The app lets users customize the tonal balance and sound stage of the headphones, and even set up multiple sound profiles for different situations.
Like the H9i, there is a transparency mode that lets you hear more outside ambience, and it also has the proximity sensors that turn off the sound when the headphone is removed.īoth headphones can be personalized by using the Beoplay App for either Android or iPhone.
It can play up to 30 hours with Bluetooth and ANC on, and up to an astounding 45 hours without ANC. The newly redesigned H8i ($399) is more streamlined and sleeker than its predecessor, the H8. Making calls with the H9i is improved by the addition of a second microphone - this is also how B&O has improved the ANC features. The H9i also has dual connectivity so it can be wirelessly paired to two different devices to make switching back and forth incredibly easy. The H9i also has a proximity sensor that will detect when the headphone has been removed and will automatically pause the music or video stream. However, there is a transparency mode that with one quick swipe on the touch control on the earcup, music and ANC can be turned off so you can hear outside sound, such as a PA announcement on a train, or the flight attendant on an airplane. The noise cancellation has been tuned to help remove more within the vocal frequencies from 300 - 800 Hz. The H9i is a wireless over-ear headphone with many clever features, including a removable, replaceable 18-hour battery. The Beoplay H9i ($499) has the clean, pure sound that one expects from B&O with the addition of active noise cancellation. A new seasonal color palette and hints about Google Assistant and other voice assistant products were showcased, but right here, right now are the new H8i and H9i headphones. WHERE YOU CAN FIND IT: You can purchase the Beoplay H9i or H9 Third Generation headphones at B&O’s web store and retailers like Horchow for $500 USD.Bang & Olufsen had a small, intimate showing of their latest ideas, projects and products at CES. More power seems to be used when ANC is turned on, but not to a point where the device would have to be constantly recharged. In terms of battery life, the H9i lasts up to 25 hours for wireless use and can be plugged into a device to go batteryless. The only thing to keep in mind is to make sure ANC is turned off when you’re out walking on the streets to prevent any unwanted accidents.
The ANC feature itself has been a godsend in both work-from-home and pre-coronavirus outdoor environments, as I no longer have to turn up the volume to cancel out excess noise. The only part of the external design that makes the headphones not entirely comfortable is the headband, which comes with four sections of padding and still adds pressure to the wearer’s head.Īs for the actual functions of the headset, the right ear pad is touch-sensitive, meaning the user can swipe in different directions to either skip between songs or activate ANC and transparency mode.
The ear cups are also made to fold flat, making the accessory easily portable in a bag. Starting from the external design, the headphones are packed with memory foam, preventing discomfort around the ears even after an entire day of wearing them. There are various features of the H9i that add comfort and practicality for everyday use.
Working from home can get distracting at times, but I’ve been able to focus on work throughout the day with these headphones on.
WHY IT’S WORTH THE HYPE: Despite the slightly overwhelming price, the H9i’s active noise-canceling (ANC) function, plus the fact that I bought them second-hand at a lower price, are the two main reasons I don’t regret this purchase.