One of my favourite products last year was the Shokz OpenDots One. I found the unique clip-on design to be really comfortable for extended listening sessions, and the earbuds sounded great and looked good.
But the days of the OpenDots being unique are gone. Not only has Motorola launched its own Moto Buds Loop, but now Sony has launched the LinkBuds Clip, building on the brand's iconic LinkBuds brand with the new clip-on style.
The LinkBuds Clip feature Sony's signature open-ear design, which means they don't actually sit in your ear canal. Instead, they clip onto your ear with a C-shaped design that Sony says fits a wide variety of ear shapes.
The main body and upper band provide stability, and there are removable fitting cushions you can adjust to get the perfect fit. Sony says they'll stay put even during outdoor activities like running.
I'm a big fan of the open-ear approach for everyday listening. It means you can hear what's happening around you, including traffic, conversations and public transport announcements, without having to constantly pop your earbuds out.
It's more socially friendly, and there's less ear fatigue since there's better airflow and no pressure on your ear canal.
What's clever about the LinkBuds Clip is the three listening modes you can switch between by tapping the earbuds. Standard mode gives you clear vocals and plenty of detail for general music listening.
Voice Boost mode amplifies voices in noisy environments like train stations, making it easier to enjoy podcasts or videos.
And if you're worried about sound leakage in quiet spaces, there's a Sound Leakage Reduction mode so you won't disturb people around you.
Sony hasn't skimped on audio quality, either. The LinkBuds Clip feature DSEE music upscaling, 360 Reality Audio for immersive listening, and a customisable 10-band EQ in the Sony Sound Connect app.
There's even a "Find Your Own Equaliser" feature to help you dial in your preferred sound.
Call quality should be solid too, thanks to a bone conduction sensor that captures your voice precisely and AI-based noise reduction to eliminate background noise. Sony says your voice will stay clear and natural even in noisy environments.
Battery life is impressive at up to 37 hours total, including nine hours from the earbuds themselves plus 28 hours from the charging case. Quick charging gives you an hour of playback after just three minutes of charging.
They're also IPX4 water-resistant, so sweat and rain won't be an issue (though the charging case isn't water-resistant).
Other features include multipoint connection for easy device switching and customisable sound settings through the app. There's also a Background Music Effect feature coming in a March 2026 software update.
The design takes inspiration from ear cuffs and will be available in four colours: Black, Green, Violet, and Greige.
On the environmental front, the packaging is entirely plastic-free, which is part of Sony's broader commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
The Sony LinkBuds Clip will be available in Australia from late January 2026 for $329.95.
