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- Best overall: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
- Best budget: Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900)
- Best premium: Sony WF-1000XM5
- Best for open-ear awareness: Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900)
- Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) use an open ring design for awareness of surrounding sounds; Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II seal the ear for stronger noise cancellation.
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offer up to 6 hours of listening per charge with noise cancellation enabled.
- Sony LinkBuds S add active noise cancellation and a compact sealed fit while retaining the LinkBuds name.
- Compare fit, noise control, battery life and phone compatibility before choosing a Black Friday 2026 pair.
Sony LinkBuds and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II suit different listening priorities: Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) leave the ear canal open, while Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II use sealed eartips and active noise cancellation. The design difference matters more than a small spec-sheet advantage when choosing earbuds for commuting, calls or everyday awareness.
For this Black Friday 2026 guide, we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven models. The short version: choose Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) for an open fit, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II for adjustable noise cancellation, or a newer alternative when battery life, added features or a different fit matter more.
How We Picked
- Compared the design and fit, especially open-ear versus sealed in-ear construction.
- Reviewed manufacturer-listed battery life, water resistance and other practical specifications.
- Considered how active noise cancellation and transparency features suit travel and daily use.
- Used owner feedback and published reviews to identify recurring comfort and usability strengths.
- Selected alternatives that offer distinct trade-offs instead of treating every earbud as interchangeable.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Playback per charge | Total playback with case | Water resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) | Open-ear awareness | Up to 5.5 hours | Up to 17.5 hours | IPX4 |
| Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II | Noise cancellation and travel | Up to 6 hours | Up to 24 hours | IPX4 |
| Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) | Compact fit with noise cancellation | Up to 6 hours with ANC | Up to 20 hours | IPX4 |
| Sony WF-1000XM5 | Sony noise cancellation and battery life | Up to 8 hours with ANC | Up to 24 hours | IPX4 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (1st Gen) | Immersive sound and Bose noise control | Up to 6 hours | Up to 24 hours | IPX4 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy phone features | Up to 6 hours with ANC | Up to 26 hours | IP57 |
| Sony LinkBuds Fit | Secure fit for workouts | Up to 5.5 hours with ANC | Up to 21 hours | IPX4 |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900)
The Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) are the best open-fit earbuds for listeners who want environmental awareness, with up to 5.5 hours of playback per charge.
Best for: Open-ear awareness and everyday listening
- Playback per charge
- Up to 5.5 hours
- Total playback with case
- Up to 17.5 hours
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Design
- Open ring driver
- Open design helps keep nearby sounds audible.
- Compact charging case is easy to carry.
- IPX4 rating suits light splashes and workouts.
- Open construction does not provide active noise cancellation.
- Bass and isolation are less suited to noisy commutes.
Are Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) are worth considering for listeners who prefer an open fit and want to hear more of their surroundings. Their ring driver and 5.5-hour rated playback serve daily listening, but the open design does not replace noise-cancelling earbuds.
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#2 · Top pick
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are the best noise-cancelling pick for travelers who want a customizable sealed fit, with up to 6 hours of listening per charge.
Best for: Noise cancellation and travel
- Playback per charge
- Up to 6 hours
- Total playback with case
- Up to 24 hours
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Fit system
- 3 eartip sizes and 3 stability bands
- Strong active noise cancellation is suited to travel.
- Fit kit offers multiple combinations for stability.
- Aware mode lets outside sound through when needed.
- Sealed eartips are not designed for open-ear awareness.
- The case does not support wireless charging.
Are Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are worth considering when noise cancellation and a personalized in-ear fit top the list. The earbuds offer up to 6 hours per charge, three eartip sizes and three stability-band sizes, making fit adjustment a central part of their appeal.
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#3
Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N)
The Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) are the best compact LinkBuds for listeners who want sealed earbuds with noise cancellation, with up to 6 hours of playback with ANC on.
Best for: Compact fit with noise cancellation
- Playback with ANC
- Up to 6 hours
- Total playback with case
- Up to 20 hours
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Audio support
- 360 Reality Audio
- Small, light sealed design suits compact-earbud shoppers.
- Noise cancellation and ambient sound modes add flexibility.
- Speak-to-Chat can pause audio when the wearer speaks.
- The sealed fit feels different from the open WF-L900 design.
- Battery life is shorter with noise cancellation enabled.
Are Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) are worth considering for listeners who want compact sealed earbuds with active noise cancellation. Their 6-hour ANC playback rating and ambient sound modes make them a more isolating alternative to the open Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900).
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#4
Sony WF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5 are the best Sony all-rounders for listeners who want noise cancellation and longer listening sessions, with up to 8 hours of playback with ANC on.
Best for: Sony noise cancellation and battery life
- Playback with ANC
- Up to 8 hours
- Total playback with case
- Up to 24 hours
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Bluetooth
- Version 5.3
- Long rated ANC playback suits extended listening.
- Multipoint supports connections to two devices.
- Noise cancellation and ambient modes cover varied settings.
- The sealed design does not keep ears open to surroundings.
- A premium feature set can be more than casual listeners need.
Are Sony WF-1000XM5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Sony WF-1000XM5 are worth considering for listeners who want Sony noise cancellation, multipoint connections and up to 8 hours of ANC playback. Their sealed in-ear design makes them a better fit for isolation than for listeners seeking the open feel of Sony LinkBuds.
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#5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (1st Gen)
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (1st Gen) are the best premium Bose pick for listeners who want immersive audio and noise control, with up to 6 hours of playback per charge.
Best for: Immersive sound and Bose noise control
- Playback per charge
- Up to 6 hours
- Total playback with case
- Up to 24 hours
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Audio feature
- Bose Immersive Audio
- Immersive Audio offers a spacious listening mode.
- Noise cancellation and Aware mode address different settings.
- Fit kit includes eartips and stability bands.
- Immersive Audio uses more battery than standard listening.
- The sealed fit is not intended for environmental awareness.
Are Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (1st Gen) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (1st Gen) are worth considering for listeners who want Bose noise control with an immersive listening mode. Up to 6 hours of rated playback gives them a familiar battery profile, while their sealed fit prioritizes isolation over open-ear awareness.
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#6
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are the best Samsung-focused earbuds for compatible Galaxy phone owners, with up to 6 hours of playback with ANC enabled.
Best for: Samsung Galaxy phone features
- Playback with ANC
- Up to 6 hours
- Total playback with case
- Up to 26 hours
- Water and dust resistance
- IP57
- Bluetooth
- Version 5.4
- IP57 rating adds stronger dust and water protection.
- Galaxy device integration unlocks extra ecosystem features.
- ANC and ambient sound modes support different environments.
- Some features depend on a compatible Samsung device.
- The stemmed design differs from both LinkBuds models.
Are Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are worth considering for Galaxy phone owners who want ecosystem features and an IP57 rating. Their up to 6 hours of ANC playback and 26-hour case total suit everyday use, while some functions work best with compatible Samsung devices.
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#7
Sony LinkBuds Fit
The Sony LinkBuds Fit are the best LinkBuds option for active listeners who want a secure sealed fit, with up to 5.5 hours of playback with ANC on.
Best for: Secure fit for workouts and daily use
- Playback with ANC
- Up to 5.5 hours
- Total playback with case
- Up to 21 hours
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Noise control
- Active noise cancellation
- Fitting supports are designed to help keep earbuds in place.
- Noise cancellation and ambient sound add versatility.
- IPX4 rating suits sweat and light splashes.
- The sealed fit differs from open Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900).
- ANC playback rating is shorter than Sony WF-1000XM5.
Are Sony LinkBuds Fit worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Sony LinkBuds Fit are worth considering for listeners who want a secure sealed fit, active noise cancellation and a LinkBuds-series model. Their 5.5-hour ANC playback rating and IPX4 protection suit daily wear, but they do not provide the open design of Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900).
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Which is better: Sony LinkBuds or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II?
Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II differ most in design: the Sony model uses an open ring driver, while the Bose model uses sealed eartips and active noise cancellation. Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) are the more suitable choice for awareness of nearby sounds; Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are the better match for reducing distractions.
The battery figures reflect those different uses. Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) are rated for up to 5.5 hours per charge, and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II for up to 6 hours. Choose based on fit and environment first, then compare battery life, controls and phone compatibility. Neither design is a direct substitute for the other.
Do Sony LinkBuds or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have better noise cancellation?
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have active noise cancellation, while Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) use an open design without ANC. That distinction gives Bose a clear advantage for airplane cabins, public transport and other noisy places where isolation matters.
Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) address a different need: their open ring design leaves the ear canal unobstructed, helping listeners stay more aware of surrounding sound. Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) bridge the gap for shoppers who want the LinkBuds name and active noise cancellation in a compact, sealed pair. Pick the form that suits the setting rather than expecting open earbuds to block noise.
Which earbuds are better for commuting and travel?
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are the stronger travel choice for listeners who prioritize noise reduction, with up to 6 hours of playback per charge. Sony WF-1000XM5 offer another commuting option, rated for up to 8 hours with ANC enabled.
Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) suit quieter journeys or situations where hearing announcements and nearby conversation matters more than blocking sound. For frequent travel, consider the fit kit, controls and case along with the battery rating; comfortable, secure earbuds are easier to wear for a long trip. Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) offer a smaller sealed alternative with ANC.
How long do the batteries last on these earbuds?
Sony WF-1000XM5 lead this selection for rated ANC listening time at up to 8 hours per charge, while Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) are rated for up to 5.5 hours. Manufacturer figures provide a useful comparison, though listening volume and features affect everyday runtime.
Case totals also vary: Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro list up to 26 hours, while Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Sony WF-1000XM5 list up to 24 hours. Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) list up to 17.5 hours total. Check whether each figure includes noise cancellation, since ANC-on and ANC-off ratings are not always equivalent.
Which alternative should I choose instead of the original LinkBuds?
Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) are the closest alternative for shoppers who want a compact LinkBuds model with ANC, while Sony LinkBuds Fit target a secure sealed fit for active use. Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) remain the pick when an open ring design is the main reason for shopping.
For stronger isolation and a travel-first feature set, compare Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II with Sony WF-1000XM5. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro make more sense for shoppers invested in compatible Galaxy phones. On paper and in owner reviews, fit remains a recurring factor: eartip shape and ear comfort matter as much as headline features.
Buying Guide
Choose open or sealed earbuds
Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) keep the ear canal open and support environmental awareness. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and other sealed models provide a more isolating fit for noise cancellation. Start with the listening environment and fit preference before comparing features.
Compare noise-control needs
Active noise cancellation is useful for travel and busy rooms; ambient modes let outside sound in without removing an earbud. Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) take another route with their open ring design. Choose the approach that suits daily routines.
Read battery ratings carefully
Compare playback per charge and total playback with the case as separate figures. Check whether a rating applies with ANC enabled. Sony WF-1000XM5 list up to 8 hours with ANC, while Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II list up to 6 hours.
Match features to your phone
Some functions depend on the phone ecosystem. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are aimed at Galaxy users, while Sony and Bose models work across common Bluetooth devices with feature differences. Confirm support for the controls and audio functions you care about.
Prioritize fit and durability
A secure, comfortable fit improves long listening sessions and workouts. Review included eartips, stability pieces and water-resistance ratings. IPX4 appears on several picks here; Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro have an IP57 rating.
FAQ
Are Sony LinkBuds better than Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II?
Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) are better for open-ear awareness, while Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are better for noise cancellation and travel. Their designs solve different problems, so the right choice depends on whether staying aware or reducing surrounding sound matters more.
Do Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II block outside noise?
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II include active noise cancellation and a sealed in-ear fit to reduce surrounding noise. Aware mode lets more outside sound through when awareness is useful. The earbuds are designed for isolation, unlike the open Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900).
How many hours do Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) last?
Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) are rated for up to 5.5 hours of playback per charge and up to 17.5 hours with the charging case. Actual listening time varies with volume and use, and their open design does not include active noise cancellation.
Which Sony LinkBuds model has noise cancellation?
Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) and Sony LinkBuds Fit include active noise cancellation. Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) use an open ring driver instead, so shoppers should select the S or Fit model when ANC is a priority.
Are Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II good for flights?
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are a good fit for flights when noise cancellation and a sealed in-ear design are priorities. The model is rated for up to 6 hours per charge, so travelers should consider listening duration and access to case charging.
What is the best alternative to Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II?
Sony WF-1000XM5 are a strong alternative for shoppers who want active noise cancellation and up to 8 hours of ANC playback per charge. Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) offer a compact option, while Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900) suit open-ear listening instead.