Sony's next generation of LinkBuds wireless earbuds set to launch with two models

Sony Linkbuds with the case
(Image credit: Sony)

Sony's much-lauded traditional wireless earbuds have been a hit with consumers and reviewers alike: the superb Sony WF-1000XM5 are our pick for the best premium earbuds, while the WF-C700N won our Product of the Year Award in the wireless headphones category thanks to their remarkable value and polished performance. For true wireless earbuds designs, Sony remains a dominant force – see its recent, five-star WF-C510 budget buds for proof.

Sony could be about to add to its roster with two new pairs of wireless earbuds. According to The Walkman Blog, Sony is set to launch two new iterations of its LinkBuds line: the LinkBuds Open and the LinkBuds Fit. 

Sony Linkbuds with the case

Original Sony LinkBuds with an 'open' ring driver design. (Image credit: Sony)

We imagine both pairs will likely incorporate elements of the original LinkBuds' design with the circular ring driver, though how the two models will differ from each other isn't yet clear, although a more sporty and fitness-focussed pair seems likely from the new names.

We are fans of the original Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) – they are comfortable, light buds that offer a balanced, spacious sound. For those that don't like the more conventional eartip design that burrows into your ear, this open-style earbud design is a great alternative. It's a concept that is seeing greater traction too, especially with those with more active lifestyles. Sony doesn't have dedicated sports headphones, so a pair in the form of the new and popular open earbuds design (seen in Bose's Ultra Open Earbuds) with the company's signature sound would be very welcome to runners and ramblers alike.

When will we see these new LinkBuds hit the shelves? The Walkman Blog claims that the LinkBuds Fit's FCC short-term confidentiality ends on December 14th, but we could see an official debut before that date. Could both new sets arrive at the same time and in time for Christmas? It's not clear yet, but we will inform you when we receive more information. 

MORE: 

Read our recent Sony WF-C510 review

Sony LinkBuds S vs LinkBuds: which Sony wireless earbuds are better?

These are the best noise-cancelling earbuds

Harry McKerrell
Senior staff writer

Harry McKerrell is a senior staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. During his time at the publication, he has written countless news stories alongside features, advice and reviews of products ranging from floorstanding speakers and music streamers to over-ear headphones, wireless earbuds and portable DACs. He has covered launches from hi-fi and consumer tech brands, and major industry events including IFA, High End Munich and, of course, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or trying to pet strangers' dogs.

Read more
Sony LinkBuds Open earbuds
Sony's new open earbuds are good, but we are sticking with our older recommendation – for now
Sony WF-C500 vs Sony WF-C700N vs Sony WF-1000XM5
Best Sony earbuds 2025: our reviewers' 5 recommendations
Noise cancelling in-ears: Sony WF-C700N
Sony WF-C710N: release date rumours, price speculation and 5 things we want to see
Sony LinkBuds Open earbuds
Sony LinkBuds Open (WF-L910)
Sony WH-1000XM5 on a yellow background
Best Sony headphones 2025: top pairs recommended by our expert reviews team
Sony LinkBuds Open verus Apple AirPods 4 with ANC banner image
Sony LinkBuds Open vs Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: which pair of open earbuds is right for you?
Latest in Wireless Earbuds
Audio Technica ATH-CC500BT2
Audio-Technica's novel wireless headphones aim for high-quality audio and a comfortable fit wherever you go
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Beats' latest running headphones promise a lighter fit, improved sound and the brand's "best-ever" noise-cancelling
AirPods Pro 2 on a chair outside
Apple's latest patent teases major usability upgrades for the AirPods Pro line of wireless earbuds
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds, Sony WF-1000XM5, Apple AirPods Pro 2 and B&W Pi8 wireless earbuds sat on the top of an orange Epos speaker
My dream pair of wireless earbuds combines the best bits of Apple, Bose, Bowers & Wilkins and Sony
Sony LinkBuds Fit in-ear headphones
Getting into fitness? Save over £50 on Sony's stellar, super-secure sporty wireless earbuds
JBL Tour Pro 3 wireless earbuds with two different types of eartips
You could be spoiling the sound of your wireless earbuds and not even know it
Latest in News
Q Acoustics 3050i
Save £650 on this five-star Q Acoustics 5.1 home cinema setup
Optoma Photon Go on white background
Optoma's new on-the-go projector is set to be one of the cheaper USTs on the market
Marantz Cinema 30 AVR
Our Award-winning reference Marantz AVR is still selling at its best price ever
Meze Audio Poet
Meze's open-back Poet cans arrive, and they want to bring your music alive
Side view of Marantz CD6007 on wooden rack with magazines in background
This Award-winning Marantz CD player is back at its Black Friday price
Sonos Arc standing on a wooden unit beneath a TV screen
Stock of the Sonos Arc is starting to dry up – but there are still savings to be found on this Dolby Atmos soundbar