This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
I have used two open-ear earbuds side by side for a long time: Sony LinkBuds (about two years) and HUAWEI FreeClip (bought later). If you run, get the LinkBuds — they lock into your ear and I have never dropped them. If you mainly listen to music, the FreeClip sounds better and feels lighter. If I could only keep one, I would keep the LinkBuds.
What I tested
- Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900), the ring-shaped in-ear model, used for about two years
- HUAWEI FreeClip, the clip-on model that hooks over the ear
- Comfort over long sessions, running and everyday activity, outside-sound awareness, and a recording of both earbuds connected to an iPhone at the same volume
Side by side
| HUAWEI FreeClip | Sony LinkBuds | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| How it fits | Clips over the ear | Sits in the ear, held by a silicone fin |
| Price in Japan at the time of recording (Amazon) | ¥27,800 | ¥19,500 |
| Sound quality | Good | Fair |
| Max volume | Fair | Good |
| Hearing your surroundings | Excellent | Excellent |
| Easy to put on | Excellent | Fair |
| Comfort | Good | Excellent |
| Running | Good | Excellent |
| On the train | Poor | Fair |
| Best for | Music | Radio and podcasts |
The ratings are the ones I put on screen in the video.
What I found
- FreeClip wins the first minute, LinkBuds win the long haul. The FreeClip almost disappears when you clip it on. Over several hours, though, my right ear ached a little with the FreeClip until I got used to it, while the LinkBuds felt more natural for long stretches.
- Both let in outside sound equally well. The LinkBuds look like they block your ear, but the hole in the middle lets sound through.
- LinkBuds stay put. They come with fins in several sizes. Once fitted, I have never dropped them in two years, even when moving hard. The FreeClip fell out once or twice while I was doing DIY work — not while running, but it was enough to make me cautious.
- FreeClip sounds better, LinkBuds go louder. The FreeClip has fuller bass and clearer vocals, though the gap is not huge. At the iPhone’s maximum volume the LinkBuds were a bit louder and leaked a little less sound, which matters on a train.
Who it’s for
- LinkBuds if you run or exercise, or want to listen to podcasts on public transport.
- FreeClip if you want the best sound of the two at home or on walks, and like how easy it is to put on and take off.
With both, expect a little discomfort for the first days. In my case it went away with use.
Watch the review
The video is in Japanese. The recorded listening comparison starts at around 7:10, and you can hear the difference without understanding the narration.
Limitations
This is one person’s ears and one pair of each. I compared the original FreeClip and the original LinkBuds; newer versions of both now exist. When I bought the FreeClip in Japan, only purple was available, though a black version also exists.
Products
HUAWEI FreeClip: on Amazon Japan
Sony LinkBuds (WF-L900): on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Earbuds, Speakers & Audio (35) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.