Galaxy Buds On vs Sony LinkBuds Clip is quite the matchup right now. Samsung has finally entered the clip-on earbud market, but Sony is there first with the LinkBuds Clip. This is a category I’ve been watching closely – the open-ear format makes a lot of sense for people who want to hear ambient noise while taking a call on the go or listening to podcasts while walking.
Now two major tech brands offer us clip-on headphones. But-Samsung’s Galaxy Buds On will launch on October 27, only in Korea, for about $220. There is no US release date yet, although Samsung has mentioned that a global debut will happen at a later date. So, for now, there are no Stateside reviews that I can consult. However, the galaxy ecosystem could give the new buds an interesting and useful edge.
Here’s how these two stack up.
Quick judgement
If you’re looking to buy today, the Sony LinkBuds Clip are the safest buy — as they’re the only one of the two available in the US right now. The Galaxy Buds On could later be the more interesting option, especially for Samsung users.
I would buy the Sony LinkBuds Clip if you want clip-on headphones today. They have been reviewed and are on the shelves.
I would wait for the Galaxy Buds On if you own a Galaxy phone and want Gemini Live in your ears. My judgment on them will be provisional until they leave Korea.
Galaxy Buds On vs LinkBuds Clip: Head-to-head comparison
Which clip-on headphones are better for wearing all day?
Have you ever pulled out your headphones just because your ears needed a break? I also. And that’s the problem clip-on earbuds are supposed to solve.
Both pairs of headphones attach to the outer ear with a flexible band. This leaves your ear canal open so you can still hear the traffic. On paper, their designs are almost identical: the Buds On weigh 6.65 grams, while the LinkBuds Clip weighs 6.4 grams. Samsung says it expanded the contact area to spread pressure and tuned the band’s elasticity so the buds stay put when you move.
Sony has the receipts though. Stuff’s reviewers “had real trouble shaking them during a workout,” though 4.5 hours left the ears feeling a bit sore. Sony’s buds also include matching cushions that keep them well on the move.
My verdict: Clip-on headphones should achieve comfort and stability. For now, only Sony’s LinkBuds clip have proven to stay comfortable for hours, but Samsung’s wider design may change my mind – if and when I can try them.
Which open-ear headphones sound better?
Sound is where open-ear headphones notoriously struggle, so you need to lower your expectations here. Audio is always a trade-off for awareness in this category. But what is important is how each pair acts.
Sony LinkBuds Clip sound quality gets mixed marks. Digit found them clear and large. T3 and Tom’s Guide were less impressed, calling the sound performance poor. However, all is not lost; a Voice Boost mode and a bone conduction microphone improve call quality.
While the Galaxy Buds On’s sound quality is promising for now, they are equipped with 11.3mm TwinBoost speakers, designed to improve the bass. Like the Sony Link Buds, the Buds On have audio leakage reduction and a bone conduction call sensor.
My verdict: Neither pair sounds at audiophile level. I’ll call this one a draw, but the 11.3mm TwinBoost speakers could give the Galaxy Buds On an edge when they come out.
Which one is smarter for your phone?
Do you want headphones that work with any phone, or headphones that do more with one?
Samsung clip-on headphones: Built for Galaxy
This is where Samsung pulls ahead. With a Galaxy AI phone, you get hands-free Gemini Live, searchable quick voice memos, and head gestures. Yep, you can wave to answer a call or shake to dismiss an alarm — things I’d love to use on a daily basis. These features require a Galaxy AI device running Android 12 or newer. iPhone is not listed as compatible.
Sony clip-on headphones: Built for everyone
Sony goes the other way. The Sound Connect app works on iPhone and Android, and Multipoint keeps you connected to two devices. There is also a 10-band EQ. One catch though: Loud and wireless found switch almost break in sound quality priority mode.
My verdict: Galaxy Buds On have a stronger ecosystem to support them. But that benefit only matters if you already own a Galaxy phone.
Which headphones last longer between charges?
I want my headphones to last at least a full work day. Galaxy Buds On edge out Sony’s 9.5 hours per charge and 38 hours with the case out, versus Sony’s LinkBuds Clip’s 9 hours and 37 hours total. So the Samsung clip-on headphones have a slight edge.
My verdict: The Galaxy Buds On win this contest by a nose.
Which clip-on headphones are a better value?
The Sony LinkBuds Clip costs $229.99 and comes in 4 color options. The Galaxy Buds On price is ￦299,000 in Korea, or about $220 converted. They are only available in black.
So there’s potentially a $9-$10 difference here – not much. Of course, converted prices do not always match the original prices. It is quite possible that the Galaxy Buds One could launch for $230 or $240 in the United States.
My verdict: I’m calling this one a draw because both pairs are in the same ballpark — and I don’t see a single feature in the Galaxy Buds On that would push them into a different league.
Where Samsung Galaxy Buds On win
The biggest advantage of Samsung is actually everything around the clip. The hardware is pretty similar to Sony, so I would get them for how they work with a Galaxy phone.
- Hands-free Gemini Live
- Head-gesture call controls
- Searchable voice memos
- A slightly longer rated battery
Where Sony LinkBuds clip win
Sony makes sense if you want device flexibility and a brand that has been working with open-ear audio since 2022.
- iPhone and Android support
- Multipoint connections
- Four colors
- Matching cushions for smaller ears.
Final verdict: Which clip-on headphones are best for you?
I would buy the Sony LinkBuds Clip if you want open earbuds today and don’t carry a Galaxy phone. On the other hand, if you’re a Samsung user, the extra, Galaxy-friendly AI features can make a real difference.
Sony got the lead here, but Samsung might not be far behind. With gesture controls and hands-free Gemini, the Galaxy Buds On can have more advanced functions. The slightly better battery life doesn’t hurt either.
I’ll keep an eye on the Galaxy Buds On US release – and I’ll update this comparison when it arrives.