Sony has a rich history in crafting high-quality headphones, and with the Inzone H9, they dip their toes into the more general gaming headset market, beyond their usual PlayStation-branded offerings. Let's unpack this high-end headset to see if it's worth the investment for gamers and audiophiles alike.
Design and Comfort
The Inzone H9 sports a minimalist aesthetic, featuring a white plastic shell paired with a matte black headband, emulating the PlayStation 5's futuristic design language. The oval-shaped ear cups, mounted via forks for added flexibility, set it apart from its Pulse 3D predecessor, resulting in a more comfortable fit suitable for long gaming sessions.
Sony equips the H9 with soft fit leather on the ear cups, similar to the material found on their WH-1000XM5 model, providing a plush foam-like texture that enhances wearability. However, this luxury comes at a cost; the material is prone to wear and tear over time and tends to pick up oils and smudges, requiring extra care to maintain its pristine condition. test
Control Layout and Connectivity
The H9's intuitive layout places power, Bluetooth, and game-chat balance buttons on the right ear cup, with volume control and other functionalities on the left, including USB-C charging. Surprisingly, the headset opts for wireless connectivity exclusively via a USB dongle, compatible with both PC and PS5, forgoing the option for a wired connection or a 3.5mm audio jack – an omission that may concern some users.
Our Top Picks
Microphone Quality
One of the less impressive features of the Inzone H9 is its built-in microphone. While the flip-to-mute design is functional, the absence of a detachable or hidden microphone and a dedicated mute button may disappoint. During testing, the microphone picked up ambient noise efficiently but struggled with voice clarity, often resulting in a muffled and quiet output.
Active Noise Cancelling and Sound Quality
The inclusion of active noise cancelling (ANC) is a significant upgrade from the Pulse 3D headset. The H9's ANC performance competes well with market leaders, providing an immersive gaming experience free from distracting ambient noise. However, where the 3D audio truly shines is in-game performance, enhancing the soundscape of titles like Resident Evil 2 Remake and Horizon Forbidden West.
For music, the H9 delivers a balanced sound profile. Tracks like "Seven Nation Army" maintain a clear sound without overpowering bass. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that while the H9 is competent for general listening, it falls short of the audio fidelity found in Sony's dedicated headphone lines.
Battery Life and Dual Connectivity
Sony promises up to 32 hours of battery life on a single charge, a claim that holds up fairly well in real-world use. Additionally, the headset's capability to connect via both 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth simultaneously is a standout feature, allowing seamless audio mixing from multiple devices – a game-changer for multitaskers and streamers.
Companion App and Customization
The Inzone Hub companion app, available for Windows and Mac, opens the door for sound customization. Users can fine-tune noise cancelling, ambient sound settings, and tap into spatial sound personalization by providing images of their ears via smartphone. However, the app's utility is somewhat limited, as custom EQ settings cannot be applied to PS5 or Bluetooth-connected devices.
Conclusion: A Worthy Addition or an Expensive Pass?
The Sony Inzone H9 exhibits a bold step toward a more inclusive gaming headset market. Its strengths lie in its sleek design, exceptional comfort, and the dual power of ANC with immersive 3D audio. Nonetheless, the lackluster microphone performance and the high price point pose considerable drawbacks. When weighed against other high-end competitors, the H9's value proposition may leave some consumers second-guessing.
For the audience seeking a headset that complements the PS5's design and offers premium features like ANC and multi-device connectivity, the Inzone H9 merits consideration. However, for those prioritizing microphone quality and versatile connection options, exploring other options in this price bracket could be more beneficial.