Sony Inzone H9 & Pulse Elite share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Sony Inzone H9 rather than the Pulse Elite.
Why Do I Recommend The Sony Inzone H9?
- The Sony Inzone H9 features advanced active noise cancellation for significantly reducing background sounds during gaming sessions, while the Pulse Elite relies only on passive isolation without true noise cancellation.
- Sony Inzone H9 has a dedicated ambient sound mode for letting in important environmental audio when needed, whereas the Pulse Elite lacks an ambient listening feature.
- It includes Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound for Gaming to create precise directional audio cues that enhance competitive awareness, while the Pulse Elite does not support an equivalent 360 spatial processing mode.
- The Sony Inzone H9 comes with a flip-up boom microphone that automatically mutes when raised for quick privacy during conversations, whereas the Pulse Elite uses a retractable microphone that requires manual muting.
- Sony Inzone H9 has a more extensive on-headset control set including dedicated ANC and ambient mode buttons to quickly switch audio environments, while the Pulse Elite offers simpler controls without ANC toggles.
- It provides customizable EQ profiles through the Inzone Hub PC software for detailed sound tuning across different games and media, whereas the Pulse Elite has more limited EQ control.
- The Sony Inzone H9 features thicker memory-foam ear cushions for improved long-term comfort during marathon gaming sessions, compared to the Pulse Elite’s slimmer ear padding.
- Sony Inzone H9 supports longer continuous playback up to about 32 hours for extended gaming without recharging, while the Pulse Elite runs for roughly 30 hours.
Maybe the Pulse Elite price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Sony Inzone H9. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Sony Inzone H9 | Pulse Elite |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes | No |
| Spatial Audio Support (“360 Spatial Sound for Gaming”) | Yes | No |
| Microphone Type | Flip-up boom mic | Retractable boom mic |
| Battery Life (continuous) | ~32 hr | ~30 hr |
| Quick-Charge Benefit | 10 min ≈ 60 min playback | 10 min ≈ 120 min playback |
| Ambient Sound Mode / Button | Yes | No equivalent |
| Driver Type | Dynamic drivers | Planar magnetic drivers |
| Wired Audio Support | None | Wired connection via 3.5mm |
| Control Layout / Number of Controls | More controls | Fewer controls |
| Sound Leakage (how much sound escapes) | Lower leakage | Higher leakage |
| Weight / Build Dimensions | Slightly lighter and smaller earcups | Slightly heavier / larger |
| Color Options | Black & White | White |
| Noise Isolation (passive + ANC) | Much stronger full-range isolation | Passive isolation only |
| App Support / Compatibility | Full app support | More limited or PS-focused controls |
| Mic Recording Quality (voice + background) | Good but less suppression without ANC | Better noise suppression in voice recordings |
| Price | Check Sony Inzone H9 Price | Check Pulse Elite Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Wireless Connectivity: Both headsets provide fully wireless operation, letting players move freely without being tethered to their console or PC.
- Bluetooth Support: Each model includes Bluetooth, allowing easy pairing with mobile devices or other Bluetooth-enabled hardware for versatile use.
- 2.4 GHz Low-Latency Wireless: Both use a dedicated 2.4 GHz link for gaming to ensure minimal audio delay, which is critical for competitive play.
- PlayStation 5 Compatibility: Each headset integrates seamlessly with PS5, enabling features like system-level EQ profiles and quick settings access.
- PC Compatibility: Both work well with Windows PCs, giving users flexibility to switch between console and computer gaming.
- Rechargeable Battery: Each has an internal rechargeable battery, eliminating the need for disposable batteries and supporting extended gaming sessions.
- USB-C Charging Port: Both charge via USB-C, a modern standard that supports fast and convenient charging with widely available cables.
- Detachable/Adjustable Boom Mic: Both include an adjustable boom microphone for clear voice chat and easy positioning to improve speech pickup.
- On-Headset Volume Controls: Each headset provides physical volume buttons so users can adjust sound quickly without navigating software menus.
- Built-in Mute Button: Both include a dedicated mute function, allowing instant privacy during voice chat.
- Closed-Back Over-Ear Design: Both enclose the ears completely, helping to isolate game audio and provide a more immersive listening environment.
- Memory-Foam Ear Cushions: Each model uses soft memory-foam padding for comfort during long gaming sessions.
- Adjustable Headband: Both have an adjustable headband so users can achieve a secure, personalized fit.
- Support for 3D/Spatial Audio on PS5: Each headset can take advantage of the PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, giving a more immersive, directional soundscape.
- Companion App for Custom EQ: Both headsets can be fine-tuned using Sony’s software, letting players adjust EQ settings to their preferred sound signature.
- Game/Chat Audio Balance Control: Both offer a mix control to balance game sounds with chat audio, ensuring clear communication without sacrificing in-game cues.
- Long Battery Life (≈30+ Hours): Each headset provides over 30 hours of playback on a single charge, supporting extended gaming without frequent recharging.
Common Features
| Feature | Sony Inzone H9 | Pulse Elite |
| Wireless Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Support | Yes | Yes |
| 2.4 GHz Low-Latency Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| PlayStation 5 Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| PC Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Rechargeable Battery | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
| Detachable/Adjustable Boom Mic | Yes | Yes |
| On-Headset Volume Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Mute Button | Yes | Yes |
| Closed-Back Over-Ear Design | Yes | Yes |
| Memory-Foam Ear Cushions | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Headband | Yes | Yes |
| Support for 3D/Spatial Audio on PS5 | Yes | Yes |
| Companion App for Custom EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Game/Chat Audio Balance Control | Yes | Yes |
| Long Battery Life (≈30+ Hours) | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Sony Inzone H9 Price | Check Pulse Elite Price |
FAQ
What type of headset are the Sony Inzone H9 and Pulse Elite? Do both headsets work with PlayStation 5 and PC? Which headset has active noise cancellation? Can these headsets connect through Bluetooth as well as a low-latency wireless dongle? What is the battery life for each model? Do they support fast charging? Is there a companion app for sound customization? Do both headsets include a boom microphone for chat? Are these headsets comfortable for long gaming sessions? Do they support 3D or spatial audio? Can you control game and chat audio balance directly from the headsets? Are they lightweight and portable? Do they provide on-ear controls for volume and mic mute? What type of drivers power their sound? Which headset is more affordable? |