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Brainwavz HM2 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£45
Avg. price in US: ~$50
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Brainwavz HM2 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.1

Poor

3.3

Poor

7.4

Very good

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.5
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
1.0
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#758 in Best Wired Headphones
#1322 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Brainwavz HM2 is a budget-friendly, on-ear wired headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers, a 32-ohm impedance, and a frequency range of 10 Hz to 20 kHz with a sensitivity of 104 dB. Its main characteristics include a portable, foldable design with a matte black soft-touch finish and plush earpads for a comfortable fit. Key pros are its generous accessory package, which includes a hard carrying case and two detachable 1.2m cables (one flat and one with an in-line microphone), as well as a warm, smooth sound profile with punchy bass that suits most popular genres. However, main cons include a somewhat plasticky build that may feel flimsy, average noise isolation due to the on-ear design, and reports of the bass occasionally overpowering the mids and vocals.

Technical Specifications of Brainwavz HM2

Overall score

4.1

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

3.0

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

4.5

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity

2.9

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

3.7

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

5.3

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Brainwavz

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Brainwavz HM2 vs the average headphone

Why is Brainwavz HM2 better than the average headphone?

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8 Hz lower bass extension
Brainwavz HM2 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Brainwavz HM2 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
In-line controls
Brainwavz HM2 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Brainwavz HM2 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Foldable design
Brainwavz HM2 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Brainwavz HM2 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Brainwavz HM2 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Brainwavz HM2 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Foldable design
Brainwavz HM2 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Brainwavz HM2 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Brainwavz HM2 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
In-line controls
Brainwavz HM2 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Brainwavz HM2 worse than the average headphone?

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97.7% higher weight
Brainwavz HM2 is heavier than the average headphone (431 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Brainwavz HM2 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No passive noise reduction
Brainwavz HM2 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No neodymium magnet
Brainwavz HM2 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
No voice assistant support
Brainwavz HM2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Brainwavz HM2 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Brainwavz HM2 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
97.7% higher weight
Brainwavz HM2 is heavier than the average headphone (431 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Brainwavz HM2 is heavier than the average headphone (431 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.431 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Brainwavz HM2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Brainwavz HM2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
14.8% worse value for money
Brainwavz HM2 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.87 vs 6.736).
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Brainwavz HM2 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.87 vs 6.736).5.87 vs 6.74
Tangle-prone cable
Brainwavz HM2 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Brainwavz HM2 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No neodymium magnet
Brainwavz HM2 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
What it is: Uses neodymium magnets for stronger, clearer sound
When it matters: When driver construction details are part of how you compare sound hardware.
Importance: LOW
Brainwavz HM2 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
8.2% lower user score
Brainwavz HM2 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.39 vs 8).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Brainwavz HM2 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.39 vs 8).7.39 vs 8

Graphic comparison of Brainwavz HM2 and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Brainwavz HM2?

Warm and smooth sound signature suitable for modern pop and easy listening
Excellent accessory package, including a high-quality hard carrying case and two detachable cables
Highly portable design with foldable arms and adjustable cup heights
Affordable price point offering high value-for-money ratio
Soft-touch matte finish and tactile aesthetic design

What customers dislike about Brainwavz HM2?

Plasticky build quality that can feel cheap and fragile in certain areas
Poor passive noise isolation due to thin ear cups that may not seal properly
Average comfort for some users, with reports of ear strain after 30-45 minutes of use
Bass can occasionally feel bloated or bleed into the midrange, overpowering vocals
Sizing issues where the headband may be too large for people with smaller heads

Expert reviews

livemint.com

21/04/2016

Summary of the review

Review: Brainwavz HM2 has a warm and comforting sound signature

The Live Mint review concludes that the Brainwavz HM2 is a highly competitive, budget-friendly around-ear headphone priced at ₹2,999, making it an exceptional option for mainstream consumers. Designed primarily for a younger demographic, these headphones excel at modern uptempo tracks like pop, techno, and trance rather than classical compositions. Its audio performance delivers a surprisingly wide soundstage for its price point, offering a warm and comforting sonic profile with nicely softened high frequencies that prevent vocal harshness at loud volumes. The physical design emphasizes a sleek, sophisticated black-and-grey matte color scheme paired with plush, well-ventilated ear padding and a lightweight build suitable for prolonged listening sessions. Pros & Cons Breakdown Pro: Exceptional Value — Offers sound quality that punches well above its low price bracket. Pro: Ergonomic Design — Lightweight chassis with comfortable ear cushions prevents physical fatigue. Pro: Tangle-Free Utility — Outfitted with a specialized flat audio cable that resists entangling. Con: Bass Bias Friction — A persistent leaning toward low frequencies occasionally overpowers mid-range details and vocals. Con: No Headband Padding — The top band lacks padding entirely,...

passionforsound.com.au

31/01/2016

Summary of the review

Brainwavz HM2 headphones - Passion For Sound

The Brainwavz HM2 headphones review highlights a budget-friendly, portable audio option retailing for roughly $70 AUD. A major pro of this product is its generous accessory package, which includes a sturdy hard travel case, a folding design, and two detachable cables—one featuring an inline remote and microphone. Additionally, the reviewer praises its aesthetic, noting an attractive soft-touch black paint finish with chrome-style trims. The sound quality is another positive aspect, delivering a smooth, warm, and well-balanced signature with solid, present bass and a slightly rolled-off treble that creates an enjoyable, relaxed listening experience.

Video reviews

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