Earbuds / Compare

Google Pixel Buds A-Series vs Sony LinkBuds S

A

Product A: Google

Pixel Buds A-Series

65 of 166 known

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B

Product B: Sony

LinkBuds S

88 of 166 known

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All 166 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series

BSony LinkBuds S

General

6 of 8 differ

Series

Pixel Buds10Press releaseblog.google/products-and-platforms/products/pixel-buds/introducing-a-seriesRead 11 October 2026Google launch post for the Pixel Buds A-Series, the affordable model of the Pixel Buds line.

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.

GA02213-US6Measurementsoundguys.com/google-pixel-buds-a-series-review-54174Read 10 October 2026Review spec table lists model number GA02213-US, a US model. Product release date June 17, 2021 and original price $99 USD agree with the Verge launch report.

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

Not available

Not available

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

3 June 20212Press articletheverge.com/2021/6/3/22466088/google-pixel-buds-a-series-specs-priceRead 10 October 2026The Verge, June 3, 2021: officially announced today.

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

Not available

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.

Google Pixel Buds 2a15Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Pixel-Buds-2a-arrive-with-Pixel-Buds-Pro-2-features-at-a-lower-price.1092514.0.htmlRead 23 October 2026Notebookcheck says Google announced the Pixel Buds 2a as the successors to the Pixel Buds A-series released in 2021.

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.

$992Press articletheverge.com/2021/6/3/22466088/google-pixel-buds-a-series-specs-priceRead 10 October 2026Priced at $99 in the US.

$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.

€993Press article9to5google.com/2021/08/18/pixel-buds-a-series-internationalRead 10 October 20269to5Google: 99 EUR in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain from August 25, 2021. Price as published for retail, tax treatment not stated.

Not available

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

US, CA, DE2Press articletheverge.com/2021/6/3/22466088/google-pixel-buds-a-series-specs-priceRead 10 October 2026US and Canada at launch. Germany from the August 2021 rollout. Documented subset.

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

Clearly White, Dark Olive, Charcoal, Sea1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026Google Pixel Buds A-Series Specifications: Clearly White, Dark Olive, Charcoal, Sea.

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

Music10Press releaseblog.google/products-and-platforms/products/pixel-buds/introducing-a-seriesRead 11 October 2026Launch post positions the model for rich sound with hands-free help from Google Assistant, an everyday listening product.

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

Design

0 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-ear5Reviewandroidcentral.com/google-pixel-buds-series-reviewRead 10 October 2026Review: sticking them in your ear canal produces a seal, with a vent on the underside that releases pressure. Stored as in-ear.

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.

Stemless9Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/google-pixel-buds-a-series-truly-wireless-vs-sony-wf-c500-truly-wireless/25832/28723Read 10 October 2026Public RTINGS Style text: round, minimalist look.

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 bud4Reviewtheverge.com/22465651/google-pixel-buds-a-series-earbuds-review-features-priceRead 11 October 2026Review quoting Google: each earbud connects individually to the source device.13Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7560934Read 11 October 2026Controls page: on the Pixel Buds A-Series all gestures can be performed with either earbud. The Verge adds that each earbud connects individually to the source device.

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

9 of 17 differ

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

AGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series

Type	Diameter (mm)	Count per earbud
Dynamic	12	1

Source1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026Audio: custom-designed 12 mm dynamic speaker driver. The page lists one driver for the earbud.

BSony LinkBuds S

Not available

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

Dynamic1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026

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.

12mm=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.

Not available

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

Not available

Not available

Personalised soundiA profile from a hearing test or ear scan

Not available

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

2 of 2 differ

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

Not available

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.

Not available

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

7 of 11 differ

Active noise cancelling

No1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026Audio lists passive noise reduction and a spatial vent. No active noise cancelling is listed.

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.

Not available

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.

Not available

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.

Not available

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

No7Reviewifixit.com/Device/Google_Pixel_Buds_A-SeriesRead 11 October 2026iFixit background: the A-Series removes wireless charging, transparency mode and ANC with Silent Seal compared with the Pixel Buds Pro.

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

Adjustable transparency

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

Conversation detection

Not available

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

4 of 23 differ

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

RTINGS describes a somewhat neutral sound profile with underemphasised bass across the whole range. The Bass Boost EQ adds punch. The mid-treble is slightly underemphasised.9Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/google-pixel-buds-a-series-truly-wireless-vs-sony-wf-c500-truly-wireless/25832/28723Read 10 October 2026Public RTINGS Sound Profile text for the A-Series. Numeric bass and treble amounts are locked, so none are stored.

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

RTINGS: recording quality is satisfactory, voice sounds somewhat natural but thin. Noise handling is mediocre on a busy street.9Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/google-pixel-buds-a-series-truly-wireless-vs-sony-wf-c500-truly-wireless/25832/28723Read 10 October 2026Public RTINGS Recording Quality and Noise Handling text.

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

Not available

Not available

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

Not available

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.

AGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series

Hours (h)
4.73

Source6Measurementsoundguys.com/google-pixel-buds-a-series-review-54174Read 10 October 20264 hours 44 minutes of constant music playback peaking at 75 dB(SPL) in the SoundGuys standardized test. The review tested firmware 233 or later for its sound section. ANC does not exist on this product.

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.

4.73h=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

2 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.

46Measurementsoundguys.com/google-pixel-buds-a-series-review-54174Read 10 October 2026Review: each earbud has two mics, four across the pair. Google lists dual beamforming microphones without a per-earbud count.

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.

46Measurementsoundguys.com/google-pixel-buds-a-series-review-54174Read 10 October 2026Two microphones per earbud from the review.

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

DSP14Reviewm.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_buds_aseries_review-news-49871.phpRead 11 October 2026GSMArena lists in-call noise reduction. Google lists dual beamforming microphones and no AI claim, so DSP is stored.

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

11 of 18 differ

Chip

Not available

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

Bluetooth1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026

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

Bluetooth

5.01Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 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, AAC6Measurementsoundguys.com/google-pixel-buds-a-series-review-54174Read 10 October 2026Review: Bluetooth codec options are AAC and SBC.

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.

No9Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/google-pixel-buds-a-series-truly-wireless-vs-sony-wf-c500-truly-wireless/25832/28723Read 10 October 2026Public RTINGS Bluetooth text: no NFC or multi-device pairing.

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

Not available

Not available

Fast pairing

Google Fast Pair4Reviewtheverge.com/22465651/google-pixel-buds-a-series-earbuds-review-features-priceRead 11 October 2026Review: the Pixel Buds A-Series still support Android's Fast Pair feature for quick setup.

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

Not available

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

Not available

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.

Not available

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.

Android, iOS1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026Requirements: any Bluetooth 4.0 or newer device including Android or iOS mobile devices, tablets and laptops.

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.

AGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series

Not available

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.

AGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series

Feature	Needs
Full access to features	Google Account, a companion phone running Android 6.0 or newer with Google Assistant, the Pixel Buds app and an internet connection. Pairs as a plain Bluetooth device with any Bluetooth 4.0 or newer device, including iOS.
Live translation	Google Assistant on a compatible Android phone, with an internet connection.

Source1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026

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

10 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.

Not available

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.

AGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series

Mode	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC off	No	5
ANC off	Yes	24
Call	No	2.5
Call	Yes	12

Source1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026Earbuds up to 5 hours of listening or 2.5 hours of talk. With the charging case up to 24 hours of listening or 12 hours of talk. Footnote 6.2: music playback with pre-production hardware and software, fully charged buds and case, other features disabled. The volume is not stated.

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.

Not available

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.

Not available

20h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Talk time (claimed)

2.5h=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.

15min1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 202615-minute charge of the earbuds in the charging case.

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.

3h1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026Up to 3 hours of listening, earbuds only.

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

2 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.

500mAh8Reviewifixit.com/Guide/Google+Pixel+Buds+A-Series+Battery+Replacement/153791Read 10 October 2026Teardown of the charging case: the battery is marked Model GYJS0, Rated Capacity 500 mAh 1.85 Wh, Rated Voltage 3.7 VDC. 500 mAh at 3.7 V equals 1.85 Wh. This is the case cell, rated capacity.

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

USB-C1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 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

No9Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/google-pixel-buds-a-series-truly-wireless-vs-sony-wf-c500-truly-wireless/25832/28723Read 10 October 2026Public RTINGS Case text: the case does not support wireless charging. The Google page lists only a USB-C charging port.

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.

Not available

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

5 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.

Touch1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026Capacitive touch sensors for music, calls and Google Assistant controls.

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.

None9Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/google-pixel-buds-a-series-truly-wireless-vs-sony-wf-c500-truly-wireless/25832/28723Read 10 October 2026Public RTINGS Controls text: unlike the Pixel Buds (2020), no volume controls.

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

Tap once: play or pause, Tap twice: next track, Tap three times: previous track, Touch and hold: Google Assistant9Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/google-pixel-buds-a-series-truly-wireless-vs-sony-wf-c500-truly-wireless/25832/28723Read 10 October 2026Public RTINGS Controls text: tap once, twice, three times and touch and hold.

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

Not available

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

Voice assistant

Google Assistant, Gemini9Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/google-pixel-buds-a-series-truly-wireless-vs-sony-wf-c500-truly-wireless/25832/28723Read 10 October 2026Touch and hold activates the voice assistant. Google Assistant comes from the Google article and the Verge review.13Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7560934Read 11 October 2026Controls page lists Gemini activation by touch and hold or hotword for Pixel Buds A-Series, next to Hey Google. Gemini needs the latest app and an Android 10 or later phone.

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

1 of 9 differ

In-ear detection

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026Single IR proximity sensor for in-ear detection to play and pause automatically.

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

Capacitive touch sensors, Single IR proximity sensor, Motion-detecting accelerometer, Hall Effect sensor in the case1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026Voice: dual beamforming microphones. Sensors: capacitive touch, single IR proximity sensor for in-ear detection, Hall effect sensor in the case. The page does not say if the IR sensor count is per earbud.7Reviewifixit.com/Device/Google_Pixel_Buds_A-SeriesRead 11 October 2026iFixit device page lists a motion-detecting accelerometer in the earbuds along with the touch sensors, the single IR proximity sensor and the case Hall effect sensor. Google's support article does not list the accelerometer for the A-Series.

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

Not available

Not available

Fit and durability

3 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, L1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026Eartips in small, medium (attached) and large.

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

Silicone6Measurementsoundguys.com/google-pixel-buds-a-series-review-54174Read 10 October 2026Review: ships with small, medium and large silicone ear tips.

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.

Wing tips6Measurementsoundguys.com/google-pixel-buds-a-series-review-54174Read 10 October 2026Review text names the comfortable wings of the earbuds. RTINGS also says the ear wings are small. The Verge calls them ear hooks or stabilizer arcs. Stored as wing tips from SoundGuys and RTINGS wording.

Not available

Ear tip fit test

Not available

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.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026IPX4 water protection rating, earbuds only, under IEC 60529.

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

3 of 6 differ

Companion app

Pixel Buds app9Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/google-pixel-buds-a-series-truly-wireless-vs-sony-wf-c500-truly-wireless/25832/28723Read 10 October 2026Public RTINGS App Support text: the Google Pixel Buds app.

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

Android9Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/google-pixel-buds-a-series-truly-wireless-vs-sony-wf-c500-truly-wireless/25832/28723Read 10 October 2026Public RTINGS App Support text: the app is only available on Android devices.

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

Yes14Reviewm.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_buds_aseries_review-news-49871.phpRead 11 October 2026GSMArena: firmware updates for the buds are downloaded from the Pixel Buds app on Android.

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

Last location in the app9Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/google-pixel-buds-a-series-truly-wireless-vs-sony-wf-c500-truly-wireless/25832/28723Read 10 October 2026Public RTINGS App Support text: the app can find lost buds. The finding method is not stated, stored as app-based.

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

Not available

Not available

Live translation

Yes4Reviewtheverge.com/22465651/google-pixel-buds-a-series-earbuds-review-features-priceRead 11 October 2026Review lists real-time language translation as a retained feature. Google Assistant and a compatible phone are required.

Not available

Dimensions and weight

2 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.

5.06g(0.2 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026Earbuds 5.06 g.

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.

Not available

Not available

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

42.8g(1.5 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026Case 42.8 g without earbuds (52.9 g with 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.

Not available

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

SZGG7YPJ, SZGGPQY212Owner's manualsupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/10500249Read 11 October 2026Safety, Warranty & Regulatory Guide for Pixel Buds A-Series, US section: models G7YPJ, GPQY2 and G7T9J, FCC ID SZGG7YPJ and FCC ID SZGGPQY2. The guide does not say which ID belongs to which earbud. G7T9J has no FCC ID of its own.

Not available

Other certifications

Not available

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

Earbuds, Charging case, Eartips with 3 size options: small, medium (attached to earbuds), large, USB-C to USB-A charging cable, Quick Start Guide1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026

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

AGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series

Type	Count
USB-C to USB-A	1

Source1Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026USB-C to USB-A charging cable.

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

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Product page

support.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/75443321Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 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.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/75443321Maker product pagesupport.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332Read 10 October 2026

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

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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.

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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.

1year11Maker product pagesupport.google.com/product-documentation/answer/9322027Read 11 October 2026Google Hardware Limited Warranty for the USA and Canada: one year from original retail purchase for a new Google product. Other regions can differ.

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