Note: We tested the first generation H9. B&O have released an updated version, known as the Gen 3. We don't expect our review to be valid for the newer version.
Our Verdict
Decent for mixed usage. The Beoplay H9 have a premium design and a high-end build quality that's comfortable and easy-to-use. They have a decent sound quality that doesn't quite sound as good as the H6 but they support the Beoplay app so you can EQ them to reduce some of the overpowering bass. However, this means they won't be the ideal headphones for more critical listeners and their weak isolation does not block a lot of noise so they won't be the best headphones for loud environments or commuting. They're also a bit too unstable for sports and have a lot of latency when used wirelessly.
- Great design and build quality
- Comfortable fit
- Mediocre-at-best noise isolation
- Leaky at higher volumes
Decent for neutral listening. They have an exciting bass-heavy sound that may be right for some listeners but won't be ideal for more neutral listening. On the upside, you can somewhat EQ them with their provided app, but they do not sound as balanced as the H6 out of the box. Also, since they're closed-back headphones, their soundstage is a bit limited. Overall they should sound good enough for most listeners but if you consider yourself an audiophile then the excess bass and recessed mid and treble ranges will be an issue.
Decent for commuting. The noise cancellation is strong enough to use on public transit, but the circular ear pads do not always create the best seal, so you will hear whats going on around you on loud, noisy commutes. They're also a bit bulky to carry around since they do not fold. On the upside, they're easy to use and comfortable.
Average for sports. They're comfortable and easy to use with a decent control scheme. They're also wireless and relatively lightweight for an over-ear. However, they're not the most stable headphones for more intense exercises and they will make your ears fairly warm and sweaty after a good 30 minutes of working out.
Above-average for office use. They're comfortable and have a decent noise isolation performance. However, the ear cups do not always seal the ear properly so you will hear a bit of ambient chatter in a lively office and they leak which may be distracting to your colleagues especially in a quiet environment.
Below-average for gaming. These headphones are comfortable, have they a good wireless range, and they're easy to use. Unfortunately, they have a mediocre mic that is not compatible with consoles, they're not as customizable as most gaming headsets, and the high latency will be a deal breaker for gaming.
Changelog
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Apr 26, 2019: We've updated the latency score to fix an error in the orginal review and to add support for aptx and aptx-LL.
- Updated Mar 29, 2018: Review published.
Check Price
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Beoplay H9 are high-end headphones with a great build quality that feels durable while staying relatively lightweight. They have a decent sound quality that packs a lot of bass, they're comfortable and they're easy to use with a unique touch-sensitive control scheme. Unfortunately, they do not have the best noise isolation which won't be ideal for daily commuters and frequent flyers. They're also quite pricey for an overall performance that's on par if not lower than most of the headphones compared below. See our recommendations for the best noise cancelling headphones, and the best closed-back headphones.
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 Gen 1 Wireless and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i Wireless are very similar headphones in practically every category. They are built the same way and are made out of the same high-end materials. However, the H9i has a much better battery life, which gives you about twice the amount you get on the regular H9 model. Also, their sound profile is a bit more exciting, and you can also enable a talk-through mode. If you don’t feel like having more than 14 hours of battery with the H9 is necessary, then the H9i might not be worth the upgrade.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are better headphones than the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 Gen 1 Wireless in pretty much every way. The Bose are more versatile thanks to their amazing ANC feature, and their sound is noticeably more neutral and well-balanced. The Bose are one of the most comfortable headphones we’ve reviewed so far and feel well-built, but aren’t quite on par with the premium design and build quality of the Bang & Olufsen. The Bang & Olufsen also have slightly less battery life, but they can be used while charging, which you can’t do with the Bose.
The Bowers & Wilkins PX Wireless are a slightly better headset than the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 Gen 1 Wireless. The Bowers & Wilkins have stronger noise isolation, which makes them a bit more suitable for both loud and quieter conditions like commuting or being at the office. They also have a slightly more premium-looking build quality. On the upside, the Bang & Olufsen have an easier-to-use and more casual design than the Bowers & Wilkins. They also pack more bass and have a customizable sound profile, which feels lacking in the Bowers & Wilkins' app support.
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