Final ZE500 for ASMR Review: Tiny Buds, Big Comfort

If you are looking for the smallest earbuds currently available, the Final ZE500 for ASMR might just be your top pick. Retailing for around £50, these dark grey, fingernail-sized buds are designed primarily for comfort and relaxation, making them an excellent choice if you want to listen to podcasts or audiobooks while drifting off to sleep. However, if you are a gamer looking for a competitive edge, these are likely not the buds for you.

Tiny Buds, Big Comfort

The first thing you notice about the ZE500 is the size—they are, without exaggeration, the smallest earbuds I have ever seen. Once you manage to seat them in your ears, they are incredibly comfortable, and you will barely notice they are there. This makes them perfect for users who want something low-profile. Aesthetically, they resemble a tick, which makes them feel a bit fiddly to handle. I occasionally struggled to get them out of the case and into my ears, so there is definitely a knack to using them.

Sound Quality and Gaming Performance

For such tiny hardware, the sound quality is surprisingly decent. They handle podcasts and spoken-word audio exceptionally well, which aligns with their "for ASMR" branding. While they are perfectly fine for casual gaming or scrolling through Game Pass titles on a phone or laptop, those seeking a competitive advantage will find them lacking. There is a noticeable lack of bass, though that is to be expected given the diminutive size. Additionally, the integrated microphone quality is not the greatest for calls.

The Frustration of Tiny Controls

The ZE500's biggest drawback is its touch-sensitive controls. Because the surface area is so small, hitting the buttons accurately is a chore. Over several weeks of testing, I found the controls to be so inconsistent that it was often easier to just remove the buds entirely rather than try to pause my music. The accompanying app is simple and functional—allowing you to toggle ASMR mode (which disables accidental touches) and adjust volume—but it lacks an equalizer.

The Pocket-Friendly Case

The charging case is a highlight, being roughly half the size of standard earbud cases. It is fuss-free and features a USB-C port, a small charge indicator, and wireless charging support. It is a fantastic choice if you want to keep your gear as incognito as possible.