What features make the best Razer gaming headsets? It starts with excellent sound quality so gamers can pick up subtle spatial audio cues and directional sound. Ideally, the best gaming headphones should deliver a virtual surround sound effect like Razer’s THX spatial audio.
Next, like any great gaming headset, the Razer headsets are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time, thanks to a lightweight design and padded memory foam ear cushions. Finally, top-rated Razer models generally come with a boom mic or detachable microphone and use active noise cancellation for optimal clarity.
Keep reading to learn more about the best Razer gaming headphones and how they compare to the other brands like Sennheiser gaming headsets.
Top Razer Gaming Headsets
#1 Razer Kraken Gaming Headset
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This headset has custom-tuned 50mm drivers that deliver powerful sounds. It has a flip-up sound-canceling mic with a cardioid pickup pattern for excellent sound capture.
- Flip-up noise-canceling mic
- Incredible 7.1 surround sound system
- Comfortable gel-infused ear cushions
- Audio quality reduces at low volume settings
The Razer Kraken gaming headset has wide ear cups that fit a wide variety of people. This headset has 50mm sound drivers custom-tuned for gaming to deliver powerful beats that add fun to gameplay. It supports 7.1 surround sound, enabling users to enjoy spatial audio. This gaming headset features cooling gel-infused ear cushions, providing a pleasant listening experience. However, dialing down the volume reduces the audio quality on this model.
The noise canceling mic on this model has a cardioid pickup pattern, capturing the user’s voice easily, while removing unnecessary background sounds. This microphone is retractable, enabling users to flip it up when needed. The headset has in-line controls with a volume wheel and mute function for hassle-free operation. Featuring an aluminum frame, this gaming headset is lightweight and durable. It has a decent frequency range of 100 Hz to 10 KHz.
#2 Razer Kraken X Gaming Headset
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This headset has an ultra-light design that will suit users who play on a regular basis. It has on-ear controls for muting and adjusting the volume easily.
- Intuitive on-ear controls
- Remarkably lightweight design
- 7.1 surround sound
- Microphone is not retractable
The Razer Kraken X gaming headset boasts 7.1 surround sound, delivering positional audio to bring movies and games to life. It features 40mm drivers that produce high-quality audio. Weighing just 250g, this gaming headset provides the ultimate in comfort. It has a noise-canceling mic that picks up sound in a cardioid pattern. The mic is bendable, allowing users to enhance positioning for optimum sound capture. However, the microphone on this model is not retractable.
On-ear controls on this headset allow users to mute the mic and adjust the volume easily. The device has durable parts that stand the test of time. It has plush memory foam ear cushions for comfort and a 3.5mm connector that provides compatibility with computers, consoles, and mobile devices. This headset is available in black, blue, and mercury white variants. With a long anti-tangling cord, this headset maintains a net appearance.
#3 Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Gaming Headset
Award: BEST WITH A REMOVABLE MICROPHONE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This headset has a low-latency HyperSpeed cordless transmission system and 3.5mm plug, offering connection flexibility. The microphone on this model is removable, enabling hassle-free replacement when needed.
- Excellent removable microphone
- 7.1 surround sound
- Optional detachable 3.5mm cable
- Lacks chat volume customization
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro gaming headset has powerful triforce titanium 50mm sound drivers that deliver very accurate highs, mids, and lows. It supports 7.1 surround sound, allowing users to discern positional sound easily. This model is wireless, featuring a low-latency HyperSpeed Razer technology. In addition to the wireless connection system, this device comes with a 3.5mm cable, which is detachable for convenience. However, it doesn’t have a chat volume control.
A supercardioid 9.9mm Razer mic on this device effectively captures the user’s voice for smoothing-game communication. The mic is detachable, so users can remove it when needed, and it features voice isolation tech for accurate voice capture. This headset comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that provides power for up to 24 hours on a single charge. The headset can be tuned and customized via the Razer Synapse platform. This headset is compatible with PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and other gaming platforms.
#4 Razer Nari Essential Gaming Headset
Award: BEST CORDLESS
WHY WE LIKE IT: The headset has an innovative self-adjusting head beam that conforms to the user’s head for comfort. It features a retractable noise-canceling microphone and on-ear controls for convenience.This headset has 3D sounds.
- Excellent self-adjusting headbeam
- 7.1 surround sound
- Noise-canceling retractable mic
- Audio quality deteriorates at high volume settings
- So-so battery life
Thanks to a self-adjusting headband, the Razer Nari Essential gaming headset offers convenience and fits a wide variety of people. The headset features a spatial audio system, delivering 3D sounds for an immersive experience. It has on-ear controls that allow users to adjust the volume and mute the mic with ease. This headset is wireless, enabling users to maintain a neat cordless gaming setup. However, the audio quality deteriorates at high volume settings.
This headset includes a rechargeable battery that provides up to 16 hours of uninterrupted runtime. It charges easily via a micro USB cable. Featuring a noise-canceling mic, the headset is ideal for eSports. The mic is retractable, allowing users to get it out of the way. It has a 2.4GHz system that provides lag-free performance over a range of up to 40 feet. This head has a black color scheme that is suitable for gaming rooms and offices.
#5 Razer Kraken Ultimate Gaming Headset
Award: BEST WITH RGB LIGHTING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This headset has Razer Chroma underglow ambiance lighting that adds some fun to the gameplay. It features custom-tuned 50mm drivers with THK Spatial Audio for incredible audio rendering.
- Pleasant customizable ambiance lighting
- Retractable active noise canceling mic
- Cooling gel cushions
- Needs Razer software to optimize sound quality
- USB connector limits compatibility with consoles and mobile devices
The Razer Kraken Ultimate boasts custom-tuned 50mm drivers, delivering an immersive experience. This device has THX Spatial Audio to help users discern the direction of footsteps and other spatial sounds. The headset features high-quality parts with an aluminum and steel frame for durability. Equipped with a high-quality microphone, this headset optimizes in-game communication. The microphone has active noise cancellation, enhancing audio capture for eSport. However, this model needs adjusting settings in Razer software to produce decent sound.
Eyewear-friendly cooling gel cushions on this device provide comfort. It has on-ear controls, enabling users to mute and adjust volume conveniently. Featuring Razer Chroma RGB underglow lighting, this headset offers a sophisticated appearance. The RGB lighting is customizable to suit the user’s preferences. It has a black color scheme that blends in with gaming gear and electronics in the game room. This headset has a USB connector for plug-and-play connectivity to various devices.
#6 Razer Kraken Tournament Edition Gaming Headset
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: BEST FOR COMFORT
WHY WE LIKE IT: This headset has a thin headband and oval cooling gel cushions, providing comfort during lengthy gameplay sessions. This model has a brilliant lime color scheme that stands out.
- Outstanding oval cooling gel cushions
- THX 7.1 surround sound
- Comes with a USB DAC
- Too large and heavy for some people
Thanks to THX 7.1 Surround Sound, the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition brings a new level of realism to gameplay. It offers spatial sounds, so gamers can distinguish the direction of various in-game sounds.This headset has a vibrant green color palette that makes a bold statement. It uses custom-tuned 50mm audio drivers to deliver immersive in-game audio. Featuring oval cooling gel-infused cushions, this headset provides a good fit without being overbearing. However, the ear cups are a bit too large for some people.
A noise canceling mic with a cardioid pattern picks up the user’s voice while damping background sounds. The microphone is retractable, so users can take the headset for a jog without a dangling mic. With in-line controls, this headset allows precise volume adjustment. The headset comes with a USB audio enhancer DAC. It has a slim headband to relieve pressure from the gamer’s head. This gaming headset is compatible with PCs and a wide variety of consoles and mobile devices.
Introduction to Razer Gaming Headsets
Razer is a multinational gaming accessories and technology company with headquarters in Singapore and Irvine, CA. The Razer brand started as a subsidiary of Kårna, LLC in 1998, marketing a high-end gaming mouse. Min-Liang Tan and Robert Krakoff acquired the rights to the brand and founded the current iteration of Razer in 2005.
Razer produces a wide range of gaming peripherals and gaming lifestyle accessories, including keyboards, gaming mice, mobile devices, and headsets. The brand’s headsets typically fill the budget to mid-range price categories. Even the cheapest Razer headset will likely outperform an all-purpose set of earbuds or headphones for specific gaming tasks.
Razer purchased THX in 2016, allowing it to integrate THX-branded surround sound technology into its lines of gaming speakers and range of gaming headsets. Along with the low price range, Razer headsets became known for customizable features through the Razer Synapse app ecosystem. When equipped with the Razer THX spatial audio system, headsets like the Razer Nari Ultimate deliver excellent audio quality and cinematic, immersive sound.
Razer products often have clear gamer marketing cues. Still, recent models have diversified in their aesthetic and style, recognizing that some gamers may prefer a more sleek, minimal design. In contrast, others may want a more flashy look.
Though they may not have the most audiophile reputation among headphones, Razer headsets stand out for their excellent sound quality in the most critical ranges for competitive gaming advantage. They aim for high levels of positional accuracy and clear voice tones, and some models also work with Razer’s virtual assistant for easy setup.
How Razer Compares to Other Brands
(Pro 1) Available THX Spatial Sound: Many Razer headsets come with THX-developed virtual surround sound technology. This gives PC and console gamers a three-dimensional, immersive sound experience and lets users pinpoint the action sounds in games where directional cues play an important role.
(Con 1) Chroma RGB Lighting Not for Everyone: Many Razer gaming products, including headsets, come with a user-selectable Razer Chroma RGB lighting system; some gamers may love it, others may find it adds needless complexity.
(Pro 2) Wireless Pairing with Other Razer Peripherals: Razer’s wireless gaming headset models, including the Razer Kraken wireless, utilize the same “Hyperspeed” wireless connectivity as other Razer PC gaming peripherals, letting them share a USB dongle and free up a port.
(Con 2) Limited Mobile Device Compatibility: With most units relying on 2.4GHz wireless technology, USB ports, or 3.5 mm audio jack wired connection, mobile gamers may find it inconvenient to connect their favorite Razer headset to a mobile device lacking a headphone jack.
(Pro 3) Available Haptic Feedback: Some models, such as the newer Razer PS5 headsets, feature haptic technology to deliver an even more immersive gaming experience.
(Con 3) Headphone Frequency Response Trails Some Premium Competitors: Most Razer gaming headphones, such as the Razer Nari Ultimate Wireless, have a frequency response range of around 10Hz-20kHz, slightly less than some premium rivals offer. The microphone frequency response may also trail the best boom microphone options from competing brands.
(Pro 4) Low Latency: As a gaming-focused brand, Razer caters to the eSports community with very low-latency hardware in general. This applies to their gaming headsets, too, with models such as the Razer Blackshark and Razer Thresher wireless headphones delivering ultra-low latency connectivity.
(Con 4) Somewhat Bulky: While this may be a non-issue for many gamers who might be used to larger headsets, some users may find the size of the top-rated Razer headset models to be a little uncomfortable, especially if you’re used to earbuds such as Apple AirPods or a lightweight headset. The closed-back design of Razer’s over-the-ear headsets can add to the feeling of claustrophobia. However, models such as the Razer Kraken offer passive noise isolation thanks to their earcup design and excellent build quality.
Why Should You Buy a New Razer Gaming Headset?
PC Gamers building out a new setup that includes other Razer peripherals may find that incorporating a new Razer wireless gaming headset is the most convenient way to add high-quality audio to the gaming experience. In addition to improved sound quality, you’ll get a comparatively easy setup process with the Razer companion app.
You might also want to look into a new headset or pair of gaming headphones if you’ve upgraded your PC or monitor and want a more immersive experience where the audio matches the high-quality visuals.
If you’re a console gamer starting to use a current-generation console, you might consider a new headset for your PS5 or Xbox so that you can experience the full sonic richness of the new consoles. The latest Razer Thresher, for example, offers a feature set uniquely tailored to the latest consoles, with console-specific versions for Xbox Wireless and PS4/5.
A new Razer headset with THX Spatial Audio might also be an excellent choice if you’re getting into more competitive gaming or streaming. New eSports-focused models like the Razer BlackShark Pro offer improved spatial audio to allow gamers to localize in-game sound with greater positional accuracy. These new Razer models also feature improved microphone performance thanks to the Razer HyperClear cardioid mic.
The move to 50mm audio drivers, compared to the older 40mm drivers on most premium headsets, enables new models to deliver more powerful low-frequency sounds and a more omnidirectional virtual surround sound experience.
Compared to older headsets, a new high-quality headset offers a valuable boost in sound quality, better mic quality, and improved background noise filtering for a more entertaining and immersive gaming experience. Compared to older headsets, even the cheapest razer headset will likely provide lower latency and more responsive audio performance. Wireless connection speed has improved, and the USB and USB-C dongle design now makes it easier to link peripherals together on a wireless network.
New wireless models offer excellent battery life. For example, the Razer BlackShark Pro Wireless can deliver up to 24 hours on a single charge. Newly available features include custom-tuned dynamic drivers, THX spatial audio, and Xbox One compatibility. In addition, improvements to the Razer Synapse 3 app make it easier to set up the custom features and settings of a new headset.
How Long Do Razer Gaming Headsets Last?
Razer headsets tend to be well-built, with design elements chosen for ruggedness and durability in heavy gaming or eSports. That said, the longevity of a pair of gaming headphones or headset will vary widely according to the type of headset, the way it’s used, and where it’s stored.
Most headphones and headsets have a predicted lifespan of around three to five years. Wired headset models typically last longer than wireless headsets since the wireless headsets may be limited to the lifespan of their built-in battery cells. Wireless models can also run into compatibility issues due to changing standards.
Headsets with an over-ear design will typically outlast earbuds. On-ear headsets tend to have more robust construction and, being less portable, may spend more time safely stored.
Factors that add wear and tear to headsets include heat, moisture, and intense mobile gaming use. Frequently putting on and removing a pair of headphones can place more stress on the headband and audio cables.
To help your headset last longer, store it someplace relatively dry and away from excessive heat. A well-designed headset stand or under-desk hook can help keep your headset safe from beverage spills and accidental drops. Durability-enhancing features include a detachable cable, high-quality ear cup hardware, and a flexible or adjustable headband.
Razer Warranties
Razer headsets typically come with a 2-year limited warranty that covers parts and manufacturing defects. As per usual, warranty returns require proof of purchase from the Razer store or an authorized Razer retailer. The warranty covers the headset’s internal and external parts, including speakers, retractable boom mic, if so-equipped, original equipment cables, USB sound card, and earcups.
It includes some tech support and may cover issues arising from original pre-installed software, but it excludes additional or custom software added through the Razer companion app, Google Assistant, or elsewhere. It also excludes modifications, normal wear and tear, and accidental damage. It also excludes damage from power surges or wireless charging using non-approved wireless chargers.
The Razer warranty is average for premium gaming headset warranties, with support generally available for setup and connectivity issues and DOA (Dead On Arrival) products.
