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Open-ear earbuds have become increasingly popular for people who want music and podcasts without disconnecting from the world around them. Sony takes a slightly different approach with the LinkBuds Clip, using a clip-style design that sits around the outer ear instead of sealing the ear canal. At Rs 24,990 in India at the time of writing, they are no longer quite as expensive as their launch price of Rs 18,990, but they still sit in premium territory. In the US, it is priced at $230.
The LinkBuds Clip come across as a well-executed pair of open earbuds with excellent awareness, strong calling performance, good battery life, and a comfortable design. However, their open construction also brings some unavoidable compromises, particularly with bass, noise isolation, and performance in loud environments. The bigger question is whether those compromises are acceptable at this price.
1A comfortable clip-on design
The LinkBuds Clip have one of their biggest strengths in their design. Instead of pushing an earbud into the ear canal, a flexible band wraps around the outer ear, placing the speaker just outside the canal. This makes them particularly appealing to people who dislike the pressure associated with conventional in-ear earbuds.
Comfort is generally very good once the right position is found. The included silicone fitting cushions can improve stability and make the earbuds more comfortable for smaller ears. They can also remain secure during activities such as walking, jogging, and workouts.
The design itself is stylish and relatively discreet. Sony offers four colors, while the case can also be customized with different covers. However, the boxy case can show quite a bulge in a pants pocket. Apart from Green, buyers can choose from options like Greige, Black, and Lavender.
