Sony’s take with the InZone Buds could be the best iteration yet. There’s no denying that Sony has taken inspiration from the WF-1000XM5, but it needs to do far more than just Active Noise cancellation to make it geared toward gamers.
Sony InZone Buds: Design
The Sony InZone Buds carry the same design language as the PlayStation 5, using the same black & white accents that have become iconic. For PlayStation gamers, this will match nicely with their console and controllers if they are looking for some uniformity. There’s also a black variant that looks a bit more subdued and follows the classic elegant design Sony is known for.
While most gaming accessories and even smartphones tend to incorporate some form of RGB lighting, I’m quite relieved that the InZone Buds don’t take any inspiration from the stereotype. The overall presentation will stand the test of time and isn’t out of place, even when not used for gaming purposes.
The earbuds are housed in a charging case that looks quite unconventional. It isn’t similar to any of the charging cases we’re used to seeing for wireless earbuds, but it does serve a purpose. The chunky charging case is meant to be on a table while gaming on your PlayStation 5 or PC. Due to the sheer size of the charging case, it can’t be kept in a pocket like you can with the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 or Apple’s AirPods Pro. The case can be charged using a USB-C, and the port is easily accessible at the back.
The buds might seem large initially, but they are quite comfortable to use. I didn’t experience any fatigue even after four hours of continuous gaming on the PlayStation 5. It is advisable to use the appropriate earbud tip for a better seal and comfort, as it makes a massive difference.
Sony InZone Buds: Features & Connectivity
The Sony InZone Buds are not your typical truly wireless earbuds as they don’t use Bluetooth to connect with your PC or PlayStation 5. While it does support Bluetooth connectivity, connecting it with a smartphone or even the Nintendo Switch was spotty at best. Instead, the InZone Buds use a 2.4GHz wireless connection via the USB-C dongle that can be found within the case.
Since the InZone Buds supports Active Noise Cancellation, you can expect the same level of finesse as you would from Sony’s WF-1000XM5/XM4 wireless earbuds. The buds do an excellent job of isolating audio and delivering an immersive audio experience. The earbuds also support Spatial Audio like the InZone H9, requiring you to send a picture of your ear. Sony will then map your ears and then tune the soundstage accordingly. I found this process to be a bit tedious, but for what it’s worth, it gets the job done.
Like any other earbuds, the InZone Buds’ microphone is perhaps the most disappointing feature. The microphone quality is not up to the mark for communicating with friends while gaming. You will often sound muffled, which might not be best when playing competitive online games as it will get overpowered by in-game audio. However, if you play more single-player titles, the InZone Buds might fit the bill.
Sony InZone Buds: Performance
Being gaming earbuds, the Sony InZone needs to be precise, immersive, and long-lasting. Most gaming earbuds have some sort of lag; however, thanks to the 2.4GHz connection, the sound is delivered with utmost accuracy. You will not notice any lag whatsoever, which is one of the main requirements of a gaming audio device. Combined with spatial audio and ANC, the InZone earbuds are one of the most immersive audio devices you can have for your PlayStation 5 and PC.
As for sound quality, the earbuds are quite bright in the mids and highs, making them ideal for experiencing sound effects in games. However, they lack depth in the lower-end frequencies and sounds quite muddy, making crucial cutscenes sound less impactful. However, the wide soundstage and spatial audio make up for it, especially for single-player games. As for competitive games like Rainbow Six Siege, you can clearly hear footsteps and movements, which is one of my main requirements for an audio device for gaming.
Finally, the InZone Buds have impressive battery life, considering one would use them for extended gaming sessions. The buds can last up to 12 hours on a single charge using the 2.4GHz and 24 hours over Bluetooth. With the charging case, the buds can be used for a total of 48 hours, which is quite remarkable for any wireless earbuds pair.
Verdict
For Rs 17,990, the Sony InZone Buds might be the perfect accessory for gamers who want to switch from bulky gaming headsets. While the impeccable sound quality delivers an immersive experience, the lack of a good microphone and spotty connectivity limits its usage. With great features such as Active Noise Cancellation and spatial sounds, the Sony InZone Buds would be a great addition to anybody’s gaming setup.
Table of Contents
Editor’s Rating: 8 / 10
Pros
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Long Battery Life
- Comfortable
- Impressive Active Noise Cancellation
Cons
- Unclear Microphone
- Spotty Bluetooth Connectivity
- Slightly Muddy Bass
