Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro vs Sony LinkBuds
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Sony LinkBuds serve different listening philosophies. Samsung prioritizes isolation with dual-driver architecture (10mm woofer and 5.5mm tweeter), intelligent ANC, and 24-bit Hi-Fi codec support through Samsung Seamless Codec, delivering richer sound for focused listening. Five hours of ANC-enabled playback extends to 23 hours total with the case. Sony takes the opposite approach with its 12mm ring driver open-design, weighing just 4.1 grams per bud and naturally letting ambient sound through without ANC. LinkBuds offer 5.5 hours of playtime (17.5 hours total) and include practical features like Speak-to-Chat, Wide Area Tap controls, and multipoint connection across two devices simultaneously. At $229, Samsung costs $50 more and targets users wanting premium noise cancellation and audio quality for music and calls. Sony's $179 price appeals to those prioritizing comfort, ambient awareness, and connectivity versatility for casual listening and communication. Galaxy Buds2 Pro edges ahead for sound quality and ANC performance, while LinkBuds win on portability, multipoint capability, and ambient-aware design. Samsung Buds are the stronger choice for dedicated audiophiles and commuters, but Sony LinkBuds better suit professionals needing to stay aware of their surroundings.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro if…
- →Strong ANC performance that rivals leading earbuds
- →24-bit Hi-Fi audio via SSC codec when paired with Galaxy phones
- →IPX7 water resistance is among the best in class
Buy the Sony LinkBuds if…
- →Unique open ring design keeps you aware of surroundings
- →Ultra-lightweight at 4.1 g — barely noticeable in the ear
- →Wide Area Tap lets you control playback by tapping your face
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Pros
- Strong ANC performance that rivals leading earbuds
- 24-bit Hi-Fi audio via SSC codec when paired with Galaxy phones
- IPX7 water resistance is among the best in class
- Compact, comfortable fit with multiple eartip options
- 360 Audio with head tracking on Samsung devices
Cons
- Best features locked to Samsung Galaxy ecosystem
- No Bluetooth multipoint support
- 5-hour bud battery life is below average with ANC on
- SSC Hi-Fi codec does not work with non-Samsung devices
Sony LinkBuds
Pros
- Unique open ring design keeps you aware of surroundings
- Ultra-lightweight at 4.1 g — barely noticeable in the ear
- Wide Area Tap lets you control playback by tapping your face
- Multipoint for seamless switching between devices
- IPX4 for rain and light sweat
Cons
- Open design means zero noise isolation and significant sound leak
- 5.5-hour battery is shorter than most competitors
- Bass response is inherently limited by the open driver
- Unusual fit may not work for all ear shapes
- $179 is pricey given the sound quality limitations
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro | Sony LinkBuds |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 5.5 g (per bud) | 4.1 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 hrs buds (ANC on), 18 hrs additional with case | 5.5 hrs (17.5 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C |
| Drivers | 10 mm woofer + 5.5 mm tweeter | 12mm ring driver (open design) |
| Features | 360 Audio with head tracking (Galaxy phones), 24-bit Hi-Fi via Samsung Seamless Codec, Intelligent ANC with Voice Detect, Bluetooth 5.3 for stable connection, Compact ergonomic design | Open ring driver design — hear surroundings naturally, Wide Area Tap for touch-free controls, DSEE digital sound enhancement, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, Adaptive volume control, Multipoint connection |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SSC Hi-Fi, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX7 (buds) | IPX4 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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