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Skullcandy Sesh Evo vs Sony LinkBuds Comparison

Comparison

Skullcandy Sesh Evo vs Sony LinkBuds Comparison

Skullcandy Sesh Evo and Sony LinkBuds target very different listeners: Sesh Evo is a classic in-ear, isolating true-wireless option with Tile tracking and a strong value score, while LinkBuds lean into an open-ring design for ambient awareness and a richer feature/app experience. Overall scoring favors Sesh Evo , but LinkBuds can be the better choice if you specifically want open-ear comfort and multipoint-style convenience.

Expert tested Data driven Unbiased reviews Updated 18 May 2026
Skullcandy Sesh Evo in-Ear Wireless Earbuds (Bleached Blue)

#1 Overall Winner

Skullcandy Sesh Evo in-Ear Wireless Earbuds (Bleached Blue)

67/100
  • Strong value positioning based on the provided score set (notably higher value score than Product B).
View review
Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbuds (Gray)

Contender

Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbuds (Gray)

62/100
  • Open-ring design that keeps you aware of your surroundings while listening.
View review

Quick verdict

Choose Skullcandy Sesh Evo if you want a traditional in-ear fit with passive isolation, higher water/dust resistance (IP55), Tile tracking, and the stronger overall/value scoring.

Choose Sony LinkBuds if you want an open-ear style for awareness and comfort, plus a more advanced feature/app experience and higher connectivity scoring (including multipoint via firmware update).

Overall winner

Depends on your needs

At-a-glance comparison

MetricSkullcandy Sesh EvoSony LinkBudsWinnerExplanation
Overall score6762Skullcandy Sesh EvoHigher overall score in the provided scoring set.
Design approachIn-ear with sound isolationOpen-ring for ambient soundDependsChoose isolation for more sealing; choose open-ring for awareness.
Features & smart functionsSolo mode, Tile tracking, EQ controlsAdaptive volume, wide area tap, multipoint (update), AlexaSony LinkBudsHigher feature and smart-features scoring; more platform/app-driven functions listed.
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.0; mixed connection complaintsBluetooth 5.2; multipoint (update)Sony LinkBudsHigher connectivity score and newer Bluetooth version; multipoint support noted.
Water resistanceIP55IPX4Skullcandy Sesh EvoHigher listed rating and includes dust resistance (IP55).
Battery (claimed total)Up to 24 hours total (5+19)Up to 20 hours totalSkullcandy Sesh EvoHigher claimed total, though both have mixed battery feedback in reviews.
Call focusMicrophone included; mixed mic feedbackPrecise Voice Pickup; call clarity praisedSony LinkBudsProduct design and reviews emphasize clearer calls on LinkBuds.
Reliability sentimentMixed; earbud failures/charging issues reportedMixed; some unusable/charging problems reportedSkullcandy Sesh EvoBoth are mixed, but the provided reliability score is higher for Sesh Evo.
PortabilityVery high portability scoringEven higher portability scoring; small/light notedSony LinkBudsBoth are highly portable, but LinkBuds score slightly higher for portability.
ValueHigher value scoringLower value scoringSkullcandy Sesh EvoScore set indicates Sesh Evo offers more value relative to its positioning and features.

Detailed comparison

Performance

For real-world listening, both products land similarly on the provided performance scoring (both at 68), but they perform differently in practice due to design. Sesh Evo uses an in-ear, isolating fit, which can help in busier environments simply because it seals more than an open design. LinkBuds prioritize awareness; several reviews describe them as excellent for casual listening and spoken-word content, but not ideal for loud settings where you need isolation or maximum volume headroom.

If your “performance” definition is staying connected to the world around you while still hearing your content, LinkBuds are purpose-built for that. If your “performance” definition is blocking more outside noise without ANC, Sesh Evo’s isolating approach is the better match.

Speed

“Speed” for earbuds is mostly about pairing responsiveness and general responsiveness in use. In the provided scoring, Sony LinkBuds rate higher for speed. They also include features like multipoint (via firmware update) that can reduce friction when switching devices. Skullcandy Sesh Evo is positioned as quick to start (auto pairing mode first use and reconnecting to the last device), but user reports of disconnects can undermine that day-to-day experience.

Reliability

Neither product is a clear reliability standout in the provided data. Skullcandy Sesh Evo has a higher reliability score, but its aggregated review summary highlights frequent issues: one earbud failing, breakage within a week for some buyers, disconnects, and earbuds stopping taking a charge.

Sony LinkBuds score lower for reliability and also have mixed reports, including claims of units becoming unusable and charging problems over time. If reliability is your top priority, the safest approach is to buy with easy returns and test charging, pairing, and fit thoroughly in the first weeks.

Skullcandy Sesh Evo in-Ear Wireless Earbuds (Bleached Blue)

Pros

  • Strong value positioning based on the provided score set (notably higher value score than Product B).
  • Useful everyday controls including volume, track skip, calls, voice assistant access, and EQ modes from the earbuds.
  • Tile tracking built in to help find misplaced earbuds via the Tile app.
  • Solo earbud mode (use either earbud independently for calls or listening).
  • IP55-rated water/sweat/dust resistance for workouts and light rain.
  • Fast-charge support (10 minutes for up to 2 hours of listening, per listing details).
  • Broad Bluetooth compatibility and users report working across phones and computers (Android, laptop/desktop use noted in reviews).

Cons

  • Connectivity complaints are common in the aggregated review summary (disconnects/Bluetooth issues) and reflected by a lower connectivity score.
  • Mixed reliability and durability with repeated reports of one earbud failing or products breaking quickly in some reviews.
  • Charging and battery complaints show up in the aggregated review summary (stops taking a charge), aligning with a lower battery/reliability scoring.
  • Fit can be divisive ; some users find them too large or prone to falling out.
  • Sound isolation rather than active noise cancelling (no ANC claims in the provided data).
  • Controls/indicator learning curve mentioned by at least one long-term reviewer (confusion about LED meanings and resets).
Skullcandy Sesh Evo in-Ear Wireless Earbuds (Bleached Blue)

Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbuds (Gray)

Pros

  • Open-ring design that keeps you aware of your surroundings while listening.
  • Feature-rich set (high feature and smart-features scoring) including adaptive volume control, wide area tap, and multipoint (via firmware update).
  • Strong connectivity scoring with Bluetooth 5.2 and multipoint capability.
  • Call-focused tech with Precise Voice Pickup, and multiple reviews praise call clarity.
  • Sony app ecosystem with many settings (EQ and other functions are referenced in reviews).
  • Very portable (small/light earbuds and compact case are repeated themes in reviews).

Cons

  • No noise cancelling (noise control listed as none), and multiple reviews highlight they are not ideal in loud environments.
  • Battery and charging issues reported in the aggregated review overview (fast drain/charging issues), and battery score is modest.
  • Mixed fit/comfort ; some report pain or that they fall out without the right supporters.
  • Volume and noisy-environment performance varies (customers disagree on volume; open design inherently leaks and competes poorly with loud surroundings).
  • Reliability is mixed with reports ranging from great daily use to units becoming unusable.
  • Support/warranty experience concerns reflected by a low warranty/support score and a detailed review about an out-of-warranty dispute.
Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbuds (Gray)

Final verdict

Skullcandy Sesh Evo is the better overall pick on the provided scoring, largely because it combines a strong value profile with useful real-world features (Tile tracking, solo mode, IP55 resistance) and straightforward setup. It’s especially appealing if you want a more traditional in-ear earbud that passively blocks some outside noise.

Sony LinkBuds remain the more specialized (and for some people, better) choice: the open-ring design is a genuine differentiator for those who dislike sealed earbuds or need to stay aware of their surroundings. They also lead on connectivity and feature depth. The trade-offs are that they don’t isolate noise, and both battery and reliability sentiment are mixed. If your use case matches the open-ring concept, LinkBuds can still be the right call.

Overall winner

Depends on your needs

Frequently asked questions

Which is better overall, Skullcandy Sesh Evo or Sony LinkBuds?

Based on the provided scoring, Skullcandy Sesh Evo scores higher overall (67 vs 62). It rates especially well for value and offers practical extras like Tile tracking and IP55 resistance. Sony LinkBuds are the better pick if you specifically want an open-ring design for ambient awareness and you care more about app-driven features and connectivity options like multipoint.

Which earbuds are better for staying aware of your surroundings?

Sony LinkBuds are built for this use case. Their open-ring design is intended to let outside sound in naturally while you listen. By contrast, Skullcandy Sesh Evo uses sound isolation, which generally reduces ambient sound compared with an open design. If situational awareness is the priority for walking or casual listening, the LinkBuds match that goal more directly.

Which has better connectivity for switching between devices?

Sony LinkBuds rate higher for connectivity in the provided scores and use Bluetooth 5.2. They also support multipoint (noted as available via firmware update), which can make switching between two devices easier. Skullcandy Sesh Evo uses Bluetooth 5.0, and the aggregated review summary includes frequent disconnection and Bluetooth-issue complaints.

Which is better for workouts and sweat resistance?

Both are water resistant, but Skullcandy Sesh Evo lists a higher protection rating at IP55 (water, sweat, and dust resistant). Sony LinkBuds list IPX4 protection against sweat and splashes. For gym use where dust and heavier sweat can be a factor, the Sesh Evo’s listed rating is the more confidence-inspiring spec.

Which earbuds have better battery life?

On paper, Sesh Evo lists 24 hours total (5 hours in the buds + 19 hours in the case), while LinkBuds list 20 hours total. However, both products have mixed battery feedback in the aggregated review summaries, including reports of fast drain or charging problems. If battery consistency is critical, the review data suggests checking recent user feedback and return options.

Which is better for call quality?

Sony LinkBuds emphasize calling features in the product data, including Precise Voice Pickup, and reviews frequently mention clear calls. Skullcandy Sesh Evo includes a microphone and supports calls, but at least one review specifically criticizes mic performance for voice messages/calls. If calls are your main use, LinkBuds look stronger on provided data.

Which is easier to set up and use day to day?

Skullcandy Sesh Evo is positioned as straightforward: it automatically enters pairing mode the first time, then re-pairs to the last device, and it has one-finger controls for playback, calls, assistant, and EQ. Sony LinkBuds add more advanced features and app customization, which can be a plus, but some reviews mention needing apps and getting used to insertion and fit.

Do either of these earbuds have noise cancelling?

No active noise cancelling is listed for either product in the provided data. Skullcandy Sesh Evo lists sound isolation, which is passive isolation from an in-ear seal. Sony LinkBuds list noise control: none and are intentionally open, so they are generally not intended to block outside noise.

Which is better value for money?

Using the provided scoring, Skullcandy Sesh Evo rates higher for value. It also includes practical extras (Tile tracking, solo mode, and IP55 resistance). Sony LinkBuds can still make sense if you specifically want their open-ring concept and feature set (higher feature/app/smart-feature scoring). The better “value” depends on whether you’ll use those Sony-specific functions.

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