Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Sony LinkBuds S

What QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds does better (3) and where LinkBuds S wins (3) — every spec side by side.

5.5Score

3 advantages≈ $190

Sony · 2022LinkBuds S

6.5Score

3 advantages≈ $140

Higher score

9.0Noise control & calls7.2

4.0Battery4.9

3.5Build & features5.2

Why is QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds better than LinkBuds S?

Specifications

Only differences	Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds≈ $1905.5	Sony LinkBuds S≈ $1406.5
Sound
Fit	In-ear	In-ear
Ear cup design	—	Closed-back
Driver type	—	Dynamic
Driver size	—	5 mm
Lowest frequency	—	20 Hz
Highest frequency	—	40,000 Hz
Spatial / 3D audio	Yes	—
Hi-Res Audio	Yes	Yes
Adjustable equaliser	Yes	Yes
Noise control
Active noise cancelling	Yes	Yes
Transparency / ambient mode	Yes	Yes
Microphones	8	—
Battery & charging
Battery life	6 h	9 h
Battery life with ANC	—	6 h
Total with charging case	24 h	20 h
Charging time	1 h	2 h
Quick charge (claimed)	20 min → 2 h	—
Fast charging support	Yes	—
Connectivity
Wireless	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth version	5.3	5.2
Bluetooth codecs	aptX Adaptive, SBC	LDAC, AAC, SBC
Hi-res codec (LDAC / aptX HD / LHDC)	Yes	Yes
aptX	Yes	No
LDAC	No	Yes
Multipoint (two devices)	Yes	Yes
LE Audio	—	Yes
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Smart & streaming
Voice assistant	—	Alexa, Google Assistant
Companion app	Yes	—
Design & build
Earbud weight (each)	6.2 g	4.8 g
Protection rating	IPX4	IPX4
Water resistance (IPx)	IPx4	IPx4
Features
Touch controls	Yes	Yes
Hands-free calls	Yes	Yes