Contents
Sony has two pairs of gaming headphones on the market: the Inzone Buds and the Pulse Explore. The test tells you where the differences are and which ones are better in the end.
Table of contents
- Sony likes it big
- Really modern
- PlayStation or PC
- Inzone Buds vs. Pulse Explore: Who Sounds Better?
- Two of the same breed
- They have endurance
- Sony Inzone Buds vs Pulse Explore: Conclusion
Sony’s PlayStation brand is now 30 years old and a fixture in the gaming market. But the Japanese have another iron in the fire with Inzone. However, this sub-brand is aimed at PC gamers. In addition to monitors, this also includes headsets. The newest addition is true to its name Inzone Buds and the plugs are two months ahead of the Sony Pulse Explore appeared. The manufacturer now has two true wireless headphones for gamers on the market. The comparison test reveals which in-ears are suitable for which systems, which sound better and have the most functions.
Sony likes it big
Both pairs of plugs definitely attract attention with their size. They have a fairly large body that ends in an elongated end piece. The Inzone Buds are reminiscent of the relatives WF-1000XM3, while the Pulse Explore is more oriented towards the PlayStation 5. Both appear to be of high quality, but they put a bit of pressure on your ears when worn. The Inzone Buds are still ahead when it comes to comfort, and the playful in-ears can withstand drops of sweat and water (protection level IPX4). Despite its adventurous name, users should keep the Pulse Explore away from water due to the lack of protection certification. A major point of criticism, however, is the uncomfortable fit. The plugs exert noticeable pressure on the inside of the ear. Good: Both models come with four rubber attachments of different sizes and cover almost every ear canal.
Really modern
The in-ears are both versatile when it comes to pairing devices. The in-ears come with a dongle that can be connected to the PlayStation 5 or the PC. While the Pulse Explore rely on a somewhat old-fashioned wireless stick with USB-A, the Inzone Buds are a little more modern with their USB-C dongle. It can also be connected to your smartphone or the Nintendo Switch put. A Bluetooth connection to the cell phone is also possible, but not without restrictions. The Inzone plugs are equipped with the new Bluetooth stand LE-Audio, which severely limits the number of compatible smartphones. The Pulse Explore, on the other hand, are fully compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices. They also have Sony’s own “PlayStation Link” standard on board, with which the earphones connect wirelessly to the PlayStation Portal.
PlayStation or PC
When it comes to operation, the Inzone Buds are clearly ahead. For example, the volume can be adjusted using the plugs. But the PC software is really great Inzone Hub (Windows only), you can use it to make many settings on the in-ears. The sound of the Pulse Explore can also be adjusted with an equalizer, but only in the corresponding audio settings of the PlayStation 5. In addition, the volume buttons only react in dongle mode. If the Pulse Explore is connected to a device via Bluetooth, the buttons are useless.
Inzone Buds vs. Pulse Explore: Who Sounds Better?
The winning streak of the Inzone Buds continues in the sound test: They deliver a powerful sound with clean bass and fine resolution. Explosions have a punch and voices sound nice and clear. The location of noise sources is also quite precise. When it comes to surround sound, the Pulse Explore are at a similarly high level and the directions of footsteps, shots or other noises can be easily determined. Unfortunately, the sound itself is quite weak, hollow and lacking in detail. There is a lack of bass and the mids are more wiry than rich.
Two of the same breed
As befits a headset, both in-ear pairs are equipped with microphones. These are also the biggest weak points in both models. Voices transmit the playful True Wireless overcast and occupied. The wearer is still understandable. The Pulse Explore also effectively blocks out background noise, meaning that loud console fans or keyboard typing cannot be heard by teammates. However, only the Inzone Buds have real noise-cancelling like we know from other wireless in-ears. This works effectively, although it doesn’t quite match the great noise cancellation of the related WF series.
They have endurance
In the test, both Sony in-ears delivered excellent battery life. While the Pulse Explore is already good at just over nine and a half hours (in Bluetooth operation), the Inzone Buds go beyond all limits with their 20 hours and 45 minutes (in dongle operation). That’s enough even for an extended LAN party. The charging case for the Inzone earphones also proved to be very practical. It’s a bit bulky, but nice and compact compared to its Pulse siblings. Good: The radio dongle also fits in the small box. The Explore carrying box looks a little fancier with its colored LEDs. However, due to its size, it is also less practical to transport.
Sony Inzone Buds vs Pulse Explore: Conclusion
In the end, the Inzone Buds emerge as the winners of the Sony duel. The in-ears deliver better sound, are easier to use and exceed all expectations with their long battery life. In addition, there is effective noise canceling, which protects gamers from annoying ambient noise. Due to their versatile compatibility, they are ideal for PS5 and PC gamers. However, owners of a Windows computer have more setting options. If you mainly play on your cell phone, you should turn to the competition.
