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Brainwavz HM9 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£120
Avg. price in US: ~$150
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Brainwavz HM9 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.7

Poor

3.2

Poor

5.5

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
0.6
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
2.0
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
2.8
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
2.0
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

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Best rankings

Verdict

The Brainwavz HM9 is a sturdy, foldable, on-ear (supra-aural) headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers with a frequency range of 10Hz to 24kHz, a 40Ω impedance, and a sensitivity of 104dB. Built with a high-grade aluminum frame and plush protein leather memory foam pads, it is designed for a warm, bass-forward sound signature and excellent passive noise isolation. Key advantages include its durable 'tank-like' build quality, high portability, and a generous accessory bundle that includes a hard carrying case and three detachable cables (1.2m, 3m, and a 1.2m cable with an in-line microphone). However, it is noted for being relatively heavy at approximately 350g, having a high clamping force that can cause discomfort during long listening sessions, and a 'veiled' or dark sound profile that may lack treble sparkle and midrange detail.

Technical Specifications of Brainwavz HM9

Overall score

3.7

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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

3.1

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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

4.7

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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

1.0

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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

6.0

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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

over-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 HM9 vs the average headphone

Why is Brainwavz HM9 better than the average headphone?

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8 Hz lower bass extension
Brainwavz HM9 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 HM9 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 HM9 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 HM9 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
10 mm more spacious earcup height
Brainwavz HM9 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Brainwavz HM9 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.70 mm vs 60 mm
Foldable design
Brainwavz HM9 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 HM9 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
Brainwavz HM9 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Brainwavz HM9 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Boom microphone included
Brainwavz HM9 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a 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
Brainwavz HM9 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
10x higher input power handling
Brainwavz HM9 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=300 mW
Brainwavz HM9 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1000 mW vs 100 mW
24 dB higher max SPL
Brainwavz HM9 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (134 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=116 dB
Brainwavz HM9 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (134 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.134 dB vs 110 dB
10 mm more spacious earcup height
Brainwavz HM9 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
Foldable design
Brainwavz HM9 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Brainwavz HM9 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
Brainwavz HM9 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
24 dB higher max SPL
Brainwavz HM9 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (134 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
10x higher input power handling
Brainwavz HM9 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Brainwavz HM9 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 HM9 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Boom microphone included
Brainwavz HM9 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Brainwavz HM9 worse than the average headphone?

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60.6% higher weight
Brainwavz HM9 is heavier than the average headphone (350 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Brainwavz HM9 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 HM9 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No neodymium magnet
Brainwavz HM9 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
No voice assistant support
Brainwavz HM9 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
4 years older release date
Brainwavz HM9 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
August 2013
No passive noise reduction
Brainwavz HM9 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 HM9 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
60.6% higher weight
Brainwavz HM9 is heavier than the average headphone (350 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 HM9 is heavier than the average headphone (350 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.350 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Brainwavz HM9 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 HM9 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
45.2% lower user score
Brainwavz HM9 has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.51 vs 8.000).
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 HM9 has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.51 vs 8.000).5.51 vs 8
21.6% worse value for money
Brainwavz HM9 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.54 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 HM9 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.54 vs 6.736).5.54 vs 6.74
Tangle-prone cable
Brainwavz HM9 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 HM9 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 HM9 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 HM9 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
4 years older release date
Brainwavz HM9 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
August 2013
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Brainwavz HM9 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of Brainwavz HM9 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 HM9?

High build quality with extensive use of metal and durable aluminum
Thick, plush earpads and a padded headband provide excellent initial comfort
Superior passive noise isolation that effectively blocks external environments
Includes a rich accessory bundle with three detachable cables and a hard-shell case
Foldable design makes them convenient and portable for travel
Warm sound signature with decent bass response suitable for certain genres like hip-hop

What customers dislike about Brainwavz HM9?

Can become very uncomfortable during long listening sessions due to significant weight and clamping pressure
Pleather pads can trap heat, making ears feel sweaty in warmer conditions
Sound can be perceived as 'veiled' or dark, with some users noting a lack of clarity in certain frequencies
Midrange may feel recessed or 'boring,' leading to less emotional vocal performance
Heavy build may lead to hotspots or physical fatigue on the head
The hinges are known to be somewhat loose or 'floppy,' lacking a solid locking mechanism when open

Expert reviews

techpowerup.com

29/11/2013

MP4Nation Brainwavz HM9 Headphones Review

The TechPowerUp review of the MP4Nation Brainwavz HM9 highlights a durable, closed-back, on-ear headphone featuring a 40 mm driver, lauded for its robust "bomb-proof" construction and an exceptionally generous accessory bundle including multiple cables and a storage case. However, the review notes significant cons, specifically a "boomy," dark, and bass-heavy sound signature that...Read more

headfonics.com

18/08/2013

Brainwavz HM9 Review - Headfonics

The Headfonics review positions the $150 Brainwavz HM9 closed-back headphones as a sturdy, "built-like-a-tank" competitor to portable models, featuring aluminum gimbals and plush, comfortable padding reminiscent of the Sony XB series. A key con, however, is the awkward fit that sits between on-ear and over-ear, which can cause discomfort on the outer ear over time, along with a...Read more

stereo-head.it

12/09/2014

Hm9 | Stereo-Head

The Stereo-Head review of the Brainwavz HM9 highlights these portable on-ear headphones as a strong, direct competitor to the popular Audio-Technica ATH-M50. Designed with a closed-back architecture, a foldable frame, and high-sensitivity 40 mm dynamic drivers, the HM9 aims to deliver a powerful, engaging presentation suited for passive listening on the go. Key pros praised in...Read more

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