Bottom Line for me
I am befuddled (it's a word - look it up!) by some of these reviews. But, to each their own, I guess. Awesome, awesome headphones. My search is over.
Background
I have tried so many headphones, I can hardly count. Sony 1000XM3, B&W PX, B&W P7 (which I owned for a year and LOVE), Senheiser Momentum, etc etc. For the last few days I have been comparing my 4 moth old Sony 1000XM3 with the H9i.
Volume
I like my music loud sometimes. Only occasionally do I top out the volume. Most of the time I am well below maximum with these H9i’s
Comfort
Quite good. Overall just as comfortable as the Sonys, just different. I was initially discouraged because they feel more cramped. But somehow, over time, I have concluded that these are quite comfortable. They just feel different.
Sound
Note that I have the H9i EQ set to heavy bass and accented highs. Same for the Sony’s.
Overall the best sounding headphones I have heard, ever. Above the B&W PX, Sony 1000MX, Sennheiser, B&W P7 etc etc.
Bass: The bass has precision and authority, if that makes sense. The Sony has strong bass (adjustable) that never gives in. It shovels out bass, but without purpose. In comparison, it’s sloppy. The H9i delivers bass with more precision and power, if that makes sense. When a song really has demanding bass, the H9i will outshine the Sony 1000XM3. Even punchy bass is punchier than the Sony. B&O are doing something special with these speakers. Finally, the H9i delivers bass without screwing with the rest of the instrument content. Sony’s fumble occasionally in this task.
Treble: Some have described the high end as “harsh”, and I think I understand. However this can be tamed with EQ. However, the competent upper end is one thing that I really love. With a guitar strum, you don’t just hear each string being struck, you hear the slide of the pick on the strings. Horns shine more than the competitors. I wonder if the little nubbin in front of the main speaker is responsible.
All of the above really shine on tracks like Radiohead “Ripcord”, Helio Sequence “Shed Your Love”, Gypsy Kings “Hotel California”, Stevie Wonder “Higher Ground”, 10,000 Maniacs “What’s the Matter Here”.
I thought that Young the Giant’s “Amerika” sounded great on the Sonys. Then I heard it on the H9i. Can’t go back.
Noise Isolation
Pretty good. Those around will only hear your music if you have it pretty loud and the room is quiet.
Touch Controls
I find these controls to be clearly better than the Sony 1000XM3. I am confused that some find the touch controls frustrating. I have no problem and strongly prefer them to the Sonys. For example, the volume control. Within the first hour of use, I feel like a have a volume dial that I can instantly command. On the H9i, there is a subtle but easy-to-locate raised ring on the right ear cup that easily guides your finger to make the circle. And the touchpad seems to never get confused. The Sonys misinterpret my intentions regularly.
Noise Cancelling
This was not my highest priority, and I am perfectly happy thus far. People generally say it is quite good, but not up to Sony and Bose. That’s OK with me. The sound quality does suffer, and I keep NC off unless I travel.
There is a newer model of this item:
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode and Microphone – Natural - 1645046
$285.99
(396)
Only 19 left in stock - order soon.
$285.99
(396)
Only 19 left in stock - order soon.
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$229.99
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This Item  Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode and Microphone – Black - 1645026 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $299.99 | -20% $479.00 List: $599.00 | -34% $229.99 New Price: $348.00 | -20% $319.00 List: $399.00 | -26% $280.11 List: $379.95 | -20% $479.00 List: $599.00 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | — | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 |
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| Sold By | Just Right! | Amazon.com | Secondipity | Amazon.com | BrandsWalk | Amazon.com |
| connectivity tech | Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi | Wireless | Wireless, Wired | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1, Bluetooth |
| headphones form factor | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear |
| connector type | wireless | 3.5mm Jack, USB Type A | Stereo Mini Jack | — | wireless | 3.5mm Jack, USB Type A |
| noise control | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | — | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation |
| headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | — | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| cable feature | USB-C | Detachable, Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable, Detachable |
From the manufacturer
Firmly grounded in decades of design excellence, craftsmanship and product innovation from Bang & Olufsen, the Beoplay range interprets the same values for a new type of contemporary product aimed at design-conscious active cosmopolitan music lovers. B&O transforms your listening experience with better sound and acoustic performance wherever you go with in-home music systems, portable speakers and headphones that integrate seamlessly into everyday life.
Experience the ultimate in luxurious design and exceptional sound quality with Beoplay H9i wireless Active Noise Cancellation headphones from Bang & Olufsen. Elegant over-ear headphones feature advanced ANC, Transparency Mode, an intuitive touch aluminum interface and up to 18 hours of playtime.
- Improved ANC capability blocks human voices at low frequencies
- Heightened sound quality with new bass port for more powerful sound
- Two dedicated microphones provide enhanced voice quality
- Proximity sensor pauses playback when headphones are removed and resumes when they are replaced
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Intelligent InterfaceH9i features an intuitive aluminum touch interface for easy operation of these wireless headphones, even when you’re wearing gloves. Swipe down to activate ANC, up to activate Transparency Mode and glide left to right to review your tracks. You can even answer incoming calls by tapping the ear cup. Ideal for commuting, H9i headphones put the power in your hands. |
Keep Noise OutEnjoy the ultimate in sound with the advanced hybrid Active Noise Cancellation of these over-ear headphones. Updated to be more isolating at lower frequencies as well as higher ones, the hybrid ANC function reduces background noises so you can experience the full force of authentic Bang & Olufsen Signature Sound. When you’re ready to bring the outside world back in, Transparency Mode lets you tune in to your surroundings with a simple swipe on the ear cup. |
Enhanced Sound QualityThese Bluetooth headphones deliver crystal clear sound without disruption from the outside world. Two dedicated microphones are placed at an ideal angle and distance for unparalleled voice quality during calls. H9i headphones also feature the latest Bluetooth 4.2 functionality and a new bass port for deeper sound and incredible CD-like quality. |
Luxurious Look and FeelH9i headphones look as good as they sound, and that’s saying something. These high-quality headphones feature streamlined and iconic mono arms, a luxurious leather headband, comfortable memory foam and lambskin ear cushions, sleek anodized aluminum discs and a cool over-ear style that is comfortable for extended wear. |
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Seamless StreamingStay connected to your music and podcasts with these high-quality headphones that can pair wirelessly with up to two devices at once for convenient in-home enjoyment. Their increased Bluetooth range gives you an impressive 121 feet of space so you can move further from your device while still enjoying seamless streaming. |
Listen LongerBeoplay H9i headphones are the ideal travel companions when you’re on the go. With an intelligent battery saving function, these cordless headphones provide up to 18 hours of Bluetooth- and ANC-enabled playtime and come with a replaceable battery to extend your uninterrupted listening pleasure even further. The included USB-C charger has a lengthy cable so you can even keep listening while charging. |
Signature SoundDecades of sound experience have been packed into these lightweight over-ear headphones. Delivering the superior audio performance listeners have come to expect from Bang & Olufsen, these headphones provide big sound in a sleek, portable package. Enjoy authentic, perfectly balanced sound with a wide sound stage. |
Custom Listening ExperienceTake your musical experience to the next level by customizing your sound to suit your style through the Bang & Olufsen app. ToneTouch lets you adjust tonality with preset sound profiles to complement your activity, whether you’re commuting, listening to podcasts or just relaxing at home. You can even control the on/off ANC function of your headphones directly from the app for the added convenience. |
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| Beoplay H4 | Beoplay H8i | Beoplay H9i | |
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| Customer Reviews |
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| Price | $249.99 | — | $299.99 |
| Headphone Type | Wireless over-ear | Wireless on-ear | Wireless over-ear |
| Dimensions | 7.7" x 8.7" x 2"/8 oz. | 7" x 7.3" x 2"/7.6 oz. | 7.7" x 7.9" x 2"/10.05 oz. |
| Materials | Aluminum, stainless steel, leather, fabric, plastic, braided textile cord | Aluminum, leather, fabric, polymer | Aluminum, leather, fabric, polymer |
| Colors | Charcoal Grey, Black | Black, Natural | Black, Natural |
| Connectivity | Wireless - Bluetooth 4.2, supports AAC and SBC codecs; Corded - via included audio cable with 3.5 mm mini-jack | Wireless - Bluetooth 4.2, supports AAC codec; Corded - via included 3.5 mm mini-jack | Wireless - Bluetooth 4.2; Corded - via included 3.5 mm mini-jack |
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, up to 19 hours playtime with Bluetooth; charging time of approximately 2.5 hours | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, up to 30 hours playtime with Bluetooth and ANC; charging time of approximately 3 hours | Replaceable and rechargeable Lithium-Ion, up to 18 hours playtime with Bluetooth and ANC; charging time of approximately 2.5 hours |
| Frequency Range | 20 - 22,000 Hz | 20 - 22,000 Hz | 20 - 22,000 Hz |
| On-Device Controls | 3 buttons on right ear cup for on/off, Bluetooth pairing, controlling music and phone calls | One 3-way toggle switch on left ear cup for on/off, ANC and Transparency Mode; 3-button control on right ear cup for Bluetooth pairing, and controlling music and phone calls | One slide button for on/off and Bluetooth pairing; touch interface on right ear cup for controlling music and phone calls, ANC and Transparency Mode on/off |
| Microphone | One electret type, omni-directional | 4 dedicated electret microphones for ANC function and 2 digital MEMS voice microphones | 4 dedicated electret microphones for ANC function and 2 digital MEMS voice microphones |
Reviews with images
Turn off the ANC!
I put these on, started playing music and I was pretty underwhelmed. I turned off the ANC and they shone! Crisp, clear, for Bluetooth earphones the sound is really good. ANC muddies them all up. If I was on a plane I guess it would do but at home...ANC off, crank it!Pretty comfortable, a little tight for my huge head and I'm always looking for larger ear cups. They seem really well built. I really like that they pause when you put them down and then start right where you left off when you put them back on.I was afraid that they were going to be fake since they're significantly cheaper than on the B&O site but I see no evidence that is the case. So far so good! If I have problems later I'll update but so far...yeah!Update: It's August 3 and they're dead as a doornail. Of course, the warranty from Amazon ended on July 30. I've contacted B&O but I don't hold much hope right now. You see I contacted them earlier last month about a separate issue, the headphones making an ear-splitting squeal when connecting to my laptop, and had no reply. I hate to say it but if I were you I'd avoid these headphones. I really did like the sound quality but 300 plus dollars for 3 months of use, nope.Update- B&O was very helpful and fast. I just needed to reseat my battery and do a reset on the headphones. I'm still a bit wary but I still like how these sound.
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