In our ever more mobile lifestyles, the move towards wireless headphones is becoming greater. Losing the wire adds freedom but also introduces compromises in other areas, such as sound quality.
But Bluetooth headphones are getting better and better, and the latest we've used are the $100 Razer Hammerhead BT headphones. It's an evolution of the Razer Hammerhead in-ear headset, this time without the cable.
Should you consider a pair for yourself? Simply put: Yes. Here's why.
Razer Hammerhead BT tech specs
Headphones
- Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Impedance: 32 ± 15 percent Ω
- Sensitivity: 116 ± 3 dB at 1 kHz
- Max input power: 10 mW
- Drivers: 10 mm with Neodymium magnets
- Cable length: 63 cm (2.07 ft.)
- Approximate Weight: 0.06 lbs (28.0 g)
Battery
- Battery type: 160 mAH rechargeable Li-Po battery
- Battery life: Up to eight hours
- Charge time: Up to two hours
A quality product
From the moment you unbox the device you just spent $100 on, there's plenty to like. The packaging is nicely done, and inside you'll find the Hammerhead BT, a charging cable, and a neat little carry case that has been designed to perfectly hold the headphones.
The headphones have a little heft to them, but not so much that they're uncomfortable in the ears. This being Razer, the signature green is very apparent. The flat cable is green on one side, and perhaps best of all (for lovers of LED lighting), the company logo pulses green.
You get a selection of tips to help you get a good fit in the ear, but the neatest addition is probably the magnetic clip that sits between the two earbuds. You just open it up, slot it over your collar, and it'll close shut and keep your headphones nice and secure around your neck. It's not a particularly strong magnet, but it's strong enough. You're not going to be attaching it to a thick jacket though.
You get a claimed eight hours of battery life from the Hammerhead BT, and that's accurate. It's enough to go out for a day and get home again before needing a charge, but with a simple microUSB charging connector it's not exactly difficult to top up.
Great sound
Going into this review I was a little wary of what to expect, mainly because I expected too much bass. Thankfully, that's not the case, and the sound quality is very well-rounded and pleasant. Razer's claims are that its larger, 10mm drivers offer a better soundstage, from bass through to the highs.
For the most part, it seems accurate. My tastes are for a fairly neutral sound, certainly away from bass heavy tracks, and I've not been disappointed. Vocals are crisp and clear, and everything else just sounds, well ... nice. That might seem like a bit of a letdown, but it's not. There's not really anything bad to say.
That Razer didn't go down the route of thumping bass and to hell with everything else is welcome and much appreciated. The Hammerhead BT is also very comfortable, and while there's no noise cancellation to speak of, you can get a nice seal in your ears to at least keep most of the outside world at bay.
One complaint ...
The Hammerhead BT is a great set of Bluetooth headphones, but it's not perfect. While the sound is excellent, the build is first rate, and the price is competive, there is one little thing that might temper your experience: The cable connecting the two earbuds isn't long enough.
The magnetic clip is a really great idea and it works very well. But if you have it attached to a shirt, and then you put a jacket on that might pull down on it a little, things then become uncomfortable. It feels like something is trying to pull the headphones out of your ears. and there's not much slack at the side of your head.
You could ignore the clip, but then it acts like a weight pulling down all the time.
It's not a dealbreaker, but it's something I think should have been better. The cable doesn't even need to be much longer, but in my experience. it's not quite right as is.
Bottom line
Even the clothing-related snags with a too-short cable haven't ruined my opinion of the Hammerhead BT. I've been wearing it most of the day, every day since ot arrived, and I love the sound. One hundred dollars isn't too much to spend on a good pair of Bluetooth headphones, and these are good Bluetooth headphones.
You get a great, well-rounded sound, a comfortable fit, and a quality build. Not to mention those pulsing LED lights. Did I mention those, right?
Razer has a winner here.
