The Sony INZONE H9 has been around for a while now, and is competing with a lot of powerful gaming brands who produce headsets. We look back on the INZONE H9 and see if this is still worth the price tag in 2024.
The Sony INZONE H9 oozes premium in every aspect. From the sleek, angular design reminiscent of Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones to the luxurious matte plastic and plush leatherette ear cups, it screams high-end quality. The headband provides exceptional comfort thanks to its breathable fabric padding and well-distributed weight. This comfort translates to extended sessions without any fatigue or pressure points. Wearing this for long hours while playing on PS5 was great and is still one of the best headsets to use.
Sound Quality
The INZONE H9 delivers a powerful and immersive audio experience, tailored specifically for gaming. The bass is present and impactful, adding weight to explosions and gunshots without drowning out the crucial mid-range soundscapes. Footsteps, character dialogue, and environmental details are crisp and clear, allowing you to pinpoint enemy locations and immerse yourself in the game world. The virtual 7.1 surround sound is effective, adding a sense of spatial awareness and directionality to your virtual adventures. Resident Evil 4 never sounded so terrifying!
Noise Cancellation and Features
Sony’s renowned noise-cancelling technology made an appearance in the INZONE H9, effectively shutting out background noise and distractions. Whether you’re battling bosses in a bustling household or trying to concentrate during a late-night gaming session, the ANC makes a significant difference. Additional features like auto-mute (activated by raising the mic) and ambient sound mode (for situational awareness) add convenience and control. Overall Sony was able to reproduce the ANC it has on its flagship headsets here. Job very well done.
Microphone and Connectivity
The retractable boom microphone captures your voice clearly and naturally, even in noisy environments. Your teammates will easily hear you, whether you’re strategizing during a raid or trash-talking in multiplayer. Dual connectivity options (2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth) provide flexibility. The wireless dongle ensures low latency for competitive gaming, while Bluetooth allows you to seamlessly connect to your phone or other devices for music or calls on the go. Using the INZONE H9 with a Windows PC, you can customize settings and enable spatial audio with the INZONE Hub software.
Battery Life and Software
The INZONE H9 boasts a respectable battery life of up to 32 hours (with ANC off), ensuring you can power through marathon gaming sessions without worry. The included Inzone Hub software, downloadable for PC, allows you to customize EQ settings, adjust noise cancellation and surround sound levels, and monitor battery life. While the software is functional, it lacks the depth and intuitive interface of Sony’s audiophile headphone applications.
Verdict
The Sony INZONE H9 is STILL a premium gaming headset that delivers exceptional sound quality, immersive virtual surround sound, and effective noise cancellation IN 2024. Its comfortable design and convenient features make it a joy to use during extended gaming sessions.
