The Sony INZONE Buds Truly Wireless are earbuds designed with gaming use in mind. Sony have manufactured a number of gaming headsets under the INZONE name, but this is the first pair of earbuds they've released as part of the line. They feature active noise cancelling (ANC) and spatial sound technologies and a purported 12-hour battery life. While they use the same drivers as the Sony WF1000-XM5 Truly Wireless, the manufacturer claims they have a unique design that reduces ear contact for a more comfortable fit. They also support Bluetooth via LE audio and use the LC3 codec for lower energy and lower bandwidth audio data transmission.
Our Verdict
The Sony INZONE Buds are good for sports and fitness, even though they aren't designed with this use in mind. They're portable, lightweight, and decently comfortable. However, if you don't have a device that supports Bluetooth LE, you'll need to bring the wireless transmitter and a source device with a USB-C port.
- Robust customization options via INZONE Hub.
- Great full range noise isolation performance.
- Lightweight and portable design.
- Consistent audio delivery.
- Loose fit won't be for everyone.
- Only support Bluetooth LE Audio.
The Sony INZONE Buds are very good for commuting and travel. Their noise isolation performance is sufficient for blocking out most external sound, but some noise, especially bass frequency noises like engine rumble, will find its way into your audio. You'll also need to use the buds' included wireless transmitter to connect them unless you own a device that supports Bluetooth LE and the LC3 codec. Nevertheless, these buds are portable, decently comfortable, and their solid battery life will get you through everything from a daily commute to a longer journey.
- Very good battery life.
- Great full range noise isolation performance.
- Lightweight and portable design.
- Consistent audio delivery.
- Loose fit won't be for everyone.
The Sony INZONE Buds are decent for office work. Their ANC performance does a good job of blocking out background conversations and office chatter, and their battery life performance is enough to get you through even the longest work days. Their mic also captures speech effectively, though it will struggle in exceptionally noisy environments, causing your voice to drop out at times. That said, you'll need to use the wireless transmitter to connect them unless you own a device that supports Bluetooth LE audio. Plus, people used to buds that create an in-ear seal might not like their unique, loose fit.
- Robust customization options via INZONE Hub.
- Great full range noise isolation performance.
- Consistent audio delivery.
- Loose fit won't be for everyone.
- Only support Bluetooth LE Audio.
The Sony INZONE Buds are a decent choice for wireless gaming. Their dedicated transmitter offers low-latency gaming performance on PCs and PlayStation consoles. That said, their loose fit takes some getting used to, but combined with their very good battery life performance, these buds can get you through some marathon gaming sessions. While the relative de-emphasis in the low-bass means explosions sound less vivid, fans of first-person shooters may prefer their boosted high-bass response, which brings out footsteps. If you play mobile games, they often have app support as well, but you'll need to check your device's capabilities. Still, you can always fall back on the transmitter if your phone doesn't support Bluetooth LE and LC3.
- Very good battery life.
- Robust customization options via INZONE Hub.
- Consistent audio delivery.
- Loose fit won't be for everyone.
- Poor passive soundstage.
The Sony INZONE Buds are truly wireless buds and can't be used wired.
The Sony INZONE Buds have good audio reproduction accuracy. In objective metrics like stereo mismatch, group delay, and harmonic distortion, the earbuds exhibit no issues that affect regular use. That said, their frequency response fluctuates relative to their warm sound signature, particularly in the treble, rendering sibilants alternately dull or piercing as neighboring frequencies are de-emphasized relative to one another. The earbuds' particular brand of warmth also primarily emphasizes mid- and high-bass frequencies, which can affect vocal and instrumental reproduction by masking their fundamental frequencies.
- Consistent audio delivery.
The Sony INZONE Buds have excellent noise isolation. They attenuate treble frequencies most effectively, effectively reducing the whirr of high RPM PC fans, but they aren't the greatest in the mid-range. While they'll reduce background chatter in shared spaces, you'll still hear loud housemates or car horns on a busy road. On the plus side, the headphones don't leak much audio, so most people sitting beside you won't hear your favorite French Canadian Twitch streamer crashing out.
- Consistent audio delivery.
The Sony INZONE Buds have an okay microphone system. It captures speech intelligibly, but your voice won't sound as natural as it would with a dedicated desktop mic. And while the system deals with moderate background noise fairly well, it's easily overwhelmed by loud background noise, causing your voice to drop out on calls and recordings.
- Consistent audio delivery.
The Sony INZONE Buds have excellent frequency response consistency. Provided you have a good seal, the earbuds will deliver consistent audio between wears, though individual ear canal morphology will inevitably result in varying treble perception.
- Consistent audio delivery.
Performance Usages
Changelog
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Updated Jan 09, 2026:
This review has been updated to Test Bench 2.0, which adds the following tests: Stereo Mismatch, Group Delay, Cumulative Spectral Decay, PRTF, Harmonic Distortion, and Electrical Aspects. We've added new performance usages and updated the text throughout the Sound tests and side-by-sides.
- Updated Dec 15, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 2.0, which updates our sound tests and adds performance usages. You can read more about this in our changelog.
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Updated Jan 16, 2025:
Several Sound tests have been updated following Test Bench 1.8. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.
- Updated Jan 15, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.8, which updates our target curve and Sound tests. You can read more about this in our changelog.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Sony INZONE buds come in two color variants: 'Black' and 'White. We tested the 'Black' variant, but we expect all color variants to perform similarly. You can see our model's label here. If you encounter another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Sony INZONE Buds are Sony's first wireless earbuds designed specifically with gaming in mind. They're manufactured by Sony Electronics, as opposed to their PlayStation subsidiary. While they use the same drivers as the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless, some key differences in features make them more suited to gaming. Like the Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed True Wireless, they have a wireless transmitter for a low-latency gaming experience with PCs and PlayStation consoles. They also have a fit that minimizes contact with your skin, so you can game all day without ear fatigue. However, their noise isolation performance isn't as exceptional as the WF-1000XM5.
Check out our picks for best earbuds for gaming, the best noise cancelling earbuds, and the best Sony headphones.
The Sony INZONE Buds Truly Wireless and the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds have different strengths and limitations that will influence your choice. The Sony have a longer continuous battery life, they work well with PlayStation and PCs, and they have better ANC and mic noise handling than the SteelSeries. However, the SteelSeries are a bit more flexible when it comes to Bluetooth codec support. Even though the SBC codec isn't exactly high-quality, most devices can support it compared the limited compatibility of the LC3 codec on the Sony. The SteelSeries feel more comfortable with better controls and an IP55 rating, too, though they only come in an Xbox variant. Otherwise, both support wireless USB dongles and low-latency audio.
The Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed True Wireless are better earbuds for wireless gaming than the Sony INZONE Buds Truly Wireless. While both buds have similarly comfortable fits and lightweight, portable designs, the Razer have a more balanced sound profile, which you may prefer. They also have better mic performance and better Bluetooth connectivity options as they use the SBC codec by default. In contrast, the Sony only use LE audio, which is newer and has limited compatibility. However, the Sony have a considerably longer battery life.
If you primarily want Bluetooth earbuds with a wireless dongle, the ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova are better for most people. The Sony INZONE Buds Truly Wireless are hampered by their limited Bluetooth connectivity, only supporting LE Audio via the LC3 codec, which not every device can use. However, you can use their USB-C dongle for a low-latency connection. The ASUS support a greater variety of devices with a wider net of standard Bluetooth codecs and a wireless dongle. The Sony are more geared towards PC and console gaming with dedicated support, a graphic EQ, and a more advanced virtual surround sound. Their sound profile is more balanced, too. The ASUS have slightly more effective noise isolation in common scenarios, but their battery life isn't as long as the Sony.
The Sony INZONE Buds Truly Wireless are better for most uses than the Sony PULSE Explore Truly Wireless. The INZONE have a longer battery life, a better mic performance, and a better noise isolation performance, thanks to their ANC feature. They also include a dedicated app with sound customization features. On the other hand, the PULSE support more common Bluetooth codecs (SBC and AAC), so you can use their dongle to connect with PlayStation consoles and stream audio from your phone simultaneously.
Test Results
These buds use the same drivers as the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless. While they have similar sound profiles, some differences are attributable to ear tip material and fit. The Sony INZONE Buds emphasize the mid- and high-bass relative to the rest of the low-end, likely to make footsteps more identifiable. However, this can muddy vocals and instruments when enjoying music. If this isn't your preferred sound, you can adjust their tuning with the EQ and presets in the Sony INZONE Hub app. The buds also sound slightly different with ANC turned on or off.
We obtained our sound results with the transmitter set to 'PC' mode, using 'INZONE Buds - Game' on Windows. However, we also ran an extra sweep set to 'PS5/Mobile' mode and found no difference in frequency response. It's also worth mentioning that these buds have a higher noise floor than most earbuds. However, it's not unusually high or annoying.
The Sony INZONE Buds have excellent frequency response consistency. Despite their looser fit, you'll achieve consistent bass and treble delivery each time you use them.
These buds have amazing compliance with our target curve in the bass range. The mid- and high-bass regions are overemphasized, which adds punch to kick drums and warmth to basslines. This can serve to emphasize footsteps, though it may mask fundamental frequencies of voices and instruments a tad.
The Sony INZONE Buds have great mid-range target compliance. There's some overemphasis in the low-mid, which is a continuation of the boosted high-bass, cluttering the mix somewhat. Otherwise, the remainder of the range deviates minimally from our target and remains fairly smooth, rendering natural dialogue in narratively rich titles like Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 without much issue.
These earbuds have exceptional treble compliance. The response in this range is fairly neutral, with some slight deviations. A small, narrow dip in the low-mid dulls the upper harmonics of vocals and instruments. Similarly, a small dip in the mid-treble dulls sibilants slightly relative to neighboring frequencies.
The Sony INZONE Buds have decent peaks and dips performance, meaning their frequency response generally resembles their warm sound signature, with some minor deviations mostly occurring in the treble range. The mid-mids are a touch inconsistent, but it's hard to notice this with regular audio. On the other hand, a series of small, narrow peaks and dips in the low- and mid-treble can render sounds like cymbals alternately dull or piercing depending on their pitch.
The headphones L/R drivers are impressively well matched, with little to no mismatch in weighted amplitude, frequency response, or phase response.
The headphones have great group delay performance. Our measurements indicate there are no phase shifts in neighboring frequencies that contribute to frequency response shifts or intermodulation distortion.
These earbuds bypass your pinna, so they won't generate any spatial cues using this pathway.
These headphones have remarkable harmonic distortion performance. You likely won't notice any coloration even at unsafe listening levels.
These headphones only work with Bluetooth LE, which isn't compatible with this test's setup, nevertheless, the headphones get plenty loud.
The Sony INZONE Buds are compatible with Sony's 360 Reality Audio and Spatial Sound features. The app can analyze your ear shape and creates a custom profile that helps deliver a more immersive listening experience via a virtual soundstage. You can access this in the PC or mobile app.
These are the settings used to test the Sony INZONE Buds. The Windows setting we used was 'INZONE Buds - Game', but some computers may default to 'INZONE Buds - Chat', which has worse performance. Our results are only valid when used with these settings.
These buds have a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. Unlike the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless, they have a stem design that protrudes from your ear. There's a touch-sensitive surface at the end of each stem that you can use to input controls. They come in two color variants: 'Black' and 'White'. The black variant features a monochromatic, all-black look, including matching ear tips. With the white variant, white is used around the edges of the stem to accent the rest of the buds, which are black.
The Sony INZONE Buds are decently comfortable. The manufacturer designed them to have a looser fit that doesn't go fully in your ear canal, so they don't sit as deep as the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless. The lighter ear contact is intended to create a more comfortable fit. However, this means they also stick out from your ears and can get snagged if you move around. Fortunately, they come with four sets of ear tips, making it relatively simple to achieve a good fit.
These buds have simple, reasonably intuitive controls. There are distinct controls for each bud, so you won't be able to input some controls if you only have one bud in. The touch-sensitive surface is also easy to accidentally tap. There are useful chimes that sound when you engage the ANC or mic, as well as when you increase or decrease the volume or hit max/min volume. There are no playback controls by default, but you can map these via the companion app.
On the left earbud:
- Single tap: Toggles ANC and Ambient Sound mode on/off.
- Hold Toggles mic on/off.
On the right earbud:
- Single tap: Raises the volume.
- Hold: Lowers the volume.
These buds are very portable. They're lightweight and won't take up much space in a bag or pocket. However, you'll need to bring the transmitter to pair them with most devices. Thankfully, the included carrying case has a section for the transmitter and can protect the buds when not in use.
They come with a good carrying case. It has magnets to secure the buds and prevent them from moving in transit, and there's even a dedicated nook for storing the wireless transmitter. However, the all-plastic design feels both weak and bulky. It lacks the heft of more premium cases, and its awkward shape takes up more space in a bag than other cases from this manufacturer. The hinge is also quite weak and won't stay shut if you accidentally drop the case.
These earbuds are decently well-built. Apart from the silicone ear tips, they're made entirely of plastic that doesn't feel as dense and high-quality as some of the manufacturer's other earbuds. While they lack an official IP rating, Sony says they're IPX4 equivalent for protection against water splashes.
The stability is satisfactory. Their looser, shallower fit means that you can easily dislodge them if you move your head sharply while gaming, and they'll require readjustment afterward.
- Sony INZONE Buds Truly Wireless
- 4x tip sizes
- Charging case
- USB-C to USB-A charging cable
- USB-C transmitter
- Manuals
- Warranty
- Strickers
The full range noise isolation performance is great. While the loose fit doesn't provide much passive isolation in the bass range, the ANC can block out low-end sounds. Attenuation against treble range sounds is good, too, and mostly comes as a result of the seal created with these in your ears.
These buds have very good noise isolation performance in common scenarios. They do a great job of attenuating against the whirr of oncoming traffic in a busy street. They perform slightly worse when it comes to blocking out the roar of airplane engines, as well as the hustle and bustle of office environments but still provide a solid amount of attenuation.
Wind noise differs from other sounds as it can interact with the ANC microphones, sometimes resulting in an annoying tone as the ANC tries to combat a sound that isn't reaching your ear. These headphones don't have a wind reduction feature and struggle in windy scenarios. That said, this won't be an issue if you plan on using them exclusively to game at home.
The leakage performance is superb. Audio bleed is mostly concentrated in the bass and treble ranges, but levels of leakage are generally very low. Consequently, you can crank up your in-game audio without worrying about disturbing others around you.
The integrated mic's performance is okay. Your voice will be understandable to your teammates but sound thin and distant.
The noise handling performance is reasonable. In moderately noisy environments, your voice will be fuzzy but still understandable. Noisier environments can easily drown out your voice, but if you plan on using these to game at home, this won't be an issue.
The Sony INZONE Buds' battery performance is very good. The manufacturer advertises 12 hours of battery life when using the transmitter with ANC on, and we measured slightly less than this. The included charging case also provides an extra full charge if you need to top up your battery in a pinch. The manufacturer advertises an even longer 24-hour battery life when connected to an LE Audio-compatible device. However, we measured this at closer to 18 hours. Battery life varies depending on use, so your experience may differ.
The earbuds are compatible with two apps, the Sony INZONE Hub app on PC and the Sony Sound Connect (formerly known as Sony Headphones Connect) for mobile, which offer excellent customization options. Both apps let you adjust sound profile presets, save EQ settings, and control ANC. You can also map additional controls, handle device connections, and enable spatial audio. Using the INZONE Hub, you can even create volume/chat mixes for individual games or apps, to name just a few.
We could only connect the buds with the Sony Sound Connect app on Android (as of firmware 2.0.2), but this may have more to do with their Bluetooth limitations. A video tour of the mobile app shows it shares many of the same features as the PC version, except it is a bit stripped back by comparison. For example, the equalizer has fewer bands that you can alter, and there are fewer microphone settings at your disposal. It includes adaptive listening modes, though it requires you to register an account. You still get plenty of features for on-the-go, such as a rather exhaustive selection of options to remap touch controls.
These buds come with a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging their carrying case. You can't use them with a wired connection.
The Sony INZONE Buds have poor Bluetooth connectivity. They only support Bluetooth LE audio, which uses the LC3 audio codec. Currently, only a select few phones are compatible with this codec. As a result, we couldn't test the Bluetooth performance using our usual methodology. However, if you have a compatible device, you'll benefit from LE audio's higher-quality wireless transmission, and your buds' battery will last longer than traditional Bluetooth. It's also possible to connect to a smartphone by plugging the included transmitter into your phone's USB-C port and setting the switch on the transmitter to 'PS5/Mobile'. Check out the Sony PULSE Explore Truly Wireless if you want gaming earbuds that can connect to any Bluetooth-compatible device.
These buds have an amazing, low-latency performance when connected via their USB-C dongle.
We used the 'PC' setting on the wireless transmitter to test for this but also used the 'PS5/Mobile' setting and found there was no significant difference in latency. When connected wirelessly on either setting, you won't encounter sync issues between your video and audio. The wireless range is slightly lower when using the 'PS5/Mobile' setting, but this won't be an issue if you're gaming from your couch.
These earbuds have full voice and audio compatibility with PCs via the wireless transmitter when set to the 'PC' setting. However, you can connect with the 'PS/Mobile' mode if your PC supports LE audio.
When connected with the wireless transmitter on the 'PS/Mobile' setting, these earbuds have full voice and audio compatibility with PlayStation family consoles.
The Sony INZONE Buds come with a carrying case that holds one extra charge. There's no wireless charging, so you'll need to charge the case using the USB-C to USB-A charging cable.