Overview

The Pulse 3D Wireless headset debuted alongside the PS5 a few years back. Although its name suggests a vibration feature, it lacks the haptic feedback found in earlier Sony Pulse models. However, it is compatible with Sony's Tempest 3D audio system, meaning any connected headset can utilize this technology.

While the name might be somewhat misleading, the Pulse 3D offers decent sound quality, an attractive design, and a fair price. On the other hand, the Inzone series quietly entered the market last year, with the H3 being the most affordable wired option. It features a permanently attached boom microphone and comes with an audio processor box linked to a lengthy USB cable. This audio box offers a different audio experience, but is primarily designed for PC use, lacking utility on consoles without Sony's Inzone Hub PC software.

You can connect the Pulse 3D wirelessly to a PC using a dongle, although this limits access to features available on the PS5, such as the battery display and EQ adjustments. The H3 can be directly wired to a PS5 controller and functions like any standard wired headset.

Sound Quality

The Pulse 3D offers a neutral sound profile, characterized by mild bass and a generally flat sound. While it serves as a good baseline for audio on the PS5, it may not impress audiophiles.

Conversely, the Inzone H3 takes a more unique approach, emphasizing midrange and high frequencies while sacrificing some bass. This makes it excellent for detecting directional cues in competitive gaming, though it may feel odd to those accustomed to bass-heavy headsets. While I find the Pulse 3D's sound signature more appealing for general use, the H3's distinctive profile could be a hit for serious gamers focused on audio precision. The other models in the Inzone lineup, the H7 and H9, offer more traditional sound profiles that outperform both headsets, providing a more accurate representation of sound design.

Ultimately, I lean towards the H3 for its intriguing sound signature, which has grown on me since my initial review. Its focus on spatial audio aligns well with the Tempest 3D system on PlayStation, making it a strong contender.

Watch this video to compare the audio performance of the Sony headsets!

Comfort

The Pulse 3D utilizes a suspension strap system that fits comfortably on larger heads. However, it suffers from outdated ear pad design that leaves much to be desired. The integrated ear pads, which appear spacious, provide only minimal comfort during extended gaming sessions, often causing discomfort after a couple of hours, especially for glasses wearers.

In contrast, the Inzone H3 excels in comfort. Its plush headband and flexible ear cup design provide a comfortable fit for long gaming sessions, with ample padding that doesn't feel restrictive. The ear cups are spacious, making it one of the most comfortable headsets available in any price range. My only concern is that the ear pads seem fixed in place, which could be improved in future iterations.

Microphone and Features

The Inzone H3 boasts a superior microphone due to its proximity to the user's mouth, yet its audio processing dongle has its drawbacks. When connected to a PC, users can access features like sidetone and EQ adjustments, but I experienced issues with the dongle's performance, particularly with sidetone cutting in and out.

Meanwhile, the Pulse 3D offers better microphone performance, especially when paired with a PS5. It includes battery and EQ controls, providing an efficient wireless connection. However, the battery life of about 12 hours could be improved, even at this price point.

Check out this video for a rundown of affordable PS4 headsets!

Build and Design

Both headsets exhibit a distinctive rounded aesthetic characteristic of Sony's design ethos, which is sleek and modern. The Inzone H3's appearance may evoke thoughts of a child's toy or an eSports headset from a sci-fi film, but I find it appealing. However, the build quality could be better; the adjustment arms have become creaky over time, raising concerns about durability.

In contrast, the Pulse 3D has a more robust headband design, though the ear cups tend to rattle slightly. A more secure joint could enhance the overall feel and fit.

Final Verdict

In summary, the Inzone H3 emerges as the superior headset, despite its issues with the dongle and fixed components. It excels in sound quality, comfort, and microphone performance—key aspects for any gaming headset.

I'm looking forward to seeing future models that incorporate a few enhancements, such as a detachable microphone and cable, without significantly raising the price. The Pulse 3D could also benefit from improved padding and battery technology, which would elevate its performance.

Sony appears to prioritize a unique design philosophy over simply imitating industry standards, so I expect to see more innovative models in both the Inzone and Pulse series in the future. If the Inzone's dongle problems can be resolved with a firmware update, it could become a leading contender in the wired headset market, though wireless options remain the focus of current trends.