The Razer Hammerhead USB-C are wired in-ears that are compatible with devices that have a USB-C port. Thanks to this connection, they have low audio latency on PCs as well as Android devices, which is great if you watch videos or play video games. They also have an ANC feature, but it does a mediocre job overall as it struggles to reduce noise like bus engines or ambient chatter. They lack a lot of bass and don't have an EQ to tweak their sound. That said, while they're not stable enough for intense physical exercise, they have a reasonably comfortable fit, although some may find the shape of the earbuds a bit bothersome.
Our Verdict
The Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC are disappointing for mixed use. They have a mediocre ANC feature that struggles to reduce noise and isn't ideal if you're commuting by bus or if you're working in a busy office. Although they're reasonably comfortable, some users may also find their bud shape a bit fatiguing over time, and they could fall out if you're doing intense physical exercise. Their sound profile also lacks bass. On the upside, their wired USB-C connection has low latency on PC and Android devices. Their in-line mic also does a decent job of recording voices.
- Low latency on PC and mobile devices.
- Good build quality.
- Mediocre ANC feature.
- Lacking bass.
- Some may find their shape a little uncomfortable.
The Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC are mediocre for neutral sound. Their sound profile really lacks a lot of bass and their treble range is also underemphasized, which makes your mixes sound dark and dull. On the upside, their mid-range is fairly flat and neutral, so vocals and lead instruments are detailed and present. Their bass and treble delivery are also very consistent.
- Consistent audio delivery.
- Good build quality.
- Lacking bass.
- Some may find their shape a little uncomfortable.
The Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC are disappointing for commute and travel. These in-ears have a mediocre ANC feature, which struggles to reduce bass-range noise like bus engines or mid-range sounds like ambient chatter. They're reasonably comfortable though and, while some may find their bud shape a bit fatiguing over time, they come with a few differently sized ear tips to help you find a better fit. Thanks to their wired design, you don't have to worry about battery life.
- Good build quality.
- Mediocre ANC feature.
- Some may find their shape a little uncomfortable.
The Razer Hammerhead USB-C are passable for sports and fitness. While they're very portable due to their small size, they have an okay fit that may fall out of your ears if you're doing intense physical activity. Their braided cable can also get caught on something and pull them out of your ears. While they're reasonably comfortable, some may be bothered by the shape of the buds over time. On the upside, they come with four different sets of ear tips so that you can find a comfortable fit. They don't have an IP rating for dust and water resistance.
- Good build quality.
- Some may find their shape a little uncomfortable.
The Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC are poor for office use. They're reasonably comfortable, but some users may find their bud shape a bit bothersome. However, Razer includes a few ear tips to help you find a good fit. Unfortunately, while they have an ANC feature, they really struggle to cut down ambient chatter. They have a good leakage performance, though, and since they don't have a battery, you don't have to worry about recharging them throughout your workday.
- Good build quality.
- Mediocre ANC feature.
- Some may find their shape a little uncomfortable.
The Razer Hammerhead USB-C are wired-only headphones and can't be used wirelessly.
The Razer Hammerhead USB-C are unremarkable for wired gaming. While some users may not find the bud shape very comfortable, they come with a few ear tips to help you find a better fit. Thanks to their wired connection, they have low latency on PCs. However, their sound profile really lacks bass and they don't have an EQ to tweak their sound to your liking. They're also not compatible with PS4 or Xbox One. On the upside, their mic has a decent recording quality.
- Decent mic recording quality.
- Consistent audio delivery.
- Low latency on PC and mobile devices.
- Good build quality.
- Mediocre ANC feature.
- Lacking bass.
- Mic struggles to isolate noise.
- Some may find their shape a little uncomfortable.
The Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC are mediocre for phone calls. Their in-line microphone has a decent recording quality. However, the mic struggles to separate speech from background noise, even in moderately noisy environments. While these headphones have an ANC feature, it also has trouble cutting down sounds around you, so you may have trouble hearing whoever is on the other line.
- Decent mic recording quality.
- Good build quality.
- Mic struggles to isolate noise.
- Some may find their shape a little uncomfortable.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
Razer manufactures several other in-ear headphones using the 'Hammerhead' name including another in-ear with a USB-C connection. However, we tested the Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC with this label. As these other headphones don't have an ANC feature, we don't know if they perform similarly to our test model.
If you come across any other variants of this model, let us know in the discussions so we can update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC are wired in-ear headphones that use a USB-C connection with low latency on PC and Android devices. Unlike some of Razer's other headphones, they're designed for more casual use. They also use a hybrid transducer which Razer advertises as providing a more immersive and clear sound. However, they lack a lot of bass and have an underemphasized treble. They have an ANC feature but it struggles to cut down bass-range noise and even amplifies some noise in the higher range. Check out our recommendations for the best noise cancelling earbuds and in-ear headphones, the best noise cancelling headphones, and the best wired headphones.
The Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC are somewhat better USB-C headphones for mixed-use than the Google Pixel USB-C Earbuds. The Razer are better-built, have more consistent audio delivery, and they have an ANC feature which helps to cut down some ambient noise around you. However, the Google are more comfortable and have a stable fit for moderate physical activity. While they also lack some bass, they have an overall more neutral sound profile than the Razer. Their in-line mic also has a significantly better recording quality.
The Bose QuietComfort 20/QC20 are better overall wired headphones than the Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC. The Bose have a comfortable fit, a more neutral sound profile, and use a 1/8" TRRS cable, which some users may prefer. Their ANC feature is significantly better as they have an in-line battery to help power them.
The 1More Triple Driver are better overall wired in-ears than the Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC. The 1More have a better-balanced sound profile and are more comfortable. As they use a 1/8" TRRS connector, you can plug them into your PC, PS4, and Xbox for full analog compatibility. Their in-line microphone also has a somewhat better recording quality, and even without ANC, they still do a slightly better job of reducing mid and treble-range noise around you. However, the Razer are better built.
The Razer Hammerhead True Wireless 2019 are better headphones for mixed-use than the Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC. The True Wireless have a more stable fit and can deliver a significantly more thumpy, punchy bass. They also have a companion app with EQ presets. However, they have mediocre battery life and high latency across PC, iOS, and Android. In comparison, the wired USB-C ANC have a better build quality and include volume controls. Their in-line mic also performs better, and their audio latency is very low. Unfortunately, while they have an ANC feature, it struggles to cut down bass range noise.
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