Love At First Listen: B&O H9i Review

For most of the past year I’ve been editing KZbin videos with the help of the Sony XM3 headphones. Before that, it was the QC35s from Bose. But when I forgot both sets of those Bluetooth headphones at Mobile World Congress this past February, my colleague Derek Kessler lent me his Bang & Olufsen H9is ... and I finally realized the level of sound quality I'd been missing. Join me for the B&O H9i Review!
[SUBSCRIBE TO MRMOBILE]
/ @themrmobile
[ABOUT MRMOBILE'S B&O H9i REVIEW]
MrMobile's B&O H9i Review was produced following two months with a B&O H9i review device purchased by Mobile Nations. The H9i headphones were tested with a MacBook Pro 2018; BlackBerry KEY2; Moto Z4; iPhone XS Max; LG Gram 17; and other devices. Software version at presstime: 5.0.6.
[LINKS]
B&O H9i Over-Ear Noise Canceling Headphones [Amazon]:
mrmobile.tech/51p
B&O H9i Announced at CES 2018 [The Verge]:
www.theverge.com/2018/1/9/168...
[MUSIC]
“True Persistence” by Cymatix, available at Premium Beat:
www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-f...
"You Know U Iz" by GG Riggs, available at Premium Beat:
www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-f...
[SOCIALIZE]
/ themrmobile
/ themrmobile
/ themrmobile
mrmobile.tech
[DISCLOSURE]
This post may contain affiliate links. See Mobile Nations' disclosure policy for more details: www.mobilenations.com/external...
#h9i #headphones #bluetooth #audio #earphones #tech #mobiletech #bangolufsen

[@BooredAtWork]

Finally, my man is moving up the audio food chain 😭😭😭👍🏿

[@divytolia704]

Booredatwork.com are these better or the MW65’s from master and dynamic?

[@ELJefeReviews]

Awesome review Michael! B&O sound quality is definitely outstanding.

[@Chemy.]

People usually called e crazy for paying a lot for headphones, but after trying, sometimes they understand me. Nice video as always man

[@BoshBargnani]

I bought some low end sennheisers (about 100 bucks) they're honestly so trash, zero bass. Sold em immediately. I'm glad I wasted my money, it killed an expensive hobby for me. Got some monster clarity HDs peasant brand Bluetooth earphones and was very satisfied. Edit: oh yeah and the sennheisers are extremely uncomfortable, make my ears sweat. No idea why they're such a respected brand.

[@mousysaint9143]

@@BoshBargnani Sennheiser are respected for their £200+ headphones, otherwise its better to get beyerdynamic dt series.

[@justinedzard]

@@BoshBargnani you liked the Monster Clarity HD, so those Sennheiser you got is probably not for you, Sennheiser is known for its almost (if not fully) flat sound profile

[@DarrenPersad]

I absolutely adore B&O and B&W. I keep their lesser H4 cousins in my bag at all times. I enjoy them more than my ATH-M50x w/ Sansui 2000A, and they’re far comfier too. Quite frankly, I miss the H8 wired headphones, but the H9i models are no slouch. That color combination is outstanding. Enjoy!

[@aryaraj_77]

Harmon-Kardon too!?

[@DarrenPersad]

@@aryaraj_77 harman/kardon is a phenomenal company, but yes, I would absolutely take any Bang & Olufsen or B&O Play product over the comparable harman/kardon product. Bowers & Wilkins too - I place them at equal footing to B&O, but their sound signature and products are aimed at a slightly different audience than B&O.

[@Rock2005Star]

Excellent review! I've heard from other experts that the H9i is the best over ALL the rest as well, so I was NOT shocked by your result Michael.

[@walker_0924]

2am... probably time to sleep *sees mrmobile upload* yeeeeee nope!

[@ManuelAMartinez]

Always amazed at the quality of your videos! 5-star videos every time!

[@baconboots5286]

That audio change when you said "flat, subdued" was fantastic. It's the subtle touches like that that make this channel the best

[@nickychimes4719]

Damn! You're good, and getting better, real quality production and attention to detail, great image quality, and interesting monologues that achieve fluctuating tones and rhythms! Keep up the great work! Deffo on my #TopFiveTechNews channels bruv

[@stevanb.2590]

I enjoyed watching your video even though I do not need headphones nor I'm planning to buy ones 😊 I hope companies appreciate your work as much as they should, keep up the good work ! 😊

[@thenionx]

I've had the H9i for almost a year now. The sound and styling really spoke to me when first saw them. The metal and leather left so much more of an impression over the plastic of the Sony 1000mx2 and the Bose 35. They were pricey but I bit the bullet because I really wanted to see how a true pair of luxury headphones felt. 'Til this day I am not disappointed. Though that green and Ivory looks amazing....

[@ayylmao8562]

The NIONX Do you still like them? I really want to go and just get these but the highs are supposedly harsh.

[@Raja995mh33]

-50% within 5 hours actually sounds not that great to be true. That's only 10h with a full charge on Bluetooth. Most BT headphones are offering you at least twice the battery life But this removable battery thing is really impressive. All headphones should be able to do this so you don't have to buy new ones after only about 2 years because the battery is almost dead.

[@MAVIE95]

The stated battery life is 18 hours. I've had my H9i for just over a year, and 18 hours is pretty accurate to the time that I get

[@IsiahHD]

Of all of the Bluetooth headphones I’ve owned for an extended period of time, Ive never had any of them display significant battery degradation over the time I’ve owned them. And I’ve owned a lot, ranging from Skullcandy to Sony to Sennheiser. One of the reasons is the fact that we don’t charge our headphones as much as our phones or laptops. It’s a nice novelty to have a removable battery, but it’s not that big of a deal on headphones. If it’s being used as a marketable feature, it’s just to make up for the mediocre battery life these headphones may have.

[@IsiahHD]

I may have to charge my Sony WH1000xM3 probably every week and a half or so. And I use them at least 2.5 hours every business day.

[@maxrobnson]

I totally agree on the battery idea, and it should be applicable for all the devices Damn you Apple 💪

[@Raja995mh33]

Petra-Mecha why "damn you Apple"? Who was talking about Apple here? No one...

[@tigergeo]

Brilliant as always Michael! Waiting for that awesome Moto Z4 review 😁

[@Erik_91]

I've been waiting for this review! Thanks

[@mocasorla2753]

Great review Michael, now you got me intrigued about these headphones. However, I might need to wait a bit since I just got my Sony Mk3

[@akshatmalik5643]

Love the video man !!!!!!!!!!!! Great as always!!

[@themogus]

Awesome review! You got a new subscriber! I have the status audio cb-1 headphones. Great value, and worth 3 times the price. May not be wireless, but they have great quality sound.

[@ThatsPety]

skeuomorphic. Nice, one more word for the vocabulary. Thanks Mr Mobile!

[@x_csjcdrhgfIdgjvdshgdgxsIlu]

These videos keep getting better and better. Exellent work, Mr.Mobile

[@LaskyLabs]

He's using a new moto from what I can tell. Thanks for talking about these, I'm considering trying them.

[@sahismaylxtai8071]

Moto Z4.

[@savbers]

Another great review Michael

[@stephanrochefort5748]

My dream headphones! Unfortunately, I want the pine colorway which would mean shelling out $500 still. One can dream...

[@sidhant251]

Sooo happy to see you use the Fuji Xt3 🤩

[@noviomega15]

I really love your content! Keep up the awesome work. Just wanted to throw some love in your direction!

[@gerasimosrico]

I can tell you from using the H8 and trying the qc35 and Sony 1000 MDX or whatever that is, the sound quality on the b&o is so much worth the extra.

[@yanzodadon]

I have the h7. They clam a bit too loose for me and the touch pad is sensitive. Your pillow will set it off. Just got the bose 700's. They fit perfect but the gorgeous sound from bang and olufsen is unbeatable

[@aashilr]

They're definitely not $299 anymore. Cheapest color variant (black) is $350, with the other colors going up to $455...

[@Drothen-]

y mad kid

[@jarjared3522]

This is so typical of Amazon.

[@anthonycrenshaw1154]

Just ordered them for 306

[@HRI_DHK]

Thanks a lot for the mini review of the FUJIFILM X-T3... Looking forward to see in-depth review of the shooting gears. :)

[@atthelord]

Off topic, you’re looking younger each video and thumbnail! Whatever workout, diet and skin care you’ve got going on.. working really well! 😃👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 (And thanks for the content, it was great as always! I personally prefer the QC35s because these make my ears/head hurt)

[@sir2gooo]

I'm a sucker for B&O. I have their H5 wireless earphones and boy do they sound phenomenal. Worth every penny.

[@hoppysport2872]

Superb review! I stopped by the B&O store in Soho yesterday after watching Mr. Mobile's review, and gave the H9i's a listen. Wow, a beautiful, multi-layered sound. A Bluetooth headphone is a quandary for me due to sound quality, but these sounded great. For my in-the-road listening I still prefer my Bose QC20i wired earbuds because of the size and still-incredible sound. It's all subjective though. Smartphone audio is important to me, so I recently switched from and iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy s8 Plus to the LG G8, with its Hi-fi Quad DAC. It's transformative. The audio quality is akin to going from a Yugo to a Lexus LS. No clue why all smartphone manufacturers don't add a Quad DAC?

[@francesboy2]

Great video! Glad to hear you found a better pair of cans compared to what you were using. Now you need to make the plunge to an even better open-backed pair, coupled with a good amp and dac. :)

[@daveelzacky9987]

Finally, another Headphone review 👏😁

[@TECHKYYASSER]

Great Review As Always👍👍

[@spaceghostcoasttocoast4692]

I'm so glad he has his own channel.. I still follow pocketnow but he was the reason why I started following pocketnow

[@qasimamin1305]

Love your videos .

[@jeismmdm]

I freaking love this colour so much bro

[@ExTraxYz]

Regarding the false auto-pause trigger: after turning on the device, you have to wait ~5 seconds to calibrate the proximity sensor. Once the indicator light goes out, only then you put them on.

[@Enzonius]

Yeah I'm surprised by how few people know about that. Then again not like B&O makes it obvious how it's supposed to work.

[@ardlantic]

Yess I was waiting for this one, great video! I personally use the H8i (basically the same headphones but on-ear) every day and I absolutely adore them. I have found a trick that fixes the proximity sensor for the H8i's at least, you need to turn them on before you put them on. Since I've bee doing that it has become one of my favorite features but I'm not sure it'll work on the H9i's.

[@arunashamal]

it is the same on H9i

[@mrfrosty3]

B&0 design is famously gorgeous. I had one of their Beolit portable speakers, the one with the leather strap. The sound was incredible. I tried these headphones at a local store, so comfortable, sounded great but went for a very good deal on different set.

[@anonduckduck]

And suddenly, I realised I was gonna be 100's of dollars shorter The story of my life

[@whitennnerdy]

The H9i's have dropped in price in anticipation of the the new H9 3rd gens. You should get B&O to send you the 3rd gen and compare it to Bose's new offering. As always an awesome review!

[@madslorenzen1837]

When is the new gen coming out? Im just about to buy these

[@whitennnerdy]

@@madslorenzen1837 the 3rd gen is out now as the new "H9" should be around £450, with the H9i dropping to around £360. The only difference between the two is slightly better battery life, a more pronounced aluminum surface (as it's difficult to find the touch surface if you're not used to it) and the removal of the proximity sensors as they played up every now and then. If you're looking at spending the money I would advise the H9i as they're exactly the same when it comes to sound clarity and comfort

[@madslorenzen1837]

@@whitennnerdy Cheers mate, will get the h9i then. 325 £ in Denmark

[@sinetwo]

@@whitennnerdy I'm able to get the H9is here local from my B&O store for £270 brand new

[@sinetwo]

@RaLLyKaTz OoO cool, I bought mine a while back for 260. The sound quality is immense, and the noise cancelling is so so

[@CRANEREVIEWS]

Took me a month to pick a pair of wireless. Ended up going with B&W PX. People already wrote them off so fast, yet, I really think they sound superb (for wireless at least).

[@ChochoLevi]

Great review as usual. How do you edit video using wireless headphones? I can't do this (I wish I could) because of audio latency..

[@beitie]

I'm a pretty big B&O fan. The reason for the 50% off fire sale... They made a new version that dropped just a week or so ago. As a B&O fan, I'm a little upset with how they are naming these headphones, but I'm sure I'll get over it... The H9's were followed by the H9i (changed up the sound, and I think it's an improvement, then added the auto pause feature, that was kinda a failure), now they have the H9 name again. Most of us Beolovers call the new H9's the H9 3rd gen, or Mk III. Anyway, the H9 Mk III has added a bass port, and probably some other fine tuning to the sound. This is the reason that the H9i's went on such a sale. Sadly I did not know about the new H9's, and I bought (at full price) a set of H9i's in the special edition Bronze tone. I love the looks, and am fairly happy with the sound (not as good as my H6's), but I'm a little upset that I could have waited one week to get a newer version at the same price.

[@seif.z]

a third gen of the H9 has been released recently, get your hands on those and let us know, mine on their way and im so excited !

[@KT-bb2fb]

You really are on point, I have been trying both other headphones you mentioned and went for the B&O H9i. The music (Rock, Jazz, Classic, Pop, Vocal) I prefer and listen to, sound so much better on the H9i than on the rest. The ANC is a nice extra for me and is not really a must. And I also have the same problem you have, I need to take them off each two hours or so (I wear glasses).

[@nazhif1]

Will you be taking a look at the upcoming Bose 700?

[@aminbajrektarevicab]

I have the H8 for 3 years now and I’m still not used to how delicious the sound is. Maybe it’s not what you would call accurate, but man do they sound nice.

[@lorinfink6127]

I just saw your review and I agree with all of your points. Especially about the 'Proximity' feature. I found it to be to sensitive, so I disabled it. In addition to the great audio fidelity, I also like the fit and finish of the set. Being a "Headphone Junkie", the H9i have become my go-to set.

[@ImmortalInflames]

I love my little pocket sized Sony WF-1000X earphones. I've always preferred earphones to headphones. We all have plenty to choose from!

[@rajatpr]

I see a Motorola review is on the way!

[@JohnyJR-1]

You should review the 3rd gen of Bang and Olufsen H9.

[@donello430]

Everything you said here also applies to the B&O E8 Sport earbuds. The sound is phenomenal. Even at a discount, they're likely still more expensive then Bose or Sennheiser, but they are worth it. There's no comparison (and I've owned Bose and Sennheiser) and to this day I'm so happy I bought them.

[@DanielBaldioceda]

Michael! Please do a comparison between the new Bose 700 and Sony XM3s.

[@ArthurRVega]

As soon as you said the Bose are much more comfortable, I was out on B&O. I love the fact I can wear my QCII's for hours, and the music quality sounds great to me. Probably best I never listen to the H9i's so I never know better, but comfort is almost as important to me as sound quality honestly.

[@fancypants5490]

theres an over ear version, the one reviewed is on ear.

[@ChipmunksFreak]

I had the same problem with the proximity sensor, but I found out that it has to calibrate the sensor when the headphones turn on, which means they have to be off your head when you turn them on and when the white light turns off, you can put it on your head. If you turn it on when it is calibrating, it will think that your head is the outside world and turn off randomly because it thinks you took them off. Hope it helps, it definitely did for me 😊

[@bilalibnm]

Love ur vids Mr mobile :D

[@EpicGamerWinXD69]

I know it would be a kind of be a first for this channel but I think I'd want to see a review of your Fujifilm X-T3

[@anaymakan6989]

bought a pair of beoplay hx headphones, similar to these, wow the sound quality sounds so much more dynamic to my regular headphones. Also love the design and colour of my dark maroon pair. Since they have fixed issues with the proximity sensors and transparency while playing music as well as making them a little more comfortable. Overall great pair of headphones for sound quality and design

[@marcguimaraes]

They are worth every penny my friend 👍👍.

[@danielhan8995]

Got mine and already were complimented many times

[@_aullik]

These sounded really nice and all until 3:25 when you told me the transparency mode does not work when music is on. I am still waiting for a good set of headphones that i can wear on the street listening to music while having a constantly active transparency so I can listen to music AND my surroundings.

[@Williamfett1]

aullik then you don’t need headphones, just a portable speaker.

[@_aullik]

@@Williamfett1 No i need headphones because i dont wanna annoy everyone around me with the music im listening to. People with speakers in public are a cancer to society.

[@plusgood15]

The Sony xm3 do a pretty good job of it, I find it works really well on cars and sharp noises when music is playing. Better still are The Jabra elite 65t albeit they are ear buds. Still no Silver Bullet but I have both and they do the job pretty well.

[@aggaviriyo790]

get yourself a sony wh1000xm3

[@SplitSquats]

Just turn ANC off

[@braulioribeiro5780]

You need to try the nuraphones. perfect sound just for you.

[@jimmycychowski1142]

They are quite good once you get use to the inner inserts and do the test they do sound good, I have plenty of Bluetooth headphones B&W P7 wireless, B&W PX, PSB M4U8, Nuraphones, and beyerdynamic amiron wireless and I would rate the Nuraphone 2 in regards to sound quality, the beyerdynamic amiron wireless are the best in regards to comfort and sound quality but cost a lot more

[@RedlineRevenant]

I'd be interested to see how these compare to quality wired headphones if only to see how far bluetooth audio has come. These sound like they might be the pair to own if you're going wireless.

[@pedrosantiagojr.7283]

Can’t believe I’m the first one here, love the videos! Thanks for all the tech info and opinions I could ask for!

[@abc2682]

No you're not, i am

[@yosefross]

Hey please make a video reviewing, the Bowers & Wilkins PX and P9. Thanks!

[@1fareast14]

The way you waxed poetic about your Fuji XT-3 makes me interested in a camera review from you! I know that market is a little saturated, but maybe consider a shoot-out between the cameras you've used to film? Since you travel/go to trade shows a lot, might I also suggest putting on a 360 camera if you go out shooting photos with it? Have a look at Mattias Burling's let's shoot series as an example. I'm suggesting it because you'd be gathering b-roll for a product launch anyway, and you seem to like the camera. It + that 18-55 lens is a solid setup for street photography. The actual video wouldn't be much work to edit. Since you mentioned taking cinematography classes to improve your lighting and composition, this exercise would help you with both.

[@The-Protester]

Oh yes, I have tried this head gear and the word is #Dope

[@djmariowebissa]

THANK YOU Michael, for making life so freaking easily difficult, you see, not everyone can afford that 299$ Gucci but every once in a while when they decide to make things easier to pick between a Gucci or a Pra-da-Play H9i - THE KZbin COMMUNITY MAKES A Bang AND THEN we're all so stunned, oh hey? which one do I now BUY?? he's got me all so excited for the next BO$$700. Good work!

[@rbpyogesh]

I honestly have a feeling you'd love Surface Headphones. I have no idea why you'd like it but kinda suits your themes

[@attackomac]

Please do a review of the x-t3. I would love to know your thoughts on it.

[@LeBeautiful]

Bang & Olfsuen for the boys.

[@LegendTheAnonymous]

Just ordered these. I think people don’t realize how valuable the removable battery feature is. Literally all other headphones (including the new third gen H9) have non removable batteries that will wear out after 2 years and you’ll be wanting to get a new pair. For these you can just switch out the battery and hold on to them for 2 more years at the very least. The build is incredible, I have an older pair (the H3), which is 6 years old by now and still almost looks and feels brand new.

[@Happy-cm7uo]

DUDE LEGIT bang and olufsen are the BEST

[@thestreetsmartkid1464]

Yaaaaas B And O Love form Denmark!!!!!!

[@Kasirkin29]

I have an XT-3 and I like the look of that shutter release button you have added. Could you place a link or provide the name of the button you have for it. Looks awesome

[@fcwennekers7588]

Put theheadphones on after the blue light turns off on the bottom, that means that the autopause sensor is calibrated. It will work like a charm.

[@lifeneedsmorechill]

The last time I was this early, phones were not even mobile.

[@rithwikbasrur3197]

Will you be doing a review on the oneplus 7? Not the pro

[@robertclarkguitar]

I have purchased Klipshe, Sony, Marantz, LG, Samsung, Akai,and Many crazy boutiques. I've honestly settled with a pair of 99.00 Sony pair that gives me exactly what I wanted. A little EQing of course but anything I've purchased over 99.00 lacks one thing or another in tone. Ive YET however tried the AudioTechnica 50x most love.

[@bandhanjha8563]

Get an M40X or DT 770 pro for editing. For music listening get an open back like HD58x or he4xx. You will be surprised by the upgrade.

[@anandhua.b4589]

Dude those are for at home listening and not exactly portable

[@Simoneister]

Yeah, weird suggestion for a Mr "Mobile"

[@bandhanjha8563]

@@Simoneister mr mobile isn't really always mobile I guess 😜

[@aashayrane9413]

What's Up Guys.

[@lunatrics]

Great review. 😁. I owned these. Great for an hour a day behind the computer. awful for anything else. Expensive. Listening fatigue within an hour or so. Heavy. Doesn't fold for transport. No case. And comfortable like a beating. I'm waiting for sony m4s.

[@mumenraider]

When are you trying out Master & Dynamic MW 65 ?

[@israellewis5484]

I spy with my little eye, a Moto Z4.

[@atayal_1]

Saw a sneaky picture if you with the Xperia 1, will you be reviewing that??

[@jarjared3522]

Odd timing with this video coming out. The B&O H9 3rd Gen has been released on Amazon and I don't know if I should get the newest version or the H9i.

[@mlatief5865]

Ok I love these.

[@mich6425]

I'm just happy with my B&W P7 wireless.

[@darshanjain1294]

You got moto z4 thats awesome when review is coming. Did someone notice.

[@cpvm0]

I did.

[@Metamine0]

Christian V. Same here.

[@nbrowser]

Since I upgraded to a iPhone X I have been on the hunt for a replacement pair of cans to take over from my Sony MDR-1Rs...to this day...no wireless pair can compare...these however might be worth a listen...until then...it's my Belken Charge/headphone adapter...until I can go wireless.

[@VeNkATesHDXTS]

Funny how no reviewer mentions pxc 550 when mentioning the gesture based controls on the earcups

[@Shlooomth]

Sennheiser HD599 is still the best set of cans I've used in terms of sound

[@SKY11211213]

Bose has a battery under the head-band. To remove the cover this the spring you need to push the ear cup in so the hinge isnt covering the upper part. It seems like many people rebuy bose just because they dont know they could buy a new battery xD . I dont own any wireless audio... I currently use the Drop x Sennheiser Jubilee and it sounds so great after removing the foam inserts meant for extra bass! Neutral for my taste (nothing is raised for most people's ears and can sound cold when music is meant to be colder). Someday I will buy the Neumann headphones. Many say its is neutral, (audiophile) fun music w/o any changes to the music so there is no need to learn what frequencies are changed for monitoring work fields etc - you directly know how it will sound with most consumer audio devices. BUT it is 500€

[@_Dhruv-nj8dk]

I was watching this video with my headphones on. And at 2:38 I paused the video to check where was that sound coming from. Guess what it was the video . Lol. Is it just me?

[@shameelkhan209]

Yup only you.

[@reichenwald-gm4qd]

I'd love a review of the Beoplay E8 2.0

[@oliverhoekstra2072]

Van you review the bower and wilkings PX?

[@davidhrzenjak]

I really like these headphones, but where I live they cost $630

[@Thelifreak95]

I tested all three models you mentioned some time ago at the local store and while I do agree that the H9I sound the best by a far margin, it's still nowhere near worth the asking price. If anything, I was shocked how terrible the Sony and Bose sounded for the price. My 30$ Taotronics sound way better than those two. The B&O is better, but....for 10 times the price ? That's a lot of money for little improvement and ANC. I should probably mention that I would call myself more of an audiophile, I've got experience with more high-end KEF and B&W speakers and love my JBL LSR305 and DT880s to death. Still, cheap headphones have become pretty decent so I wouldn't say that you have to buy Sony or Bose, because those two really sound like early-era Beats headphones, wayyyyyy too much bass. Especially the XM3. Can't figure out why everyone loves these but hates beats. They've got almost identical sound signatures (I've owned beats, so I can speak from experience there ^^)