Gaming headsets are a crowded market, with options from every corner of the price spectrum, but every so often, a headset shows up that packs the right punch for a reasonable price. Enter the fifine AmpliGame H9. Priced at around £45 RRP but on sale with 20% off, at the moment, this headset’s got all the standard features but without the bells, whistles, or RGB lights. It’s a straightforward package with some surprising perks. Let’s see if the H9 lives up to the hype.
Design and Build: Simple yet solid
Out of the box, the AmpliGame H9 feels lightweight but not flimsy. Weighing in at a feather-like 260g, it practically disappears on your head, which is ideal for those long gaming sessions. The matte ear cups are nice and low-profile, though they tend to collect fingerprints pretty quickly. The earmuffs and headband are padded just enough to keep things comfy, but if you’ve read through one of my reviews before, you know I much prefer fabric covers as opposed to the faux leather stuff, because they add more breathability and make things less sweaty.
It’s a sturdy unit, even if it lacks that “premium” feel. Braided cables add a touch of durability, and with the 3.5mm and USB connections, the AmpliGame H9 makes it simple to switch between your PC, PS5, Xbox, or even your phone. The headset isn’t heavy-duty, but it’s surprisingly solid for the price.
Audio Quality: 7.1 surround without the gimmicks
For sound quality, Fifine’s gone for balance, and it shows. The 50mm drivers pump out surprisingly crisp audio, delivering 7.1 surround sound through the USB connection. It’s not the Dolby Atmos experience, but it adds enough immersion to pick up directional cues without breaking the bank. Gunfire and explosions feel powerful but not overdone, while the mid-range stays clean—perfect for picking up those footsteps in an FPS.
Bass is present in th AmpliGame H9 but restrained, which is a bit refreshing for a budget headset. Where it really shines, though, is in its clarity. Even when cranked up, the sound remains clear with minimal distortion, making it great for both gaming and voice chats. The in-line control offers quick volume tweaks and a button to toggle 7.1 surround, though the surround can be a hit-or-miss depending on the game.
Microphone: Surprisingly solid
Now, microphones on budget headsets tend to be an afterthought, but not here. The AmpliGame H9’s mic is detachable (a huge bonus if you’ve already got an external mic setup), and it’s surprisingly good for its size. There’s a warmth to the sound that you just don’t get with most headset mics, and while it’s not going to replace a studio mic, it’s more than adequate for Discord calls or in-game comms.
One neat trick? The mic’s flexible arm stays exactly where you need it, so no plosive pops blasting your teammates’ ears. It’s a small capsule mic, but it does a commendable job rejecting background noise, even with clattering keyboards nearby. If I had one gripe, it’s that you can only have one item picked up at a time, so no hoarding gear for those big battles.
Usability: Plug and play… mostly
Setting up the AmpliGame H9 is about as easy as it gets. Just plug it in, whether via 3.5mm or USB, and you’re off. The USB sound dongle brings some real value, giving a bump to audio quality while adding that extra layer of surround sound. Switching between devices is painless, and it’s compatible with just about everything you’d want it for—PC, consoles, even mobile.
That said, the ear cups could’ve done with a touch more padding, and after a few hours, you do start to feel the headset a bit more. But hey, it’s minor, and given the price, it’s an easy trade-off.
fifine AmpliGame H9 overall thoughts
The fifine AmpliGame H9 is a fantastic option for anyone looking to get solid audio quality without splashing the cash. It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s just a solid headset for gaming, chatting, or even music. While it has a few quirks, like the lack of multipoint connectivity or the fingerprint-prone matte finish, it’s hard to argue with the value.
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense headset that does a bit of everything without breaking the bank, the H9 is worth a look. Plus, with that USB dongle bumping up the audio quality, you’re getting more than you bargained for. And don’t just take our word for it, our pal NinjaRefinery checked out the same headset for his website too.
You can purchase the fifine AmpliGame H9 now from the official site or via online retailers like Amazon. If you decide to purchase one, why not read some more of our reviews in our hardware section while you wait for it to arrive.