Best Razer Gaming Headsets
Ah, Razer. If there's a brand that truly evokes gaming hardware, it's surely this one. Razer
gaming headsets
have been in the game pretty much since there has been a game at all. It's the biggest name out there and it offers some of the most affordable options out there.
Sure, a lot of his 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 on the market right now.
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 similar, so pay attention to the 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
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 great products, but it also has a lot of products, and some of them are stinkers, 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 many more entries than that. feature, or whether they support Xbox One or PlayStation 4. It's easy to get caught up in a sea of nearly identical neon-highlighted headsets. When you buy Razer gaming headsets, it's quite 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
gaming microphone
to pair with your helmet. See our guide on
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, there are chances are there's an almost identical helmet 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 an issue 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, with sporty features that help the company's products stand out from the crowd. These features include Synapse 3 integration for device management, a sound signature focused on players with a low-end accent and the inclusion of Razer's famous neon green logo on the ear cups.
Ultimately, the headset you choose should be based on whether or not the product meets your needs and preferences. If you already own Razer peripherals, you may feel more comfortable buying headsets from the same brand because you are familiar with the company's design language and device management workflow. If you don't need Razer-specific features like Synapse 3 integration, or you just want a helmet 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 must ensure that 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 or the
Razer Opus
Noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones 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 are using a Mac, Razer Synapse 2 is available for download, however, it does not 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 nearly 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.
our opinion
, 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.
Razer Kraken Ultimate
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 the most high-end Razer headsets, this probably won't be as accurate as a given pair of audiophile cans, but it'll be just 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
To watch.
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 skimp on the fundamentals.
The Razer Barracuda X brings good sound and great compatibility
The Thresher line of Razer gaming headsets are full of great options, but if one stands out from the rest for under $100, it's the Barracuda X. This cross-platform gaming headset doesn't use Razer Synapse .Once you connect 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 allowing easy connection to a
nintendo switch
or PlayStation 5. Heck, you can even use the headset with USB-C smartphones if you want. 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, power the headphones on/off, and mute or re-enable the detachable boom mic. they are easy to differentiate from each other by touch.
You'll enjoy consistent audio output across the low and mid frequencies, with some under-emphasis in the sub-bass response. affect game sounds. Game sound engineers intentionally mix in explosive noises to sound louder than anything else. The benefit of this frequency response is that the headset is quite pleasant 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, the Barracuda X is a solid choice.
The Razer BlackShark V2 brings comfort and compatibility at a low price
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
Get moving for your dough
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 foam ear cups with memory foam wrapped in leatherette and mesh fabric that sits 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 under-emphasizes the 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 features available on PC via Razer Synapse 3, when connecting using the included USB dongle. PC-exclusive features include THX Spatial Audio support, EQ controls and microphone settings.
If you are looking for a cheap, reliable Razer gaming headset that is compatible with many devices, the BlackShark V2 is your best bet.
The Razer Nari Ultimate brings more features than you can wave a (joy)stick to
If high end is what you're looking for, look no further than the Razer Nari Ultimate. This beast of a headset comes with a swivel headset, retractable boom mic, and comfortable suspension band. It's made primarily 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 isn't. The Nari Ultimate has small drivers additional audio in each headset that produces haptic feedback when heavy bass is played. That's right, this headset vibrates. It's a neat gadget, and when you're gaming, it can add a lot to intense firefights. However , it can get a bit annoying when listening to music or watching movies. Perhaps more importantly, the feature seems to be what drains the headphones battery the fastest.
The Nari Ultimate offers a ton of features. It's comfortable, wireless and supports surround sound via THX Spatial Audio. The 2.4GHz wireless connection (via USB dongle) means you shouldn't experience any lag audio, 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 .
Play 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, gaming is more important than that these days. If you're a hardcore mobile gamer, or if you just want something less bulky to play on a Switch on your commute, a pair of headphones is probably a little faster. However, while the Razer Hammerhead Duo is really gaming focused, it's also ideal for anyone looking for a decent pair of headphones with a neutral output.
Razer Hammerhead Duo
Full Review
Razer Hammerhead Duo
7.1
Unlike previous Hammerheads, who were
excellent USB-C headphones
, the Hammerhead Duo are 3.5mm earphones. Each earphone still houses a dual-driver unit, but this model does not support ANC. However, the move 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
Model TWS
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 hardly makes it ideal for mobile gaming. also a
separate model
for the
nintendo switch
which includes a mic mute switch, but the standard model will also work just fine on it. 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
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 a durable build IPX4 water rating, 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 boasts a relatively accurate frequency response that caters to 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, complete 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 features the same design as the standard BlackShare V2 variant, but swaps the THX Spatial Audio for traditional 7.1 surround sound.
BlackShark V2 Pro
:
This Pro model features the same comfortable design as the standard option, but with additional wireless connectivity, more bass frequency response and a significantly improved microphone.
Razer Ultimate Combiner
:
Available in versions for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, which also work with PC, this wireless gaming headset pretty much has it all.
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 may notice that many of the Razer gaming headsets we've included offer surround exclusively through Windows 10, although they're compatible with a much wider range of products. If you're wondering if audio support surround sound should dictate your purchase, it really depends on the types of games you play. If you like competitive shooters like
fortnite,
Surveillance
, Where
Call of Duty
it's probably something worth buying.
Surround sound doesn't necessarily make audio more immersive (it's impossible to quantify anyway), but it can give you important in-game information. Gaming headsets that offer 7.1 surround sound are supposed to offer a much more accurate directional sound. If you're good enough to enjoy it, it can be the difference between a chicken dinner and an ignominious death in
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds
.
However, gaming headsets already offer better
spatial sound
than regular headphones. If you're just looking for something that will make things feel like things are generally going 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 revise
gaming headsets
because I'm passionate about good sound. Pretty much 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've probably played it. I know what kinds of audio features are important for different kinds of games. , and perhaps more importantly: which ones are not.
The gaming headset space, just like many other parts of the audio industry, is full of over-the-top language and fancy sound features that often don't add much to your experience - this is especially true of headsets. It's easy to get carried away with flashy lights and promises of immersive sound and bass so deep it'll break your eardrums (but in a good way), but most of this stuff at flat don't matter. That's why we review helmets and why we have lists like this.
Next:
The Best Gaming Microphones