Sony LinkBuds Open use an 11 mm ring-shaped driver and an open centre that lets outside sound reach the ear naturally. For runners, this design can make it easier to hear nearby people and environmental cues than with sealed earbuds. Sony includes Air Fitting Supporters to improve stability, while the earbuds carry an IPX4 rating for sweat and splashes.
Sony quotes up to eight hours of playback from the earbuds and up to 22 hours total with the charging case. A three-minute quick charge can provide up to 60 minutes. Multipoint Bluetooth supports two connected devices, and the Sony Sound Connect app offers EQ, touch-control customisation, Speak-to-Chat and other settings. The model does not provide active noise cancellation.
Open earbuds do not guarantee safe awareness, so runners still need sensible volume and attention around roads or shared paths. The charging case is not water resistant, and battery life varies with settings and conditions. Ear shape affects stability, so the fit should be checked before longer runs. The saved US$229.99 price is Sony’s listed US MSRP checked on 20 October 2026.
