The Sony Inzone H5 gaming headset replaces the Inzone H7 in the Japanese manufacturer’s range. It is positioned as a complete, cross-platform wireless gaming headset, making it suitable for both PC and PlayStation gamers. Virtually a twin of the H7, this new model does without Bluetooth, but now has a jack connection for analogue use.
With a few small developments in the design, the H5 weighs a whopping 100 grams and is particularly light at 260 g. It slots in between the H9, a very high-end model, and the H3, an entry-level wired model. The elimination of certain attributes of the H7 also has a positive effect on the price of this new reference, since the Inzone H5 is offered at the recommended price of 150 euros.
Sony Inzone H5 data sheet
| Model | Sony Inzone H5 |
|---|---|
| format | Wireless PC headset |
| Removable battery | NO |
| microphone | Yes |
| Active noise reduction | NO |
| Autonomy announced | 28 hours |
| Plug type | USB Type-C |
| Weight | 260g |
Product sheet |
This test was carried out using a product borrowed from the brand.
Sony Inzone H5 A light and well-made headset
Even before it is screwed onto the skull, the Inzone H5 helmet surprises with its weight. Weighing in at just 260g, Sony’s new reference is almost 70g lighter than the H7 we tested. Without being THE lightest, the H5 remains one of the lightest models in its segment and promises noticeable comfort for long gaming sessions, conveniently stored in the back of your sofa.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
Especially because Sony seems to have retained the good design ideas that make up the strength of the Inzone range (and more generally the manufacturer’s range of headphones). Because plastic takes precedence, the H5 doesn’t have the usual flaws and looks anything but a toy. We’re testing it here in an all-black finish, but it’s also available with the two-tone “PlayStation” shades.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
The headband houses a generous, perfectly integrated memory foam in the middle. The whole thing is also particularly flexible and adapts easily to any body shape. First disadvantage: The amplitude adjustment system has been changed and is now completely free. There are therefore no longer any notches to “fix” the position and it therefore tends to change slightly with each operation.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
If we have to notice a real difference with the H7, the new design of the earcup mounts is probably the most obvious. Sony is moving away from the WH-1000XM5 here and returning to a more classic fork design. However, the ergonomics are not compromised, as the assembly still allows adjustment in both axes as well as 90° rotation to fit the helmet comfortably around the neck.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
All of these elements ensure an excellent wearing comfort and the Inzone H5 is comfortable to wear, even for several hours. The excellent memory foam that the ear cups are equipped with also contributes to this, thanks to its generous padding and fabric cover. Purely from a “comfort” perspective, the Inzone H5 is a success.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
There are various buttons all around the ear cups that you can use to control the operation of the headset. The right earbud houses only the power button, which is accompanied by a dual button that affects the game/voice chat balance. On the left, the Bluetooth button disappears (as does the associated link) and only the prominent volume adjustment wheel is present. Due to its design, the latter is not yet particularly comfortable to use and also resonates enormously in the earphones when handled.
Sony does not seem to have revised its model with regard to the integrated microphone. The shape of a long swivel bar features a practical and functional shape memory design. It still has the Flip-All-Mute function, which automatically pauses recording when it is flipped up.
Sony Inzone H5 Plus Bluetooth and reduced autonomy
The autonomy stated by Sony is relatively correct, at around thirty hours away from a power outlet. Without being exceptional, this autonomy allows a real freedom, especially since the H5 headphones have a quick charge function that allows you to achieve three hours of listening time with ten minutes of charging. In addition, the headset can also be used wired thanks to its jack connection.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
Logically, it is the wireless connection that is preferred on a daily basis. This is done by a relatively classic USB-A dongle, which is equipped with a switch that allows you to switch between PC and PlayStation. In our tests, the 2.4 GHz connection showed no weaknesses and, although it does not suffer any dropouts, allows the headset to be used several meters away from the console or even in another room.
Sony Inzone H5 sound reproduction that lacks oomph
The sound performance of the Inzone H5 is similar to that of the H7, with a relatively flat response that lacks some punch at the lower end of the spectrum, and a slight emphasis on the high frequencies. From a purely musical point of view, this new model therefore lacks warmth, but offers a clear and well-defined reproduction that allows us to understand all aspects of our favorite pieces. As with the H7, a quick twist of the equalizer allows us to adjust the playback to our preferences without too much difficulty.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
With the default settings, the soundstage lacks a little space, but enabling spatiality (available on PC and PlayStation) helps rectify the situation. We then benefit from excellent immersion and completely immerse ourselves in the soundscape of Assassin’s Creed Mirage or Horizon Forbidden West. In this regard, the H5 scores points with controlled audio processing that does not distort the sounds.
Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
Sony has also made an effort with the integrated microphone. The H7 was equipped with a frankly average microphone, which seems to have been replaced here with a much more efficient capsule. Voices are captured much more clearly and presently. Noise reduction is also very good and benefits from a very effective noise gate that prevents ambient noise from being picked up.
Sony Inzone H5 An interesting software suite for the PC
On PC, the Inzone H5 headset is compatible with the Inzone Hub driver. That hasn’t really changed since our first contact a few months ago. The brand-colored interface allows you to adjust the headset settings with just a few clicks, initially with a ten-band equalizer as well as special spatial sound control.
The personalization of the spatial representation is still present and is carried out as a reminder using a special mobile application that analyzes the shape of the ears. Finally we find the same “tricks” here as in the helmets of the XM series.
If you have dedicated buttons directly on the headset, the balance between the main audio output and the “chat” output can also be adjusted via the application. Finally, further settings are accessible via a secondary menu, with the option to automatically turn off the headset when inactive.
All of the above settings can then be assigned to a game or application via profiles. Similar to all major brands in the industry, this functionality allows parameters to be adjusted automatically as needed.
Sony Inzone H5 Price and availability of Sony Inzone H5 headphones
The Sony Inzone H5 headset is available at the recommended price of 150 euros.
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