Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 noise-canceling headphone: A stunning refinement to a flagship

Refinements in comfort, battery life, and Google Assistant integration coupled with solid active noise cancellation make these among the top choices for headphones at the $500.

- THEO NICOLAKIS

High-end Danish audio maker, Bang and Olufsen is known for its striking designs and high-fidelity audio reproduction, and both characteristics are in abundance in the company’s latest flagship wireless headphone, the Beoplay H9.

Featuring excellent active noise cancellation, B&O’s signature sound, premium materials, and craftsmanship, excellent battery life, and Google Assistant built in, the $500 Beoplay H9 gets my strong recommendation.

REFINEMENTS OVER ITS PREDECESSOR

The Beoplay H9 is a refinement over its predecessor, the Beoplay H9i. I reviewed in February 2019 (go.macworld.com/b09i). Indeed, put the two side-by-side or hold them in your hands and you’ll be hard-pressed to tell the difference.

The H9 sports the same cowhide leather headband and cloth underside with four padded quadrants. The perfectly machined, brushed-aluminum headband arms remain a thing of beauty. They slide effortlessly from the headband and stay in place for infinite adjustment points. The soft and plush leather-wrapped ear cups themselves rotate smoothly on aluminum arms like a precision piece of equipment.

The Beoplay H9, however, is more comfortable to wear for extended listening sessions; it’s much more energy-efficient, so its battery lasts longer; and B&O has put Google Assistant at your beck and call.

UPGRADED COMFORT