Brainwavz HM9 Review | 93 Data compared

Brainwavz HM9 Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • 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 this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.9

Technical Score

20.0%

6.1

User score

Good
4.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

4.0

Features

10.0%

6.0

Design

8.0%

4.0

Connectivity

6.0%

4.0

Battery

4.0%

6.3

Calls & Controls

Poor
6.1

User score

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.

Score components:

70.0%

6.8

User reviews

30.0%

4.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.4
(25)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(25)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 6.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    ?

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    4.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    4.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    ?

    Battery life

  • 5.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    18.0%

    ?

    Weight

    16.0%

    4.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    4.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 6.1
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    4.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    14.0%

    4.0

    Companion app

  • 7.3
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    ?

    Weight

    24.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    16.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • brainwavz-hm9
brainwavz-hm9

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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 pair of headphones Brainwavz HM9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

4.0

Features

10.0%

6.0

Design

8.0%

4.0

Connectivity

6.0%

4.0

Battery

4.0%

6.3

Calls & Controls

4.9
Brainwavz HM9 has a technical score of 4.86 points, which is lower than that of 95.2% of products in this category.
User score

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.

Score components:

70.0%

6.8

User reviews

30.0%

4.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.4
(25)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(25)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.1
Brainwavz HM9 has a user score of 6.06 points, which is lower than that of 96.9% of products in this category.
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.
4.3
Brainwavz HM9 has a popularity of 4.3 points, which is lower than 64% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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.

Score components:

60.0%

5.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

6.5
Brainwavz HM9 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is lower than 89.8% of products in this category.
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

no
Brainwavz HM9 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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: HIGH

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: HIGH

40 mm
Brainwavz HM9 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
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

1
Brainwavz HM9 uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
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

10 Hz
Brainwavz HM9 reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% of headphones.
Show more
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: LOW

no
Brainwavz HM9 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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: LOW

yes
Brainwavz HM9 is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

1
Brainwavz HM9 has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
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

yes
Brainwavz HM9 includes a boom microphone. 86.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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

?
Show more
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: LOW

wired
Brainwavz HM9 supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
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: LOW

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: MEDIUM

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: LOW

no
Brainwavz HM9 does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
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

no
Brainwavz HM9 does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
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

no
Brainwavz HM9 does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
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

no
Brainwavz HM9 does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
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: HIGH

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

no
Brainwavz HM9 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

no
Brainwavz HM9 does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
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: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
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: LOW

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: LOW

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <150 g

350 g
Brainwavz HM9 weighs 350 g, heavier than 91.1% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
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: LOW

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: LOW

?
Show more

Brainwavz HM9 vs the average pair of headphones

  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Brainwavz HM9 has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones does not. 36.6% 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 pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Foldable design
    Brainwavz HM9 has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% 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 pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup height
    Brainwavz HM9 offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (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: LOW

    Brainwavz HM9 offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.70 mm vs 60 mm
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Brainwavz HM9 has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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: LOW

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Brainwavz HM9 has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones does not. 13.5% 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 pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 24 dB higher max SPL
    Brainwavz HM9 has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (134 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.134 dB vs 110 dB
  • 10x higher input power handling
    Brainwavz HM9 has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1000 mW vs 100 mW
  • Foldable design
    Brainwavz HM9 has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup height
    Brainwavz HM9 offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Brainwavz HM9 has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Boom microphone included
    Brainwavz HM9 includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 60.6% higher weight
    Brainwavz HM9 is heavier than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones 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 pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No neodymium magnet
    Brainwavz HM9 does not use neodymium magnets, the average pair of headphones does. 81.9% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • 1.5 dB looser channel balance
    Brainwavz HM9 has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (2 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
  • No battery indicator
    Brainwavz HM9 does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • No voice assistant support
    Brainwavz HM9 does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Brainwavz HM9 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% 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: HIGH

    Brainwavz HM9 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 60.6% higher weight
    Brainwavz HM9 is heavier than the average pair of headphones (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: HIGH

    Good value: <150 g

    Brainwavz HM9 is heavier than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones 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 pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 32% lower user score
    Brainwavz HM9 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.06 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 pair of headphones (6.06 vs 8.000).6.06 vs 8
  • No battery indicator
    Brainwavz HM9 does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
    What it is: Shows remaining battery charge visually or audibly
    When it matters: When you dislike unexpected shutdowns and want clearer warning before leaving home, boarding a flight, or joining a call.

    Importance: LOW

    Brainwavz HM9 does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 11.3% worse value for money
    Brainwavz HM9 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.54 vs 7.279).
    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 pair of headphones (6.54 vs 7.279).6.54 vs 7.28
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Brainwavz HM9 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones 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 pair of headphones 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 pair of headphones does. 81.9% 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 pair of headphones does. 81.9% of headphones use neodymium magnets.

Graphic comparison of Brainwavz HM9 and other products in the Headphones category

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

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

T
techpowerup.com
29/11/2013
Summary of the review
H
headfonics.com
18/08/2013
Summary of the review
S
stereo-head.it
12/09/2014
Summary of the review

Video reviews

Compare Brainwavz HM9 with other products in the Headphones category

VS
VS

Compare