Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro vs Sony LinkBuds S
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Sony LinkBuds S occupy similar price territory but serve different priorities. Samsung delivers superior audio hardware with dual drivers (10mm woofer plus 5.5mm tweeter) versus Sony's single 5mm dynamic driver, resulting in richer bass and more pronounced soundstage. Samsung also provides longer ANC battery life at 5 hours compared to Sony's 6 hours, though Sony edges ahead on total case capacity (14 hours additional versus 18 hours extra). Sony compensates with multipoint Bluetooth pairing for seamless device switching, a feature Samsung lacks, and the LinkBuds S are noticeably lighter at 4.8 grams per bud. Audio codec support favors Sony with LDAC for hi-res wireless streaming, while Samsung relies on its proprietary SSC Hi-Fi codec that only works optimally with Samsung devices. Water resistance tips toward Samsung at IPX7 versus IPX4. For Samsung ecosystem users prioritizing sound quality and ANC strength, the Buds2 Pro justify the $30 premium. However, Sony's multipoint connectivity and universal LDAC support make LinkBuds S the smarter choice for multi-device users who value flexibility alongside respectable audio performance.
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 S if…
- →Extremely compact and lightweight — barely noticeable when worn
- →LDAC hi-res audio support at a sub-$200 price
- →Solid ANC performance for such a small form factor
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 S
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight — barely noticeable when worn
- LDAC hi-res audio support at a sub-$200 price
- Solid ANC performance for such a small form factor
- Multipoint Bluetooth and Bluetooth LE Audio support
- Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control are genuinely useful
Cons
- Smaller driver means less bass depth than larger rivals
- ANC is good but not as powerful as Sony WH-1000XM5 or WF-1000XM5
- IPX4 only — not suitable for heavy sweat or rain
- Small ear tips may not seal well for all ear shapes
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro | Sony LinkBuds S |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 5.5 g (per bud) | 4.8 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 hrs buds (ANC on), 18 hrs additional with case | 6 hrs buds (ANC on), 14 hrs additional with case |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 10 mm woofer + 5.5 mm tweeter | 5 mm dynamic driver |
| 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 | LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Integrated Processor V1 + QN1e chip, Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Smallest and lightest Sony ANC earbuds, Bluetooth LE Audio (LC3) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SSC Hi-Fi, AAC, SBC | LDAC, LC3, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX7 (buds) | IPX4 (buds) |
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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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