Sony INZONE H9 II Review: A Premium Gaming Headset with a Premium Price

Sony INZONE H9 II

Sony’s latest foray into the premium gaming headset market, the INZONE H9 II, comes with high expectations and a price tag to match. Boasting features inherited from its critically acclaimed mainstream audio lineup, this headset aims to deliver an unparalleled audio experience for serious gamers. But does it live up to the hype? We spent some time with the H9 II to find out.

Design and Comfort: Lighter and More Refined

Right out of the box, the INZONE H9 II impresses with its sleek and futuristic design, consistent with the aesthetics of the PlayStation 5. Available in both black and white, it’s a stylish piece of hardware. More importantly, Sony has made significant improvements in comfort over the original H9. The H9 II is noticeably lighter, and the redesigned headband distributes weight more evenly, making it comfortable for even the longest gaming sessions. The plush leatherette earcups create a good seal, passively blocking out some ambient noise while feeling gentle on the ears.

Audio Performance: The Star of the Show

The headline feature of the INZONE H9 II is undoubtedly its audio quality. Sony has equipped this headset with the same drivers found in their flagship WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones, and the results are spectacular. The sound is rich, detailed, and immersive, with a well-balanced profile that handles everything from the subtle footsteps of an approaching enemy to the thunderous explosions of a cinematic set piece with equal aplomb.

The 360 Spatial Sound for Gaming is a real game-changer, providing a convincing sense of directional audio that can give you a competitive edge in supported titles. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is another standout feature, effectively silencing background distractions and allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your game.

Microphone: Good, But Not Perfect

The H9 II features a new detachable boom microphone, a welcome improvement over the fixed mic on the original. In quiet environments, the microphone delivers clear and natural-sounding voice chat. However, in noisier settings, the AI-powered noise filtering doesn’t always live up to its promise. While your voice will still come through, some background noise may still be audible to your teammates. It’s a serviceable microphone, but it falls slightly short of the exceptional quality found in the rest of the headset.

Features and Connectivity: Versatility is Key

The INZONE H9 II offers a good range of connectivity options, including a low-latency 2.4GHz wireless connection via a USB-C dongle and Bluetooth. This allows for simultaneous connection to your console or PC and a mobile device, so you can take calls without interrupting your game. The on-headset controls are intuitive and easy to use, with a volume wheel and dedicated buttons for muting the microphone and toggling ANC. The battery life is solid, offering up to 30 hours on a single charge.

The Verdict: A Top-Tier Headset for Those Willing to Pay

The Sony INZONE H9 II is an exceptional gaming headset that delivers on its promise of a premium audio experience. The combination of superb sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable design makes it a joy to use for both competitive and single-player gaming.

However, at $349.99, it’s a significant investment. The microphone, while improved, isn’t perfect, and some may find the price hard to justify. But for gamers who prioritize audio fidelity and immersion above all else, the Sony INZONE H9 II is a top-tier option that is well worth considering.

Pros:

• Exceptional sound quality with drivers from the WH-1000XM6
• Effective active noise cancellation
• Comfortable and lightweight design
• Versatile connectivity options

Cons:

• Expensive
• Microphone performance could be better in noisy environments

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