REVIEW: Sony INZONE Buds

Sony’s INZONE Buds are the company’s first ‘non-PlayStation’ entrant in the competitive gaming audio space. Not to be confused with their ‘PULSE Explore’ Buds, the INZONE Buds are designed to appeal to gamers who are after portability, low-latency audio, and immersive sound.

With features like active noise cancellation (ANC), a companion app, and a design that’s been optimised for long sessions, these earbuds look to provide high-quality audio for both gaming and general use. In this review, we’ll assess whether the INZONE Buds deliver on their promises and if they’re worth the price tag.

Design & Build Quality

Sony has crafted the INZONE Buds with a focus on comfort and durability. The lightweight earbuds feature an in-ear design with interchangeable ear tips to fit a range of ear sizes. The matte finish resists fingerprints, which is a definite bonus, and the subtle branding and a non-descript charging case make them visually understated.

Speaking of which, the charging case is slightly bulkier than non-gaming competitors like the AirPods Pro or Pixel Buds Pro 2, but it’s still portable enough for pop in a jacket pocket. If you’re a skinny jeans fan though, they might create a bigger bulge than you’d like (ahem). The increased case size can be attributed for the need to included the dedicated UBS-C Dongle which helps keep latency to a minimum. (more on that below.)

In terms of build, the case’s sturdy hinge and USB-C charging port contribute to an overall feeling of quality. However, the plastic build doesn’t feel as premium as some of Sony’s high-end audio products, which may be noticeable to those accustomed to flagship designs.

Audio & ANC Quality

The INZONE Buds deliver where it matters most for gamers: audio performance. The buds come with custom-tuned drivers and support for 360 Spatial Sound which help to create an immersive experience that enhances directional audio cues in games. This makes them particularly suitable for competitive gaming, where positional accuracy is critical.

The aforementioned USB-C Dongle also helps to create a direct connection with either your PC or PS5, ensuring extremely low latency (less than 30ms) for the audio so again, this comes in very handy for highly competitive online gaming when every second counts.

For music and casual listening, the sound profile is well-balanced, with clear highs and mids complemented by sufficient bass. The ANC is effective at blocking out ambient noise, performing on par with other premium earbuds in its price range. While not class-leading, the noise cancellation is strong enough to eliminate distractions during gameplay or while on a busy train for example.

That said, the earbuds lack any standout codecs beyond standard SBC and AAC. This might disappoint audiophiles looking for higher-resolution audio support like LDAC. In terms of microphone quality, Sony’s website states “the INZONE Buds leverage an algorithm built with an AI. (…) our noise reduction algorithm was developed with AI using more than 500 million voice samples to suppress ambient noise while extracting your voice precisely.”

In practise, the buds performed pretty well when chatting with friends online on PS5 but we didn’t get the chance to test them out on our Windows PC. When connected to our Android smartphones, calls sounded equally as clear with the person on the end of the line saying we sounded good and clear also.

App Features

The Sony INZONE Hub app for Windows offers a range of customisation options, ensuring users can tweak and edit their audio experience. The app includes an equaliser, ANC settings, and gaming-specific features like optimizing 360 Spatial Sound for specific game genres. The user interface is intuitive, and pairing the earbuds with the app is straightforward.

Additionally, the app supports firmware updates, ensuring the earbuds stay compatible with future enhancements. One downside is that some advanced features, such as personalised sound profiles (by photographing your ears!), require users to go through additional setup processes that may not appeal to casual users.

The app’s integration with gaming platforms, such as PlayStation and PC, is a standout feature. However, the lack of direct Xbox support could be a drawback for gamers who use that console. When it comes to pairing your device with a Smartphone or tablet, the INZONE Buds can be added to Sony’s Sound Connect (the new name for their ‘Headphones Connect’ app) which allows you to tweak and play with the earbud’s settings on the go, which is handy.

Battery Life

When it comes to battery life, this is another area where the INZONE Buds shine. Sony advertises 12 hours of playback on a single charge, with the case providing an additional 24 hours. In testing, these claims hold up well, even with ANC enabled. The earbuds also support fast charging, offering an hour of use with just a 5-minute charge.

This extended battery life is a significant advantage over many competitors, particularly for users who engage in marathon gaming sessions or need reliable all-day performance for commuting and work.

Conclusion

The Sony INZONE Buds are a solid choice for gamers seeking portable, high-quality audio. They deliver strong performance in areas like sound quality, ANC, and battery life, making them a pretty solid option for gaming and daily use. While the lack of advanced codecs and some limited platform compatibility may deter certain users, the INZONE Buds are well-suited for their PS5/PC gaming target audience.

Sony INZONE Buds Pricing & Availability

The Sony INZONE Buds are available now, in either Black or White, with Very.ie offering them for €179.99, €60 below their €240 RRP. Other retailers can be found here.