Compare Sony INZONE H9 II Wireless Gaming Headset vs Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE Headphones

Across reviews, ANC is consistently described as unusually strong for a gaming headset, effectively cutting low rumbles and much of the surrounding office or home noise. Several reviewers say it helps them miss voices and distractions even at moderate volume. Noise canceling can be toggled and adjusted via onboard controls and companion software. Tuning options exist, but some reviewers note mode feedback relies on chimes rather than clear voice prompts, which can be confusing.

ANC is generally rated as strong for the price and improved versus the original P100 in several comparisons, but most reviewers still stop short of calling it class-leading versus Sony or Bose. Reviewers note multiple ANC strength levels plus quick switching via button/app, making it easy to tailor noise reduction to the environment.

App support includes a PC-focused hub and a mobile companion, giving access to EQ, profiles, and certain feature toggles. Several reviewers mention that settings can overwrite between apps or feel barebones, but the core control options are there.

The Melomania app is typically described as clean and functional for firmware, battery, ANC and EQ; the SE adds DynamEQ, and most find it easy to navigate.

aptX support (including Adaptive/Lossless where source devices allow) is consistently mentioned as a key differentiator at this price.

Audio-video sync and latency performance are repeatedly praised when using the 2.4GHz dongle or wired connection, making it well-suited to competitive play. Bluetooth is positioned as secondary, with LE Audio helping but not replacing the dongle for lowest latency.

Low-latency or gaming mode is mentioned as helpful for video and gaming, reducing perceived lip-sync issues to a generally acceptable level.

Bass is generally punchy for explosions and gunfire, but impressions vary by default profile: some find it underwhelming, others say it can get muddy or overbearing in certain mixes. Most agree EQ can dial in a better balance.

Bass is commonly described as impactful and powerful, especially with DynamEQ, but a few reviewers find it can get boomy or overpowering on the stock SE tuning and can vary by track.

Battery life is commonly rated average for the price: about 30 hours quoted, but real-world results vary widely by ANC and usage, with heavy ANC sessions dropping into the teens and ANC-off testing stretching much longer. Many comparisons note rivals at similar prices last significantly longer or offer hot-swap batteries.

Across reviews, battery life is repeatedly described as class-leading and is often verified in real use: around 60 hours with ANC on and up to 100 hours with ANC off. The user-replaceable battery is repeatedly singled out as a big longevity and sustainability win, uncommon among mainstream ANC headphones.

Bluetooth connectivity is generally described as quick and reliable for phones and secondary devices. It is often used for music or chat while gaming through the dongle. Simultaneous dongle plus Bluetooth audio is a major highlight, enabling dual-source setups for game audio plus phone audio. Reviewers generally find it genuinely useful for modern gaming routines.

Bluetooth connectivity is generally stable in daily use, though a few reports mention pairing friction when switching between the original P100 and the SE model.

Build quality gets a generally positive but not luxury verdict: the headset is light and often described as well-made, yet its plastic construction can feel hollow or less premium than heavier competitors. Durability is usually considered adequate for normal use.

Build quality is repeatedly described as premium and sturdy for the price, with only occasional mentions of minor creaking.

Control usability is mostly praised thanks to distinct shapes, spacing, and tactile buttons, especially for mic mute and game-chat balance. Complaints center on a finicky volume wheel in some contexts and chime-based feedback that can be hard to interpret.

Physical button controls are consistently praised for being responsive and reliable, with clear mappings for playback, volume, ANC modes and assistant access.

Included cables are generally described as good quality and part of a well-considered accessory bundle.

Carrying case quality is typically described as a soft pouch or bag, sometimes with useful pockets, but not as protective as a hardshell case at this price. It is functional for light travel rather than rugged protection.

The hard travel case is frequently described as sturdy and premium, with helpful cable storage, but it can be larger than rivals because the headphones do not fold especially small.

Fast charging is a clear plus, with multiple reviews citing a short top-up yielding meaningful play time. Full charge times and use-while-charging behavior are reported inconsistently across sources, but quick top-ups are broadly praised.

Fast charging is consistently highlighted as useful, with claims of a brief charge (around 5 minutes) delivering multiple hours of playback depending on ANC use.

Clamping force is generally low, which improves comfort and reduces hotspots. The tradeoff is that a few reviewers experienced minor shifting during movement.

Clamping force is commonly described as well-judged or slightly reduced on the SE, though a few listeners still find the fit snug.

Codec support is functional rather than audiophile-focused: reviews mention standard Bluetooth codecs plus LE Audio support, but also note the absence of premium options like LDAC or aptX. This aligns with its gaming-first positioning.

Codec support is repeatedly cited as a strength, with broad compatibility including aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless alongside standard Bluetooth codecs.

Comfort during long use is one of the strongest consensus positives, with many calling it among the most comfortable premium headsets they have tested. The lightweight chassis and breathable materials are repeatedly credited for marathon sessions.

Comfort is generally good and improved with the SE headband updates for some users, but weight and a sometimes-stiff headband cushion can create pressure over long sessions.

Design is often described as understated and premium-looking for a gaming headset, especially with the mic removed, and available in multiple colorways. Some dislike the headband aesthetic or note finishes that show marks easily.

Design is usually described as clean and upscale with a new blue option, but at least one reviewer finds the headband look wide or goofy when worn.

Included wired options (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm) are viewed as convenient for travel and hi-res playback without relying on Bluetooth.

The detachable boom mic is a practical plus for portability and aesthetics, letting the headset look more like regular headphones when removed. Some reviewers still prefer a stowable design to avoid misplacing the mic.

The USB-C 2.4GHz dongle is consistently valued for low-latency, stable wireless on PC and supported consoles. Its PC/Other switch is frequently mentioned as convenient for moving between devices.

Earcup padding is widely praised for being plush, deep, and often breathable fabric, helping reduce heat build-up. The extra depth also helps keep ears from pressing into inner surfaces compared with some Sony over-ears.

Earpads are described as plush and spacious with a good seal; a recurring minor note is that they can get warm during long listening.

Earcup swivel range is a standout, with several reviewers noting full rotation and the ability to lay the cups flat in both directions. This helps with neck resting and storage in the included pouch.

Earcup rotation is frequently praised as flexible enough to lie flat and to fit a range of head shapes comfortably.

Equalizer customization is robust enough to meaningfully change the headset, typically via a 10-band EQ and saved profiles. Many reviews recommend using EQ to broaden the headset beyond its FPS-oriented default sound.

EQ control is repeatedly called effective and highly responsive, enabling meaningful tuning changes; a minor recurring gripe is limited granularity/labeling of EQ steps.

Frequency response accuracy is a recurring critique: several reviews describe a non-neutral, gaming-first curve with missing ear-gain style presence and other deviations. This is a major reason music listening is often rated only okay without EQ.

Tonal balance is often described as slightly warm rather than strictly neutral; DynamEQ and the SE retune can shift bass/treble balance, so accuracy depends on settings.

Game-chat balance controls are appreciated on compatible platforms for quick in-match tuning. However, there are reports of limited functionality or weaker integration on certain consoles, reducing its usefulness outside PC play.

Headband adjustability is generally innovative and secure, using a suspension-style system. Some reviewers love the quick locking adjustment, while others find fine-tuning while wearing the headset a bit fiddly.

Adjustability is reported as sufficient for a range of head sizes, but comfort outcomes depend more on headband cushioning and weight distribution than on range.

Hinge durability is typically considered solid for a lightweight design, with spring-like mechanisms and enough flex to handle normal handling. A few notes suggest the adjustment mechanism can be finicky rather than fragile.

Hinges and moving parts are generally viewed as robust, though a small number of users report slight creaks when moving around.

Included accessories are generally strong, commonly including the low-latency dongle, detachable mic, charging cable, and an analog cable. Several reviewers appreciate the long analog cable and the storage pouch layout.

Included accessories are routinely noted as generous for the price, especially the hard case plus multiple cables and documentation.

Instrument separation and imaging are frequently highlighted as strengths for positional awareness, helping footsteps and directional cues stand out. A few reviewers still say top competitive headsets can render footsteps even more distinctly.

Instrument separation and layering are highlighted as strong, contributing to a more hi-fi style presentation and easy-to-follow mixes.

Multiple reviewers explicitly note there is no LDAC support, which may matter to users invested in that ecosystem.

Maximum-volume clarity is generally viewed as solid, with reviewers noting low harshness and reduced fatigue even when playing loud, high-intensity FPS content. Some treble roughness can appear depending on preset, but it is not widely described as piercing.

At higher volumes, clarity is generally reported as holding up well with strong dynamics and little audible strain or distortion.

Microphone noise reduction is often praised for isolating voice and suppressing background noise, including fans and nearby activity. A few real-world tests in loud, crowded spaces suggest performance can vary and may not remove all ambient chatter.

Background noise reduction for calls is described as decent but behind top rivals, with some reviewers noting more noise leaks through in loud settings.

Microphone quality is widely viewed as good to excellent for in-game chat, Discord, and even work calls, with a noticeable jump over the original H9. A minority describe it as only serviceable in very noisy environments or slightly muffled compared with the very best mics.

Call quality is usually rated as good in quiet environments and acceptable overall, though not typically viewed as best-in-class.

Midrange presence can feel recessed or muted in default tuning, especially for music and lead instruments. Reviewers who used the custom EQ report it can restore clarity and presence.

Midrange is widely described as clear and well-rounded, keeping vocals present and intelligible even with elevated bass.

Multi-platform compatibility is strong for PC and PlayStation, with support also discussed for Nintendo Switch when docked and typical Bluetooth devices. The notable exception is Xbox compatibility.

Multi-device use across iOS, Android and computers is reported as smooth overall, helped by Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint and app support on both mobile platforms.

Multipoint is repeatedly called out as not supported, which is a downside for users who want seamless multi-device switching. The headset instead leans on dual-connection workflows with the dongle and Bluetooth.

Multipoint is widely reported to work, but switching behavior is sometimes manual (for example, pausing on one device before playing on another) and auto-switching is not always present.

Passive isolation is mixed: the pads and seal help, but the light clamp and airy fit mean it is not the most cocooning on its own. Many reviewers frame ANC as the key to strong isolation on this model.

Passive isolation is frequently praised thanks to the seal and pads, with some reviewers saying it blocks a lot even before ANC is enabled.

Portability is decent but not compact: the cups lay flat and rotate well, but the headset does not fold down like some travel headphones. It is easy enough to pack in a bag, just not optimized for small cases.

Portability is a mixed point: the headphones can travel fine in the included case, but limited foldability and case size make them less packable than some competitors.

Preset EQ profiles are frequently criticized as too FPS-centric and limited in variety, even if some presets help highlight footsteps. Several reviews wish for better presets for music, RPGs, or cinematic games.

Preset EQ profiles are seen as useful starting points, though some reviewers say differences can be subtle and custom EQ is where the headphones shine.

Replaceable earpads are confirmed and appreciated by multiple reviewers, including reports of easy pad removal and replacement. A few sources still wish the overall serviceability were more standard across the whole headset.

Replaceable earpads are called out as easy to swap, supporting long-term comfort and maintenance.

Wear detection/sensors are generally convenient and responsive, but a few users report occasional pause/resume glitches.

Sidetone control exists but is not perfectly tuned out of the box, with reports of a low default level and a robotic quality when pushed too high. Many users will want to adjust it to a comfortable middle setting.

Sidetone/voice passthrough during calls is mentioned as an area for improvement, with at least one reviewer wanting clearer amplification of their own voice.

Smudge resistance is a consistent nitpick on certain finishes, with multiple mentions of surfaces showing fingerprints or marks easily. Buyers who care about keeping gear pristine may need to wipe it down often.

Setup is often described as fast and straightforward, especially via the dongle. The software experience is more mixed, with some calling it basic, confusingly organized, or requiring extra steps for spatial personalization.

Setup and software are usually described as straightforward, but there are a few reports of pairing or sensor quirks that may require firmware updates or re-pairing.

Overall sound quality is praised for competitive play with clear cues and satisfying impact, but default tuning is often viewed as FPS-focused rather than all-purpose. For music and non-FPS games, several reviewers recommend EQ tweaks to avoid a dark or uneven presentation.

Sound quality is a standout theme: detailed, engaging, and competitive with more expensive headphones; however, several note the SE stock tuning can lean bass-forward and benefits from EQ to taste. Wired listening via USB-C (and via included USB-C to 3.5mm cable) is described as a strong option, often sounding excellent and sometimes driving higher volume than Bluetooth.

Soundstage width is generally regarded as good, creating convincing left-right placement in games. Some reviews note vertical positioning is less precise than horizontal placement.

Many reviews describe a wide, immersive stage, though a minority characterize the presentation as more intimate than the widest options in the category.

Spatial features include virtual surround and Sony 360-style personalization options, plus PS5 3D audio support in some setups. Benefits are mixed: some enjoy wider immersion, while others find the ear-photo personalization process cumbersome or not worth the effort.

Spatial audio is commonly noted as absent, but several reviewers say the natural soundstage is wide enough that many listeners may not miss it.

Fit stability impressions vary: some reviewers find it secure and stable thanks to the new headband and low weight, while others report the earcups can shift slightly because of the gentle clamp. Overall stability is good, just not vice-like.

Sustainability is a recurring positive: recyclable packaging, recycled materials, and end-user replaceable battery/earpads are emphasized.

The headset offers an ambient or awareness mode, but multiple reviews say it is not a true, voice-forward transparency mode. It can let in general room sound, yet holding real conversations is often easier by removing the headset.

Transparency mode is considered usable and sometimes very natural, but multiple reviewers say it is not as airy/clear as top competitors and can suffer from wind noise.

Treble is commonly described as safe and fatigue-resistant for long FPS sessions, but can sound crunchy, dull, or lacking sparkle depending on the preset. EQ adjustments tend to improve perceived detail for broader listening.

Treble performance is repeatedly praised for clarity and detail, with some noting extra sparkle/brilliance when DynamEQ is enabled.

USB-C is used for charging and the included low-latency dongle. Some reviewers call out limitations like the lack of USB audio in certain scenarios.

USB-C is the core port for charging and wired audio; reviews generally like the flexibility, though some note it means there is no traditional analog 3.5mm jack on the headphone itself.

Voice assistant integration is available via button shortcuts and is generally reported to work as expected.

Volume output is typically sufficient and can get loud, though a couple of reviewers describe it as slightly quieter than expected compared with older models. Overall, most report enough headroom for gaming and media.

Overall loudness is usually sufficient and can get very loud, but some reviewers still wish for a bit more headroom over Bluetooth compared to wired use.

At least one reviewer notes there is no water/sweat resistance rating, so these are not ideal for workouts or wet conditions.

Weight comfort is excellent, with multiple reviews emphasizing the very light feel around 260g and how little it disappears during play. This low weight is frequently framed as a major advantage over heavier rivals.

Weight is repeatedly cited around 330g, which is heavier than many peers and can impact comfort for those sensitive to top-of-head pressure.

Multiple reviews explicitly state the dongle does not work with Xbox consoles, limiting native Xbox compatibility. Wired fallback may exist, but the main low-latency wireless path is not Xbox-ready.