Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9iFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 23 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment60%
PROS 60%
CONS 40%

Rank based on 23 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You value premium aluminum-and-leather build with a replaceable battery for longevity
  • You prioritize an elegant, open sound signature over aggressive ANC
  • You can find it discounted, as several buyers felt it was a great deal below retail

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need LDAC or aptX HD for high-res wireless listening
  • You want class-leading ANC or a full-featured companion app
  • You expect wired-quality sound over Bluetooth without compromise

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Transparency ModeNoise CancellationSound QualityiOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-inDurability/Crackling ConcernsHigh Price
Transparency Mode
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality
iOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-in
Durability/Crackling Concerns
High Price
2Mid
Signature haptic bass slider
Signature haptic bass slider
3Premium
Exceptional comfortStrong for gaming and imagingImprovement over HD 650/6XXIrritating L/R lettering inside padsBuild/pad quality issues reportedHigh price relative to alternatives
Exceptional comfort
Strong for gaming and imaging
Improvement over HD 650/6XX
Irritating L/R lettering inside pads
Build/pad quality issues reported
High price relative to alternatives
4Mid
Exceptional durabilityBalanced, quality soundFully repairable/modularCable-to-driver cutout issuesStrong clamping forceUnconventional cable entry side
Exceptional durability
Balanced, quality sound
Fully repairable/modular
Cable-to-driver cutout issues
Strong clamping force
Unconventional cable entry side
5Mid
Exceptional comfort
Exceptional comfort
Best value
6Premium
Smooth, detailed treble and clarityStrong perceived value and end-game satisfactionTight, deep bassHigh price pointSibilant or fatiguing treble for sensitive earsTight fit for larger ears
Smooth, detailed treble and clarity
Strong perceived value and end-game satisfaction
Tight, deep bass
High price point
Sibilant or fatiguing treble for sensitive ears
Tight fit for larger ears
7Premium
Excellent Call and Mic QualityAll-Day ComfortIndustry-Leading Noise CancellationHigh Price PointInconsistent Call Clarity in Certain EnvironmentsBluetooth Pairing Problems
Excellent Call and Mic Quality
All-Day Comfort
Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation
High Price Point
Inconsistent Call Clarity in Certain Environments
Bluetooth Pairing Problems
8Premium
Neutral, accurate soundExceptional comfortGreat detail and resolutionPerceived as 'boring' by some listenersElevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutralSound highly dependent on seal and source
Neutral, accurate sound
Exceptional comfort
Great detail and resolution
Perceived as 'boring' by some listeners
Elevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutral
Sound highly dependent on seal and source
9Budget
Exceptional value for moneyOutstanding comfortDetailed, neutral sound signatureLight or rolled-off bassCheap-feeling build qualityPerceived treble grain/sibilance
Exceptional value for money
Outstanding comfort
Detailed, neutral sound signature
Light or rolled-off bass
Cheap-feeling build quality
Perceived treble grain/sibilance
10Budget
Excellent Sound Quality for PriceComfortable for Extended UseNo Charging RequiredLimited Noise IsolationBuild Quality ConcernsNot Secure for Active Use
Excellent Sound Quality for Price
Comfortable for Extended Use
No Charging Required
Limited Noise Isolation
Build Quality Concerns
Not Secure for Active Use
You are here
31Premium
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i
Refined sound signaturePremium build qualityReplaceable batteryMissing high-res codecsANC weaker than rivalsBluetooth sound falls short of wired
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i
Refined sound signature
Premium build quality
Replaceable battery
Missing high-res codecs
ANC weaker than rivals
Bluetooth sound falls short of wired

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality is elegant but inconsistent depending on source and codec. Many users say firmware updates improved the H9i's sound, calling it refined, open, and among the best wireless ANC headphones they've heard, especially compared to Beyerdynamic DT770 and older Sony models. However, others still report sibilance and distortion on vocal-heavy or classical tracks. Bluetooth playback is also criticized as notably worse than wired, with insufficient volume, and AAC performance in open air amplifies wind noise.

Build quality and repairability stand out as a major strength. Commenters repeatedly praise the aluminum and leather construction, comparing it favorably to cheaper plastic competitors like the Bose QC35. The replaceable battery is seen as a key long-term value feature, letting the headphones outlast sealed-battery alternatives like Beats. Some note B&O's reputation for durable electronics lasting a decade, though one user had trouble opening their battery compartment.

Feature gaps and ANC limitations disappoint some buyers. Several users are frustrated by the lack of LDAC or aptX HD codec support, especially since older B&O models reportedly had it. ANC is described as minimal compared to Sony and Bose, and the app offers no way to customize noise cancellation levels. A few also felt ear cushion comfort declined versus the H7/H8, and the absence of an included hard case at this price bothered at least one buyer.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?