Best Razer gaming headsets

Ah, Razer. If there's a truly evocative brand of gaming hardware, it's surely this one. Razer gaming headsets

have been in the game pretty much since there was a game. It's the biggest name out there and it has some of the most affordable options out there.

Of course, many of its products are a bit average, and the company is starting to grow

outside the play area

, but if you want a gaming headset in that iconic black and green, we've got you covered. Here are the best Razer gaming headsets currently available on the market.

Editor's Note: This article was updated on July 13, 2021 to include the Razer Barracuda X and add a Notable Mentions section.

What you need to know about Razer gaming headsets

Many Razer headsets look alike, so pay attention to specs. Otherwise, you might end up with an entry-level headset instead of an enthusiast headset.

If you've decided that a Razer gaming headset

will step up your game

and that's what your heart desires, there are a few things to keep in mind. For starters, Razer's position as by far the most popular gaming headset brand doesn't mean its products are all the best. To be clear, the company has a lot of absolutely fine products, but it also has a lot of products, and some of them are stinky, often with almost identical names and sound good.

Razer has a lot of product lines

On this list, we used to include two products in Razer's Kraken range, but there are a lot more entries than that. Many of them are 90% identical, often differing based on a single feature, or whether they support Xbox One or PlayStation 4. It's easy to get trapped in a sea of ​​headsets almost identical neon highlights. When shopping for Razer gaming headsets, it's pretty important to know exactly what you need, especially if you want something cheaper. If you're not careful, you could end up with a headset that looks identical but doesn't actually work on your

console of choice

—very few Razer gaming headsets do it all. Depending on your budget, you may benefit more from a

separate gaming microphone

to pair with your headset. Check out our guide to

Razer's Many Lines of Gaming Headsets

to help you narrow down your options.

However, the flip side of this problem is that you can find something to cover your particular bases most of the time. If something we've included in the list isn't quite what you're looking for, chances are there's an almost identical headset out there that does. This list is meant as a starting point, so don't feel bound by it if something off the beaten path looks better. After all, the Thresher Ultimate for PlayStation 4 sounds just as good as the Thresher Ultimate for Xbox One, and both work on PC. This concern is still a problem with the new generation of consoles, a gaming headset designed for the

playstation5

Will not work with Xbox Series X/S using any connection method other than 3.5mm.

Why should you choose Razer over other gaming brands like SteelSeries?

Razer headsets are some of the best on the market, sporting features that help the company's products stand out from the rest. These features include Synapse 3 integration for device management, a gamer-focused sound signature with a low-end emphasis, and the inclusion of Razer's famous neon green logo on the earcups.

At the end of the day, the helmet you choose should be based on whether or not the product meets your needs and preferences. If you already own Razer peripherals, you might feel more comfortable buying headsets from the same brand because you're familiar with the company's design language and device management workflow. If you don't need Razer-specific features like Synapse 3 integration, or just want a headset with a design that isn't too flashy, the

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless and Steelseries Arctis 7P

are well-respected and affordable alternatives to Razer products.

Can you use a Razer Phone with Razer Gaming Headsets?

To use a Razer gaming headset with a Razer phone, you need to make sure the headset is compatible. This means that the Razer headset must be wired so that it can be plugged into the headphone jack of a Razer smartphone or connected via a USB-C dongle adapter. Alternatively, you can get the

Razer Hammerhead Duo True Wireless headphones

where the

Razer Opus

noise canceling Bluetooth headset for casual listening from your Razer smartphone.

What is Razer Synapse?

Razer Synapse 3 is only available on PC. To run the program on Mac, you will need to use a Windows virtual machine.

Razer Synapse 3

is the company's hardware configuration tool that lets you control and customize your Razer peripherals. For headsets, Synapse 3 gives you access to controls for headset EQ, microphone gain and enhancements, RGB lighting, and THX Spatial Audio. Note that access to some features, such as THX Spatial Audio, requires a compatible Razer device.

Currently, Razer Synapse 3 is only compatible with Windows computers. If you're using a Mac, Razer Synapse 2 is available for download, however, it doesn't support newer products like the Razer BlackShark V2. To control new Razer peripherals on a Mac, you will need to download and run Razer Synapse 3 in a Windows virtual machine.

The Razer Kraken Ultimate is a premium update to one of gaming's great workhorses

The Kraken range of Razer gaming headsets is wide and varied. There's a Kraken for every platform, in every color and with almost every feature, but not all of them. The new Kraken Ultimate is a solid contender, with THX surround sound, the same comfortable fit (with channels for glasses), an ANC microphone and 50mm audio drivers. In

our review

, we thought the price hike over previous Kraken models seemed a bit unwarranted, but there's still a lot to like about this gaming headset.

Full Review

Razer Kraken Ultimate

7.7

This USB headset is aimed primarily at the PC market, as it relies on Razer Synapse 3 for many of its features. Given the sound profiles of even the most premium Razer headsets, this probably won't be as accurate as a given pair of audiophile cans, but it'll be fine for gaming.

The THX surround sound feature delivers virtual surround sound projected in a sphere around you, introducing a degree of verticality to the audio, which is ideal for games like

Fortnite

and

Overwatch.

It won't make you better at a game, but it's one more tool to give you an edge.

Grab this headset if you need something simple that doesn't work. don't skimp on the fundamentals.

The Razer Barracuda X offers good sound and great compatibility

Razer's Thresher line of gaming headsets are full of great options, but if one stands above the others under $100, it's the Barracuda X. This cross-platform gaming headset doesn't use Razer Synapse. Once you've connected the Barracuda X to your favorite console, you're off to the races.

Razer Barracuda X

Full Review

Best Console Headset

Razer Barracuda X

7.8

You can connect this headset in two ways: wired with the 3.5mm cable or wirelessly via the USB-C dongle, the latter makes it easy to connect to a

nintendo-switch

or PlayStation 5. Heck, you can even use the headset with USB-C smartphones if you're so inclined. Razer also provides a USB-A adapter for the dongle in case your device doesn't have modern ports.

The Barracuda X has a few on-ear controls that allow you to adjust the volume, turn the headphones on/off, and enable or disable the detachable boom mic. Although the controls are all lined up in a single-file row, they are easy to tell apart from each other by touch.

You'll enjoy consistent audio output across the low and mid frequencies, with some under-frequency. emphasis in the sub-bass response. While this may alarm serious bass heads, the quiet sub-bass really shouldn't affect game sounds too much. The advantage of this frequency response is that the headphones are pleasant enough for listening to music.

This has its downsides like decent isolation performance and fairly quiet microphone output, but for a lifestyle-focused headset at this price point, the Barracuda X is a solid choice.

The Razer BlackShark V2 brings convenience and compatibility on the cheap

Most Razer gaming headsets are fairly reasonably priced, but the Razer BlackShark V2 strikes the perfect balance between covering all the bases and

stay cheap

.

Razer BlackShark V2

Full Review

Razer BlackShark V2

7.9

This headset features an aesthetic that works for both work and play, forgoing LED ear cups and sharp edges for rounded corners and a matte black finish. The BlackShark V2 also excels in comfort, with memory foam ear cups wrapped in leatherette and mesh fabric that sit gently around your ears, perfect for long gaming sessions.

For a headset of its price, the Razer BlackShark V2 has remarkably accurate audio output, with only a slight boost in the bass range. However, the quality of the microphone leaves something to be desired, with a frequency response that underemphasizes low frequencies.

Compatibility is not an issue, thanks to the headset's 3.5mm connection format. You can use it with virtually any gaming console, with additional functionality available on PC via Razer Synapse 3, when connected using the included USB dongle. PC-exclusive features include THX Spatial Audio support, EQ controls, and microphone settings.

If you're looking for a Razer gaming headset that's cheap, reliable, and compatible with many devices, the BlackShark V2 is your best bet.

The Razer Nari Ultimate brings more features than you can offer.

If high-end is what you're looking for, look no further than the Razer Nari Ultimate. This beast of a headset comes complete with a swivel headset, retractable boom mic, and comfortable suspension band. It's made mostly of plastic, but what it lacks in durability it makes up for in comfort. The combination of the Nari Ultimate's suspension band and thick leatherette earpads (with the same bezel channels as other Razer products) makes it ideal for long gaming sessions.

Razer Nari Ultimate

Full Review

Razer Nari Ultimate

7.6

This wireless headset can last up to 8 hours on a single charge. If that doesn't seem like a lot for a headset like this, that's because it's not. The Nari Ultimate has small additional audio drivers in each headset that produce haptic feedback when heavy bass is played. That's right, this helmet vibrates. It's a neat gadget, and when playing it can add a lot to intense firefights. However, it can get a little annoying when listening to music or watching movies. Perhaps more importantly, the feature seems to be what drains the headset battery the fastest.

The Nari Ultimate offers a ton of features. It's comfortable, wireless, and supports surround sound through THX Spatial Audio. The 2.4GHz wireless connection (via a USB dongle) means you shouldn't experience any audio lag, and it comes with a 3.5mm cord to connect to a device without a USB port. There's even an Xbox One version that connects directly to the console without the need for a dongle. Basically, this thing is stacked.

Gaming on the go with the Hammerhead Duo

Look, gaming headsets mostly target the same audience: homebound gamers who play at a desk or on a couch. However, gambling is more important than that these days. If you're a hardcore mobile gamer, or just want something less bulky to play on a Switch on your commute, a pair of headphones are probably a bit faster. However, while the Razer Hammerhead Duo is truly gaming focused, it's also great for anyone looking for a decent pair of headphones with a neutral output.

Razer Hammerhead Duo

Full review p>

Razer Hammerhead Duo

7.1

Unlike previous Hammerheads, which were

excellent USB-C headphones

, the Hammerhead Duo are 3.5mm headphones. Each earbud still houses a dual-driver unit, but this model does not support ANC. However, the switch to 3.5mm has also expanded its compatibility: these headphones work on any phone with a headphone jack and on all consoles.

If wired headphones just aren't what you're looking for, Razer makes both a

bluetooth version

and one

TWS model

from Hammerhead, just make sure you're actually looking for something for gaming: no console currently supports Bluetooth audio, and the standard's typical audio lag makes it hardly ideal for mobile gaming. There is also a

separate model

for the

nintendo-switch

which includes a mic mute switch, but the standard model will work great on it too. If you're looking for a discreet audio solution that really works anywhere, this is probably your best bet.

If you want an everyday pair of headphones, check out the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro p>

Razer, Comply, and THX have all come together to create these gamer-friendly headphones.

the

Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro

is the company's second pair of wireless headphones, designed for Razer fans who need a pair of headphones for everyday use. For under $200, these headphones pack a punch, with an IPX4 water-resistant build, decent noise cancellation, reliable connectivity via Bluetooth 5.1, automatic ear detection, and an in-app equalizer. It also has a low latency gaming mode, which also benefits frequent video streamers.

The Hammerhead True Wireless Pro delivers a relatively accurate frequency response that matches virtually any genre of music, which was made possible by Razer's partnership with

THX

. However, if you're the type of listener who prefers an extra bump in the low end, the Hammerhead True Wireless app gives you access to an equalizer, with sound presets to help you tweak the headphones to your tastes. listen. .

Not everything is perfect with headphones: the plastic cases seem cheap and the quality of the microphone (

sample

) leaves a lot of room for improvement. Fortunately, we have seen companies

improve microphone performance with a firmware update

, so maybe Razer will do the same.

Best Razer headsets: Notable mentions

Razer BlackShark V2 X

:

This model features the same design as the standard BlackShare V2 variant but replaces THX Spatial Audio with traditional 7.1 surround sound.< /p>

BlackShark V2 Pro

:

This Pro model features the same comfortable design as the standard option, but with added wireless connectivity, more bass frequency response and an improved microphone.

Razer Thresher Ultimate

:

Available in versions for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, which also work with PC, this wireless gaming headset has just about everything you can possibly want.

How important is surround sound?

Some helmets, like the

SteelSeries Arctis 7P

, do not have built-in surround sound. Instead, some consoles like the PlayStation 5 may support surround sound, which the Arctis 7P is compatible with.

You might notice that many of the Razer gaming headsets we've included offer surround exclusively through Windows 10, despite being compatible. with a much wider range of products. If you're wondering if surround sound support should dictate your purchase, it really depends on the types of games you play. If you like competitive shooting games like

fortnite,

Overwatch

Where

call of duty

it's probably something worth acquiring.

Surround sound doesn't necessarily make audio more immersive (it's impossible to quantify anyway), but it can give you important information in-game. Gaming headsets that offer 7.1 surround sound are supposed to offer a much more precise directional sound. If you're good enough to enjoy it, it could be the difference between a chicken dinner and an ignominious death in

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds

.

However, gaming headsets already offer better

spatial audio

than ordinary helmets. If you're just looking for something that will make things seem like things are generally heading in the right direction, just about any decent headset will do. Basically, if competitive shooters aren't a priority, don't worry about surround sound.

Why should you trust Sam

In the end, I don't just review

gaming headsets

because I'm passionate about good sound. Almost everything I do here at

SoundGuys

focuses on gaming content, and that's because I've been a gamer all my life. You name it, I probably played it. I know which types of audio features are important for different types of games, and perhaps more importantly: which aren't.

The gaming headset space, much like many other sectors of the audio industry, is rife with over-the-top language and fancy sound features that often don't add much to your experience - this is especially true for Razer gaming headsets. It's easy to get carried away with the flashy lights and promises of immersive sound and bass so intense it'll break your eardrums (but in a good way), but most of this flat stuff doesn't have not important. That's why we review helmets and why we have lists like this.

Following:

Best Gaming Microphones