In today’s fast-paced world, having a good pair of headphones has become essential for many of us. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i is one such pair of headphones that has been making waves in the market recently. With its sleek design, impressive noise-canceling capabilities, and high-quality sound, it’s no wonder that these headphones have gained a loyal following. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i and assess whether they are worth the hype.
Table of Contents
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i product information:
History
Bang & Olufsen, a Danish consumer electronics company, was founded in 1925 by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen. Known for its high-end audio products, the company has a long-standing reputation for delivering exceptional design and sound quality. The Beoplay H9i headphones are one of Bang & Olufsen’s premium wireless, over-ear models, which combine style, comfort, and outstanding performance. Here’s a brief history of the origin and creation of these headphones:
- Bang & Olufsen’s Audio Legacy: Over the years, Bang & Olufsen has created numerous iconic audio products, ranging from home speaker systems to portable music players and headphones. The company is renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship, design, and innovation.
- Beoplay Brand: In 2012, Bang & Olufsen introduced the Beoplay sub-brand, which aimed to deliver high-quality, design-focused audio products to a broader audience. The Beoplay lineup includes a variety of headphones, speakers, and accessories, all designed to provide a unique combination of performance and style.
- Beoplay H Series: The Beoplay H series, which includes the H9i, was developed to offer premium, wireless, over-ear headphones with exceptional comfort, design, and sound quality. The series caters to audiophiles, frequent travelers, and style-conscious consumers seeking the best possible listening experience.
- Beoplay H9i: Introduced in 2018, the Beoplay H9i was designed as an upgrade to the previous model, the Beoplay H9. The H9i features improvements in sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), battery life
Specification
| Specification | Information |
|---|---|
| Year of manufacture | 2018 |
| Company | Bang & Olufsen |
| Official website | https://www.bang-olufsen.com/en |
| Fit Type | Over-ear |
| Item Dimensions | 7.87 x 7.09 x 2.56 inches |
| Item Weight | 285 g / 10.05 oz |
| Special Features | Active noise-canceling, touch controls, transparency mode, voice assistant integration |
| Driver size | 40 mm |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 24 Ohm |
| Bluetooth version | 4.2 |
| Bluetooth range | Up to 10 meters / 33 feet |
| ANC modes | 3 levels |
| Audio codec | AAC, SBC |
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours with ANC on, up to 23 hours with ANC off |
| Charging time | Approximately 2.5 hours |
| Quick charging | 1 hour of playtime with 10-minute charge |
| Controls | Touch controls on ear cup |
| Price | $499 |
What is included in the delivery set?
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones come with a carrying pouch, a 1.2-meter audio cable with a 3.5 mm jack, a 1.25-meter USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and a flight adapter. The carrying pouch is made of high-quality materials and is designed to protect the headphones during transportation. The audio cable allows you to use the headphones with devices that do not have Bluetooth connectivity, while the USB-C charging cable can be used to charge the headphones using a computer or a wall adapter. The flight adapter is useful for when you want to use the headphones on an airplane.
What about design, materials, assembly?
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones have a premium look and feel, with a sleek and minimalist design. The headphones are made of high-quality materials, such as aluminum, cowhide leather, and lambskin, which not only add to the headphones’ aesthetics but also ensure durability and comfort during use.
The assembly of the headphones is of high quality, with attention to detail evident in every aspect of the design. The ear cups can be rotated and tilted for a more customized fit, and the headphones can be easily adjusted to fit a wide range of head sizes. The padding on the ear cups and headband is soft and comfortable, making these headphones suitable for extended listening sessions.
Overall, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones have a well-crafted design, using premium materials, and assembly that is reflective of the attention to detail and quality that Bang & Olufsen is known for.
What about ergonomics and usability Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i?
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones are designed with ergonomics and usability in mind, providing a comfortable fit and intuitive controls for easy use.
The ear cups are padded with soft leather and are large enough to cover most ear sizes, providing a comfortable fit. The headband is also padded and adjustable, allowing for a secure and comfortable fit on a wide range of head sizes.
The controls are touch-based and located on the right ear cup, making it easy to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and activate the noise-canceling feature. The touch controls are responsive and intuitive, allowing for easy operation without having to fumble with buttons.
The headphones also feature a transparency mode, which allows ambient sound to pass through, so you can hear your surroundings without having to take the headphones off. This feature is useful for when you need to be aware of your surroundings, such as when walking on a busy street.
Overall, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones have an ergonomic design that provides a comfortable fit, and intuitive controls that make them easy to use.
What about connection, control and software?
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones connect to devices via Bluetooth 4.2, allowing for seamless wireless audio streaming. The headphones have a range of up to 10 meters (33 feet), giving you the freedom to move around while listening to music.
In terms of control, the headphones have touch controls on the right ear cup, which allow you to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and activate the noise-canceling feature. The touch controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easy to navigate through your music.
The headphones also have a dedicated Beoplay app, which can be used to customize the sound profile and update the firmware. The app provides access to a range of sound presets, allowing you to adjust the sound to your liking. The app also allows you to control the ANC (active noise-canceling) levels and the transparency mode, giving you complete control over the listening experience.
Overall, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones have a solid connection, intuitive touch controls, and a dedicated app that allows for further customization of the sound profile and features.
How’s the sound quality?
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones deliver an exceptional sound quality, providing a clear and well-balanced sound across a wide range of frequencies. The headphones use 40mm electro-dynamic drivers that deliver a rich and detailed sound with a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20 kHz.
The sound signature is well-balanced, with clear highs, smooth mids, and rich bass. The bass response is punchy and impactful, without being overpowering or boomy. The mids are well-defined, providing excellent clarity and detail, while the highs are crisp and clear without being harsh.
The headphones also feature active noise-canceling (ANC) technology, which blocks out external noise, providing a more immersive listening experience. The ANC technology is effective at reducing noise across a range of frequencies, including low-frequency noise such as airplane engine noise and traffic noise.
Overall, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones provide an exceptional sound quality, with a well-balanced sound signature, deep and punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, making them suitable for a wide range of music genres.
What about the energy efficiency and battery life?
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones have a good battery life, with up to 18 hours of continuous playback with ANC (active noise-canceling) turned on, and up to 23 hours with ANC turned off. The headphones have a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can be charged using the included USB-C charging cable.
The headphones also feature a quick charging function, which provides one hour of playback time with just 10 minutes of charging. This is a useful feature if you need to quickly charge the headphones before heading out.
In terms of energy efficiency, the headphones feature an auto-off function that automatically turns the headphones off after 15 minutes of inactivity, helping to conserve battery life. The headphones also have an energy-saving mode, which can be activated using the Beoplay app, and reduces the power consumption when the headphones are not in use.
Overall, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones have a good battery life and energy efficiency, with a quick charging function and auto-off feature that help to conserve battery life.
Comparison & Review:
What are similar headphones in features and cost?
Here are five similar headphones in terms of features and cost to the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i:
- Sony WH-1000XM4 – These headphones offer excellent noise-canceling, long battery life, and a well-balanced sound signature, along with touch controls and support for voice assistants. They are priced similarly to the Beoplay H9i.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II – These headphones have long been considered some of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market, with a comfortable fit, excellent noise-canceling, and support for voice assistants. They are priced similarly to the Beoplay H9i.
- Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless – These headphones offer excellent sound quality, with a well-balanced sound signature, touch controls, and support for voice assistants. They are priced similarly to the Beoplay H9i.
- Bowers & Wilkins PX7 – These headphones have a sleek design, excellent noise-canceling, and a well-balanced sound signature, along with touch controls and support for voice assistants. They are priced similarly to the Beoplay H9i.
- Jabra Elite 85h – These headphones offer excellent noise-canceling, long battery life, and a customizable sound profile, along with touch controls and support for voice assistants. They are priced similarly to the Beoplay H9i.
Compare with similar items
| Specification | Beoplay H9i | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of manufacture | 2018 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Company | Bang & Olufsen | Sony | Sennheiser |
| Official website | https://www.bang-olufsen.com/en | https://www.sony.com/ | https://en-us.sennheiser.com/ |
| Fit Type | Over-ear | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Item Dimensions | 7.87 x 7.09 x 2.56 inches | 7.27 x 9.94 x 2.69 inches | 7.87 x 6.69 x 3.54 inches |
| Item Weight | 285 g / 10.05 oz | 254 g / 8.96 oz | 305 g / 10.8 oz |
| Special Features | Active noise-canceling, touch controls, transparency mode, voice assistant integration | Multi-device pairing, noise-canceling, touch controls, voice assistant integration | Active noise-canceling, transparent hearing, touch controls, voice assistant integration |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm | 42 mm |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 4 Hz – 40 kHz | 6 Hz – 22 kHz |
| Impedance | 24 Ohm | 47 Ohm | 17 Ohm |
| Bluetooth version | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth range | Up to 10 meters / 33 feet | Up to 10 meters / 33 feet | Up to 10 meters / 33 feet |
| ANC modes | 3 levels | Multiple levels | 3 levels |
| Audio codec | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, AptX |
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours with ANC on, up to 23 hours with ANC off | Up to 30 hours with ANC on, up to 38 hours with ANC off | Up to 17 hours with ANC on, up to 27 hours with ANC off |
| Charging time | Approximately 2.5 hours | Approximately 3 hours | Approximately 3 hours |
| Quick charging | 1 hour of playtime with 10-minute charge | 5 hours of playtime with 10-minute charge | 1.5 hours of playtime with 10-minute charge |
| Controls | Touch controls on ear cup | Touch controls on ear cup | Touch controls on ear cup |
| Price | $499 | $348 | $399.95 |
How do Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i users describe their experience with these headphones?
Based on reviews from Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i users, the headphones have received generally positive feedback. Here are some common themes and comments from users:
- Sound quality: Many users have praised the sound quality of the headphones, noting that the audio is well-balanced and clear across all frequencies. The bass response is often highlighted as particularly strong, providing a punchy and impactful sound.
- Comfort: Users have also commented on the comfort of the headphones, noting that the ear cups and headband are well-padded and provide a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
- Design and build quality: The premium design and high-quality materials used in the construction of the headphones have been praised by users, who appreciate the attention to detail in the design.
- Noise-canceling: The noise-canceling capabilities of the headphones have also been praised, with users noting that they are effective at blocking out external noise, even in noisy environments like airplanes.
- Battery life: The battery life of the headphones has also been commended, with users noting that the headphones offer a good balance of battery life and quick charging capabilities.
Overall, users of the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones have had a positive experience, with many praising the headphones’ sound quality, comfort, design, and noise-canceling capabilities.
Conclusions
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones are a premium pair of over-ear headphones that offer a sleek design, exceptional sound quality, and advanced features such as active noise-canceling, touch controls, and voice assistant integration. The headphones are made with high-quality materials and have a well-crafted design that provides a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The headphones also offer a good balance of battery life and quick charging capabilities. Overall, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones deliver a high-quality audio experience, making them a great choice for audiophiles and music lovers who value style and performance.
Our Review
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i Basic questions, basic answers:
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Does the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i have a microphone?
Yes, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones have a built-in microphone that allows you to make phone calls and use voice assistants such as Siri or Google Assistant. The microphone is located on the right ear cup and uses noise-canceling technology to ensure clear voice transmission.
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What is my budget? Are the Beoplay H9i headphones within my budget, or should I consider a more affordable option?
Determining your budget is an important consideration before purchasing the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones. The Beoplay H9i headphones are a premium pair of headphones that come with a higher price tag, so it’s important to consider whether they fit within your budget.
If the Beoplay H9i headphones are outside your budget, you may want to consider more affordable options that still offer good sound quality and features. However, if you are willing to invest in high-quality headphones that deliver exceptional sound quality, comfort, and features, the Beoplay H9i headphones may be a good choice for you. It’s important to weigh the cost against the benefits and make an informed decision based on your needs and preferences.
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What is my intended use for the headphones? Are the Beoplay H9i headphones suitable for the type of listening I will be doing (music, podcasts, gaming, etc.)?
Your intended use for the headphones is an important consideration before purchasing the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones. The Beoplay H9i headphones are primarily designed for music listening, but they can also be used for watching movies and making phone calls.
If you’re an audiophile looking for a pair of headphones that deliver exceptional sound quality, the Beoplay H9i headphones are a good choice. However, if you’re looking for headphones specifically for gaming or watching movies, there may be other options available that are better suited to those activities.
It’s important to consider your intended use for the headphones and choose a pair that is best suited to your needs. If you primarily listen to music, the Beoplay H9i headphones are a good choice, but if you have other use cases in mind, you may want to consider other options that are better suited to those activities.
Last Updated on October 23, 2023
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