Product Update (1st Aug, 2023): The New Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed’s are now available
As you’ll quickly uncover while reading our 2nd Generation Razer Hammerhead True Wireless V2 review, so much has progressed since the original 2018 hammerheads and for that, our ears were very happy. In fact, the growth in specs of the True Wireless V2 are similar to that of Razer’s much heralded Razer Kishi V2 upgrades.
Despite no ground breaking features that you wouldn’t expect from any other gaming earbuds within this price range, there is just something so nice about the Hammerhead series that we have often gravitated towards Razer, despite being fully aware of small deficiencies.
But then came the Hammerhead V2’s and, the deficiencies were even less of a problem.
Although not the more expensive Pro version which was voted as one of the best Razer gaming earbuds, the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless V2’s definitely pack some of the Pro’s highlight features; delivering stark improvements to the original model. With ANC, low latency and a new in-ear design that includes silicone tips, there’s a lot already to be excited about.
But are the new Hammerhead V2’s worth the upgrade?
Scroll down to read our full Razer Hammerhead True Wireless gaming earbuds review or skip sections via the links below. Don’t forget to hit the comments below with any questions once you are done!
- Design & Features
- Battery Life
- Sound Review
- Active Noise Cancelling
- Microphone Quality
- Specifications
- The Negatives
- Price & Value
- Review Verdict
Editor Note: Please be aware that this review is for the 2021 released Razer Hammerhead True Wireless V2 earbuds. We are not reviewing the ‘Pro’ or ‘X’ version of the Razer Hammerheads.
Design & Features
The biggest with the design features of the Razer Hammerhead V2 wireless earbuds is the addition of Chroma. If you know anything about Razer, you will know that Chroma is the centre piece of every good Razer design and although the Hammerheads do not sync with Razer Synapse 3 drivers, there are enough options here to make your ears glow.
As for the rest of the design, you can expect almost everything you will find with the more expensive Pro version. The stem is long, there is a slight gloss to the earbuds and a fairly sizeable microphone inlet which definitely powers good quality comms.
As a pair of lightweight gaming earbuds with slightly larger tips comparatively to its predecessor, the comfortability of the Razer Hammerhead V2 earbuds is actually very pleasant. Introduced solely for the V2s, the larger tips complete seal your ear canal which makes for good noise isolation despite the mediocre noise cancellation.
But, we’ll get to that in a moment.
As a final touch, the Razer Hammerhead V2 True Wireless earbuds also come with a much slimmer case. Although trivial, skinny jean wearers will definitely benefit from this one!
Battery Life
On paper, the Razer Hammerhead V2 True Wireless earbuds will survive around 4 hours on a single charge with all features functional. From there, you will need to recharge via the charging case which can hold up to around 16 hours of additional usage time.
In reality, the average battery life of the Hammerhead V2’s is actually about 3.5 hours continuous use with ANC and Razer Chroma activated. This gets extended to around 6 hours with that functionality switched offline. While we have seen reports of squeezing 4 hours out of the V2’s, we were only able to average around 3 hours 30 minutes.
Although you might cringe at the 4 hour battery life without your charging case, this is actually a stark improvement from the original True Wireless Hammerhead earbuds. In 2018, the Hammerheads would only deliver a measly 3 hours maximum and that was without Chroma too!
Sound Review
The sound quality on the Razer Hammerhead V2 True Wireless earbuds are decent enough for the price. Through Bluetooth 5.2 wireless technology, there is absolutely zero cutouts or any other quirky problems that you will experience with cheaper gaming earbuds. And for that, the Hammerhead V2’s sit comfortably with the price bracket. Unless you’re willing to spend $300-$400 on a pair of gaming earbuds, you won’t be dissapointed with what plays into your eardrums.
With both music and gaming, the sound is pleasant and is very well balanced. While nowhere near as full bodied as more expensive earbuds, we actually enjoyed the balance. In addition, the Hammerhead V2’s come with comprehensive equaliser controls. This is a big win for anybody with a musical ear and you will be happy to know that you can reach near perfection with a bit of tinkering.
As for the low-latency game mode this is fantastic; when it works.
As a major component of Razer’s success with true wireless earbuds, switching on game mode is actually a total game changer. However, when testing the V2 model for our Razer Hammerhead V2 earbuds review, we noticed that approximately 5% of the audio will drop and skip when playing from a distance. It’s not a lot, but enough to take notice, and definitely not something we spotted with the original version.
Noise Cancelling Review (ANC)
Truthfully, the active noise cancellation on the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless V2 earbuds is mediocre. It’s sold as a perk but actually there is not much joy here. Although not terrible, for anybody who lives within a built up area with lots of low-frequency rumbling, you will struggle to block that out. However, for around the home and general noise, the ANC performs reasonably well.
There’s a slight faint white noise when you switch the ANC on without anything playing. This is not exactly jarring, but can be noticed with no sound.
Conversely, the lack of noise cancellation actually works in the Razer Hammerhead’s favour by not altering the sound signature. A lot of high-quality noise cancelling headphones do slightly change the sound profile and so the lack thereof is actually a small victory for the Hammerheads.
If you are looking at the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds in hope of top of the range active noise cancelling, you should quickly look away. That said, this is the only real major drawback so for anybody who listens or games within a peaceful environment, you will benefit from everything else.
Microphone Review
As for the microphone, when playing with your mates you will be pleased to know that the 2nd Gen Razer Hammerheads perform far better than their predecessor within this category. Throughout testing, all recordings are clear and strong.
While sometimes very slightly oversensitive to background noise, your voice will be easily heard by your crew the majority of the time. Of course, the microphone on the Razer Hammerhead V2’s will never be able to match the quality of standalone gaming microphones. Yet, as far as gaming earbuds go, you won’t be disappointed here at all.
Key Specifications
Comparatively to the Razer Hammerhead V1’s, the V2 doesn’t improve all too much on actual technical specifications but more the design which overall compliments the balance in sound. With additional compatibility for a variety of other devices such as the Kindle Fire, the V2 Hammerheads can also be enjoyed by a wider audience of users.
Here’s a full breakdown of the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless V2 specifications.
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| Brand: | Razer |
| Form Factor | Stem Style In-Ear Earbuds |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2.51 cm x 0.3 cm x 5.28 cm |
| Weight: | 54.4 grams |
| Connection: | Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0 EDR |
| Sound Output: | Stereo |
| Microphone | Yes, Omni-Directional |
| Charging: | USB-C Charging |
| Compatibility: | iPhone, iPad, iPod & Android |
| Battery: | Rechargeable Batteries |
| Connection: | Bluetooth (SBC & AAC) |
The major change with the Razer Hammerhead V2 gaming earbuds is of course the addition of Chroma and the larger, more comfortable silicone tips. Performance wise, the specifications are on par with most gaming earbuds within the price range and therefore, there is nothing to be too upset about here.
The Negatives
Honestly, the major negative we found was the battery life. At a measly 4 hours battery life for single use and 16 hours extra charge built up within the casing, this is mediocre at best. Out of all true wireless earbuds available right now, the Razer’s second generation hammerhead earbuds seriously lose here.
Another drawback that we hoped the 2nd Gen Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds would bring is much improved active noise cancelling. This is one component of sound technology that Razer just is not getting right at the moment and would make a stark difference to overall performance. That said, the V2 Hammerheads are still perfect for anybody who does not live within a concrete jungle.
The final negative that came to mind when writing this Razer Hammerhead True Wireless V2 review (and this is very picky of us) was the faint white noise. We were not expecting a product with mediocre noise cancelling to produce white noise and although barely noticeable, it’s like both evils collided to bring an average experience.
Price & Value
Purchasable from anywhere just north of $200, the 2nd generation Razer Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds are definitely worth the upgrade. Through better ear, listeners will definitely feel improved audio performance all-round.
Comparatively gaming earbuds with similar specifications, the Razer Hammerhead V2’s are also relatively affordable.
If you can forego reduced battery life, a little white noise when not playing anything and are not too fussed about absolutely perfect noise cancelling, there is a lot of value to be gained from the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds (2nd generation). The stark improvement to audio and heightened comfortability is a massive win comparatively to the first generation Razer Hammerhead earbuds.
While you could argue there are better wireless gaming earbuds for a similar price, the Hammerhead True Wireless earphones are about as good as they will get right now for Razer fanatics.
Are 2nd Gen Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Earbuds worth buying?
Yes, the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Earbuds are definitely worth purchasing for anybody who does not already have a quality set of gaming earbuds. Here’s the 5 reasons why you should and shouldn’t buy the Razer Hammerhead V2’s depending on your circumstance.
You should buy Razer Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds if…
- You are an active gamer.
- You won’t be away from a plug socket for long periods of time.
- You prioritise low latency when gaming.
- You are okay with mediocre active noise cancelling.
- You exercise with earbuds.
You shouldn’t buy Razer Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds if…
- You want to spend under $200
- You couldn’t live without solid ANC.
- You hate earbuds with short battery life.
- Your ears are teeny tiny.
Seriously though, for anybody with ears like Butt-Head from Beavis and Butt-Head, the Comply foam will actually be a hinderance through it’s additional diameter. Although the Hammerheads are comfortable nonetheless, extended wear might make your ears hot.
2nd Gen Razer Hammerhead True Wireless V2 Review Verdict.
A solid pick for mid-range gaming earbuds.
Overall, Razer’s 2nd generation Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds are a major improvement over the company’s first entry where sound is concerned. This alone warrants the additional $60 or so to upgrade and factors into our Razer Hammerhead True Wireless review score of 83%.
Had Razer delivered better ANC and a much improved battery life with the new Razer Hammerhead V2 earbuds, these would be some of the best gaming earbuds around. That said, they still can be for anybody who does not care too much for noise cancelling and would rather purchase earbuds with incredible low latency. In that category, the 2nd Gen Razer Hammerhead True Wireless earphones shine.
With the inclusion of better in-ear sealing, not only are the 2nd gen Hammerhead earbuds more comfortable, you will enjoy much better sound quality through well balanced bass. This is impressive considering the lack of ANC. There are also heaps of highly comfortable ear tips (including Comply foam) which makes the Razer Hammerheads suitable not just for gaming, but for everyday outings too.
Content Disclaimer: This Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Review is independently written. We have not been commissioned by Razer, nor have we received any royalties for this article. This includes financial reimbursement, free advertising or Razer Hammerhead True Wireless gaming earbuds by gift.
Should you click on any link to Amazon and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. But that’s just how we keep this website alive! Feel free to hit us up in the comments. We would be happy to answer any questions you have about our Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Earbuds Review. We hope you enjoyed reading this article!
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