Sony has announced the LinkBuds Clip, a new pair of open-ear earbuds designed to keep you aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your music.
Instead of sealing off your ears, the clip-style design sits outside the ear canal, letting sound from the real world pass through naturally — a setup aimed at commuting, working, and all-day wear.
The LinkBuds Clip follows on from the LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit, carrying on the same approach to always-on open design, meaning you don’t have to take the earbuds out to hear traffic, announcements, or nearby conversations.
Sony says this also helps reduce ear fatigue by improving airflow and avoiding the pressure that comes with in-ear tips. It’s a more social approach to listening, letting users stay engaged with what’s happening around them while audio plays in the background.
Physically, the LinkBuds Clip uses a C-shaped ear-cuff design that clips onto the ear rather than sitting inside it.
The main body and upper band are designed to fit a wide range of ear shapes, with removable Fitting Cushions included for extra stability. Sony claims its lightweight build is comfortable enough to wear over the course of a day during activities like walking or running.
Battery life is rated at up to 37 hours (9 hours per charge), with fast charging providing around an hour of playback from just three minutes plugged in. The earbuds are IPX4-rated for sweat and rain, support multipoint Bluetooth, with offer tap controls and scene-based listening that adapts audio to your activity.
Despite the open design, Sony still leans heavily on its audio pedigree. The LinkBuds Clip feature DSEE upscaling, 360 Reality Audio support, and a customisable 10-band EQ via the Sound Connect app. There are also three listening modes: Standard, Voice Boost for noisy environments, and Sound Leakage Reduction for quieter spaces where you want to keep audio more private.
Call quality is another area of focus. Sony uses a bone conduction sensor combined with AI-based noise reduction to keep voices clear, even in busy environments. The aim is to deliver natural-sounding calls without needing to raise your voice or adjust settings mid-conversation.
The LinkBuds Clip are available from January 2026 onwards, priced at £180 / €200, and will be available in Greige, Black, Lavender, and Green finishes.
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