Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) vs Sony WF-XB700 - Full User-Friendly Comparison
Looking for Sony earbuds and stuck between the LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) and the WF-XB700? Both carry Sony’s name, but they’re aimed at very different users. Below is a clear, sectioned, user-friendly comparison in point format so you can quickly see strengths, weaknesses, and which pair fits your daily life.
Quick Verdict
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Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) - premium, compact true-wireless earbuds with class-leading noise cancellation, neutral-accurate tuning, great call quality and smart features. Best for commuters, office workers, and those who want flagship sound + ANC in a tiny package.
- Sony WF-XB700 - budget “Extra Bass” wired-style earbuds with bold low end, long battery life and rugged simplicity. Best for bass lovers on a budget, gym users, and those who want loud, fun sound without the bells and whistles.
At-a-Glance Specs (what matters most)
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Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) - compact true wireless; Active Noise Cancellation (ANC); high-resolution hardware capable (support for LDAC on some platforms), adaptive sound control, Speak-to-Chat, touch controls, IPX4 splash resistance, ~6–7 hours earbud life (ANC on), case adds more; premium fit.
- Sony WF-XB700 - “Extra Bass” TWS marketed earlier as budget wireless; 12 mm drivers tuned for thump, simple physical button controls (not touch), IPX4 splash resistance (varies by region), ~9 hours per bud and ~18 hours total with case (numbers depend on usage), simpler feature set (no ANC).
Design & Comfort
LinkBuds S
- Extremely compact, stemless-ish, low profile - designed to sit snugly inside the ear canal while keeping a small exterior footprint.
- Very lightweight; excellent for long wear (commuting, long calls, extended listening).
- Matte finish, premium fit and feel; case is small and pocket friendly.
- IPX4 splash resistance - fine for gym/sweat but avoid submersion.
WF-XB700
- Chunkier, more conventional earbud shape with a pronounced body - because of larger 12 mm drivers.
- Slightly heavier than the LinkBuds S; still comfortable for most users but may feel bulky for small ears during long sessions.
- Rugged, straightforward build; case is larger but sturdy.
- Also splash resistant (IPX4), suitable for workouts.
Verdict: LinkBuds S wins on subtlety and long-wear comfort; XB700 wins on robustness and that “bulky” feeling some users like for passive seal.
Sound Signature & Quality
LinkBuds S
- Tends to a balanced/neutral sound signature with clear mids and controlled bass. Sony designed these for accurate listening and versatile use across genres.
- Excellent instrument separation and vocals - great for podcasts, acoustic, pop, and even critical listening.
- When paired with LDAC (on supported Android devices), they can deliver very high-quality streams.
- ANC off/on slightly alters perceived bass - ANC helps tighten sound in noisy places.
WF-XB700
- Pure Extra Bass personality - heavy, impactful low end is front and center. If you love EDM, hip-hop or bass-heavy workout playlists, these deliver obvious fun.
- Mids and highs are serviceable but not as refined as LinkBuds S - vocals can feel recessed at very high volumes.
- Not aimed at audiophile detail; they are entertainment first.
Verdict: Choose LinkBuds S for neutral accuracy and fidelity; choose XB700 for sheer bassy fun.
Active Noise Cancellation & Ambient Modes
LinkBuds S
- Includes active noise cancellation that’s very effective for earbuds of this size - reduces cabin/commute noise well.
- Adaptive ambient features (Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat) let the buds detect when you talk and automatically lower music - very handy.
- Transparency (Ambient) mode is natural sounding and useful for street awareness.
WF-XB700
- No ANC. Isolation is entirely passive through the ear tip seal. Works fine for moderate noise but will not suppress jet engines, trains, or loud traffic.
- No advanced ambient or auto-pause features.
Verdict: For noisy environments and hands-free interaction, LinkBuds S is a far superior choice.
Call Quality & Microphones
LinkBuds S
- Excellent call performance - multi-mic beamforming, wind noise reduction and adaptive algorithms make voice clearer on both ends.
- Best for professionals who take many calls outdoors or in mixed environments.
WF-XB700
- Good, usable call quality for casual use; multiple mics help but cannot match the LinkBuds S in noisy streets.
- Functional for quick calls and meetings but not optimized for consistent high fidelity voice pickup.
Verdict: LinkBuds S wins hands down for call reliability.
Battery Life & Charging
LinkBuds S
- Typical earbud runtime ~6 hours with ANC on (varies by volume/codec); case provides several full charges for a total that comfortably covers a couple of days of moderate use.
- Fast charge capabilities: quick top-ups are useful when you’re in a rush.
- USB-C charging and some models support wireless charging on newer Sony cases.
WF-XB700
- Strong single-charge life - often advertised around ~9 hours per bud and a case total around ~18 hours. That’s excellent if you frequently forget to charge.
- Fast charging gives quick boosts and the larger battery per bud helps longer solo sessions.
Verdict: XB700 has the edge for pure single-charge endurance; LinkBuds S has respectable life with faster top-ups and better feature set tradeoffs.
Latency & Gaming
LinkBuds S
Low-latency modes available; pairing with Sony/Android ecosystems yields good sync. For competitive gaming, dedicated gaming earbuds still win, but LinkBuds S is fine for casual gaming and video.
WF-XB700
Latency is okay for video and casual gaming but larger lag may appear in competitive play. No dedicated ultra-low latency gaming mode.
Verdict: LinkBuds S performs slightly better for multimedia sync and light gaming.
Connectivity & Ecosystem
LinkBuds S
- Supports LDAC (high-res) on compatible Android devices; seamless pairing with Android and iOS. Sony Headphones Connect app gives EQ, update, and adaptive features.
- Multipoint? Sony added device switching options - check latest firmware and regional features.
WF-XB700
- Standard SBC/AAC support; stable Bluetooth connection, but no LDAC. Sony app support is limited or absent depending on model year. Simpler pairing experience, less app control.
Verdict: LinkBuds S better for power users who want app features and high-res support.
Durability & Practical Use
LinkBuds S
- IPX4 splash resistant; premium build that tolerates daily knocks. Great for office, travel and commuting.
- Tiny size reduces snagging on clothing.
WF-XB700
Also splash resistant; bulkier shape tolerates rougher handling in gym/backpack situations. A simpler, durable everyday choice.
Price & Value
LinkBuds S - Rs. 14,990
- Positioned at the premium end (flagship or near-flagship). You’re paying for ANC, compact design, better mics, LDAC support and smart features. Worth it if you use those features daily.
WF-XB700 - Rs. 8,990
- Budget-friendly; excellent price/performance if your priorities are bass, battery and simplicity. Great value for gym/party use where advanced features aren’t needed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy Sony LinkBuds S if you:
- Commute daily or work in noisy places and need ANC.
- Take frequent calls and require top-notch mic performance.
- Want compact, unobtrusive earbuds with premium tuning and app features.
- Use Android devices and want LDAC support for high-res streaming.
Buy Sony WF-XB700 if you:
- Want big, fun bass and very long battery life on a budget.
- Need simple, rugged earbuds for workouts, travel, or children.
- Don’t care about ANC or advanced app controls - you just want loud music and long playtime.
Practical Buying Checklist
- If noise control and call clarity matter, choose LinkBuds S.
- If you want raw bass, long battery and low price, choose WF-XB700.
- Try the ear tips-fit determines bass and call isolation more than specs.
Final Thoughts
Sony packages two different philosophies here: LinkBuds S represents the modern flagship in-ear experience - small, smart, and feature rich. WF-XB700 is a throwback to “sound first” value - big drivers, loud bass and long endurance without complexity. Both are solid in their lanes.
If you can, audition both with your typical playlists: play a podcast, a vocal track, and a bassy song - then decide whether you want precision and noise control (LinkBuds S) or punch and battery life (WF-XB700). Either way, you get reliable Sony build quality - just different priorities.
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