BlueAnt Z9i Dual Mic Bluetooth Headset - Accessories, Z9i Closeup and More

In The Bundle:

The BlueAnt Z9i is their latest current offering in the Bluetooth headset arena, and while they have a lot of other units available and one unit coming out in the near future that will change the future of Bluetooth devices – the Z9i is a product that will appeal to many users.  It is small, compact and very fashionable - at least as fashionable as headsets go.

Z9i Extra Goodies

Z9i Documentation

The original Z9 came with a total of three ear hooks, but the Z9i has dropped this number down to only two.  There is a single translucent ear hook as well as a metal and rubber hook that comes attached to the Z9i.  I found the rubber ear hook to be very comfortable.  Also included in the bundle is a USB cable for charging and updating firmware as well as a standard wall charger and an extra, smaller ear piece.   While many other headsets claim the firmware can be updated, you’d be hard pressed to find a firmware available for a Bluetooth headset.  BlueAnt has a proven track record with their other products and I'm sure we'll see firmware updates available for the Z9i as improvements in software are made.

Z9i Profile

Z9i Bottom

The Z9i is incredibly small - the same size as the Z9 and actually sits a little narrower than the highly acclaimed Jabra JX10 headset.  We’ll compare performance later on, but I thought I’d make a mention of the small size.

Z9i Top View

Z9i Earpiece

A few things worth pointing out with the Z9i are there are only three buttons on this headset - Volume Up, Volume Down and the Multi-Function Button (MFB).  It can be worn either on the left or right ear and the ear hook can be swapped by simply sliding it out of the grip in which it sits.  If you have smaller ears, BlueAnt has thought of you.  The earpiece can be changed in a matter of seconds for the smaller version included in the package.  Although not pictured, the mini USB connector is located at the back of the Z9i earpiece as pictured here on the original Z9.

I've made several comparisons to the original Z9 headset from BlueAnt so before we get into the specs of the Z9i, it is appropriate that we show the differences between these two.

Feature Comparison