When it comes to gaming headsets, I have had my fair share of love and frustration over the years. I’ve tried out various models, from those promising immersive sound to others that claim to check all the boxes. However, I have yet to find the perfect gaming headphones that meet all my requirements. So, naturally, I was a bit skeptical when I heard that Sony was entering the gaming headset market with their flagship offering, the Sony Inzone H9.

The Sony Inzone H9 is a high-end gaming headset that boasts features like active noise cancellation and surround sound, setting it apart from other wireless gaming headsets. But does it justify its premium price tag? Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a first-time buyer in this space, my review of the Inzone H9 might help you make an informed decision.

Design and Comfort: The Sony Inzone H9 sports a textured white casing with a blue light on each ear cup, matching the aesthetics of the PlayStation 5 console. The headset feels premium to the touch, thanks to the black trimmings on the ear cups and headband, making it a well-designed product. However, I must mention that the headset is on the larger side and may not have the sleekness of some other gaming headsets on the market. Nevertheless, the large oval design and the cushioning on the headband provide a comfortable fit. I wore these headphones for extended periods without any discomfort.

On the right cup, you’ll find the power button, Bluetooth connectivity, and a game/chat toggle for different audio inputs. Beneath the left cup, there’s a volume rocker and a button to toggle between various ANC (active noise cancellation) and ambient sound settings. An LED charging indicator is located beside the USB-C port. The H9 can be paired with a PC or PS5 using the included 2.4GHz USB dongle or Bluetooth, but there’s no wired option.

One drawback of the H9 is that its flip-to-mute microphone is not detachable. It would have been great if the microphone could be magnetically attached, similar to the EPOS H6 PRO headset. However, the H9’s boom mic can be easily flipped up when not in use, and it swings down when you need it. Interestingly, Sony has added a mechanism where lifting the mic automatically mutes the audio output.

Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation: Sound quality is subjective and can vary from person to person, but I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the H9. The headset delivers rich and deep sound across different use cases, whether you’re gaming, watching movies, or listening to music. The sounds are crisp and clear, and while the bass isn’t overpowering, I found the default sound profile of the H9 to be perfect for my taste. However, if you prefer a more bass-heavy experience or want to customize the equalizer settings, Sony’s companion software, Inzone Hub, allows you to tweak the sound to your liking.

The H9 truly shines when paired with the PlayStation 5, thanks to the console’s 3D audio capabilities. Although not every game takes full advantage of spatial audio, titles like Gran Turismo 7 demonstrate the maturity of 3D audio technology. During my time with the H9, I tested the headset across a variety of scenarios, including gaming, music playback, and phone calls on PC, PS5, and even an iPhone 14. The Inzone H9 wireless headphones also perform exceptionally well on a Windows PC. I played games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Dirt 5, and the H9 certainly enhanced the overall gaming experience.

Another notable feature of the H9 is its active noise cancellation. While I didn’t have the flagship WH-1000XM5 headphones for a direct comparison, the H9 does a commendable job of blocking out ambient noise, allowing you to stay focused on what matters most to you.

Battery Life and Charging: The H9 boasts an impressive battery life of 32 hours, on par with other premium ANC headphones on the market. I used the headset daily and didn’t find the need to charge it frequently. However, my only gripe is the absence of a battery percentage indicator.

Should You Consider the Sony Inzone H9?

The decision ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. The Inzone H9 sits at the intersection of a traditional gaming headset and a high-end ANC headphone. There are numerous positive aspects of the H9, including its exceptional sound performance, active noise cancellation, sleek design, and robust software support. Having tested several gaming headsets in the past, I can confidently say that Sony delivers an outstanding wireless headset with the H9.

That being said, the H9 may not be for everyone. Not everyone may be willing to invest Rs 19,990 in a gaming headset. However, for a specific segment of dedicated pro users and hardcore gamers, the Inzone H9’s unique DNA and special features make it a worthwhile investment.