Since the debut of the PlayStation 5, Sony has introduced a wide range of accessories to complement its flagship console, from headsets and earbuds to charging docks and cameras. Among these, the Inzone line of gaming headsets stands out for its versatility. The Inzone H3, H7, and H9 offer a variety of features at different price points, with the newly launched Inzone H5 wireless gaming headset taking a central position in this lineup. This headset supports both PC and PS5 use, providing spatial audio for a more immersive experience, extended battery life, and a lightweight design suitable for prolonged gaming sessions. Connectivity options include a 2.4 GHz wireless link via a USB Type-A transceiver as well as a 3.5mm audio jack.
But does the Inzone H5 truly differentiate itself in a crowded arena of gaming headphones tailored for the PS5? The answer is affirmative. The H5 presents a significant upgrade from Sony’s dedicated Pulse 3D wireless headset. Featuring a more comfortable and less ostentatious design, improved control functionality, and an extended battery life, it is undeniably worth the higher price point. Having extensively tested the Inzone H5 in various scenarios over the past few weeks, I found its exceptional comfort and impressive battery endurance particularly noteworthy. While its standout features certainly delivered, it was often the finer details that impressed me the most.
What’s in the Box?
The Inzone H5 packaging includes the over-ear headphones, a 3.5mm audio cable, a USB Type-C charging cable, and a USB Type-A transceiver that works with both PS5 and PC. The design of the headphones closely resembles the more affordable H3 model in the Inzone range, featuring a matte black or white plastic shell.
The Inzone H5 includes a USB charging cable and a 3.5mm audio cord.
The adjustable oval ear cups can swivel completely flat for easy storage, and the headband extends from its casing to ensure a secure fit across various head sizes. On the right ear cup, users will find a power button, an LED indicator, and an adjustable button for balancing game and chat audio during online play. The left ear cup is equipped with a bidirectional boom microphone that can be flipped down to activate and up to mute instantly, along with a volume adjuster, a USB Type-C charging port, and a 3.5mm audio jack for wired connections.
Sony Inzone H5 Wireless Gaming Headset Review: Design and Features
Out of the box, the H5 features a straightforward design, which may give it a somewhat inexpensive appearance due to its all-plastic construction. However, this choice contributes to its lightweight build, weighing only 260g—less than half the weight of the Pulse 3D wireless headset, which weighs in at a hefty 522g. Those who have used the Pulse 3D headset may recognize the discomfort of prolonged use, but the Inzone H5 alleviates this issue with its feather-like feel.
My experience with the H5 included extended gaming sessions, movie watching, and working on my PC, and I found it remarkably comfortable throughout. The oval-shaped ear cups, with soft nylon padding, provide a snug fit that accommodates the ear evenly. This design helps distribute pressure mainly on the lower part of the ear, minimizing discomfort. Additionally, the headband boasts a cushioned strip to enhance the comfort level during long wear.
The H5’s ear cups feature volume and game/chat balance controls.
The Inzone H5 delivers 3D spatial sound for an immersive gaming experience. Its 40mm drivers provide accurate audio reproduction across both high and low frequencies, with ear cup design that enhances low-frequency performance. According to Sony, the ear cup housing features a series of ducts designed to bolster low-frequency response and bass performance.
The boom microphone, when lowered, is effectively positioned close to the speaker’s mouth, minimizing background noise to enhance chat clarity. The H5’s microphone also employs AI machine learning algorithms to ensure clear voice communication. One of my favorite features is the instant mute function activated by flipping the microphone up.
Sony Inzone H5 Wireless Gaming Headset Review: PS5, PC Compatibility, and Specifications
The Inzone H5 boasts a frequency response range of 5Hz to 20,000Hz, with a sensitivity rating of 89dB. As noted, the headset features 40mm drivers and supports both wireless connections through a 2.4GHz USB dongle and a wired connection via a 1.5m-long 3.5mm audio cord included in the package.
The setup process for the PS5 is seamless—simply plug in the USB Type-A dongle and switch it to PS5 mode. Users can connect it to the PS5 USB Type-A port when the console is powered on and activate the H5 by holding the power button on the right ear cup. Pairing is instant, accompanied by audio output through the H5. Volume and audio balance can be adjusted directly from the headphone controls or via the 3.5mm jack connection to the PlayStation DualSense controller.
Furthermore, the PS5 settings menu allows users to personalize their 3D audio preferences to suit individual needs, with the option to adjust these profiles separately for each ear cup.
The Inzone H5 connects effortlessly with the PS5.
For PC use, connecting follows a similar process. Switch the USB dongle to PC mode and plug it into a USB Type-A port. Users can also download the Inzone Hub PC software for additional audio customization, including sound profile creation and equalizer adjustments. The app allows for editing profiles, and users can opt for pre-set profiles such as Flat, Bass Boost, or Music/Video, along with manual equalizer adjustments. Options to adjust dynamic range, enable spatial sound, and refine microphone and audio levels are also available, though the range of customizations may be limited.
Sony Inzone H5 Wireless Gaming Headset Review: Performance and Battery Life
During my testing, I utilized the H5 for various PS5 games, including *Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora*, *God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla*, *Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown*, and multiplayer sessions in *Rocket League*. The spatial sound feature performed consistently well and, compared to the Pulse 3D headset, the H5 provided a distinctly clearer overall sound. While it manages bass effectively, its sound profile is more neutral, allowing for a more authentic audio experience.
The H5’s effective use of the PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech was especially impressive in *Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora*. The lush, immersive soundscapes enhanced my gameplay experience, while the balanced audio in *God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla* enriched both the score and combat sounds. In *Prince of Persia*, the H5 effectively balanced combat sounds with softer musical notes, offering a well-rounded auditory experience. The boom microphone also proved its merit, consistently delivering clear voice audio even amid the noise of construction work in the background.
The battery life of the H5 is another strong advantage, with Sony claiming up to 28 hours of use on a full charge. The headset can provide three hours of gameplay with just ten minutes of charging time. In my usage, I found the longevity impressive, often using the headphones intermittently without needing a charge for several days. A useful battery indicator announces the remaining charge with a quick tap of the power button, which consistently left me pleasantly surprised. While the H5 lacks active noise cancellation, its snug fit effectively blocks out external sounds.
However, the absence of a Bluetooth connectivity option is a notable drawback. Although the USB transceiver facilitates a seamless transition between the PS5 and PC, and the 3.5mm wired connection adds versatility, connecting to mobile devices is notably inconvenient. Using the 3.5mm cable to link with smartphones requires an adapter, a feature missing in many modern devices. The lack of Bluetooth makes the Inzone H5 feel somewhat limited in functionality. Additionally, users with larger or protruding ears may find the compact ear cups less accommodating due to the thinner nylon foam cushioning.
The H5 makes use of the PS5’s Tempest 3D audio technology.
Sony Inzone H5 Wireless Gaming Headset Review: Verdict
Sony’s Inzone H5 enters a competitive market of mid-range gaming headsets, contending with popular models from companies like Logitech, Steel Series, Corsair, Razer, Turtle Beach, and budget-friendly offerings from HyperX. Its most significant competition stems from within Sony itself, particularly the established Pulse 3D wireless headset priced at Rs. 8,590, which is often available for Rs. 6,390 through Sony’s ShopAtSC portal. At Rs. 15,990, the Inzone H5 does not present itself as a budget-friendly option for everyone.
Nonetheless, for those willing to invest, the H5 considerably enhances the gaming experience compared to the Pulse 3D headset. Its lightweight build, extended battery life, and superior sound quality provide multiple advantages. Furthermore, it works seamlessly with both the PS5 and PC. The lack of Bluetooth might deter some users, particularly those wanting to connect their headphones wirelessly to mobile devices or portable gaming systems like the Nintendo Switch. Still, for a dual PS5-PC solution, the Inzone H5 performs admirably across various parameters.
