PROS
- Super light and easy to use
- Excellent battery life
- Impressive software
- Clean, dynamic sound
CONS
- Mediocre microphone
- Rigid connectivity
When Sony, the developer of the PlayStation, introduced a gaming headset with a distinctly gamer-oriented name such as Inzone, I anticipated that it would prioritize console compatibility over PC use. I am pleased to state that my initial assumption was incorrect. While console users can certainly utilize it for their various gaming needs, the Sony Inzone H5 is primarily designed as a PC gaming headset, which enhances its overall performance and appeal.
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max has been my preferred gaming headset thus far, owing to its comfortable design, outstanding battery performance, and user-friendly connectivity. In contrast, the Inzone H5 pursues a different objective. Nevertheless, it achieves success in its own manner.
Upon picking up the headphones, the first aspect that struck me was the extensive use of plastic and the overall fragility of the construction. My initial impression remained consistent over time, although I did not fully grasp the rationale behind it until I actually wore them. The Sony InZone H5 stands out as one of the lightest mid-range gaming headphones I have encountered, a quality attributed to that seemingly ‘flimsy’ design.
The plastic components that secure the cups to the bridge of my head are lightweight and yield under pressure applied to the frame. The entire structure is capable of bending and flexing, which aids in distributing weight more effectively and accommodating my notably large skull. The ability to stretch the headset enhances its durability with regular use. While I would not recommend it, tossing them lightly into the air or applying some weight demonstrates that they can withstand such treatment without issue.
The Inzone H5, characterized by its striking white finish, exemplifies a strong affiliation with PlayStation. The design employs a refined black and white color scheme, presenting a sophisticated minimalism that complements Sony’s latest console beautifully. It connects effortlessly to the PlayStation 5 using the provided dongle, and the vibrant dynamic sound is instantly noticeable upon activation.
Within the price bracket of, the Inzone H5 headset excels in audio quality, delivering a robust combination of high, mid, and low frequencies. This headset allows me to distinctly hear the approaching footsteps of adversaries or the sharp crack of a Kar 98K round being fired with clarity. While my experience with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth did not provide a competitive edge—aside from the sheer pleasure of enjoying karaoke—the Inzone H5 significantly enhanced my performance in online shooters, positioning me comfortably in the slightly above-average tier.
Connecting them to the PS5 provides only a limited experience due to Sony’s Windows software. It appears peculiar to restrict the most advantageous features of a Sony headset to PC usage. Transitioning from console to PC is as simple as transferring a dongle and toggling a switch to indicate that the connector is functioning with a different device.
On a PC, users can utilize the Inzone hub, which allows for the customization of the equalizer settings to tailor the sound profile. Additionally, it provides access to Spatial Audio and basic sound controls, including the ability to adjust the mix between game chat and game volume, among other features. This software significantly enhances the functionality of the headset. Spatial Audio enriches the auditory experience, creating a more immersive and realistic sound environment. While it may sound somewhat lacking with less refined music and games, it truly excels in optimal conditions.
The equalization adjustment significantly enhances the depth of the headphones, allowing for a robust bass response when desired. However, as the bass levels are increased, a sense of hollowness may begin to emerge. Tonally, the sound can become somewhat muddled in the lower frequencies if pushed to extremes. The 40mm drivers deliver a clear audio experience that seldom strays into overly harsh highs or overwhelming bass. At its optimal setting, this headset provides a well-balanced tone that is particularly suited for online gaming, and the cushioning on the ear cups is exceptionally comfortable. The Sony Inzone H5 is a headset that I often forget I am wearing, even during the intense moments of a battle royale, enhancing the thrill of nearly achieving victory in a game.
The 2.4GHz connection provides a reliable experience, enabling me to move freely throughout my apartment with minimal connectivity issues. However, I do regret the absence of Bluetooth compatibility, as connecting this headset to my phone necessitates the use of an unsightly USB-C to USB-A adapter protruding from the bottom of the device to accommodate the rather bulky dongle. While it is technically possible to use the Inzone 5 with my phone, I find it unappealing, particularly due to the lack of the advanced software features available on a PC. I can utilize the headset in its most basic capacity, but it does not fully meet my expectations.
I observed an interesting phenomenon: after adjusting the equalizer to eliminate all bass and mid frequencies from the headset, resulting in a rather hollow sound, and subsequently reconnecting it to the PS5, I found that none of my effects were preserved. The PlayStation system offers only a single preset, which users are expected to accept. Furthermore, although the headset includes a 3.5mm jack for direct connection to devices, it cannot be managed through the Inzone Hub on a PC. Consequently, not only are PS5 users deprived of these additional features, but those who prefer a wired connection also face the same limitations.
While engaged in gameplay, the Inzone’s audio and game/chat balance can be adjusted using physical buttons located on the side. Although it may take some time to locate these buttons initially, they are sufficiently distinct to become familiar within a day or two. With nearly 30 hours of battery life per full charge and an additional 3 hours of usage from a mere ten-minute charge, I never encountered a situation where the headset’s battery depletion hindered my experience. I would occasionally connect it for a few minutes to half an hour, allowing me to resume playing promptly.
The Inzone H5 is equipped with impressive software; however, one specific aspect where it seems to obscure the hardware capabilities is the microphone. The integration of AI technology is employed to reduce background noise and enhance the clarity of your voice, effectively enabling it to filter out the music you may wish to share with friends through the headset. Unfortunately, there is limited control over this feature, which can lead to occasional truncation of words and an overly processed sound. The bidirectional boom microphone can be raised to deactivate it, but it is not detachable. Overall, the microphone is of average quality, significantly modified to give the impression of superior performance, resulting in a somewhat hollow audio experience.
While its performance on PS5 or mobile platforms may be somewhat inconsistent, the Sony Inzone H5 stands out as a highly reliable wireless headset for PC use, offering a plethora of impressive features that compensate for any confusion regarding its intended purpose.