Design
Fit
The fit of the earbuds.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano in_ear
- Sony LinkBuds Open open_ear
Ingress Protection (IP) rating
The first number of the IP rating refers to protection against dust, while the second number refers to protection against liquid. E.g. a first number of 6 denotes that it is completely dustproof, and a second number of 7 denotes that the device can withstand full immersion in water.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano ipx5
- Sony LinkBuds Open ipx4
Weight
We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to carry. A lower weight is also an advantage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, and for many other types of products.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano null
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- Sony LinkBuds Open null
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Has no wires or cables
True wireless devices have no cables connecting any part of the device together. This is an important distinction as some wireless earbuds have cables connecting the two earbuds together.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano null
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- Sony LinkBuds Open 10.2
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Wingtips included
These earbuds come with wingtips that can be attached for a more secure fit. Wingtips come in handy for sports and other physical activities. When used correctly, they prevent the earbuds from falling off.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano
- Sony LinkBuds Open
Sweat resistance
Resistance to sweat makes it ideal for use while doing sports.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano
- Sony LinkBuds Open
Has stereo speakers
Devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better experience.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano
- Sony LinkBuds Open
Waterproof depth rating
The waterproof depth rating indicates how well the device is protected against water ingress and water pressure. Devices which can withstand more water pressure are better for swimming or diving.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano null
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- Sony LinkBuds Open null
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Has a display
The device has an electronic display to present information to the user.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano
- Sony LinkBuds Open
Sound quality
Has passive noise reduction
The device sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal which reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano
- Sony LinkBuds Open
Driver unit size
The driver unit is the component that produces sound in the device. Bigger drivers are more powerful and can produce better bass.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano 6mm
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- Sony LinkBuds Open 11
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Lowest frequency
The lowest frequency at which the device produces audio. The lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano null
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- Sony LinkBuds Open 20
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Highest frequency
The highest frequency at which device produces audio. The higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano null
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- Sony LinkBuds Open 20000
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Has Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that allows sounds to be interpreted as three-dimensional objects. By doing so, Dolby Atmos allows for immersive, 360-degree sound.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano
- Sony LinkBuds Open
Sound pressure level
Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano 85dB/mW
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- Sony LinkBuds Open null
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Has a neodymium magnet
Devices with neodymium magnets are lighter and more powerful than those which use ferrite magnets. They also have more bass and clear high notes.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano null
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- Sony LinkBuds Open null
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Power
Battery life
The device's battery life (when in use) as given by the manufacturer. With a longer battery life you have to charge the device less often.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano 5h
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- Sony LinkBuds Open 8
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Battery life of charging case
The battery life of the charging case as given by the manufacturer. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your headphones on the go multiple times before having to recharge the case itself.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano 19h
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- Sony LinkBuds Open 14
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Charge time
The time it takes to fully charge the battery.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano 2h
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- Sony LinkBuds Open null
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Battery power
Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. More battery power can be an indication of longer battery life.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano null
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- Sony LinkBuds Open 1.5
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Has wireless charging
It supports a wireless charging standard such as Qi. To charge the device, you simply put it down on a compatible charging pad.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano null
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- Sony LinkBuds Open null
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Has a battery level indicator
An indicator shows you when the device has low battery.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano
- Sony LinkBuds Open
Has a rechargeable battery
The battery can be recharged and used over again.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano
- Sony LinkBuds Open
Connectivity
Bluetooth version
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano 5
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- Sony LinkBuds Open null
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Has LDAC
LDAC is a codec developed by Sony for Bluetooth audio. It is capable of a very high bitrate of 990kbps, which provides high resolution audio. It can also automatically adjust to a lower bitrate of 330kbps or 660kbps to increase stability.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano null
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- Sony LinkBuds Open null
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Audio latency
Latency refers to the time it takes for the audio signal to be transmitted to your headphones/earbuds. Lower latency reduces audio lag, and is particularly important when playing games or watching videos.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano null
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- Sony LinkBuds Open null
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Maximum Bluetooth range
The device can connect at a greater distance via Bluetooth or infrared to another device.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano 10m
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- Sony LinkBuds Open null
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Supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC
Device supports fast Bluetooth pairing using NFC so it can communicate with other devices over Bluetooth. You can fastly pair devices without entering a code by simply holding one device next to the device with which it is to be paired.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano null
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- Sony LinkBuds Open null
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Can be used wirelessly
Wireless devices allow users more freedom of movement.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano null
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- Sony LinkBuds Open 10
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Features
Has find earbuds feature
You can use the app to play a sound from your earbuds to help you locate them.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano
- Sony LinkBuds Open
Multipoint count
Multipoint allows you to link to more Bluetooth devices and switch between them. For example you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano null
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- Sony LinkBuds Open 2
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Has a mute function
The device has an option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano
- Sony LinkBuds Open
Can be used as a headset
A headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Headsets can be used for apps that require communication i.e. Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones, etc.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano
- Sony LinkBuds Open
Warranty period
When covered under the manufacturer’s warranty it is possible to get a replacement in the case of a malfunction. Note: This may vary by region.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano null
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- Sony LinkBuds Open null
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Has voice prompts
With voice prompts, you will automatically receive information via audio messages – for instance, you may find out that the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge the device.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano null
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- Sony LinkBuds Open null
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Has an in-line control panel
There is a control panel on the cable, so you can easily operate the device without having to interact with it.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano
- Sony LinkBuds Open
Microphone
Has a noise-canceling microphone
These microphones are designed to filter out background noise from the desired sound. Especially useful in noisy environments.
- Belkin SoundForm Nano
- Sony LinkBuds Open