I have H9i, they have two more features - 1. connected via USB they can play computer audio via their D/A, which is very good. 2. They have proximity sensor, so they stop playing when you take them off your head. Regarding sound they have a peak in high tones, so some sibiliants are more emphasized. I've corrected it with EQ, and sound is very good.
Let me elaborate a little, for picking headphones in this price range is not easy. Sound and features are more different than one should expect: I set out to retire my old Bose QC25, for two reasons: Getting Bluetooth and getting better sound. So B&W, Sony & B&O were the main contenders, with Denon GC30 doing a last-second catchup. Having heard the H9i, I was a bit overwhelmed by the clarity of the treble. B&W were quickly ruled out due to unruly bass. I want my headphones to deliver crisp, precise bass, not boost it. Sony also has an issue here, so initially I opted for the Denon, despite their clarity being clearly inferior to the H9I. The Denon having a more rounded sound image and their discreet, practical design made me go for those, along with AptX HD and the mechanical buttons. But I had not taken time to test the ANC! While the Denon has good default noise isolation, the active component is inferior, hardly giving that "Hey, the world vanished!" that I was used to with Bose. I honestly believed I had gotten a faulty set, and took it back to the store. Where I quickly fund that I had to trade the Denons for something else. Bass precision and the solid construction of the B&O ended me up with those, and I'm now getting used to unprecedented treble detail. Noone promised this to be easy, and none of these sets are perfect. But I'm happy to have settled on what I initially thought was a bit too high-class product for my taste and budget :) I had my 17-year old sone along for the listening test. Initically, he found it a bit silly to do an hour of driving and an hour of listening just for headphones. But the next day he thanked me: He had learned something about listening in that can't be explained, only experienced.
Thanks for ur opinion. The interesting point for me is that u have had Bose and didn't want them anymore. I mean a new Model 700 maybe. May i ask u why?
B&O have a very specific sound signature across their range. it's very neutral and doesn't have the loud bass that many other speakers and headphones are prone too. I'm not surprised that the B&O don't cancel noise as well at the Sony. B&O will maximise noise canceling UNTIL it effects the quality of the audio and no more. It's a shame the swipe controls are hit and miss on the B&O's.
Nice video! @7:00 you say h9i sounds boxy and closed, compared to Sony's. If you use the Beoplay app, you can open up the soundstage through the touchtone feature. I like that there is customizability on the B&Os, but sometimes it can get overlooked.
Aaron is Loud and Wireless I do love the smooth sound on B&O However I agree that the vocals with NC on lack any real emotion compared to Sony’s Also love the the base on the Sony’s and mids.
I love the sound of my H9i, but the smooth leather can get too warm for me after a while. Maybe if they were around the ear instead of over the ear they wouldn't feel hot. Also, the cushion on the top is almost non existent. My head might be oddly shaped, but they bother me after a while. I agree, for the price point one would expect the H9i to have a hard case.
To truly test sound quality with these types of headphones, the only way to get a completely objective look at the quality is to run them wired and listen to a lossless quality sound file. The compression from youtube and the bluetooth conversion decreases sound quality (especially compressing lows) a surprising amount.
Aaron, nice review. I had watched others review headphones and yours was much better overall and brought a real world experience. Keep up the good work
I need a quick answer, I’m looking for some high quality sound pair of headphones and I don’t know which one to choose between the xm3 and the b&o h9i, can anyone help me ?
I used to have the swipe issues when I had upgraded the software. I sent them back to b&o they sent me a new pair and I just refuse to upgrade the software now. Works perfect.
Aaron is Loud and Wireless yeah that really confused me aswell. My father and brother have the same headphones and had the exact same issues, they send theirs back aswell I told them not to upgrade the software and we’ve been fine for at least half a year now. It’s really flabbergasting but it seems to do the trick for me and my family.
Interesting comparison. I have the Sonys, but not the H9i's (I have some H4's). Seems like the B&O are going for the luxury/brand thing - like with many comparisons - you pay your money and take your choice! Both sets seems really good and enjoyable!
@@MultiCaloka h9 i m2 den iyimidir yada bose 35ii den ne bileyim bana h9i daha havalı ve albenili geldi ama gel gör ki alacak imkanım olsa onu alırdım bana şans dile :)
To be Honest (H9I) I bought H9I in 2018, I loved it very much, the sound quality was great and sweat. couldn't (SONY 1000XM4) I bought this in Jan 2020, this ppl is my most love headphone ever. Some people said H9i have better sound than SONY XM4, but for me, I dont see much different. I would say XM4 sound as good as H9i, ppl better. straight no problem. Comfort level is like the Airpods Lastly, I would say the SONY 1000XM4 is better product, overall the sound quality no much different, but the comfort level is not compareable
I would pay $500 for the Sony 1000v3 and $250 for the H9i. The Sony has so much more bass, it's louder, warmer, less sibilant, many more features, and a longer battery life. The H9i and the H9 v3 are both huge disappointments while the Sony literally blew me away. I still prefer my sennheiser hd650 and 660s, but the 1000v3 was damn impressive in almost every way.
Alex Smith I had both (Xm3s came with a phone pre order). The base sounds stronger initially on the xm3s, but it's muddier and isn't as deep. By that I feel like I could hear lower frequencies on the H9is, which for me meant music and movies/tv shows had more depth. Tried a few base drop videos to test to confirm. The build also makes the xm3s feel fragile next to the H9is. Mine have been thrown into a backpack daily for a year and look as good as new.
@@thedachmo it surprises me to hear that. My tan h9i pads seem to be a dirt magnet while I have yet to clean my xm3s. I have a few thoughts I'd like to share. Though the comparative specs show the h9i = 20hz-22khz and the xm3's = 4hz-40khz, I agree with you that he h9i's do get lower and do feel tighter, though to me it is at the sacrifice of volume, which is my main gripe with the headphones @ their price. The only way I can seem to get enough volume is wired and amped, but I don't believe they are meant to be amped as they can get distorted quickly, (even on my portable amp and surprisingly even compared to some earbuds I own). In retrospect, I never felt the xm3s to be muddy or felt the need to amp them, or even wire them for that matter. The apps calibration+EQ is only topped by audeze imo. The xm3s can literally make my ears hurt before any noticable distortion. I believe xm3s along with the bose 700s received best in class for noise cancelling. The xm3 also charges faster and gives you 30 & 38hrs w/anc on/off vs the h9i's 18 & 23 hrs. They both have bluetooth 4.2, but the xm3 was released much earlier before 5.0 was available, while the h9i/h9v3 were released after 5.0 dropped. The xm3 also works seamlessly with google, siri, and alexa, has touch controls that actually work everytime, and folds compactly with a free hard carrying case that attaches to the beltloop in your jeans. I'm interested to know your prefs for favorite headphone for serious listening vs day to day? For me, if I'm sitting at my desk and have the energy to spend amping, tinkering, and staying tethered to a rope, I'll use the audeze lcd3s. Around the house, hd650s w/portable amp in my pocket or 660s connected direct to the phone. Out and about would be the xm3s and the best headphones vs price I've owned, ath-m50x followed by the dt770. The ear/headphones that I felt were overpriced for their performance would be the sennheiser ie800, bose qc35 v1, audeze isine20, and (no offense) the h9i.
@@thedachmo Thanks for the info i totally agree with you xm3s sounds more upfront and muddier but overall a good listening experience. I think im close to what headphones im gonna purchase.
@@Akash.Chopra I think David Moorhouse meant that the built quality on xm3s are prone to breaking. Btw have you heard the Dali io6/4 headphones. I heard they are the best bluetooth headphone that came out.
What should I buy than?? Some comments are saying that B&O H9i is very bad and it has bad bass which is kind of important to me, and some says that Sony has flat and bad sound and poor quality... Pls help I need ur opinion
@@user-wc2hi5yb1y noise cancling is not very important to me. I am a musician, and sound, especially bass is very important to me. So, I ask you, which headphones do you think would be better for me??
If you're a musician and sound is truely the most important, and you have some spare bucks, may I recommend the Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless. Soundwise it blows all the Bose, XM3 or H9i out of the water. Or the DSR9BT from Audio technica is a great Bluetooth Headphone, soundwise.
@@vnrays3775 ohh dude thank you very much. I will be watching reviews of those 2 Audio Technica and Beyerdynamic you mentioned and I will try them. If they are good I will take them.
When on head I actually prefer the look of the Sony V3, the B&O h9i sticks out of your head and seems somewhat silly for 2019, the Sony’s are really really ugly looking headphones don’t get me wrong but they are actually contour around your head and are more low profile.
I have to block out very loud traffic noise - which headset would you recommend for that? I guess I’m leaning towards the Sony, but now I need to know if any of the BOSE headsets are better than the Sony.Thank you.
Hmm. The I have both. Live in Canada and Sony xm3 the touch pad starts shut off the music on me in the cold weather. I absolutely have to wear my Sony’s with my hood or the touch pad goes wonky or the just shut down. My B&O h9i do not let me down that way. You may think twice about the don’t if ya live in climate where it can get cold. The Sony’s will def be to hot summer and buggy in the winter. So if ya live in Canada this may be a deal breaker.
So comparing the Sony, H9i and Px on pure audio quality which one wins? I’m wary that the bass on the Sony is a little too much, and the treble on the H9i is a little too much - especially after months of getting used to them. I’m a big fan of Shure headphones because of the balanced but detailed audio. Not sure which of these comes closest to doing that.
thats Bullshit, i have the bose qc35ii and the xm3s and have tested them extensively outside, on buses, trains, planes and the sony is better at nc buttt the mics for handsfree are almost identical
I went with the sony wh-1000xm3 and they are so confortable i fell asleep with them last night as i was listening to music jajajaja they are so nice and the noise cancelling is beast mode over the dumb studio 3s i had i love my Sony's
I actually went ahead and bought myself one pretty much the next day after I posted that. It was on special at Amazon so I couldn’t resist. The phone call quality is indeed excellent in a quiet environment. In noisy environment it isn’t too bad but no Bose 700. But then again nothing is (other than maybe the new Apple AirPod Pro).
I have H9i, they have two more features - 1. connected via USB they can play computer audio via their D/A, which is very good. 2. They have proximity sensor, so they stop playing when you take them off your head. Regarding sound they have a peak in high tones, so some sibiliants are more emphasized. I've corrected it with EQ, and sound is very good.
Very informative, thank you
What equalizer do you use?
Both at neutral EQ
@marek did you manage to remove the high hiss and extreme simbilance?
Marek Smekal
How did you do it? Had a 10 band EQ?
Let me elaborate a little, for picking headphones in this price range is not easy. Sound and features are more different than one should expect:
I set out to retire my old Bose QC25, for two reasons: Getting Bluetooth and getting better sound. So B&W, Sony & B&O were the main contenders, with Denon GC30 doing a last-second catchup.
Having heard the H9i, I was a bit overwhelmed by the clarity of the treble. B&W were quickly ruled out due to unruly bass. I want my headphones to deliver crisp, precise bass, not boost it. Sony also has an issue here, so initially I opted for the Denon, despite their clarity being clearly inferior to the H9I. The Denon having a more rounded sound image and their discreet, practical design made me go for those, along with AptX HD and the mechanical buttons.
But I had not taken time to test the ANC! While the Denon has good default noise isolation, the active component is inferior, hardly giving that "Hey, the world vanished!" that I was used to with Bose. I honestly believed I had gotten a faulty set, and took it back to the store. Where I quickly fund that I had to trade the Denons for something else. Bass precision and the solid construction of the B&O ended me up with those, and I'm now getting used to unprecedented treble detail.
Noone promised this to be easy, and none of these sets are perfect. But I'm happy to have settled on what I initially thought was a bit too high-class product for my taste and budget :)
I had my 17-year old sone along for the listening test. Initically, he found it a bit silly to do an hour of driving and an hour of listening just for headphones. But the next day he thanked me: He had learned something about listening in that can't be explained, only experienced.
Thanks for ur opinion. The interesting point for me is that u have had Bose and didn't want them anymore. I mean a new Model 700 maybe. May i ask u why?
@@RusSportChan no you may not.
I have both models have you tested, Noise canceling is best in Sony, but quality sound is better in B&O, definitely.
Nice video!!!
Regards
Just curious, what is the difference in terms of sounds quality and noise cancellation for B&O H9i and B&O H9 3rd gen?
B&O have a very specific sound signature across their range. it's very neutral and doesn't have the loud bass that many other speakers and headphones are prone too. I'm not surprised that the B&O don't cancel noise as well at the Sony. B&O will maximise noise canceling UNTIL it effects the quality of the audio and no more. It's a shame the swipe controls are hit and miss on the B&O's.
that´s why I switched to the H8i that also have less exagerated highs.
I love the way you present your reviews, I'm just waiting for you to explode and get more subs 😉 Keep up the great content, your format is perfect!
Thank you! 😁
Nice video! @7:00 you say h9i sounds boxy and closed, compared to Sony's. If you use the Beoplay app, you can open up the soundstage through the touchtone feature. I like that there is customizability on the B&Os, but sometimes it can get overlooked.
True, but the Sonys have that too, and you can even manipulate the direction from where audio is coming from
Aaron is Loud and Wireless in that case, I rest my case. 👍🏻👍🏻
Appreciate the input still
Aaron is Loud and Wireless I do love the smooth sound on B&O However I agree that the vocals with NC on lack any real emotion compared to Sony’s Also love the the base on the Sony’s and mids.
The swipe controls on my H9i works just fine. And I did pay $100 less for my set :)
I love the sound of my H9i, but the smooth leather can get too warm for me after a while. Maybe if they were around the ear instead of over the ear they wouldn't feel hot. Also, the cushion on the top is almost non existent. My head might be oddly shaped, but they bother me after a while. I agree, for the price point one would expect the H9i to have a hard case.
To truly test sound quality with these types of headphones, the only way to get a completely objective look at the quality is to run them wired and listen to a lossless quality sound file. The compression from youtube and the bluetooth conversion decreases sound quality (especially compressing lows) a surprising amount.
The swipe controls work fine on my B&O h9i
If you download the bang & olufsen app you can control the tones and adjust them however you like which is nice
We need the H9 3rd gen
I loved your review. It helped me sway my buying decision towards the Sony. I wish could do a full metal and leather version of their headphone.
Aaron, nice review. I had watched others review headphones and yours was much better overall and brought a real world experience. Keep up the good work
I need a quick answer, I’m looking for some high quality sound pair of headphones and I don’t know which one to choose between the xm3 and the b&o h9i, can anyone help me ?
I used to have the swipe issues when I had upgraded the software. I sent them back to b&o they sent me a new pair and I just refuse to upgrade the software now. Works perfect.
Hilarious how a software update's supposed to improve things, but they achieved the exact opposite
Aaron is Loud and Wireless yeah that really confused me aswell. My father and brother have the same headphones and had the exact same issues, they send theirs back aswell I told them not to upgrade the software and we’ve been fine for at least half a year now. It’s really flabbergasting but it seems to do the trick for me and my family.
Interesting comparison. I have the Sonys, but not the H9i's (I have some H4's). Seems like the B&O are going for the luxury/brand thing - like with many comparisons - you pay your money and take your choice! Both sets seems really good and enjoyable!
Yes... for the H9i it’s not a firm yes or no for me because it does have its merits
Amazing how ears will differ...I thought the H9i sounds fantastic, while the sony i didnt like at all...
Finally bought my pair today
Best Headphones from B&O is the H6!
I just bought H9i it's on the way im so excited...
Just got some brand new for 200$. Do you like that sound quality?
m3 daha iyi bence
@@MultiCaloka ne yönden bende m2 var ama ne bilim aklım hep h9i yada sonrasında o da çıkarsa
@@erkantopuz8866 yanlış biliyormuşum m3 ün ses kalitesi baya baya berbat. tasarımı ve sağlamlığı da kötü bence
@@MultiCaloka h9 i m2 den iyimidir yada bose 35ii den ne bileyim bana h9i daha havalı ve albenili geldi ama gel gör ki alacak imkanım olsa onu alırdım bana şans dile :)
In China h9i cost me 330$ with extra hard case, and nice stand.
$330? That’s quite a steal
@@aaronloudnwireless maybe because its fake
@@scooterracks1233 u r prob a fake
@@scooterracks1233 - nope, the B&O stores in China are just as luxurious as the ones in the US or Europe.
I just got the h9i clearance for $199 at best buy, they're in the mail! My dog ate my ausdom m08 headphones which were amazing for the price 😄
To be Honest
(H9I) I bought H9I in 2018, I loved it very much,
the sound quality was great and sweat.
couldn't
(SONY 1000XM4) I bought this in Jan 2020, this ppl is my most love headphone ever.
Some people said H9i have better sound than SONY XM4,
but for me, I dont see much different.
I would say XM4 sound as good as H9i, ppl better.
straight no problem.
Comfort level is like the Airpods
Lastly, I would say the SONY 1000XM4 is better product, overall the sound quality no much different, but the comfort level is not compareable
So Xm4 similar sound quality and xm4 better comfort, but how about call quality ?
I would pay $500 for the Sony 1000v3 and $250 for the H9i.
The Sony has so much more bass, it's louder, warmer, less sibilant, many more features, and a longer battery life. The H9i and the H9 v3 are both huge disappointments while the Sony literally blew me away. I still prefer my sennheiser hd650 and 660s, but the 1000v3 was damn impressive in almost every way.
How about the detail? I prefer more sound detail than bass
Alex Smith I had both (Xm3s came with a phone pre order). The base sounds stronger initially on the xm3s, but it's muddier and isn't as deep. By that I feel like I could hear lower frequencies on the H9is, which for me meant music and movies/tv shows had more depth. Tried a few base drop videos to test to confirm. The build also makes the xm3s feel fragile next to the H9is. Mine have been thrown into a backpack daily for a year and look as good as new.
@@thedachmo it surprises me to hear that. My tan h9i pads seem to be a dirt magnet while I have yet to clean my xm3s. I have a few thoughts I'd like to share. Though the comparative specs show the h9i = 20hz-22khz and the xm3's = 4hz-40khz, I agree with you that he h9i's do get lower and do feel tighter, though to me it is at the sacrifice of volume, which is my main gripe with the headphones @ their price. The only way I can seem to get enough volume is wired and amped, but I don't believe they are meant to be amped as they can get distorted quickly, (even on my portable amp and surprisingly even compared to some earbuds I own). In retrospect, I never felt the xm3s to be muddy or felt the need to amp them, or even wire them for that matter. The apps calibration+EQ is only topped by audeze imo. The xm3s can literally make my ears hurt before any noticable distortion. I believe xm3s along with the bose 700s received best in class for noise cancelling. The xm3 also charges faster and gives you 30 & 38hrs w/anc on/off vs the h9i's 18 & 23 hrs. They both have bluetooth 4.2, but the xm3 was released much earlier before 5.0 was available, while the h9i/h9v3 were released after 5.0 dropped. The xm3 also works seamlessly with google, siri, and alexa, has touch controls that actually work everytime, and folds compactly with a free hard carrying case that attaches to the beltloop in your jeans.
I'm interested to know your prefs for favorite headphone for serious listening vs day to day?
For me, if I'm sitting at my desk and have the energy to spend amping, tinkering, and staying tethered to a rope, I'll use the audeze lcd3s. Around the house, hd650s w/portable amp in my pocket or 660s connected direct to the phone. Out and about would be the xm3s and the best headphones vs price I've owned, ath-m50x followed by the dt770. The ear/headphones that I felt were overpriced for their performance would be the sennheiser ie800, bose qc35 v1, audeze isine20, and (no offense) the h9i.
@@thedachmo Thanks for the info i totally agree with you xm3s sounds more upfront and muddier but overall a good listening experience. I think im close to what headphones im gonna purchase.
@@Akash.Chopra I think David Moorhouse meant that the built quality on xm3s are prone to breaking. Btw have you heard the Dali io6/4 headphones. I heard they are the best bluetooth headphone that came out.
What should I buy than??
Some comments are saying that B&O H9i is very bad and it has bad bass which is kind of important to me, and some says that Sony has flat and bad sound and poor quality...
Pls help I need ur opinion
There’s no correction on sound. It’s subjective matter. But if you need noise cancling, go sony
@@user-wc2hi5yb1y noise cancling is not very important to me. I am a musician, and sound, especially bass is very important to me. So, I ask you, which headphones do you think would be better for me??
If you're a musician and sound is truely the most important, and you have some spare bucks, may I recommend the Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless. Soundwise it blows all the Bose, XM3 or H9i out of the water. Or the DSR9BT from Audio technica is a great Bluetooth Headphone, soundwise.
@@vnrays3775 ohh dude thank you very much. I will be watching reviews of those 2 Audio Technica and Beyerdynamic you mentioned and I will try them. If they are good I will take them.
Which is the best those headphones or vmoda crossfade wireless 2 codex edition ?
When on head I actually prefer the look of the Sony V3, the B&O h9i sticks out of your head and seems somewhat silly for 2019, the Sony’s are really really ugly looking headphones don’t get me wrong but they are actually contour around your head and are more low profile.
I have to block out very loud traffic noise - which headset would you recommend for that?
I guess I’m leaning towards the Sony, but now I need to know if any of the BOSE headsets are better than the Sony.Thank you.
Hey wanted to ask is there a mute voice button on the H9 / H9i or Sony ?
Hmm. The I have both. Live in Canada and Sony xm3 the touch pad starts shut off the music on me in the cold weather. I absolutely have to wear my Sony’s with my hood or the touch pad goes wonky or the just shut down. My B&O h9i do not let me down that way. You may think twice about the don’t if ya live in climate where it can get cold. The Sony’s will def be to hot summer and buggy in the winter. So if ya live in Canada this may be a deal breaker.
What about the raw sound quality, which do you think is better or worse ?
Which I should buy? I found h9i, xm3 and qc35 for the same price
If you're looking for sound quality and comfort: take the h9i's. If you're looking for ANC: take the XM3's
Soundcore q45
I love my Sony's.... I also have the parrot zik's, Sennheiser's pxc 550's and the Bowers and Wilken's Px's 👈🏾👌🏾
Nice... quite a collection there
So comparing the Sony, H9i and Px on pure audio quality which one wins? I’m wary that the bass on the Sony is a little too much, and the treble on the H9i is a little too much - especially after months of getting used to them. I’m a big fan of Shure headphones because of the balanced but detailed audio. Not sure which of these comes closest to doing that.
In the netherlands we call this "kansloos"
Hey Aaron are you SIngaporean?
is that the utc mall
I can put my hair inside the ear pads of the sony? Will the headphone be heard bad or normal? I have long hair that's why.
Beoplay h9 do not have NFC while WH-1000XM3 have NFC
B&O cushions DO peel over time. Please don't misinform!
Well the microphone of Sony is useless outside
thats Bullshit, i have the bose qc35ii and the xm3s and have tested them extensively outside, on buses, trains, planes and the sony is better at nc buttt the mics for handsfree are almost identical
@@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi i think useless in the winter or strong wind
my sister wants the h9i over the 1000mx3 because she thinks they look better and she won't be judged...
Great video by the way!
If it's the looks then give her the Beats :D
h9i is boxy lol...i was thinking about buying the b&o but seems like im going to the airpodmax
And you come over to the beach property here on the sugary white sand beaches at Pensacola Beach Florida! And we will discuss all these sounds!
I went with the sony wh-1000xm3 and they are so confortable i fell asleep with them last night as i was listening to music jajajaja they are so nice and the noise cancelling is beast mode over the dumb studio 3s i had i love my Sony's
"better than even the sennheisers" the sennheisers were never really well rated for their anc lol.
Overall I think you made a good point on the H9 not coming with a case or a bag!
As round as those beoplays look, I don't like my sound or anything SQUARE!! Just think about this for a second...how long has sony been around??
6:23 ahahahaa!
Can someone comment on the phone call quality of the B&O?
Wayne Leng It’s very good. I compared them to my Sennheiser PXC 550, which are also very good. I found the call quality on the H9i to be excellent.
I actually went ahead and bought myself one pretty much the next day after I posted that. It was on special at Amazon so I couldn’t resist. The phone call quality is indeed excellent in a quiet environment. In noisy environment it isn’t too bad but no Bose 700. But then again nothing is (other than maybe the new Apple AirPod Pro).
Wayne Leng I got them from Amazon as well. Great deal.
Music B&O , play games PS5
I TRIED SONY..BUT NEVER TRY BEOPLAY HEADPHONE..I LIKE SONY OVER THAT OTHER BRAND..
H9i uncomfortable. Makes my ears hurt.
No offence but bigger ears? I haven't had that feeling at all so I'm curious
B&o its overpriced sound ...Sony it's better ..in my opinion
Meh
I find the Sonys very dull sounding and they colour the sound a lot, but its personal taste.
Sony wins... No contest!
I dont think so dude