Sony INZONE Buds Gaming Review

Sony's INZONE Buds are a letdown. They offer official PS5 support and dual connectivity, but their middling sound and ANC aren't worth the high price. Our data shows they score below average in most categories. Only buy if you need that specific PS5 dongle connection.

Sony's INZONE Buds are a weird one. They're true wireless earbuds built for gaming, with both Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz dongle for low-latency connections. They promise 360 spatial sound and up to 24 hours of battery life with the case. On paper, they're a PlayStation gamer's dream accessory.

But our data tells a different story. These buds land in the bottom half of our rankings across almost every category. For a product with Sony's name on it, that's a tough look right out of the gate.

Performance is, frankly, average. The 8.4mm drivers deliver sound quality that sits in the 47th percentile, so it's fine but forgettable. Active noise cancellation is even less impressive at the 40th percentile, meaning it'll take the edge off background noise but won't fully immerse you. The battery life is the one bright spot, landing just above average at the 56th percentile. But with connectivity and build quality scoring in the 30s, you're not getting a premium feel.

At $218 to $239, these are not cheap. And for that money, you're getting mid-tier performance across the board. The value just isn't there unless you're a die-hard PlayStation user who absolutely needs that official compatibility and the 2.4GHz dongle. For everyone else, you can get better sound, better ANC, or both for less cash.

Stack them up against the competition and the picture gets clearer. The Nothing Ear (a) offers way more personality and better value. Anker's Soundcore P31i often beats it on ANC for half the price. And if you want the best Sony has to offer, the WF-1000XM5 is in another league for noise cancellation and sound, though it costs more. The INZONE Buds are stuck in a no-man's-land: not cheap enough to be a budget pick, and not good enough to compete with the premium options.

Skip these if you're not a PS5 gamer. The value evaporates without that specific use case. Also, if you want top-tier noise cancellation for travel or the office, look at Sony's own WF-1000XM5. And if you're on a budget, the Anker Soundcore P31i gives you better ANC for way less money.

Buy these only if you're a PlayStation 5 owner who wants the official, low-latency wireless connection and you don't already own a good pair of gaming headphones. For PC gamers or anyone who also wants great music listening, there are better hybrid options. They're a niche product for a niche need.