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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If cost is a significant factor and you're looking for solid performance without a premium price, the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless may be the better choice. They often come with gaming mode for lower latency, making them suitable for gaming and video content. However, if you're heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, desire seamless integration with your devices, and prioritize sound quality and ease of use, the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) could be worth the extra expense. They also generally offer better microphone quality for calls and access to features such as spatial audio, which enhances the listening experience for compatible content. Keep in mind, though, that the Airpods may not work as well with non-Apple devices compared to the more platform-agnostic Razer Hammerhead. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
6.6
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for music, while the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless is only fair.
Gaming
5.4
8.6
The Razer Hammerhead True Wireless is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
5.4
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
5.6
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless is poor.
TV and Video
5.5
7.9
The Razer Hammerhead True Wireless is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.1
The Razer Hammerhead True Wireless is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Razer Hammerhead True Wireless has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless costs $100.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
8.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (3rd generation) to have excellent build quality, while the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Razer Hammerhead True Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Razer | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | August 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8.7/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 7.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 36 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Razer Hammerhead True Wireless
See more
Dig into reviews and images
The Verge
Chris Welch | August 2019
"This latest set is more “Pro” than not in both looks and features: they offer active noise cancellation, a low-latency gaming mode, and have switched to a in-ear design with silicone tips. Just like many of the company’s laptops and gaming accessories, the 2021 Hammerhead True Wireless include Razer’s full Chroma RGB system. It makes for what Razer calls “the ultimate wireless earbud flex.”"
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Razer
Razer is an American-Singaporean hardware manufacturer aimed specifically toward the gaming market. They manufacture a very wide array of gaming laptops, tablets, phones, peripherals and, of course, headphones and earbuds both wired and wireless. Since 2016, Razer has owned the THX suite, aimed at quality assurance of audiovisual systems such as speaker sets, video game consoles and even movie theaters.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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