Earbuds / Compare

Apple AirPods Pro 1 vs Sony LinkBuds S

A

Product A: Apple

AirPods Pro 1

92 of 166 known

Change Apple AirPods Pro 1

Compare the Sony LinkBuds S with

Search earbuds

B

Product B: Sony

LinkBuds S

88 of 166 known

Change Sony LinkBuds S

Compare the Apple AirPods Pro 1 with

Search earbuds

All 166 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AApple AirPods Pro 1

BSony LinkBuds S

General

6 of 8 differ

Series

AirPods Pro1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

LinkBuds1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_SRead 5 October 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

A2083, A2084, A2190, MWP22AM/A2Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 5 October 2026AirPods Pro 1 earbuds A2083/A2084. Original 2019 Wireless Charging Case A2190 is identified by original case serial suffixes 0C6L/LKKT in the maker guide. Later 2021 MagSafe case shares A2190 but has suffixes 1059/1NRC. Only original package represented. No individual serial numbers stored.17Reviewifixit.com/Teardown/AirPods+Pro+Teardown/127551Read 5 October 2026Original 2019 teardown identifies A2083/A2084/A2190. Its energy labels alone do not establish mAh. Separate original Omdia component list supplies published mAh capacities. The teardown physically exposes the driver, whose numeric diameter has separate evidence.19Retailer pagemicrocenter.com/support/616212/apple-airpods-pro-true-wireless-earbuds-whiteRead 7 October 2026Original US Wireless Charging Case package MWP22AM/A. It is not the later MagSafe MLWK3AM/A package. A2083/A2084/A2190 remain hardware identifiers.

WF-LS900N, YY29501Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_SRead 5 October 20263Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Cover page 1 identifies Model YY2950. Contents page 2 identifies WF-LS900N.

GTIN / EAN

19019924685030Retailer pagezoro.com/apple-apple-mwp22am-a-airpods-pro-with-wireless-charging-case-white-mwp22ama/i/G704164135Read 7 October 2026Product Information explicitly matches MWP22AM/A original Wireless Charging Case package to UPC 190199246850. Store the published UPC-A without inventing other regional GTINs.

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

28 October 20193Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-reveals-new-airpods-pro-available-october-30Read 5 October 2026

18 May 20224Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-introduces-additional-model-to-linkbuds-series-a-new-frontier-for-headphones--linkbuds-s-301549817.htmlRead 5 October 2026Original Sony Electronics release issued May 18, 2022, syndicated by PR Newswire. May 20 availability is a forecast here and corroborated by actual retrospective review.

Status

Discontinued30Retailer pagezoro.com/apple-apple-mwp22am-a-airpods-pro-with-wireless-charging-case-white-mwp22ama/i/G704164135Read 7 October 2026Exact original MWP22AM/A package is explicitly labeled Discontinued. Best Buy separately says this original SKU is no longer available new. Applies to this 2019 standard package. Does not claim a precise Apple production-end date or transfer MagSafe revision availability.

Not available

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning)18Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2022/09/apple-announces-the-next-generation-of-airpods-proRead 6 October 2026Apple announces the next generation of AirPods Pro. The new AirPods Pro cancel up to twice as much noise over their predecessor. The 2022 model shipped with the Lightning MagSafe case.

Sony LinkBuds Fit18Reviewm.gsmarena.com/sony_unveils_linkbuds_open_with_open_design_linkbuds_fit_replace_the_linkbuds_s-amp-64762.phpRead 23 October 2026GSMArena says the LinkBuds Fit replaces the LinkBuds S and calls it the sequel to the LinkBuds S.19Reviewtomsguide.com/audio/sony-revives-linkbuds-series-with-a-focus-on-style-and-fit-can-they-beat-boseRead 23 October 2026Tom's Guide says the LinkBuds Fit takes over for the LinkBuds S.

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$2493Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-reveals-new-airpods-pro-available-october-30Read 5 October 2026Pricing and Availability explicitly gives 249 USD for original package. US amount before local sales tax. No later sale or EUR amount with unproved VAT scope.

$199.994Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-introduces-additional-model-to-linkbuds-series-a-new-frontier-for-headphones--linkbuds-s-301549817.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact US manufacturer MSRP USD 199.99, excluding tax. SoundGuys later USD 198 and current store prices are not launch MSRP.6Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-announces-the-new-linkbuds-s-earth-blue-noise-canceling-truly-wireless-headphones-made-from-water-dispenser-bottles-and-new-model-linkbuds-uc-for-microsoft-teams-301658003.htmlRead 5 October 2026Earth Blue US original MSRP also USD 199.99. No later retail amount substituted.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-reveals-new-airpods-pro-available-october-30Read 5 October 2026

US, JP1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_SRead 5 October 2026Current exact Sony Japan store offers this model for purchase. US availability is established separately by the original launch release.4Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-introduces-additional-model-to-linkbuds-series-a-new-frontier-for-headphones--linkbuds-s-301549817.htmlRead 5 October 2026

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

White19Retailer pagemicrocenter.com/support/616212/apple-airpods-pro-true-wireless-earbuds-whiteRead 7 October 2026Exact original MWP22AM/A General Specifications names White. RTINGS original-case review independently names only White.

Black, White, Ecru, Earth Blue1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_SRead 5 October 2026Original Black, White and Ecru plus later Earth Blue. Ear-tip construction is common but identification markings differ by finish. No unproved regional SKU rows.4Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-introduces-additional-model-to-linkbuds-series-a-new-frontier-for-headphones--linkbuds-s-301549817.htmlRead 5 October 2026Original White and Black at Sony US and Ecru exclusive Best Buy. Later Earth Blue separately sourced.6Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-announces-the-new-linkbuds-s-earth-blue-noise-canceling-truly-wireless-headphones-made-from-water-dispenser-bottles-and-new-model-linkbuds-uc-for-microsoft-teams-301658003.htmlRead 5 October 2026October 25, 2022 original Sony release adds Earth Blue. Its earlier colours have been available since May. Earth Blue is a later finish of the same LinkBuds S, not the LinkBuds UC for Teams announced in the same article.

Segment

Music3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-reveals-new-airpods-pro-available-october-30Read 5 October 2026

Music1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_SRead 5 October 2026

Design

1 of 4 differ

Form factoriIn-ear seals the ear canal with a tip. Semi-in-ear rests in the outer ear without a seal. Open-ear leaves the ear canal unobstructed.

In-ear3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-reveals-new-airpods-pro-available-october-30Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly in-ear design with sealing silicone tips.

In-ear3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 17 instructs sealing with a tip inside the canal. Exact diagrams show compact bodies without extending stems.4Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-introduces-additional-model-to-linkbuds-series-a-new-frontier-for-headphones--linkbuds-s-301549817.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Bud shapeiStem describes an extending control or microphone stalk. Stemless describes a compact body without a stalk.

Stem3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-reveals-new-airpods-pro-available-october-30Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly force sensor on the stem.

Stemless3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Exact parts and wearing diagrams show stemless bodies.

Use one bud aloneiWhich earbud can operate alone. This does not mean two earbuds can play from different sources.

Either bud6Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Either earbud can act alone as microphone. ANC with one AirPod has an Apple accessibility setting, not unrestricted independent source pairing.

Either bud3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 19-20 allow either unit with suitable settings. Service Link requires right. Assistant/control assignments can restrict one-ear operation.10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026

RGB lighting

Not available

Not available

Drivers and sound

10 of 17 differ

Drivers per budiAudio transducers in one earbud. Rows distinguish their type, acoustic role and published diameter. Do not count microphones.

AApple AirPods Pro 1

Type	Diameter (mm)	Count per earbud
Dynamic	11	1

Source21Press articlethenextweb.com/news/apple-announces-249-airpods-pro-with-noise-cancelling-available-october-30Read 7 October 2026Transducer technology corroboration for the single driver row. Diameter and physical count have separate sources. No diaphragm material or frequency limits inferred.22Reviewifixit.com/Teardown/AirPods+Pro+Teardown/127551Read 7 October 2026Step 9 physically removes the one loudspeaker driver from the opened original 2019 earbud. It describes a voice coil that moves the speaker cone. Store one dynamic transducer per earbud. Acoustic role is omitted. The source does not supply a measured diameter.23Reviewlaptopmag.com/features/nothing-ear-1-vs-airpods-proRead 7 October 2026August 28, 2021 comparison predates the October 2021 MagSafe package. Specs table names original H1 AirPods Pro with Wireless Charging Case and Driver size 11 mm. Stored as published circular dynamic driver diameter. No diaphragm, impedance or sensitivity inferred.

BSony LinkBuds S

Not available

Driver typeiPublished transducer technology. High-excursion, composite and neodymium do not by themselves establish a driver type.

Dynamic21Press articlethenextweb.com/news/apple-announces-249-airpods-pro-with-noise-cancelling-available-october-30Read 7 October 2026Contemporaneous October 28, 2019 report explicitly calls the original high-excursion driver dynamic. Original iFixit teardown separately describes its moving voice coil and speaker cone. Apple does not publish driver technology using that enum term.

Dynamic2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Maker identifies closed dynamic transducer. Neodymium magnet is not treated as diaphragm material.17Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/4548736144873_f_0Read 5 October 2026

Driver sizeiLargest explicitly published circular driver diameter in one earbud. A rectangular driver width is not a diameter.

11mm=CalculatedFrom Drivers per bud

Not available

Drivers per budiTotal audio transducers in one earbud, summed from explicit driver quantities. A row with an unknown quantity makes the total unknown.

1=CalculatedFrom Drivers per bud

Not available

Diaphragm material

Not available

Not available

Frequency responseiPublished acoustic frequency response of the earbuds. Codec transmission bandwidth alone does not qualify. Conditions belong in the source note.

Min20 HzMax20 kHz32Reviewtechradar.com/reviews/apple-airpods-pro-reviewRead 7 October 2026Exact original AirPods Pro (2019) review, Key specs section, publishes acoustic frequency response 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. This is the published earbud response range, not a codec bandwidth or a graph-derived cutoff. Codec, sound-pressure tolerance and test conditions are unstated. Stored as a secondary published specification, not a measured laboratory result.

Not available

Impedance

Not available

Not available

SensitivityiPublished acoustic sensitivity. The electrical reference and frequency must be stated in sensitivity_reference or the source note.

Not available

Not available

Sensitivity reference

Not available

Not available

Max sample rateiHighest supported audio sample rate under the codec and source-device conditions in the source note. This does not establish lossless playback.

Not available

96kHz3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 166 publishes LDAC transmission at 96 kHz and 990 kbps. This is supported codec sample rate, not acoustic frequency response or guaranteed lossless sound.15Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/sony-linkbuds-sRead 5 October 2026Exact LDAC supported source conditions. Other codecs need their own limits.

Max bit depthiHighest supported audio bit depth under the codec and source-device conditions in the source note. Bluetooth version alone does not establish this.

Not available

24bits15Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/sony-linkbuds-sRead 5 October 2026Exact review explicitly describes supported LDAC input up to 24-bit/96 kHz at up to 990 kbps from compatible source such as Xperia 1 III. This is codec input capability, not DSEE upscaling or lossless transmission.

Adaptive EQiAn inner mic tunes the sound to your ear in real time

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

Not available

Personalised soundiA profile from a hearing test or ear scan

Yes11Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-sg/guide/airpods/dev00eb7e0a3/webRead 5 October 2026Current Spatial Audio eligibility explicitly includes all AirPods Pro. Personalized Spatial Audio creates an ear/head shape profile. This is not a hearing test or adaptive microphone EQ calibration.

Yes11Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_6.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact certified 360 Reality Audio maker section optimizes using ear shape and headphone characteristics through companion app. It is not a hearing-test profile.

Onboard EQ

Not available

Yes9Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Custom EQ bandsiNumber of independently adjustable custom equalizer frequency bands. Availability may require current firmware, an app or a compatible device.

Not available

513Maker product pageexperience.sony-asia.com/ph/home/exploredetail/546Read 5 October 2026Exact maker article includes LinkBuds S in model list and explicitly five EQ frequencies plus separate Clear Bass. Five independently adjustable equalizer bands stored, bass shelf not counted as sixth.

EQ presetsiNamed equalizer sound presets. Noise-control modes and spatial-audio modes are separate features.

Not available

Relaxed, Bass Boost, Treble Boost9Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 2026Maker explicitly names Relaxed and Bass Boost among eight presets. Treble Boost is independently demonstrated by exact SoundGuys measurements. Unnamed presets are omitted.16Measurementsoundguys.com/sony-linkbuds-s-review-74398Read 5 October 2026Exact tested Treble Boost preset is explicitly named and compared against default.

Volume limit

Not available

Not available

Spatial audio

1 of 2 differ

Spatial audioiNamed spatial or surround audio processing supported with the source and platform conditions stated in the source note.

Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

360 Reality Audio11Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_6.htmlRead 5 October 2026360 Reality Audio content/service required. Dolby Atmos spatial rendering through optional WLA-NS7 and compatible BRAVIA XR is a separate external-system scenario, not an unqualified native earbud codec.

Head trackingiSpatial audio changes with head movement. Static spatial processing alone does not qualify. Compatible device or content requirements belong in the source note.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026Current maker page includes spatial/head tracking. This arrived through later software, not asserted as launch capability. Compatible Apple device and content required.

Yes12Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/software/00278794Read 5 October 2026Exact LinkBuds S firmware 4.3.1 previous-benefits section explicitly adds Head Tracking. Supported phone model and Android OS required. Current feature, not original firmware.

Noise cancelling

4 of 11 differ

Active noise cancelling

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

Yes4Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-introduces-additional-model-to-linkbuds-series-a-new-frontier-for-headphones--linkbuds-s-301549817.htmlRead 5 October 20267Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_2.htmlRead 5 October 2026

ANC typeiFeedforward uses exterior microphones. Feedback uses interior microphones. Hybrid uses both. Adaptive control is separate from microphone placement.

Hybrid3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-reveals-new-airpods-pro-available-october-30Read 5 October 2026Active Noise Cancellation section explicitly describes outward-facing feedforward and inward-facing feedback microphones. No physical pair count inferred from the word two.

Hybrid7Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_2.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Dual Noise Sensor Technology paragraph explicitly integrates feedforward and feedback methods. Activity/location profiles do not establish adaptive ANC-strength calibration or continuously blended audio.

ANC microphones in both earbudsiPhysical microphones used by ANC across the pair. A shared call and ANC microphone counts once. Case microphones and vibration sensors are excluded.

424Reviewengadget.com/2019-11-06-apple-airpods-pro-review.htmlRead 7 October 2026Original ANC microphones: two per bud, four across pair.25Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-reveals-new-airpods-pro-available-october-30Read 7 October 2026Original maker ANC architecture explicitly uses two microphones, one outward-facing and one inward-facing, adapting individually to each ear. Engadget explicitly establishes two ANC capsules per earbud. Four across the pair excludes the separate call mic and case.

414Review52audio.com/archives/122319.htmlRead 5 October 2026Two MEMS per earbud explicitly used for active cancellation and call-noise pickup. Four across pair, overlapping call microphones.

Adaptive ANCiANC strength or calibration adjusts automatically to noise, fit or ear acoustics. The source note states the adjustment conditions.

Yes3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-reveals-new-airpods-pro-available-october-30Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly continuously adapts to individual ear and headphone fit, adjusting cancellation 200 times per second. This is automatic fit/noise adaptation, not Conversation Awareness or selectable strength levels.

Not available

ANC levelsiNumber of selectable ANC strength levels. Excludes ANC off, transparency and activity profiles unless they explicitly set distinct strength levels.

Not available

Not available

ANC attenuation (claimed)iManufacturer maximum claimed noise attenuation. Frequency and measurement conditions belong in the source note. This is not reviewer-measured overall attenuation.

Not available

Not available

Transparency mode

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

Yes7Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_2.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Adjustable transparency

Yes12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102663Read 5 October 2026Headphone Accommodations explicitly supports AirPods Pro Transparency customization with Amplification, Tone, Ambient Noise Reduction and Balance sliders. Supported iOS/iPadOS and current firmware required. Not adjustable ANC strength.

Yes7Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_2.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact maker 20 ambient-level adjustment and Voice Focus. These levels are not ANC strength levels.

Automatic ANC and transparency blendiAutomatically blends active cancellation with ambient sound. Automatic activity-based switching between separate modes alone does not qualify.

No27Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104979Read 7 October 2026Current September 14, 2026 maker feature eligibility lists Pro 2, Pro 3, AirPods 4 ANC, AirPods 5 and Max 2. Pro 1 is excluded. This blended Adaptive Audio is distinct from original adaptive ANC, which remains true.

Not available

Conversation detection

No27Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104979Read 7 October 2026Same exact supported-model list governs Conversation Awareness. Original Pro 1 lacks that speech-triggered media reduction feature. Existing Conversation Boost is a separate manual accessibility enhancement.

Yes7Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_2.htmlRead 5 October 2026Speak-to-Chat pauses playback and changes to ambient sound on voice detection. User setup and detection sensitivity affect operation.

Wind noise reductioniA documented physical design or processing feature for reducing wind noise. The source note distinguishes mesh or shape changes from selectable processing.

Not available

Yes7Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_2.htmlRead 5 October 2026Maker describes mesh around microphones for reducing wind during ANC and ambient listening. Preliminary French sheet calls automatic wind cancellation, but this physical design is the precise published mechanism.

Measured

6 of 23 differ

Frequency response notes (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

The lab response follows the SoundGuys target closely. The review describes consistent bass, midrange and treble reproduction with Adaptive EQ.15Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-pro-review-27106Read 5 October 2026Exact model lab curve and text. Target/fixture revision, measurement firmware and codec unspecified. No plotted coordinate or score converted to dB.

The default measured response follows the review target through much of the bass and midrange. Response above about 2 kHz is reduced. The Treble Boost preset brings the high range closer to the target.16Measurementsoundguys.com/sony-linkbuds-s-review-74398Read 5 October 2026Published default and Treble Boost lab curves relative to SoundGuys target. Fixture revision, original firmware and codec unstated. Point 35 dB attenuation around 200 Hz does not establish a band-average isolation figure.

Bass amount (measured)iDeviation from the review source target in the bass range. Positive means more bass. Target, test method and settings belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Treble amount (measured)iDeviation from the review source target in the treble range. Positive means more treble. Values from different targets may not be directly comparable.

Not available

Not available

Deviation from target (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Consistency between fittings (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Harmonic distortion (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Sound leakage (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Noise isolation (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Noise isolation, best (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Passive isolation (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Call quality notes (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Recorded speech demos cover quiet, office and street conditions. The review finds voice pickup suitable for conference calls.15Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-pro-review-27106Read 5 October 2026Exact published ideal/office/street demos. Firmware/codec of each recording unknown.

Quiet-condition recordings provide usable speech pickup. The published street-noise recording contains processing artifacts and reduced voice clarity.16Measurementsoundguys.com/sony-linkbuds-s-review-74398Read 5 October 2026Published ideal, office and street demos with explicit processing-artifact discussion. No numeric handling score or unlabelled codec inferred.

Mic low-frequency extension (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Mic high-frequency extension (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Mic speech-to-noise ratio (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Latency (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

AApple AirPods Pro 1

Connection	Platform	Latency (ms)
Bluetooth	iOS	144

Source34Measurementstephencoyle.net/airpods-proRead 7 October 2026Original AirPods Pro result published December 21, 2019. Mean 144 ms is the full input-to-audible-output path, including screen input and host software as well as Bluetooth audio, not Bluetooth transport alone or compensated video lip-sync. Source uses a 2018 iPad Pro running iOS 13, Apple Pencil screen taps, nearby shotgun microphone and audio recorder, 10 Tapt events and 9 keyboard events after discarding the first keyboard event, averaged at 90 bpm. Codec, earbud firmware and loudness are unstated. No dedicated low-latency mode is inferred from Tapt keeping a host audio session open. Matches the same published method retained for AirPods 2.

BSony LinkBuds S

Not available

Bluetooth latency, worst (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

144ms=CalculatedFrom Latency (measured)

Not available

2.4 GHz latency, worst (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Latency in game mode (measured)iThe best case the buds can reach. Measured by a reviewer

Not available

Not available

Battery life (measured)iReviewer-tested operation from one full charge of the earbuds. Excludes case recharges. ANC, codec, connection, volume and tested edition belong in the row or source note.

AApple AirPods Pro 1

ANC	Hours (h)
Yes	4.33
No	5.1

Source15Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-pro-review-27106Read 5 October 2026Exact first-generation standard continuous playback test: ANC on 4 h 20 min, off 5 h 6 min. Original test firmware, codec and sample sourcing not stated. Linked current method describes 75 dB SPL, but no original brightness/volume percentage inferred. The 50% text compares maker claim, not reviewer settings. Case total and newer case paragraphs are not transferred.

BSony LinkBuds S

Hours (h)
5.68

Source16Measurementsoundguys.com/sony-linkbuds-s-review-74398Read 5 October 2026Exact review tested 5 hours 41 minutes with continuous real music peaking at 75 dB(SPL). ANC state, codec and original firmware not explicit in that paragraph and omitted. Informal experience of case total is not a measured full-case rundown.

Longest tested use per chargeiHighest earbuds-only duration among stored reviewer tests. Modes and settings may differ between tests and products.

5.1h=CalculatedFrom Battery life (measured)

5.68h=CalculatedFrom Battery life (measured)

Battery life with case (measured)iReviewer-tested total including earbuds and case recharges. Do not calculate this by multiplying one-charge runtime by claimed recharge count.

Not available

Not available

Full charge time (measured)iBuds in the case, 0 to 100 %. Measured by a reviewer

Not available

Not available

Weight per bud (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Microphones and calls

4 of 7 differ

Voice microphones in both earbudsiPhysical call and beamforming microphones across the pair. Excludes case microphones and vibration sensors. Shared ANC microphones can also count here when used for calls.

Not available

414Review52audio.com/archives/122319.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact teardown describes two physical MEMS microphones in an earbud, both used for voice and noise cancellation. Four across the pair. Shared roles count once in total.

All microphones in both earbudsiEvery physical microphone across the pair, including call and ANC microphones. Shared microphones count once. Excludes the charging case and voice vibration sensors.

631Reviewlumafield.com/first-article/posts/virtual-teardown-apple-airpods-pro-2nd-generationRead 7 October 2026Actual Earbuds section and key points explicitly compare the first generation: layout essentially unchanged from first generation, three microphones in same positions. One microphone at stem bottom for calls, one outward at stem top for ANC, one toward ear canal for response. Three physical capsules per earbud means six across the pair. Case, accelerometer and role-count subtraction are excluded. This is an explicit original-generation comparison, not an unsupported transfer from Pro 2.

414Review52audio.com/archives/122319.htmlRead 5 October 2026Two MEMS per earbud, four across pair. Physical voice and ANC roles overlap. Motion and IR sensors not counted.

Bone conduction voice sensoriA dedicated bone or jaw conduction sensor for detecting speech vibrations. A microphone or speech-detecting accelerometer alone does not prove this architecture.

Not available

Not available

Mic noise reduction

Not available

AI8Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_3.htmlRead 5 October 2026Precise Voice Pickup algorithm explicitly trained on more than 500 million voice samples, separating wearer voice from environmental noise. Inner microphones also used for calls. This is voice noise reduction, not merely DSEE music upscaling.

Call audio bandwidthiHighest supported call-audio bandwidth. Compatible phone, operating system, call app or network requirements belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Mic mute controliAn earbud control that mutes the microphone during calls. Includes touch or pressure gestures and physical buttons. Phone/app-only controls do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

SidetoneiHear your own voice in calls

Not available

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 100 explicitly returns own voice through the headset microphone during calls.

Connectivity

15 of 18 differ

Chip

H11Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

Sony Integrated Processor V14Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-introduces-additional-model-to-linkbuds-series-a-new-frontier-for-headphones--linkbuds-s-301549817.htmlRead 5 October 2026Original release explicitly Sony Integrated Processor V1. Open LinkBuds and LinkBuds Fit processors are not borrowed.7Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_2.htmlRead 5 October 20269Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 202617Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/4548736144873_f_0Read 5 October 2026

Connections

Bluetooth5Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1919_airpods-pro-qsg.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Bluetooth3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Bluetooth

5.01Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

5.22Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.htmlRead 5 October 20263Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Bluetooth codecs

SBC, AAC15Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-pro-review-27106Read 5 October 2026Exact Pro 1 connectivity paragraph names both music codecs. H1 processing does not prove lossless or higher accepted input bit depth.

SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC32Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026SBC/AAC/LDAC for Classic Audio and LC3 for later LE Audio. LE features are not claimed as original May 2022 firmware.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Bluetooth profiles

Not available

A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, CSIP, MCP, VCP, CCP2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Original A2DP/AVRCP/HFP/HSP plus current TMAP/CSIP/MCP/VCP/CCP LE profiles. Current specification and manual agree.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026

LE Audio

Not available

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 39-41 and 97 explicitly LC3 / LE Audio with supported Android device and re-pairing. This is actual later feature support, not inferred from Bluetooth 5.2.12Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/software/00278794Read 5 October 2026Later update explicitly supported LE Audio with Xperia 1 V/5 V and expanded compatible-device list. No Auracast support inferred.

Auracast

Not available

Not available

MultipointiConcurrent Bluetooth connections to multiple source devices. Pairing memory and switching through a manufacturer account alone do not qualify.

No26Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-pro-truly-wirelessRead 7 October 2026Public Office cons explicitly states No NFC or multi-device pairing. SoundGuys review FAQ separately says no Bluetooth multipoint, distinguishing Apple Account switching from concurrent source links.33Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-pro-review-27106Read 7 October 2026Original-model review FAQ directly says AirPods do not support Bluetooth multipoint, then separately explains automatic switching between Apple hardware on the same iCloud account. Its switching example names AirPods 3, so no third-generation specifications are inherited. Exact original RTINGS Office cons independently states no multi-device pairing. The negative means no simultaneous Bluetooth source links, while Apple account switching remains available.

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 76-77 two simultaneous Classic Audio source links and one playing stream at a time. Current app page 118 excludes multipoint under LE Audio.6Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-announces-the-new-linkbuds-s-earth-blue-noise-canceling-truly-wireless-headphones-made-from-water-dispenser-bottles-and-new-model-linkbuds-uc-for-microsoft-teams-301658003.htmlRead 5 October 2026Release states a later software update for simultaneous two-device connections, so this feature is qualified as later firmware.10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 202612Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/software/00278794Read 5 October 2026

Multipoint devicesiMaximum source devices concurrently connected by Bluetooth, not the number remembered in pairing history.

Not available

23Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 202610Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Multipoint with LDACiMany buds turn multipoint off on LDAC

Not available

Yes10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026Current exact maker explicitly says high-quality LDAC remains available in multipoint. This does not apply to LE Audio multipoint.

Paired devices rememberediMaximum remembered Bluetooth source pairings. This is separate from simultaneous multipoint connections.

Not available

810Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact maker up to eight remembered devices, separate from two simultaneous source connections.

Automatic switching between own devicesiThrough the maker's account

Yes7Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104988Read 5 October 2026All AirPods Pro explicitly supported. Same Apple Account, two-factor authentication and current compatible operating systems required. Account routing is not proof of generic simultaneous Bluetooth multipoint.

Not available

Fast pairing

Apple one-tap setup5Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1919_airpods-pro-qsg.pdfRead 5 October 2026Open original case near unlocked iPhone/iPad and follow Connect prompt. Requires compatible software. No Google Fast Pair inferred.

Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Google Fast Pair and Windows 10/11 quick pairing. Manual page 49 explicitly names Microsoft Swift Pair and Windows 10 version 1803 requirement.

Audio sharingiShare one stream with a second pair

Yes3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-reveals-new-airpods-pro-available-october-30Read 5 October 2026Original Additional Features explicitly shares one iPhone/iPad source to another compatible pair. Compatible host software required.

Not available

Wireless range (claimed)

Not available

10m2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Approximately 10 m line of sight, not a guaranteed indoor range. Manual states obstacle and interference limitations.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 165-166 approximate 10 m line of sight and interference caveat.

Wireless receiveri2.4 GHz dongle

None26Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-pro-truly-wirelessRead 7 October 2026Public Wireless Gaming and Wired Gaming text explicitly calls the original reviewed package Bluetooth-only. No proprietary 2.4 GHz audio receiver. Bluetooth USB adapters do not count as that receiver.

Not available

Receiver connector

Not available

Not available

Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audioiBoth connection types can play audio together. Quick switching between independent modes does not qualify.

No26Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-pro-truly-wirelessRead 7 October 2026Explicit Bluetooth-only audio support excludes simultaneous proprietary 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio. This is based on an exclusive connectivity statement, not merely a missing specification.

Not available

Latency

None of 3 known

Low latency mode

Not available

Not available

Claimed latency

Not available

Not available

Lowest claimed latency

Not available

Not available

Compatibility

3 of 4 differ

PlatformsiPlatforms with documented audio support. App availability and advanced features can be more limited. Edition-specific support is listed in variants.

iOS, macOS, Android, Windows8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108786Read 5 October 2026

Android, iOS, Windows, macOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 35-48 Android/iPhone, 49-57 Windows and 58-70 macOS. No console Bluetooth microphone compatibility is inferred.

Connection per platformiDocumented audio connection for each platform. USB-C phone routes require a compatible port. Platform edition and microphone restrictions belong in source notes or feature requirements.

AApple AirPods Pro 1

Platform	Connection	Microphone works
iOS	Bluetooth	Not available
macOS	Bluetooth	Not available
Android	Bluetooth	Yes
Windows	Bluetooth	Not available

Source8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108786Read 5 October 2026Maker Mac/Android/non-Apple setup. Android Bluetooth headset supports listening and talking. Exact Pro 1 SoundGuys paragraph separately names Windows PC setup. No console route or Windows microphone boolean inferred.15Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-pro-review-27106Read 5 October 2026Exact paragraph explicitly Android or Windows PC, long-press original case button then Bluetooth pairing. Apple integration is unavailable there.

BSony LinkBuds S

Platform	Connection	Microphone works
Android	Bluetooth	Yes
iOS	Bluetooth	Yes
Windows	Bluetooth	Yes
macOS	Bluetooth	Yes

Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Bluetooth music via A2DP and calls via HFP/HSP. Exact manual computer-call chapter covers video conferencing. Required Bluetooth adapter and application support stated. macOS chapter specifies 10.15 or later.

Features that need a specific deviceiDevice, operating system, firmware, codec, content, account or region requirements for a named feature.

AApple AirPods Pro 1

Feature	Needs
Spatial Audio and head tracking	Compatible Apple host and supported content/app. It is a later software capability, not a launch claim.
Personalized Spatial Audio	Ear/head profile created with a compatible iPhone camera and software, then synced through the same Apple Account.

Source11Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-sg/guide/airpods/dev00eb7e0a3/webRead 5 October 2026Current maker spatial/head-tracking and profile instructions. Requirements differ by host platform. No head tracking on arbitrary Android or Windows sources claimed.

BSony LinkBuds S

Feature	Needs
LC3 and LE Audio	Updated headset firmware, a maker-supported LE Audio Android device, and LE Audio Priority selected in the companion app. Delete Classic Audio pairing and pair again. Multipoint and several app functions are unavailable during LE Audio.
Head tracking	Updated headset firmware, supported Android phone and OS, companion app setup and a spatial-audio-compatible service. Historical Locatone integration ended in April 2025 and is not required for the current Android feature.
360 Reality Audio personalization	Companion app ear-shape analysis, compatible content and streaming service. Subscription and regional availability may apply.
LDAC multipoint	Current firmware and Connect to 2 devices simultaneously enabled in the companion app. It routes one audio stream at a time.
Google audio switch	Android 8.0 or later, Google Play, Google Fast Pair pairing and the same Google account on the Android devices. This is separate from Sony Auto Switch with a compatible speaker.
Single-bud use	Either bud works with suitable control assignments. Service Link requires the right bud. Google Assistant or Alexa assignment can limit which bud works alone.
Consecutive-tap volume controls	Updated headset firmware. Four or more left taps lower music volume and right taps raise it. During calls, adjust volume on the phone or app.

Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Exact pages 19-20, 39-41, 76-78, 118 and 120 retain feature restrictions, current versus launch firmware and supported platform conditions.6Press releaseprnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-announces-the-new-linkbuds-s-earth-blue-noise-canceling-truly-wireless-headphones-made-from-water-dispenser-bottles-and-new-model-linkbuds-uc-for-microsoft-teams-301658003.htmlRead 5 October 20268Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_3.htmlRead 5 October 2026Calls require Bluetooth HFP/HSP support. Current Android head tracking separately supported by firmware and support article. Historical Locatone is not treated as a current prerequisite.10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026Google audio switch needs Android 8+, Google Play, same Google account and Fast Pair. Current Sony Auto Switch with a compatible speaker is a separate function and is not generic automatic switching between source devices.11Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_6.htmlRead 5 October 2026Companion app or Spatial Sound Personalizer ear photos plus supported service/content. No subscription-free or region-universal promise.12Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/software/00278794Read 5 October 2026Later two-device connections, volume taps, LE Audio, head tracking and new Find My Device are listed explicitly. New finding is restricted to dedicated Classic Audio.

Official licence

Not available

Not available

Battery and charging

8 of 13 differ

Battery per budiBattery cell capacity of one earbud. The source note states typical or rated capacity. Charging input current is not capacity.

43mAh29Reviewelectronics360.globalspec.com/article/14978/teardown-apple-airpods-pro-with-charging-caseRead 7 October 2026April 15, 2020 original 2019-package teardown by IHS/Omdia, published by GlobalSpec Electronics360. Major-components list has two individual coin-type Li-ion cells, each 3.7 V, 43 mAh, 0.16 Wh. Store 43 mAh for one bud. Published component capacity, not measured runtime and not a computed Wh conversion.

Not available

User-replaceable earbud batteryiThe maker documents normal battery replacement by the user with its approved procedure and tools. Service or recycling disassembly does not count.

Not available

Not available

Claimed battery lifeiManufacturer maximum runtime under the stated mode, codec and spatial processing state. Name the spatial or immersive processing mode and other conditions in source notes. Omit unspecified settings. with_case false means one charge of the earbuds. true means earbuds plus case recharges.

AApple AirPods Pro 1

Mode	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC on	No	4.5
ANC off	No	5
ANC on	Yes	24
Call	No	3.5
Call	Yes	18

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026Maker October 2019 preproduction units with iPhone 11 Pro Max, prerelease software, 358 tracks encoded at 256 kbps AAC and 50% volume. AAC here is file encoding, not proved transmitted codec. ANC enabled gives up to 4.5 h. ANC and Transparency both off gives up to 5 h. More than 24 h including case with ANC enabled is stored at its lower bound 24. Test ends at first earbud stopping.3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-reveals-new-airpods-pro-available-october-30Read 5 October 2026Performance and Battery Life gives up to 3.5 h talk per charge in the sentence introduced by ANC mode. Over 18 h talk including case is stored as lower bound 18. Case-inclusive ANC state and transmitted codec are unstated. Exact call-test volume/firmware/host conditions are not given.

BSony LinkBuds S

Mode	Codec	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC on	LDAC	No	3.5
Transparency	LDAC	No	3.5
ANC off	LDAC	No	4.5
ANC on	AAC	No	6
Transparency	AAC	No	6
ANC off	AAC	No	9
ANC on	SBC	No	6
Transparency	SBC	No	6
ANC off	SBC	No	9
ANC on	LC3	No	5.5
Transparency	LC3	No	5.5
ANC off	LC3	No	9
ANC on	AAC	Yes	20
ANC off	AAC	Yes	30
Call	Not available	No	3.5

Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 27-28 separate LDAC/AAC/SBC/LC3 playback with ANC, ambient and both off. EQ, DSEE Extreme, Speak-to-Chat, wake-word assistant and Service Link reduce listed maxima. Volume and original measurement firmware are not stated. Calls are up to 3.5 hours in all three noise-control states, codec unstated. Standby 8.5 hours ANC, 8 ambient and 16 both off cannot be represented by existing runtime modes and are not stored.10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026Maker with-case 20 hours ANC on and 30 hours off. Footnote identifies AAC, DSEE/EQ off and all other settings default. No nominal full-recharge multiplication.

Longest claimed use per chargeiHighest earbuds-only runtime among all stored modes. This can be ANC off, Hearing Aid, heart-rate or call use. Read the battery table and source conditions.

5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

9h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Playback per charge with ANC (claimed)iHighest claimed earbuds-only playback with ANC enabled. Codec and spatial-audio conditions belong in the source note.

4.5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

6h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Playback per charge without ANC (claimed)iHighest claimed earbuds-only playback with ANC disabled. Codec and volume conditions belong in the source note.

5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

9h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Total with case (claimed)iHighest claimed runtime including the initial earbud charge and all case recharges. It is not the case recharge runtime alone.

24h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

30h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Total with case and ANC (claimed)iClaimed total playback with ANC, including the initial earbud charge and case recharges.

24h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

20h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Talk time (claimed)

3.5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

3.5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Full charge time, budsiTime to charge discharged earbuds to full in the case. Excludes charging the case itself or a combined buds-and-case result.

Not available

120min3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 25 approximately two hours for empty earbuds charging in a previously charged case. Page 24 empty-to-full combined earbuds/case is about three hours. Page 25 recommends ambient 15 to 35 degrees C. Page 165 rated charging-temperature range is 5 to 35 degrees C.

Charging guidanceiPublished charging guidance or estimates that do not separate earbuds and case. Preserve the maker’s component scope and limits. Do not assign an unspecified or combined estimate to a component-specific numeric field.

Not available

Not available

Quick charge timeiCharge duration corresponding to quick_charge_playback_h. Source note states earbuds-only or case-inclusive charging and playback settings.

5min1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

5min3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 202610Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Earbud playback after quick chargeiEarbuds-only runtime after quick_charge_min of charging. A claimed case-inclusive total does not qualify. ANC, codec and volume conditions belong in the source note.

1h1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026Five-minute empty-earbud charge in case gives around one hour earbuds-only playback. Manufacturer October 2019 test, iPhone/playlist/volume as above. No full case recharge time inferred.

1h3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 27 approximately one hour after five-minute charge. Exact Japan feature page footnote independently specifies AAC, ANC on, DSEE/EQ off and all other functions default.10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026Five-minute charge provides up to one hour, AAC/ANC on, DSEE/EQ off, other settings default. Earbuds-only playback.

Charging case

5 of 10 differ

Case batteryiCharging-case battery cell capacity. The source note distinguishes typical, rated and output capacity. USB output capacity alone does not qualify.

519mAh29Reviewelectronics360.globalspec.com/article/14978/teardown-apple-airpods-pro-with-charging-caseRead 7 October 2026Same original teardown lists one two-cell Li-polymer pack, 3.81 V, 519 mAh, 1.98 Wh. 519 mAh is the pack total, not each cell or USB output capacity. Later MagSafe MLWK3AM/A catalog data is excluded.

450mAh14Review52audio.com/archives/122319.htmlRead 5 October 2026Original June 20, 2022 exact WF-LS900N teardown: case label explicitly rated 450 mAh/1.732 Wh, nominal 3.85 V, SP 731834 pack. Earbud ZeniPower Z52H only 0.21 Wh/3.85 V is not converted to rounded mAh or replaced by 75 mAh aftermarket listings.

User-replaceable case batteryiThe maker documents normal case battery replacement by the user with its approved procedure and tools. Service or recycling disassembly does not count.

Not available

Not available

Case charging port

Lightning1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

USB-C3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Case full charge timeiBy cable, 0 to 100 %. A time the maker gives with the earbuds inside the case counts, and the source note says so.

Not available

180min3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 165 case charging approximately three hours. Pages 24-25 define empty-to-full USB charging with supplied cable and a USB adapter able to supply at least 500 mA. Preliminary sheet calling earbuds three hours conflates the combined result.

Wireless charging

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

No5Reviewtechradar.com/reviews/sony-linkbuds-sRead 5 October 2026Exact review explicitly states no wireless charging compatibility. USB-C case charging only.

Wireless standardsiDocumented case charging standards or supported chargers. Magnetic alignment alone does not establish Qi2 certification.

Qi1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

Not available

Wireless charging poweriHighest wireless charging input the maker states for the case. The output of a charging pad does not count.

Not available

Not available

Speaker in caseiAn audio speaker physically in the charging case, for locating or status sounds. A microphone in the case is separate.

Not available

Not available

Screen on case

Not available

Not available

Case works as audio transmitteriCase relays external source audio through USB or an analog audio input. A case microphone for recording or calls does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Controls

4 of 5 differ

ControlsiPressure is a force sensor that does not move, such as a stem you squeeze. Button is a key that moves when pressed.

Pressure, Voice commands1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

Touch, Voice commands3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Earbud volume controliHow earbud controls adjust volume, including a voice command if supported. Phone or app controls alone do not qualify.

Voice3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-reveals-new-airpods-pro-available-october-30Read 5 October 2026Original release explicitly Hey Siri can increase volume. No physical swipe volume control borrowed from Pro 2.

Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 21 left consecutive taps lower and right raise music volume. Page 100 explicitly says call volume cannot be adjusted on the buds and must use phone/app.

Gestures

Single press, Double press, Triple press, Press and hold1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

Single tap, Double tap, Triple tap, Four or more consecutive taps, Touch and hold3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 21 single, double, triple, four-or-more taps and hold. Consecutive-tap volume support is later firmware. No original LinkBuds wide-area skin taps copied.

Remappable controls

Yes6Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Current exact Pro 1 control chapter allows press-and-hold for Siri or noise-control switching. No newer swipe/head gesture/mute action inferred.

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Voice assistant

Siri1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 202610Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Sensors and health

2 of 9 differ

In-ear detection

Yes6Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Maker stop/resume on removal/reinsertion. Apple host integration required. Android review explicitly says auto-pause unavailable there.

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 202610Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Sensors

Dual optical sensors, Motion-detecting accelerometer, Speech-detecting accelerometer, Force sensor1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026Published sensor types. Dual beamforming plus inward-facing microphone descriptions do not explicitly state the per-earbud physical capsule scope, so no voice/ANC total inferred. Speech-detecting accelerometer does not prove a bone-conduction pickup sensor.

Infrared wearing sensors, Motion sensor3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 13 identifies IR wearing sensors. Motion sensing is separately maker-published. A speech-detecting motion sensor is not claimed as dedicated bone-conduction pickup.8Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_3.htmlRead 5 October 2026Maker explicitly identifies internal motion sensor for historical spatial application head tracking. Locatone integration ended April 21, 2025 and is not presented as a current service.14Review52audio.com/archives/122319.htmlRead 5 October 2026Teardown identifies optical wearing sensor and 5L1DR accelerometer. This does not establish bone/jaw speech-conduction pickup.

Heart rate sensor

Not available

Not available

Skin temperature sensingiA documented skin temperature sensor. This is separate from the operating temperature range or a heart-rate sensor.

Not available

Not available

Hearing aid featureiAmplification for mild to moderate hearing loss

Not available

Not available

Medical clearances

Not available

Not available

Hearing testiA documented hearing assessment feature, including consumer sound-personalization tests. Medical diagnostic clearance must be stated separately.

Not available

Not available

Hearing protectioniLimits sudden loud sounds

Not available

Not available

Health features

Conversation Boost12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102663Read 5 October 2026Conversation Boost focuses on a person speaking in front through customized Transparency. It is not Conversation Awareness auto music pausing, a hearing test or clinical hearing-aid clearance. Newer Pro 2/3 Hearing Assistance is not inherited.

Not available

Fit and durability

1 of 7 differ

Ear tips includediTip sizes supplied with the product, including the pair fitted to the earbuds. Do not list separately sold sizes as included.

S, M, L14Press article9to5mac.com/2022/12/28/change-airpods-pro-ear-tips-fit-testRead 5 October 2026Explicit first-generation small/medium/large, compared with Pro 2 four sizes. Maker original spec says three silicone sizes, and current fit guide confirms medium fitted plus remaining pairs in box. No extra-small tip inherited.

SS, S, M, LL3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026SS/S/M/LL, two of each, M preinstalled. Page 10 explicitly says L is not supplied and sold separately. Preliminary French sheet three S/M/L sizes is overruled by the original manual.

Ear tip materials

Silicone1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

Silicone3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Hybrid silicone rubber is Sony naming for silicone construction, not proof of silicone/foam hybrid tips.

StabilisersiPhysical stabilizing fittings or structures. Stability bands are separate from fins, wings and ear hooks.

Not available

Not available

Ear tip fit test

Yes3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2019/10/apple-reveals-new-airpods-pro-available-october-30Read 5 October 2026Original maker Ear Tip Fit Test uses microphones to compare ear sound and driver signal for seal assessment. It is not a hearing-health test.13Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/119849Read 5 October 2026Current maker article explicitly AirPods Pro 1 Ear Tip Fit Test, iPhone/iPad iOS/iPadOS 13.2 or later. Acoustic-seal test is distinct from the Pro 3 heart-rate fit.

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 17-18 app determines which supplied tips seal best. This is an acoustic fit test, not a hearing assessment.

Dust and water rating, buds

IPX41Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026Earbuds only. Footnote 2 explicitly says original case is not sweat or water resistant. No case IP code invented.

IPX43Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 133 exact IPX4 equivalent for earbuds only. Sound conduits, air holes and microphone parts are not completely watertight. Case explicitly not water resistant. No case IP class inferred.

Dust and water rating, case

Not available

Not available

Water resistance depth

Not available

Not available

Software

5 of 6 differ

Companion app

Not available

Sony | Sound Connect9Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact maker names Sound Connect, formerly Headphones Connect. Original manual old branding is retained only as historical source wording.12Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/software/00278794Read 5 October 2026Firmware page explicitly current Sony Sound Connect app. Latest update requires Android 10+ or iOS 16+ and app 12.3+.

App platforms

Not available

Android, iOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 34 and 120 explicitly Android/iPhone app setup. Current firmware update names Sony Sound Connect.

User firmware updates

Yes9Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/106340Read 5 October 2026Current exact Pro 1 firmware entry 6F21. Updates while charging near Wi-Fi-connected iPhone/iPad/Mac. No Android updater or future feature promise.

Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 118 explicitly software updates through companion app.12Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/software/00278794Read 5 October 2026

Finding network

Apple Find My10Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-am/guide/airpods/dev8e8b93d71/webRead 5 October 2026Current offline Find My network list explicitly includes AirPods Pro, including first generation. Must enable before loss, compatible Apple account/device and current software required. Guide says up to 24 h after last connection.

Last location in the app10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_5.htmlRead 5 October 2026Current exact page describes last Android connection location/time using Google app after Fast Pair. Firmware adds new Find My Device support, but offline crowd-network eligibility is not explicit in the reopened exact documentation. Only proved last-location capability stored.

Precision findingiUWB in the case

No10Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-am/guide/airpods/dev8e8b93d71/webRead 5 October 2026UWB case precision finding is expressly limited to Pro 2/3. Original A2190 lacks this supported feature.

Not available

Live translation

No28Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/123185Read 7 October 2026Current supported-model list for Live Translation with AirPods includes AirPods 4 ANC, AirPods 5 both models, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2, with compatible Apple Intelligence iPhone, iOS 26 or later, Translate app and current firmware. Original Pro 1 is not eligible for the dedicated feature. Ordinary playback of phone-translated audio is not that feature.

Not available

Dimensions and weight

4 of 4 differ

Weight per budiMass of one earbud. Tip size and approximate values belong in the source note. Do not store pair or case-inclusive mass.

5.4g(0.2 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026Published mass of one earbud. Not the pair or combined case mass.

4.8g(0.2 oz)2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Approximate 4.8 g per unit, with M tips confirmed by manual page 165.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 165 approximately 4.8 g each including M tips. Pair mass not stored as single-bud weight.

Bud dimensionsiDimensions of one earbud on the explicitly identified width, height and depth axes. An unlabeled tuple cannot establish those axes.

Width21.8Height30.9Depth24mm(0.9 × 1.2 × 0.9 in)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026Each earbud explicitly labelled width, height and depth.

Not available

Case weightiCharging case mass excluding earbuds. Case-inclusive product mass does not qualify unless the source explicitly gives the empty-case figure.

45.6g(1.6 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026Published Wireless Charging Case mass, separately listed from the earbuds.

35g(1.2 oz)3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 165 approximately 35 g charging case, excluding buds. SoundGuys 42 g in-case figure is not substituted.

Case dimensionsiCharging-case width, height and depth on explicitly identified source axes. Report conflicting axis labels rather than reorder a tuple by appearance.

Width60.6Height45.2Depth21.7mm(2.4 × 1.8 × 0.9 in)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026Original Wireless Charging Case axis labels. Later case hardware is not inherited.

Not available

Certifications

2 of 3 differ

Hi-Res AudioiThe Japan Audio Society logos. Hi-Res Audio Wireless is also written Hi-Res Wireless Audio.

Not available

Hi-Res Audio Wireless9Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact model Hi-Res Audio Wireless / LDAC conditions. DSEE Extreme upscales to 96 kHz/24 bit and does not establish accepted input bit depth by itself.17Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/4548736144873_f_0Read 5 October 2026

Communication certifications

Not available

Not available

FCC IDs

BCG-A2083, BCG-A208416Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/information/ma1920_airpods-pro-rci.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original 12-page Regulatory Compliance Information, page 2 US certification table. Case has no explicit FCC identifier stored.

Not available

Other certifications

Class 1 laser (IEC 60825-1:2007/2014)16Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/information/ma1920_airpods-pro-rci.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 2 expressly Class 1 laser under IEC 60825-1:2007/2014. Not an audio certification.

360 Reality Audio certified11Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/feature_6.htmlRead 5 October 2026

In the box

2 of 2 differ

In the box

AirPods Pro 1, Wireless Charging Case, Silicone ear tips (three sizes), Lightning to USB-C cable, Documentation1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026Exact original standard box. All three tip pairs count, including the fitted pair. Cable length not stated. No mains adapter or 2021 MagSafe case included.

LinkBuds S earbuds, Charging case, Hybrid silicone rubber ear tips (SS, S, M, LL pairs), USB-A to USB-C cable3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 9 complete package list: earbuds, charging case, one USB-A/C cable and four pairs of hybrid silicone rubber tips. Manuals and warranty card observed in a regional teardown are not assigned to every international box.

Cables included

AApple AirPods Pro 1

Type	Count
Lightning to USB-C cable	1

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

BSony LinkBuds S

Type	Length (m)	Count
USB-A to USB-C cable	0.2	1

Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 9 approximately 20 cm USB-A to USB-C, one cable.

Links

Not compared

Product page

support.apple.com/en-us/1118611Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026

www.sony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_SRead 5 October 2026Exact Sony Japan LinkBuds S generation and current storefront. The smaller original open-ring LinkBuds WF-L900 and later LinkBuds Fit WF-LS910N are excluded.

Spec sheet

support.apple.com/en-us/1118611Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111861Read 5 October 2026Exact original 2019 Wireless Charging Case package. Later 2021 MagSafe A2190 revision and every Pro 2/3 generation are excluded. No standalone maker PDF datasheet found.

www.sony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.html2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/LinkBuds_S/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact maker specification table, read alongside current original 166-page manual. Proved driver diameter is 5 mm, but the physical per-bud transducer count is not explicitly stated. Optional driver table is omitted because its missing count would derive one.17Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/4548736144873_f_0Read 5 October 2026Original Sony France preliminary two-page product sheet, reopened from distributor. 5 mm dynamic and V1 agree. Three-tip S/M/L package, 3-hour earbud charge and 3 h 50 min call claims conflict with original manual and are rejected. Printed case axes 42.8 x 60 x 27.6 mm in width/height/depth order conflict with other maker tuple conventions, so case dimensions remain absent. Numeric diameter retained here without unsafe count-derived table.

Manual

cdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1919_airpods-pro-qsg.pdf5Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1919_airpods-pro-qsg.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original 2019 two-page Quick Start Guide linked by maker document identity 300145. Both sides read and tip/setup diagrams visually checked. Charging via Qi or Lightning, pressure controls and non-Apple Bluetooth setup.

helpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdf3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/linkbudss/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Exact original YY2950 / WF-LS900N 166-page Help Guide, current revision 5-035-792-11(8), copyright 2022.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

1 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year19Retailer pagemicrocenter.com/support/616212/apple-airpods-pro-true-wireless-earbuds-whiteRead 7 October 2026US MWP22AM/A vendor warranty specifies one year limited parts and labor. Corroborated by Apple accessory warranty version effective July 12, 2018 to January 19, 2021. Statutory rights and separately purchased AppleCare are excluded.20Maker product pageapple.com/legal/warranty/products/accessory-warranty-english.htmlRead 7 October 2026Historical accessory warranty version effective July 12, 2018 to January 19, 2021 explicitly provides one year from original retail purchase. Applied only to the US original MWP22AM/A SKU evidenced by its vendor warranty. No AppleCare or statutory warranty combined.

Not available

Both are also in the API. Back to all earbuds.