LinkBuds (WF-L900)

I used the original Sony Linkbuds until they stopped working & now upgraded to the v2, Sony Linkbuds Open. They're normal earbuds w/ a donut shaped driver, so you can actually hear everything around you

Bought some Sony Linkbuds back when they first came out because they intrigued me: [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-LinkBuds-concept-conversations-removing-Grey/dp/B09QMMHL3H?th=1](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-LinkBuds-concept-conversations-removing-Grey/dp/B09QMMHL3H?th=1) They work great if you want to still hear what's going on in the room around you - I'm usually playing docked on the TV sat next to my partner while they are doing their own thing.

Shokz bone conduction works well. My wife just got a set for swimming laps and I was impressed by how they don't block any outside noise at all. Sound quality is meh through this medium but nothing for this purpose is going to be (or needs to be) audiophile quality. I've been using the Sony open donut-style earbuds for 4 seasons now. First the original LinkBuds and now the Linkbuds Open. They both do the trick but comfort is not great under helmet earpads after awhile, plus your ear shape can make it harder to keep them secure in your ears under a helmet. I've had them pop out in my balaclava every once in awhile. I haven't tried the Shokz for any significant time, but I suspect they'd be the better option both for comfort and awareness.

The first gen Sony Link Buds were ok. They weren’t loud enough, but they are small and do not interfere with helmet strap. Call quality is mediocre at best. Using JBL Soundgear Sense now. It’s bigger and best to use with the optional headband for secure fit. The sound and call quality are better, and have a longer battery life. The volume is high enough to overpower wind noise. It does interfere with helmet straps a little, but it’s a trade off I’m willing to accept.

I have autism, the feeling of earphones are usually very overstimulating to me so kuch so that in the past i walked with my phone playing music aloud (eww gross) This changed when i got some first gen sony linkbuds and theyve been a game changer!! Recently though one has stopped working which has made me sad (although i usually only use one earbud anyways) Ive looked into more open ear earphones and i was wondering what yall though? :)) My main use cases would be inside the house listening to videos and music, and walking my dog listening to music, i quite enjoy being able to hear my surroundings and people talk while still having some music playing \-Linkbuds open gen 1: can get for around £30 The old reliable! \-Linkbuds open gen 2: can get for around £110 No idea if theyre such an upgrade for the huge price jump \-Shokz openfit 2+: can get for around £100 Definitely different than the linkbuds but they intrigue me, and ive tried similair lower end earphones that felt good! \-Shokz openfit air: can get for around £55 Generally considered lower end than the 2+ i know but compared to the linkbuds gen 1 and the price ik curious for sure! \-Whatever yall recommend!! Id be interested to see if theres any similair earbuds that yall would recommend instead! Anyways thank you in advance if this post gets any replies, love you wee reddit audiophiles♡