Review of the BlueAnt Z9i Bluetooth headset

BlueAnt Z9i

BlueAnt Z9i

BlueAnt Z9i

BlueAnt Z9i
Weight	11g (.4oz)
Body Size	41mm x 17.5mm x 11mm (1.6" x 0.7" x 0.4")
Talk Time	Estimated 5.5 hours
Standby Time	Estimated 8 days
Ear Loop	Over the ear
Left/Right Ear?	Both
LEDs	1, blue/red/purple
Pairings	Multiple
Headset Sound	Great
Mic Sound	Excellent
Included Accessories	AC power extra ear gel extra ear loop USB charging cable

The BlueAnt Z9i follows up on the previous model, the Z9, with added in-box accessories and a handful of improved features. We tested the Z9i with a number of handsets in several different environments, to see if the upgrade truly adds to an already great headset.

The BlueAnt Z9i comes in your choice of glossy black or soft-feel red color schemes. We tested the glossy black model and found the design to really turn heads when used out and about. This Bluetooth headset is rather short and stubby, and overall quite small. Weighing in at less than a half ounce (11g/0.4oz), the Z9i is lightweight, as well.

The newly redesigned sales package includes an AC power adapter, a USB charging cable, changeable ear gels, and a spare ear loop. Unfortunately, the BlueAnt Z9i uses a proprietary charging port, so you'll need to make sure to charge up the device before heading out - or grab a charger for use later.

The BlueAnt Z9i measures in at 41mm x 17.5mm x 11mm (1.6" x 0.7" x 0.4") in size, and features a large multifunction button located at the curve near the back of the headset and two large volume keys on its one edge. The multifunction button sports the BlueAnt logo, and houses an obvious LED notification light, which flashes either red, purple, or blue, depending on the situation. The proprietary charging port is located on the back of the headset, at the base of the earpiece.

The BlueAnt Z9i comes with 2 ear gels, one large and one small. These are swapped easily by twisting counter clockwise to remove, and clockwise to replace with the desired size. I was a bit annoyed to find that neither of the ear gels really fit my ear comfortably, despite having what I figure to be average sized ears. The ear hook swivels and rotates so that you can wear the Z9i on either ear easily.

To turn the BlueAnt Z9i on, simply press and hold the multifunction button for 3 seconds. A solid blue light will indicate that the headset is turned on. The first time the headset is turned on, it will automatically enter pairing mode, which is shown by a repeatedly flashing blue light. Pairing mode can be accessed again later by pressing and holding the multifunction button for 6 seconds, until the button flashes blue. Powering the headset off is simple and just requires a long press on the multifunction button until a solid red light indicates the headset is powering down.

The BlueAnt Z9i's multifunction button can be pressed once to answer an incoming call, or held for 1 second to reject the call and send it to the phone's voicemail. To end an active call, simply press the multifunction button once. To mute the microphone, simply press and hold the volume down button for 3 seconds. Unmuting the caller is done in the same manner. This feature is really convenient if you're on a conference call, for instance.

The BlueAnt Z9i is designed to help manage calls more efficiently, while keeping users' hands free. As such, the headset allows users to easily activate voice dialing, if the attached phone supports it. Simply press and hold the multifunction button for a few seconds until an audio prompt is heard. This feature worked exceptionally well, both in the car and around the house.