Sony Inzone H9 review: Silent gaming

There's much to like about the expensive Sony Inzone H9 gaming headset. For one, it's super comfortable and doesn't press in on your ears. It also features active noise-cancelling — which is rare for gaming headsets. Secondly, battery life is outstanding. Audio quality is good, too.

Quick specs

40mm drivers
Bluetooth 5.0, wireless dongle with a toggle for PC or PS5
Active noise-cancelling and ambient mode

As an update of Sony's Pulse 3D Wireless Headset, the Inzone H9 also features PC support, and a swivel microphone. While I think it works best with a PS5, PC support is good too. You'll need to download the PC-only Inzone Hub app. The app also features spatial sound that you get on the PS5, but you'll need to upload a picture of your ears via an app first.

Sound-wise, the Inzone H9 feels very similar to the Sony WH-1000XM5, with clear mids and highs. Bass feels a little stronger than the WH-1000XM5, though. But that's quite helpful if you're listening for gunshots or footsteps in games. You can also tweak the EQ with the PC app. Noise cancelling is pretty strong too. When enabled, I couldn't hear any of my background fans, which allowed me to focus on the in-game sound. Microphone quality is average as best, but you will still sound reasonably clear if there's no fan around you. The Inzone H9 battery rating is at 32 hours. I've used it for a full day with no issues. Charging is by USB-C, and 10 minutes of charge gives you an hour of use. You can also charge and use the headset at the same time.

I liked how comfortable the H9 is, I was able to wear it for long periods without feeling tired. It doesn't press down on my ears too hard. If you're wearing glasses, this is great news, as your frames won't dig into your head painfully. One thing I didn't like was that the volume toggle is at the back of the headphones, which you can accidentally toggle while leaning back against your chair. Other physical buttons include a Bluetooth switch, ANC control, and a game/chat balance button.

At S$499, the Sony Inzone H9 is expensive for a gaming headset. But its performance justifies the price. Alternatively, you can consider getting the cheaper wired Inzone H3 (S$139) or the wireless S$399 Inzone H7. Both cheaper handsets don't have ANC, though. Get the H9 from Shopee or Lazada.

Note: Review unit provided by Sony.

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