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Sony Just Gave Its New Headphones a Flagship-Worthy Upgrade

The new cans are more similar to its elite flagship noise-canceling headphones than ever before.

Close-up of white and black over-ear headphones showing the ear cups and part of the headband.Sony
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By Tucker Bowe

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Sony is getting more serious about gaming. Way more serious.

This week, Sony announced a bunch of “firsts” of gaming peripherals, including its first gaming mouse (Inzone Mouse-A), its first gaming keyboard (Inzone KBD-H75), and its first gaming-focused in-ear monitors (Inzone E9).

Arguably more exciting, however, is that Sony has also introduced a second-generation version of its 2022-released Inzone H9, which has been one of the best gaming headsets on the market.

The new model, Inzone H9 II, has been upgraded in basically every way. But the coolest thing about it? It’s more similar to Sony’s elite noise-canceling headphones, the WH-1000XM6, than ever before.

Sony Inzone H9 II

Over-ear gaming headset with white ear cups, black cushioned ear pads, a black adjustable headband, and a black attached microphone boom on the left side.
The Sony Inzone H9 II is the second-gen version of the brand’s 2022-released Inzone H9 headset.
Sony

Trickle-down drivers

The headline feature of the new Sony Inzone H9 II gaming headset is that, for the first time, Sony has upgraded it with the same 30mm dynamic drivers as in its flagship Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, which are definitely one of the best (and best-sounding) active noise-canceling headphones on the market.

The Inzone H9 II supports modes for active noise-cancellation and transparency, as well, but don’t expect those to be quite on the same level as the WH-1000XM6.

Close-up of the black headband and earcup of a Sony INZONE gaming headset, featuring a textured fabric strap, a small "SONY" branded clip, and a round textured button on the earcup.
The Sony Inzone H9 II features the same dynamic drivers as in the Sony WH-1000XM6.
Sony

Real world, camouflaged

The other neat thing about the Sony Inzone H9 II is that they’re way easier to disguise as normal wireless Bluetooth headphones. Unlike the old Inzone H9, the Inzone H9 II’s boom microphone is detachable. So you can pop it off fear comfortable wearing the outset out in the wild.

(Note: the Inzone H9 II otherwise lacks built-in microphones, so if you detach the microphone, you won’t be able to answer calls.)

Additionally, Sony redesigned the headband and earcups to be smaller, slimmer and lighter. Not only does this make the Inzone H9 II look more like a normal wireless headphone, but it also promises to make them more comfortable.

Close-up of the right side of a black Sony INZONE gaming headset, showing the padded headband with the INZONE logo and the cushioned ear cup marked with a red "R" for the right side. The headband features a textured fabric strap and a smooth leather-like padding underneath.
The Sony Inzone H9 II has a redesigned headband and smaller earcups.
Sony

Developed by the pros

Of course, the Sony Inzone H9 II is designed to be a top-tier wireless gaming headset, and therefore, it has a multitude of premium features that today’s gamers have come to expect. Most notably, Sony partnered with Fnatic, a leading esports brand, to help develop and tune the headset so it worked just right.

The headset supports 360 Spatial Sound and features a new FPS mode that promises to deliver more accurate directional audio. Sony has also improved the microphone, upgrading it with new AI-powered noise-filtering technology to ensure your voice sounds clear.

Naturally, the Sony Inzone H9 II is primed for use with a PC or PlayStation console, but it comes with multiple connection options — including a traditional 3.5mm cable — so you could technically use it with any console, including Switch or Xbox.

Compact mechanical keyboard with purple backlighting, black wireless mouse on a mouse pad, over-ear gaming headset with a microphone, and wired in-ear monitors, all arranged neatly on a dark surface with purple lighting.
The Sony Inzone H9 II is the headliner in Sony’s new suite of gaming peripherals.
Sony

Price and availability

As you probably guessed, the Sony Inzone H9 II isn’t a cheap headset. It costs $350 — which is actually a $100 less than Sony’s WH-1000XM6.

The Sony Inzone H9 II comes in two finishes, white and black, and is now available for preorder. Shipping is expected to start in the coming weeks.

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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