In today’s article, I’ll be comparing the Sony InZone H9 and H7 wireless headphones and discussing whether they’re worth purchasing specifically for the PS5 or if they’re better suited for PC use. Throughout this article, I’ll cover topics such as price, design and comfort, features, sound quality, PC software, and my personal likes and dislikes about these headphones.
Sony InZone H9
Sony InZone H9 features active noise cancellation, which is carried over from Sony’s lifestyle 1000X headphones. Although they haven’t specified the exact iteration of noise cancellation, it’s likely not the latest to avoid competing with their lifestyle products. It offers simultaneous wireless connectivity with both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connection. This means you can connect it to your phone for music while simultaneously listening to the audio from the dongle. It can be awesome, but also a bit confusing if you’re not used to it. Comfort-wise, this headset is excellent. It’s one of the easiest wireless headsets to wear, with just the right amount of clamping force. The padding on the headband and ear cups is perfect for all types of users. The headset appears bulkier in person than it does in product photography and the microphone is unfortunately not removable, which is a downside for a wireless headset that supports both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity.
Sony InZone H7
The Sony InZone H7 wireless gaming headset is a high-end headset designed for gamers who prioritize top-notch audio and microphone quality. It is compatible with both PC and PS5, offering an impressive 7.1 virtual surround sound system for an immersive gaming experience. Whether you’re live streaming or gaming, the Sony InZone H7 delivers exceptional sound. The Sony InZone H7 wireless headphones are a sleek and comfortable option for gamers, particularly those using a PlayStation console. They offer excellent battery life, convenient controls, and a stylish design. While they may not be as feature-rich for PC users, they still provide a solid audio experience.
 |  |
|---|---|
| Sony InZone H9 | Sony InZone H7 |
| PROS | PROS |
| Excellent comfort with just the right amount of clamping force. Design is clean and simple. Good sound quality, suitable for gaming and music. Compatible with both PC and PS5. | Sleek design that complements the PS5. Lightweight and comfortable. Good Sound quality with powerful bass. Compatible with both PC and PS5. |
| CONS | CONS |
| Headset appears bulkier in person. The built-in microphone is not removable. Relatively expensive compared to other premium gaming headsets. | Headphones don’t provide airflow for cooling. Less feature-rich for PC users. |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Price
Sony InZone H9
As Sony InZone H9 is an upgraded version of InZone 7, Sony released it with the price of tag $299, but you can find this headphone with the price tag of $259 to $279 in the offer price. So we can say in terms of price InZone H9 price is higher compared to other premium gaming headsets. There are other gaming headsets available from brands like Corsair, SteelSeries, and Razer that offer similar or better features at a lower price.
Sony InZone H7
The Sony InZone H7 was released with a price tag of $230 but can often be found for around $180. This makes them a more affordable option compared to the SteelSeries Arctis 7, Turtle Beach 700, and other similar headsets. After extensive use, I can confidently say that they are worth considering if you’re in the market for a high-quality gaming headset.
Design and Comfort
Sony InZone H9
The design of the Sony InZone H9 is similar to the Pulse 3D headset, with a white plastic outer shell and a matte black headband. The overall design is clean and simple, fitting in well with the PS5 accessories. The ear cups have an oval shape, providing more flexibility and comfort compared to the round shape of the Pulse 3D headset. The soft fit leather on the ear cups, similar to the WH-1000XM4 headphones, offers a comfortable feel but is prone to scratches, tears, and smudges.
The build quality is good, although it primarily uses plastic, which keeps the weight lower compared to headsets with metal components. The headset is quite chunky and not suitable for wearing outside of the house. The ear cups are large, and the headband cushion is centered in the middle, which gives the headset a slightly cheap feel.
Sony InZone H7
The Sony InZone H7 has a stunning design that complements the PS5. The headphones feature stylish domes and grates, and the material used matches the white casing of the PlayStation 5 perfectly. The top grille design not only adds to the aesthetics but also enhances bass reproduction, according to Sony’s specifications. However, one minor downside is that the headphones don’t provide airflow to keep your ears cool during long gaming sessions.
The included USB-A dongle is quite large and sticks out from the front of the PS5, which can be unsightly and potentially prone to damage. The headphones themselves are lightweight, weighing around 11.5 ounces, and they offer exceptional comfort. The memory foam padding inside the ear cups provides a snug fit for most head sizes, and the headphones have a swivel mechanism that adds a unique touch to their design. The extended reach arm ensures a good fit, even for larger heads.
Comfort-wise, the H7s excel. The clamping force is well-balanced, and the headphones provide excellent passive noise cancellation, making them comparable to active noise cancellation (ANC) headsets. They are comfortable even during long gaming sessions, and the padding prevents your ears from getting too hot. The inner cups are spacious enough to accommodate most ears comfortably, without any rubbing or discomfort.
Features
Sony InZone H9
The right side of the ear cup houses buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, and game chat volume adjustment. The left side features a USB-C port, an ambient noise button, and a volume control wheel. The headset uses a USB dongle for wireless connectivity to a PC or PS5. It also has a built-in microphone, which can be flipped up to mute. However, a dedicated mute button would have been preferable. The InZone H9 comes with active noise cancellation, a feature absent in the Pulse 3D headset. The noise cancellation performance is comparable to the Razer Opus and even matches the AirPods Pro. The headset offers decent connectivity options, allowing simultaneous connections via 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth. This feature proves convenient for gaming while being on a Discord call or listening to music from a phone.
Sony InZone H7
Sony InZone H7 offers seamless Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair them with your phone and receive notifications without any noticeable lag. When connected to a PS5, the volume and chat mix levels are displayed on the screen, providing convenient visual cues. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 40 hours on a full charge, and you can get an hour of playtime from just a 10-minute charge. The left ear cup houses the microphone, which mutes when pushed up and unmutes when pulled down. The volume wheel on the back of the ear cup is well-designed and offers satisfying increments. The game and chat mix controls are positioned at the back, and the placement of these buttons may require some adjustment. Additionally, the H7s feature 40mm drivers with a frequency response range of 5 Hz to 20 Hz and utilize Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity.
Microphone
Sony InZone H9
The built-in microphone of the H9 is not impressive. It feels cheap and doesn’t deliver clear audio. It picks up background noise easily while producing quiet output and It captures your voice clearly but lacks depth and fullness. The InZone H9 has a companion app called InZone Hub, which allows adjustment of noise cancellation, ambient sound, and equalizer settings. However, the EQ adjustments only work with PC and not on the PS5 or Bluetooth devices.
Sony InZone H7
I have to warn you that when using the H7s, not only will you look like a pilot, but you’ll also sound like one. The microphone isn’t exceptional, but it’s not the worst either. Your friends might joke about needing permission to land when you speak to them. But please let me know your thoughts on the microphone quality. In terms of microphone quality, the H7s have a decent mic, but it’s not exceptional. While it gets the job done, the sound could be improved for clearer communication. The Sony InZone H7 is flip-up-to-mute and flip-down-to-activate.
Sound Quality
Sony InZone H9
Audio quality is a strong point of the InZone H9, with a focus on low-end and bass emphasis. The 40mm drivers in each ear cup deliver excellent stereo imaging, texture, and resolution. The headset is well-tuned for gaming and listening to music. It also includes active noise cancellation, which performs well in relatively quiet environments. However, in louder environments, such as near a busy highway, some noise may still be heard.
Sony InZone H7
When it comes to sound quality, the Sony H7 doesn’t disappoint. The 7.1 virtual surround sound systems delivers an immersive gaming experience, allowing you to hear every detail with clarity. Footsteps, gunfire, and explosions are rendered with precision. The bass is powerful and deep, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Let’s say the Novas with a tweaked EQ, but the sound separation between the highs, mids, and lows is good enough to provide an enjoyable listening experience. Since you can’t adjust the EQ, the sound you hear out of the box is how it’s intended. I must admit that the open soundstage and precise sound placement impressed me.
Conclusion:
Overall, the Sony InZone H9 is a decent gaming headset that is not tied to the PlayStation brand. Its 3D audio and noise cancellation features work well, and the battery life and multi-device connectivity are commendable. However, it falls short in terms of music performance, microphone quality, and price compared to other premium gaming headsets on the market. On the other hand, the Sony InZone H7 wireless headphones are a sleek and comfortable option for gamers, particularly those using a PlayStation console. They offer excellent battery life, convenient controls, and a stylish design. While they may not be as feature-rich for PC users, they still provide a solid audio experience.
Sony InZone H9 and H7 have their strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two headphones depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you prioritize noise cancellation and multi-device connectivity, the H9 might be a suitable choice. However, if you value immersive sound quality, comfort, and compatibility with PlayStation consoles, the H7 could be the better option. Consider your preferences and requirements to make an informed decision.
If you are a user of Sony InZone H9 or H7, Don’t forget to share your experience in the comment section.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.