Customer Reviews

BlueAnt Z9i Bluetooth Headset (Red) [Retail Packaging]

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I ordered this headset to replace a Jabra JX10 which did not survive a trip through the washing machine. I place a premium on lightness and comfort and have been thoroughly spoiled by the insignificant weight of the Jabra. I'm happy to report that the Z9i is even better. To sum up quickly, range is excellent. I can go out to 20+ feet before the signal begins to degrade. The ear loop is comfortable and the very light weight (roughly 1/3 ounce) means that the headset can be worn for hours without distress. Volume is ample, though not as loud as the Jabra, and noise reduction is such that I can speak intelligibly at expressway speeds with all my car windows open. I do not detect much difference in the normal and maximum noise reduction settings, though. I can't really speak to battery life because my headset lives on the charger at night.

For comparison's sake, I borrowed a friend's Aliph Jawbone II for a few days while he used my Z9i. We agreed at the conclusion that there was no significant difference in the performance of the two. The Jawbone is a very fine instrument, too, though it is significantly more expensive and takes a little care to be certain that the movement sensor touches the cheek.

The price is reasonable and I cannot imagine anyone being unhappy with the BlueAnt Z9i.

I recently got a new job that has enough of a commute that I wanted a decent headset. I've had a bunch of cheaper headsets (<$30), but I finally decided I wanted a nice one. So I ordered one of these and a Jawbone II, intending to return one of them. I have read many reviews stating that the Z9i and the JBII are the two best headsets. Well, the Z9i falls far short of the JBII and it's being returned.

The Z9i looks nice and I find it quite comfortable. The fit is good, but of course that's subjective. When it's on, I can barely tell it's there and it's nice and stable. The generic micro-USB for charging is nice, and the firmware update ability (check yours, mine came with 1.0, 1.1 is out) is a good idea.

The effective range is about 3 feet with both my iPhone and iPhone 3G. Any more than that, and the sound starts to break up. That's pretty bad. Most other headsets I've had can go at least 8-12 feet before they start to have problems. The "noise isolation" levels are a gimmick. On the 'normal', default mode, it sounds like every other cheap bluetooth headset I've ever owned. It's fine when I'm in a quiet place, but just like every other one in a noisy environment (car, job-site, noisy stadium, etc). Lots of ambient noise picked up. On the 'max' mode, it does do a much better job at filtering out background noise - almost completely eliminating it. But it also does a good job at filtering the human voice too. It makes your voice sound much more digital and strange to the other person. It just ends up sounding like you're on a cheap headset again, or you're somewhere with poor cellular coverage. This is with the V1.1 firmware. I've had many problems with it just ceasing to respond to button presses as well. Just disappointing for the money.

The bottom line is that I have both the JawboneII and Z9i V1.1. When I'm using the Z9i, people often say, "are you on a headset?" or "what? I didn't catch that". In the exact same noisy environment, with the exact same phone, with the JBII people don't believe me that I'm still in that environment, let alone using a headset. If the Z9i were half as much money, it'd be a good deal. But for just a bit less than the simply incredible Jawbone, it's not worth it.

This is a great little headset. I was originally looking at the new smaller Jawbone and then started to read various reviews on the Jawbone which were mixed. In one of the reviews the BlueAnt Z9i was mentioned as a better and less expensive alternative. After reading the reviews what really convinced me was the fact that you can pair this little gem to 2 different cell phones and answer either phone (WOW). Since I have 2 phones I was convinced to try it. I love it. It is lightweight, allows me to answer either phone, it is simple to use and the call quality from my end is very good and I am told that the call quality on the other end is also good. There is also a feature that is supposed to block out background noise which I haven't really tested so I cannot comment on that feature. All in all, this headset is a quality piece, it is small/compact, easy to use and with good call quality. The only thing missing is a case. Since it is small I would suggest investing in a case for it (although on the back of the headset integrated into the piece is a 'clip' allowing you to clip it to clothing or whatever when not in use). For my purpose I thought a case would be better and more protective. I bought the following case through Amazon which works out quite well. I think it came in black also but I bought the red.
"Red Ultra Slim Hard Shell Bluetooth Carrying Case for BlueAnt Z9 Z9i X3 V1 V12" Wireless Phone Accessory; $9.99 Sold by: PC Micro Store

The Z9i Bluetooth Headset with dual mic and voice isolation was referred to me by a fellow iPhone owner. He had a black Z9i, but I purchased the red color. I strongly recommend this brand/model based on the following:
1) It pairs easily with the iPhone (my personal cell) and, even better, has excellent sound quality (no easy task with the iPhone).
2) It pairs even easier with the Blackberry (my new work cell).
3) It remains active with two phones at the same time. If I want to make a call from my iPhone, I just dial and it recognizes the headset -- same with the Blackberry. If a phone comes in on either phone, I click the MFB (multi-function button) and it answers correctly.

I have been through five other bluetooth sets for my iPhone (including the expensive iPhone apple-brand headset) without getting a satisfactory and consistent connection. The Z9i Blueant solved two problems at the same time -- having a very workable solution for my iPhone AND only having to have one headset that works with both phones. By the way, I LOVE my iPhone and would rather use the headset cords than give it up, but I have continued my quest to find a bluetooth headset for the safety and convenience of a wireless headset. I tolerate the Blackberry (which I'm sure will infuriate many Blackberry fanatics), but it is in no way comparable to an iPhone!

Blueant and other manufacturers have headsets that they state will pair with multiple (up to five) phones at the same time. This is the only one that actually keeps two phones active.

I previously reviewed the black Z9i. There's no technical difference between that one and the red one, but long story short: I needed to exchange that one and Amazon was out of stock, so now I have the red one.

Background:
I've owned several Bluetooth headsets at this point. Plantronics Discovery 665, an original Jawbone, a Jawbone 2 Plus (basically JB2 hardware with JB Prime software on it), and now this one. I was comparing the Z9i with the JB2+, and in the end the JB has gone back and I'm keeping the Z9i.

What I love:

Multi-point.
I didn't think I'd really use this feature since I only use one phone, but now that I have it I really like it. I have my Z9i paired with my work PC and my PowerBook at home, and it's really convenient to be able to use it with all 3 without having to un-pair and re-pair, since it can be paired with 5 devices and connected to two of them simultaneously.

Real volume buttons.
This is one edge it has over the Jawbone. I prefer to be able to bump the volume up or down rather than having to cycle through presets.

Mute.
Another advantage over the Jawbone. I previously had a Plantronics Discovery 665 that could be muted, and I really missed that feature when I later switched to a Jawbone. I'm really happy to have it back.

Voice prompts.
Many Bluetooth devices use different kinds of beeps to inform you of different events. The Z9i does, too, but it also uses voice prompts in at least one case. When switching between "standard" and "max" voice isolation modes, you hear a voice (with an Australian accent, no less) saying "Voice isolation standard" or "Voice isolation max". This is helpful.

Sound clarity.
To be honest I've never really used a Bluetooth headset with clarity issues, probably because I never go for the cheap ones. Still, the Z9i deserves recognition for its clarity. It sounds great on my end, and I'm told I sound really good at the other end, too, even with a little background noise going on.

It's purty.
I'm not big on fashion (I'm a t-shirt and jeans guy through-and-through), but the Z9i is a good-looking piece of technology, which I can appreciate.

What I don't love:

Nearly inaudible prompts.
The Z9i plays a series of tones when you turn it on or off, and I think those and the ringing sound when a call is coming in could all stand an increase in volume. They're too quiet, and it seems it'd be easy to miss them. Not such a problem with the startup/shutdown tones, but very important when the phone is ringing.

Which mode am I in?
I mentioned earlier the voice prompt you get when you switch between voice isolation modes. While that's nice, there's unfortunately no way to tell which mode you're already in if you happen to forget. The only way to find out is to switch it to the other mode and listen to the prompt. To be honest, I question the usefulness of having two modes to begin with. I'd personally prefer it if the thing were in max mode all the time, but BlueAnt didn't see it that way.

Weak signal.
I'm probably spoiled by the Jawbone, which seems it can remain connected to your phone even if you encase the thing in concrete and drop it in a river. The Z9i is like most other headsets in this regard, though, where it seems that it's too easy to lose the signal to the phone. I haven't experienced static on calls, but I have seen it drop the connection a few times with my phone in my pocket. The good thing is there's an audible indicator when it's lost the connection unexpectedly, so you don't miss calls by being left unaware that the headset isn't connected to your phone. It also auto-reconnects.

Fit.
Make no mistake, this thing is comfortable. I have pretty sensitive ears that don't like many headsets, but the Z9i doesn't bother me at all, even after several hours. But what I don't like is that there's no documentation as to exactly how you're supposed to fit the thing in your ear, or where it's designed to sit. That's probably because they want to leave it up to you to wear the thing however is most comfortable for you, but I find myself wondering if I've got it "right" or not. I end up having to reach up and adjust the thing fairly often because it feels like it's slipping out of place (though I don't fear it ever falling off, it just feels a bit out of place), which makes me think perhaps I've got it wrong. I'm also not a fan of having to use an earhook, and some folks say they can wear this one without it, but that hasn't been my experience.

Alright, but what about noise cancellation?
Since this is advertised as a noise-canceling headset (well, sort of), it's worth talking a bit about how well it does that. The first thing to realize is that it's designed not so much for noise cancellation as for voice isolation. What's the difference? Well, with a Jawbone, you pretty much always sound (to your callers) like you're sitting in a quiet room, regardless of what's going on around you. With the Z9i, callers will often be able to hear noise around you, but they'll also still be able to hear you pretty clearly, because it does a pretty good job of isolating your voice and raising it above the din. It actually does do a decent job of suppressing background noises, but it doesn't cancel them out as completely as a Jawbone does. All in all I'd call its noise cancellation good (but I call Jawbone's noise cancellation phenomenal).

Bottom line on noise suppression: If you want to be able to make phone calls from the car, this will absolutely do the job. If you need to be able to call your spouse from a night club and claim that you're working late at the office, you're gonna need a Jawbone (and, by the way, shame on you). :)

All in all I'm giving this 4 stars. The one missing star is just for a few minor issues that I can live with, but that I think could be improved. This really is a great headset, and the current Amazon price really sweetens the deal. Although no other headset I've tried really competes with Jawbone's noise cancellation, this does a good enough job of it, and has enough other features that overall I think it edges the JB out. As I said, I've been playing with this and a JB2+ and in the end, I decided to keep this one. It was a close call.

Good luck to you.

I recently purchased the BlueAnt Z9i as a replacement for my old bluetooth headset. I am very impressed as it pairs quickly and is so feature rich. The noise cancelling capabilities were the primary reason I bought it and it performs very well. It is light, very comfortable and looks pretty good as well.
Another reason for selecting it is the ability to upgrade the firmware to get further improvements in sound quality. I have to give this one a hearty two thumbs up!

This is a beautiful, light weight headset easy to use. Quality sound and noise is almost none existing. The only concern I have is that the part that lays against the ear seems to get too warm after a while. Maybe a smaller part, which is included, would be better for persons with smaller ears.

I spent allot of time researching the different bluetooth headsets and found that this one has received great reviews across the board so I thought I would give it a try. Great volume quality and voice quality. My boyfriend who cannot hear me when I'm on the phone has to turn down his phone when I'm on my bluetooth. The voice quality is great: clear, loud, and with the voice isolation can block out the freeway noise when driving. One of the requirements for me was that it also had to look good. So many of the good bluetooths are very manish and just plain ugly; this is petit and the red is a great burgundy color. OVerall, great quality, battery life is good, and stylish; good product!

I've been working for the wireless Industry for about 5 yrs and get great discounts on different bluetooth headsets. I receive the weekly RCR Wireless news and saw the blueant Red Z9i and fell in Love with it... I did not hesitate to purchase it...So I bought it.. It looks great compared to any bluetooth headset that I have seen and works fairly well. When I received It I paired it up and began using it but when I would speak to different people, they always said that they couldnt hear me that their was too much noise in the background when in actuality there wasnt any noice, I had to keep transfering my calls to my handset instead so what I did was begin carying my quick user guide in my wallet and refered to it whenever I needed too. I havent had any problems with it in the last week and havent heard anyone complaints on the other end. Im hoping it was just user error even though I can consider myself an expert with this wireless stuff. Its the 4th bluetooth headset that I have owned and its definately the nicest but unfortunately, up to this point "Not the best"... I do want to call out that I have It paired up to three devices.. my Blackberry 8830 world edition, blackberry 8703 and Envy 2 and really enjoy the fact that whenever I receive a call on any device I can pick it up with my BlueAnt... Good Stuff!!

The product may be fine - but they have changed the ear bud and it does not fit as securely as previous models

MORE IMPORTANT - bad return policy from this company - nothing opened and 20% restocking fee!!!!!!!!!!!!