Most headphones are tuned for everyone. That’s great for pop playlists and podcasts, but heavy metal is a different challenge.
Dense riffs, double-kick drums, layered bass, and screaming vocals can quickly turn into a muddy wall of sound on ordinary headphones. That’s where the Heavys H1H claims to stand apart.
Designed specifically for metal and engineered with a unique four-driver setup, it promises better instrument separation, clarity, and impact where conventional headphones struggle.
But does it actually deliver, or is “built for metal” just clever marketing?
After spending extensive time with these headphones, here’s my honest review of how they perform in real-world listening.
About the Heavys H1H Headphones
The Heavys H1H began as a Kickstarter project in 2022 with one goal: to build headphones specifically for heavy metal music, not just give them a metal-inspired look.
Engineered by Axel Grell, former chief headphone engineer at Sennheiser and creator of the legendary HD 650, the H1H is his first independent design.
The Germany-based brand ships worldwide, has sold over 200,000 units, and has built a loyal following among metal fans through Reddit, YouTube, and licensed interchangeable band shells.
It’s designed for listeners who want metal to sound the way it was meant to be heard.
What’s in the Box
- Heavys H1H Headphones
- Heavy’s Original Shells
- Audio AUX Cable 2.5mm -> 3.5mm
- USB-C Cable for Charging & Listening
- Bonus Premium Protective Travel Case (worth $39)
- Official Authenticity Certificate from Axel Grell
Key Specifications of the Heavys H1H Headphones
Here is a quick look at the core H1H specs, covering its drivers, battery life, connectivity, ANC, and design features.
1. Design and Build
The Heavys H1H features a rugged yet comfort-focused design built for long listening sessions. Its 410g closed-back frame is made of reinforced ABS plastic with a satin finish for a premium feel.
The foldable design improves portability, while soft leatherette ear cushions and a padded headband enhance comfort.
Interchangeable licensed earcup shells let users personalize the headphones.
2. Sound and Drivers
The H1H uses a unique four-driver-per-ear system with two woofers and two front-facing tweeters.
Running my own mix of thrash, doom, and progressive metal through them, the layered guitar tracks and blast-beat drums stayed separated instead of blending into noise, which is exactly where flatter, general-purpose headphones tend to fall apart.
It supports a wired frequency response from 5 Hz to 46 kHz and from 5 Hz to 24 kHz over Bluetooth. A companion EQ app and physical rotary volume knob complete the listening experience.
3. Noise Cancellation and Listening Modes
The H1H combines passive isolation with HellBlocker active noise cancellation for a more immersive listening experience.
Users can switch between wired passive, Bluetooth passive, ANC, and Transparency Mode depending on their surroundings.
Transparency Mode lets outside sound in for conversations without removing the headphones.
Set next to noise-cancellation on the Sony WH-1000X series or the Bose QuietComfort line, Hell Blocker is noticeably lighter-handed.
It cuts steady background noise well but will not fully quiet a loud office or a flight cabin, a trade-off that suits listeners who find heavier ANC systems uncomfortable rather than helpful.
A built-in SPL dosimeter also tracks listening volume to help reduce hearing fatigue during extended sessions.
4. Battery and Charging
The H1H delivers up to 50 hours of battery life on a single charge, making it ideal for long listening sessions. Battery life decreases slightly when active noise cancellation is enabled.
Charging is handled via a USB-C port for fast, convenient power delivery. A full charge easily lasts several days for most users with regular daily listening.
5. Connectivity
The H1H supports both wireless and wired listening, giving users flexibility across different devices.
Bluetooth 5.1 supports SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codecs for stable, high-quality wireless audio. For wired playback, you can use USB-C audio or the included 3.5mm AUX cable.
Wired mode also extends the headphone’s frequency response up to 46 kHz for higher-resolution playback.
6. Microphones and Calls
The H1H features 5 beamforming microphones arranged in an end-fire array for clearer voice pickup during Bluetooth calls.
This setup helps improve call quality by reducing background noise in everyday environments. For gaming or dedicated voice chat, Heavys also offers an optional cable with an integrated boom microphone.
It provides a more focused microphone solution for multiplayer gaming and online communication.
7. Physical Controls
The H1H skips touch controls entirely. Power, Bluetooth pairing, noise cancellation, and volume all operate via mechanical switches and a twist-style volume knob that doubles as a play/pause button.
It’s a direct trade-off for the swappable shells, since the outer earcup is covered by the shell, leaving no flat surface for a touch panel.
The knob feels precise once you get used to it, but if you’re coming from headphones with tap or swipe gestures, expect a short adjustment period.
Heavys H1H Price and Availability
The Heavys H1H headphones retail for $269 to $274, depending on configuration.
Periodic sales bring the price down to around $220, at which point the value proposition becomes considerably stronger.
The headphones are sold directly through Heavys’ official website, with free global shipping on orders over $220.
International duties are included in the listed price at checkout. Every purchase includes a one-year warranty and a 14-day easy return policy.
There are three main bundle options. The standard package includes the headphones, cables, and travel case. The shells bundle adds a set of custom-designed earcup shells of your choice.
The gaming bundle includes the standard package plus a premium gaming cable with boom mic and optional custom shells.
Replacement and additional shells are sold separately at around $39 per set and cover officially licensed artwork from a range of heavy metal and hard rock bands.
For audiophile comparisons in this price range, audiophile headphone comparisons are worth reading to understand what the $250 to $300 bracket looks like across different product philosophies.
Why Are Users Criticizing H1H Headphones On Reddit?
While many metal fans praise the Heavys H1H, Reddit discussions also highlight several recurring criticisms.
Some users say the headphones sound underwhelming even after EQ adjustments, with a few preferring alternatives like the Sony WH-1000XM4.
Others describe the H1H as bulky, uncomfortable during long sessions, and overpriced for what it offers.
A pattern shows up across several independent reviews, too: the H1H can sound flat right out of the box until you spend a couple of minutes dialing in the companion EQ app, at which point the bass and instrument separation that most reviewers praise start to appear.
It’s worth noting that most of these opinions come from personal listening preferences rather than build-quality issues.
Audio is highly subjective, and what sounds engaging to one listener may not appeal to another.
If you’re considering the H1H, it’s best to weigh these criticisms alongside positive user reviews and professional evaluations before making a decision.
Heavys H1H vs the Competition: How It Stacks Up
The table below compares the Heavys H1H with some popular premium headphones, highlighting the features that matter most when choosing a pair for everyday listening and heavy metal music.
| Feature | Heavys H1H | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose QuietComfort 45 | Apple AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$269 | ~$280 | ~$279 | ~$549 |
| Drivers per ear | 4 (woofers + tweeters) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| ANC quality | Good, lighter-handed | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Battery life | 50 hours | 30 hours | 24 hours | 20 hours |
| Genre tuning | Heavy metal music (specific) | Neutral/broad | Neutral/broad | Neutral/broad |
| Customization | Swappable shells + EQ app | EQ app only | EQ app only | None |
| Weight | 410g | 250g | 238g | 385g |
| Wired option | Yes (3.5mm + USB-C) | Yes (3.5mm) | Yes (3.5mm) | Yes (Lightning) |
| Touch controls | No, mechanical only | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 offer deeper, more effective active noise cancellation, making them better choices for frequent travelers and commuters.
The AirPods Max is another strong contender, though its higher price makes it most appealing to users already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
None are tuned specifically for heavy metal. Their neutral sound profiles can’t match the H1H’s powerful bass, guitar presence, or instrument separation on complex metal tracks.
Should You Buy Heavys H1H Headphones?
If heavy metal is your primary genre, the Heavys H1H is an easy recommendation.
It is purpose-built for metal, with a multi-driver setup that delivers powerful bass, crisp guitars, and clear instrument separation even in dense mixes.
The companion EQ app and customizable shells add to the experience, making it a great fit for fans of thrash, death, doom, progressive metal, and hard rock.
If your goal is to enjoy metal the way it was mixed, the H1H delivers on that promise.
Who Should Not Buy the Heavys H1H?
The H1H is not the best choice if you mainly listen to a wide variety of genres and prefer a neutral sound signature.
It may also disappoint buyers who prioritize compact design, lightweight comfort, or travel-focused features over genre-specific audio tuning.
If those features matter more than a dedicated heavy metal listening experience, the H1H is unlikely to be the right fit.
Conclusion
This Heavys headphones review shows the Heavys H1H delivers on its promise of being a headphone built specifically for heavy metal.
Its multi-driver design provides excellent instrument separation and clarity in dense mixes, while the EQ app helps unlock its full potential.
Although the bulky design and average ANC make it less ideal for frequent travel, those trade-offs are minor for dedicated listeners.
If you regularly listen to heavy metal, hard rock, thrash, or doom and want a more immersive listening experience, the Heavys H1H is one of the strongest options in its price range.
Have you tried the Heavys H1H? Share your thoughts on its sound quality, comfort, or your favorite metal tracks in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Heavys Headphones Work Well for Genres Other Than Heavy Metal Music?
Yes. The EQ app makes them flexible across EDM, hip-hop, and classical. Electronic genres especially benefit from the driver setup.
Is There a Warranty or Repair Service for Heavys H1H?
Yes. Every H1H purchase includes a one-year warranty and a 14-day easy return policy from heavys.com.
Do Heavys Headphones Directly Work With a TV or Gaming Console?
Not wirelessly. Wired connection via 3.5mm or the optional gaming cable with boom mic works for consoles.
Can Children or Teens Use Heavys H1H Safely?
Yes. The built-in SPL dosimeter monitors sound pressure and automatically regulates volume to protect hearing during use.
Do Heavys H1H headphones need the EQ app to sound their best?
Not strictly, but most listeners notice a clear jump in bass and clarity once they dial in the companion app’s equalizer.
Several reviewers report the stock tuning sounds flat out of the box, so it’s worth the two minutes of setup before judging the sound.
