I was sent a free pair of Fifine’s H9 Gaming Headset to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!
Unboxing
What’s in the Box?
I was a little disappointed that the headset didn’t come with packaging to keep it from moving, but these sturdy durable things don’t really need it. The H9’s are 3.5 mm, but it comes with an audio box that converts it to USB. I used it as a USB headset and I appreciate the extra long chord and clip. The Mic is detachable which means it travels great.
Build Quality
I was disappointed when I first opened the box because the headset looked cheap. It doesn’t help that the box had no protective packaging to keep it in place. I wasn’t expecting a high-end titanium headset, but the H9s look like a kid’s toy.
My opinion changed when I picked up the headset. The headset is surprisingly durable. It isn’t a buy-it-for-life type deal, but they are going to last you longer than other headsets at a similar price point. They won’t survive a pitch to the wall after an intense rage quit, but I’ve already dropped them enough times to be confident in my statement.
The included USB audio box feels cheap. The audio box controls audio and mic volume, mutes/unmutes the mic, and has a handy clip. The volume buttons sink into the device when pressed and feel flimsy. The mic mute switch feels stiff. I found it more convenient to use my keyboard audio controls so it’s not a huge deal, but the mute switch is a fantastic feature. The clip is easily the audio box’s sturdiest part and a good way to tame the excess wire slack. The H9 Gaming Headset truly is a solid headset for the price point.
Mic Quality
The mic is removable, which is nice for travel or when you don’t need it. I was very happy with the length, and its flexibility means it always be at the ideal position. The sound quality of this mic out of the box is phenomenal. I was amazed by how good I sounded without the need for any processing. I’ve used cheap headphones that made me sound distant or garbled, but that isn’t an issue with the H9s. Processing the sound through OBS or a third-party app like Voice Meeter will make these sounds even better.
You aren’t getting a professional-sounding mic, but you are getting a very clear and intelligible sound which is all you really need when it comes to headsets.
Mic Sound Check Out of the Box
Mic Sound Check With Processing
Sound Quality
I am not an audiophile, and can’t tell you how these compare to a top-of-the-line experience. I honestly couldn’t even tell you the difference. For every day, daily beaters, you can’t get a better sound stage. Everything sounds crisp, clear, and fine. Some cheap gaming headsets overcompensate with bass and you get a strange mechanical sound, but the H9’s sound warm with a solid range. I do wish there was a bit more bass, but I’ll live.
The H9 Gaming Headset has some solid noise cancellation, even at low volumes. They aren’t perfect. You’ll hear some of the louder noises poke through, but the amount of soundproofing you get is impressive. There is some noise bleed, but I wouldn’t say it is distracting.
The headset has a 7.1 mode that you can toggle from the USB audio box, but I felt like it was more marketing than functional. It doesn’t sound bad, especially compared to some other devices I’ve tried, but you aren’t getting true 7.1. It sounded artificial, and while it wasn’t bad, I preferred using the normal mode. I can see it being helpful in an FPS, but I don’t think it’s good enough to give you any type of competitive edge. It’s a nice feature, but not the reason to pick up this headset.
Impressions
I’ve only been using the H9 Gaming Headset for two weeks now, but they’ve become my daily drivers. I have a nice pair of open-back headphones and a decent desk mic, but I am not ready to go back. I love the convenience the headset provides, and it is good enough for what I need.
The sound does feel a little flat for my taste, but otherwise, it is great for the price point. What I love most is how good the mic sounds. It’s not professional, but people on the other end can understand me.
If you’re looking for a budget headset that is decent quality, pick up a pair of the Fifine H9 Gaming Headset is a fantastic option. This is a very comfy headset that does its job, doesn’t break the bank, and should last you long enough to be worth the money.
The Fifine H9 Gaming Headset is available in Black, Pink, and White for $39.99 on Amazon through my affiliate link.
