For once, today our focus is not on a gaming headset, but rather on a pair of headphones. There are different preferences when it comes to gaming audio devices, and while headsets are often favored by gamers, ignoring some high-quality headphone models would be unfortunate. This is the case with the Sony Inzone Buds that we are testing for you today.
Over the past year, Sony’s Inzone brand has expanded its line of gaming audio peripherals. Although these products are not directly related to the PlayStation, they are still naturally compatible with the PS5. The Inzone Buds represent the latest addition to this expanding lineup. These true wireless earbuds take some of the most advanced technology from Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds, which are aimed more at audiophiles than gamers.
It’s obvious that with Sony’s expertise in audio, the Inzone Buds have plenty of high-quality features. However, these products are somewhat confusing. Although they come in colors to match the PS5, they seem to be particularly designed for PC gamers, and to a lesser extent for smartphone users. We will come back to this later, but their compatibility limited to the Bluetooth 5.3 LE standard makes them incompatible with many cell phones.
A fairly discreet design
In recent years, gaming hardware manufacturers have tended to move away from overly ostentatious designs in favor of more elegant aesthetics and increased performance. Sony seems to be following this trend with its Inzone Buds. These headphones are stylish, minimalist and very comfortable, thanks to a variety of ear tips adapted to different body shapes, ensuring a perfect fit.
The model comes in two versions: a simple black option and a white/black variant, which makes it look like an official PS5 accessory, although that’s not strictly the case. Sony, faithful to its usual discretion, simply affixes a small logo to each earphone, without ostentation.
Pleasant use
The Inzone Buds feature responsive touch panels with a glossy finish, contrasting with the smooth matte texture of the rest of the earbud, making them easy to locate on a desk. The Inzone Hub software allows customization of controls, providing the ability to reassign single taps and program double and triple tap gestures.
To ensure worry-free use in various environments, the headphones feature IPX4 certification, making them resistant to splashes and light rain. However, they are not recommended for use in the bath and not really in torrential rain… Their USB-C charging case is relatively bulky and incorporates a pairing button on the back and an LED indicator on the back. ‘Before. The included 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle is crucial for connecting the headphones to a variety of devices, such as PS5, PC and mobile phones.
Good features
Sony INZONE Buds are immediately recognized by the PS5, allowing information such as volume level and remaining battery life to be displayed directly on the TV screen. With a latency of less than 30 ms, they are ideal for video games.
However, as mentioned earlier, these headphones only support Bluetooth LE via Bluetooth 5.3. This specificity may cause compatibility issues with some older devices, including the iPhone 15 Pro. In the absence of Bluetooth LE support, using the USB-C dongle becomes essential, which can be disappointing.
Better on PC than consoles
When used on PC, INZONE Buds deliver an enhanced 360 spatial audio experience. For example, users can create personalized listening profiles using a companion smartphone application, and benefit from additional settings such as an equalizer and a balance slider between gaming and chat. Although they are compatible with the PS5’s 3D Tempest audio standard, these headphones offer a more rewarding experience on PC.
In fact, despite their performance, the Sony INZONE Buds have some restrictions when used with the PS5. Unlike other devices, customization options and advanced audio features are not accessible on this console. Damage.
Very good in-game performance
From the first use, the Sony INZONE Buds impress with their sound quality, especially when used with games like Hunt Showdown, a title that yours truly often uses to test headsets. Their ability to reproduce dialogue and sounds accurately is remarkable. These headphones shine across the entire frequency spectrum, in part thanks to their 8.4 mm dynamic driver, the same as that of the WF-1000XM5. They offer a wider, more detailed soundstage than many other gaming headphones. The included USB-C dongle makes it easy to connect them to a variety of devices, such as PS5, Steam Deck OLED, and PCs.
Built-in virtual spatial audio is particularly effective on PC via the Inzone Hub, adding noticeable immersion, especially in shooter games. Noise cancellation, one of Sony’s strengths, is effective even in noisy environments. We tested this in an apartment with drill work at the neighbors, and the result is conclusive: it works well.
The INZONE Buds are less efficient for listening to music, with sometimes imprecise bass response and a sound spectrum that is not always very refined. So they are not ideal for genres like jazz or classical music. For this type of listening, headphones would be more recommended. As for the microphone, it is sufficient for phone calls and in-game communication, but can have limitations in noisy environments, making it difficult to use for prolonged conversations on TeamSpeak, for example.
Good autonomy
Sony promises up to 12 hours of battery life for the INZONE Buds when used with the USB-C dongle, and that claim seems to match reality. The headphones hold a charge over long journeys, with the advantage of being able to recover an hour of battery life after just five minutes of charging. This is particularly practical for long car or train journeys.
TECHNICAL SHEET
- Price : 220 euros
- Weight : 13 grams
- Compatibility : PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, Windows, Mac, tablets
- Microphone : Yes
- Autonomy : 12 hours
- Connections : USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3
- Microphone noise reduction : Yes