Submitted 1 year ago

By FredCarl

From Oxford

Verified Buyer

Reviewed at

I really like this little speaker. It is stylish and discreet and feels premium. At startup you get a little notification of what day it is. This is quite neat as you can programme the speaker to wake you up through the revamped Sound connect app. I already had the app installed when I got the speaker and I must say this was the easiest connection I have ever made to a new device. After setup and enabling the auto connect feature, with one click on the speaker it will play direct from your playlist. The LinkBuds Speaker can auto-switch seamlessly from Linkbud earphones and even the 1000XM5s to the speaker. The connection is stable and works well after set up. When the speaker is connected and playing music, the sound is transferred immediately when earbuds are connected. The same happens when I press play on the speaker, the earphones are disconnected. Sweet! There is a cool little loop on the back for hanging the speaker up under a sun umbrella or for carrying. The charging base is a nice touch if you intend to keep the speaker plugged in in one place. For the size it is, the sound is really good. I would say it punches above it's weight. Equalizer is adjustable from the app. There's also a built-in microphone so you can use it for calls and notifications. It would be cool if you could pair it with other Bluetooth speakers at the same time. I think this only works if you have two linkbuds speakers, not any other Sony speaker. I don't have two so have not tried it. One could always wish in a future software update? This is my new favourite gadget and because of its size it will definitely be packed for holidays.

Submitted 1 year ago

By DoctorSimon31

From East Sussex

Verified Reviewer

Submitted as part of a sweepstakes entry

Reviewed at

Out of the box this is an attractive yet discrete looking speaker, with a quality material finish (I have the grey, but it comes in white too). It comes with its own small charging dock to save any need to unplug the water-resistant cover for the USB C port found at the rear bottom of the unit. Using the Sony Sound Connect app my phone connected seamlessly to the Linkbuds speaker, and promptly updated to the latest software. Its defining feature is to handoff back and forth to Sony Buds, or in my case, a set of Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones. You will need to set this up in settings, and when the headphones are connected, but it was easy enough, and the instructions pop up when you go into the menu option. Having a small range of Sony portable speakers, the comparison with Sound quality, for such a small offering, is quite surprising. It easily fills a room with good low and high frequencies; maybe the mid-range is a little lacking. There is an interesting equaliser function in the app that I'm still experimenting with, along with an option to prioritise quality over connection stability, which as I've had no connections issues I keep quality on. Further to these settings, there's an Autoplay function, where you can set your chosen music app (set in the Services tab) to start and stop playback at times of the day each week. These settings can all be found under the Sound tab. On the top of the unit are some basic controls for playback, pause, volume and to take calls. For the first time of any portable speaker I've used, I've become confident of using the microphone and general call functions to use this at my work desk at home: connected to both my laptop and phone allows for seamless transfer of calls to music from either device. To complete the list of function buttons on the top you will find the Quick Access button. There are two options you can set up in System. I've chosen to start my music app with one press. Even if my phone is not connected to the speaker it connects and starts playing the music from my phone, and fairly promptly too. Within the app, under Setting you will also find some useful options like for Battery care, to limit the charge to 90% and amongst others, Auto Power Off, to turn off the unit after 15 mins when there is no Bluetooth connection. In summary, this is great quality speaker with some cool features that lend it nicely to working from home, taking calls and chilling with some motivational music. The branding may suggest it strength is to keep the music going from headphones to speaker, but in its own right I'd take this to the beach, the bathroom, or a hotel room or anywhere where some quiet background music is what's called for.

Submitted 1 year ago

By SgtStressUK

From Wiltshire, UK

Verified Reviewer

Submitted as part of a sweepstakes entry

Reviewed at

As you would expect from Sony, this is another quality bluetooth speaker. It's small, portable - with a nice little charging dock and packs a punch in the sound department. Its unique feature is the handoff between Sony Linkbuds earphones. For example, if you come home wearing your Linkbuds, you can take them out and the sound will automatically move over to this little speaker. Conversely, if you are listening via the speaker, and put in your Linkbuds, the sound will switch over to them. This is a pretty cool feature! However, even if you don't have a set of Linkbuds, this speaker is still well worth looking at! Design Its a pretty cute little speaker, available in both back and white colour options. Looks right at home wherever you put it. A set of buttons on top for ease of use if you dont want to use the app for basic control Sound Quality Its actually very good for its size. It can easily fill a room with good sound. The bass packs a decent punch. The mid range can be a little muddy depending on what genre of music your playing but overall the quality is above many of its competitors Key Points Charging via builtin USB-C and also via the cool little dock. Small size - perfect for kitchens, offices etc and also very portable for fun on the go! Decent battery life - a claimed 25 hours Surprisingly loud with good bass Companion App - Sony Connect Overall Summary A great little speaker thats as happy on the desk as it is being carried around. Good battery life, easy connectivity and good sound quality. Highly recommended.

Submitted 1 year ago

By A.Gent

From Faversham, Kent

Verified Reviewer

Submitted as part of a sweepstakes entry

Reviewed at

Pros As a speaker This is a small portable and rechargeable speaker , it has a very good battery life and is well designed with its soft touch controls. The volume is very good for its cost and size , and can easily fill a room , no problems there , the sound is a bit soft or bass heavy, would have preferred the ability to boost treble ,but is definitely pleasant for both music and spoken word , so I would give it 9/10 The charging unit fits nicely underneath the unit , and the cable length to the plug should mean you can site the speaker in most areas in the house and leave it there till you want to move the speaker to a more convenient place , like the garden or bathroom , so for convenience I give this 10/10 Bluetooth connections are quick and very easy to set up , 2 iPads and 2 different iPhones all made connections within seconds As a hands free phone speaker , very good , once paired to a phone incoming calls identified via ring tone on the speaker , and connected by pressing the button on top , and ended by using the same button . I also was able to say "hey siri" to the speaker and make a call to my wife , so works well for making and receiving calls 10/10 again To conclude the pro section , and given that we will primarily use this as a portable rechargeable speaker , with occasional phone use , I will score it 10/10 Cons My major dislike is nothing to do with the speaker , but with Sonys 80 plus page downloadable instruction book , not set out very well , and in a bad order . It works and gives instructions, but not in an intuitive order Lack of eq settings , perfectly adequate, but I would have preferred more customisable settings Next would be the covering of the speaker , it is well made and looks good , but it is a dust magnet If , as we did , you have it in the kitchen , and are doing some baking , make sure your hands are clean before moving the speaker , or you can end up with floury fingerprints on the unit To conclude the con section , minor irritations, nothing effecting the usefulness of the speaker Overall an excellent small powerful speaker

Submitted 1 year ago

By RedStag

From Derby, East Midlands

Verified Reviewer

Submitted as part of a sweepstakes entry

Reviewed at

Do not be deceived by its size. This speaker product packs a powerful and versatile punch. Using it with my Sony smartphone created no issues and switching to my WH-1000XM5 headphones was no problem with the latest Sony Sound Connect App. Check out the pre-set equaliser settings as they are more than adequate for adjustments you are likely to require for regular listening. Currently the speaker software cannot connect to your PC so I hope Sony engineers will resolve to provide in the future. Getting phone calls whilst listening is not an issue and there are other features which I have yet to set up and try. Unfortunately, I was unable to test the unit with its Link bud earphones partner, but I suspect the same quality of connectivity applies. The inobtrusive speaker unit (grey or black) will fit into any room environment and its performance across my own wide range of music preferences was outstanding. Its small enough to fit in any frequent traveller's trolley case and the easy grab ring ensures a secure hold whilst carrying and positioning the speaker. Set up is easy and once again Sony provide environmentally friendly packaging to get your new speaker safe to your door. A great addition to our household speaker collection. I recommend this product.

Submitted 1 year ago

By Gabarda

From Halifax West Yorkshire

Verified Reviewer

Submitted as part of a sweepstakes entry

Reviewed at

Just added the Linkbuds speaker to my Sony products and am very pleased with the quality and sound when listening to my music and the ease of switching to my phone when answering a call.will definitely recommend this product to my friends

Submitted 1 year ago

By Geordie Martin

From Durham

Verified Reviewer

Submitted as part of a sweepstakes entry

Reviewed at

This great little speaker is a very welcome addition to our music playing options. Small and versatile but gives a clear, quality sound that punches well above it's size. I switch between my wireless headphones and the speaker effortlessly though it's a bit more tricky going back to the headphones but I'll have to have more practice switching between them. Taking calls is really easy as you'd expect, can't believe that my phone can be downstairs and I can be listening to music upstairs and answer my phone on the speaker. It's easy to recharge on the handy docking pad but it's a pity as plug with USB isn't included as I need it for my phone and headphones so have to interchange between them. All my other speakers are bulky compared to this so this is definitely my favourite speaker at the moment, it goes everywhere with me!

Submitted 1 year ago

By Blobbi

From Dromore Northern Ireland

Verified Reviewer

Submitted as part of a sweepstakes entry

Reviewed at

The first thing that I noticed as the speaker size - it is 3 inches tall by 2 wide - however the performance really does. Downloading the Sound Connect App is a must do as it gives you all the variable at your fingertips. The bluetooth range is excellent and simple to connect any devices. The fact that you van be listening to music through the speaker it will interrupt to read your whatsapp messages a feature that I really like. It also tells you the time on the hour. you can personalize your music with the use of the equalizer. Another feature is the ability to use it in the bathroom. Overall sound quality is truly excellent and there are still a host of features that I have stil to use. One thing for certain is that you do NOT need link buds to use this product though they do work flawlessly with them.

Submitted 1 year ago

By GreenMekon

From Chelmsford

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Submitted as part of a sweepstakes entry

Reviewed at

This is a fantastic little speaker with great sound, looks and portability. The speaker was very easy to set up by scanning the QR code and using the sound connect app. The charging dock is a work of genius as you do not need to line up any pins, you can just place the speaker on the dock and it will charge. The speaker is a nice size, not too big or small and very portable. The sound is great and packs a nice amount of bass, with great midrange and treble. Highly recommend this speaker

Submitted 1 year ago

By Lord-Viridis

From West midlands

Verified Reviewer

Submitted as part of a sweepstakes entry

Reviewed at

When looking at the linkbuds speaker, youd be forgiven for thinking that it would lack that little bit of oomph as with most other "portable" speaker models. I must admit, when opening and first getting the speaker out i was expecting it to be a little flat in its sound, upon connecting it and trying it, i was quite wrong in my assumption. Set up is very straightforward with the speaker immediately popping up on my phones screen asking if i want to connect, then it takes you through to the app and gives you all your settings to play with. On speaker controls are simple with a 4 button setup for playback including 1 button that can have its shortcuts setup in the app. On the rear is a single power button, and capping it off is 2 buttons on the base, one for bluetooth, the other for battery status. The speaker has a very useful charging base which can sit on the speakers semi-permanent home, and is as simple as lifting off when needing to use the speaker elsewhere. The base is powered by a provided usb c cable. Sound is quite pleasant with good response on bass and a decent level on highs though the highs are somewhat limited in my use. The natural shape seems to be a shallow U Or V shape with mids being more reduced than the bass and highs, its almost a signature sony sound and it works quite well for my music tastes. The emphasis on recycled materials is a very welcome positive note, fully paper packaging and all materials are recycled. The speaker itself is also made from recycled material as is evident when looking at the base and its unique pattern from remoulding. I do think for its price range, the speaker offers fantastic quality, though i would hope the next model supports LDAC codec for connection offering more options for sound quality. For an opening model, this does tick a lot of boxes and can easily be recommended