Whatever your platform, Razer headsets are some of the best in the business, and they'll serve you perfectly in 2023. That said, finding the right set of cups for you can be tricky. Razer splits its headsets across four main ranges, the PC-focused BlackShark, console-focused Kaira, multi-platform Barracuda, and immersion-focused Kraken. Across each of these ranges sits multiple iterations and models, pitching at different price points. That means the best entry level Razer headset could sit across any of these models, as could the top contender overall.
That's why we've put all the latest Razer headsets to the test - living, working, and playing with each set of cups in order to rank our favorites for a variety of use-cases. We're not just listing the highest quality, most expensive cups on the market here, though. In order to get the best value for money possible, we're going all over the price range. That means you'll find our top budget and mid-range picks in here as well.
Razer produces some of the best gaming headsets on the market, whatever platform you're looking for, with a long and storied history in the industry. There's plenty of pedigree in this name, but not all releases are winners. You'll find the cups that are worth your time below.
The best Razer headsets 2023
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In a very strong field, the recently released BlackShark V2 is the best Razer headset you can get now. It's one of the best, if not the best, Razer headset I have tested in, well, ever, and a very worthy inhabitant of this top spot.
With a new spin on the original BlackShark's design - from eight years ago - the V2 packs brand new tech, a lightweight design, and Razer quality and stylings into a great value, exquisite PC offering. Its design is lightweight and comfortable; its audio quality is seriously excellent thanks to brand new Titanium drivers; its microphone is one of the best I've ever used - and is brand new too; and through a companion app, it's got features and customization coming out of everywhere. The stars have really aligned with this headset and I can't wait to use it every time I sit down to play.
Teamed with the recently-released THX Spatial Audio app, and a whole new world of game audio, customization and refinement will be open to you, taking the already-excellent audio of the headset to greater heights. And with a price tag of $100, you get enormous value for money. If you have the budget and you want one of the best, this is it.
Read more: Razer BlackShark V2 review (opens in new tab)
There's a reason the Razer Kraken is the latest iteration of Razer's famous and popular headset. It offers great sound at great value, and can be used across a wide variety of devices. This popular Razer headset is lightweight and despite the large earcups, you can wear them comfortably for long gaming sessions. Sound-wise, the mid-range is a bit muddy, but the bass packs a punch. The fully retractable, unidirectional microphone allows for clear voice chat, and you can even choose between oval or circular ear cushions. If you're looking for a Razer headset under £100/ $100 that still performs, this is it. There's even a stripped back version of the Kraken called the Kraken X (opens in new tab) which keeps a lot of what is good about the headset, slightly repackaged into a cheaper pair.
Read more: Razer Kraken review
If you're looking for the best Razer headset for PS5 to pair with your new-gen console, then the Razer Kaira Pro for PlayStation is the easiest recommendation to make.
The headset shares a lot with the Kaira range generally that we saw rolled out for Xbox prior to the PlayStation range, and, as a result, looks similar, while maintaining a white and black colourway to match the console. One of the biggest selling points to us, however, is the inclusion of Razer's newest haptic feedback tech. The inclusion of this blew us away in our testing and makes this Razer headset stand out as a set that will add and enhance immersion.
The haptics only requires the existence of audio frequency to work which is impressive, but we found the one drawback wit this to be that your teammates and friends speaking to you will also set them off which is a little annoying - perhaps the next generation of haptics will be able to tell between in-game audio to enhance and chat audio to ignore...
But when the haptics in the Kaira Pro teamed up with a DualSense, our gaming experience was taken to a different place and made for a truly exciting ride and immersive experience (you can turn them off if that's not your bag). Then you'll 'just' be treated to the Kaira Pro's excellent audio quality that really does a brilliant job from the deepest of booms to the highest-pitch notes.
We found that the mic could be better despite extensive testing with my friends saying I was a bit tinny and thin sounding, but this isn't too much of a detractor on what is an exceptional PS5 wireless headset.
Read more: Razer Kaira Pro for PlayStation review
The Razer Kaira Pro for Xbox came out well before its PlayStation equivalent, so it hit that original console launch window a lot better. However, it still holds out today as the best Razer headset for Xbox Series X / S or even Xbox One players. Many of Razer's gaming headsets have targeted the Microsoft console directly, but this is the latest and greatest.
We noted how flexibility between console and mobile gaming sits at the fore here. As an Xbox Series X headset, the Razer Kaira Pro has to satisfy both markets after all. That means the portable form factor, Bluetooth 5.0 connection options, and built-in microphone make this the perfect go-between for all your Game Pass needs. An onboard dial also handles chat mix balancing for you as well. Of course an additional detachable mic is also included for those hardcore console sessions.
That Xbox black and green colorway immediately pit the Razer Kaira Pro in Microsoft's territory, but the matte black plastic and subtle green accents steer it away from a garish accessory. In the hand, we noted the premium feel of the materials used - especially the Flowknit memory foam cushioning.
The actual audio is rich and well-rounded, with those 50mm drivers balancing lows, mids, and highs particularly well. Not only that, but the surround sound is also notably improved over previous direct-for-Xbox headsets. We were able to pinpoint attacks flying past us in Outriders and enjoyed the swirling winds of Destiny 2 in 3D. We did notice some odd crackles every so often during our testing, which may cause some concern for the longevity of that audio, though.
While it may not be obvious to anyone who hasn't used a Razer headset before, the Kaira Pro is also compatible with free Razer software direct on the Xbox itself. Here you can tweak your EQ settings and make use of preset profiles for certain genres.
Read more: Razer Kaira Pro for Xbox review
The Razer Barracuda X is not just the best Razer headset for the Switch, but it's the best Nintendo Switch headset for most people overall as well. That's because of its simple plug and play design, and no-fuss audio quality. If you're after a portable set of cups that won't break the bank, this is certainly where you need to be looking.
Why Nintendo Switch specifically? The Razer Barracuda X just handles the intricate melodies of Nintendo's titles and the flexibility needs of its on-the-go design particularly well. While compatible across PlayStation and PC as well, the Barracuda X feels most at home slung in a backpack with your hybrid console. Simply slot the USB-C 2.4GHz receiver into the bottom of your handheld or slot it into the dock to use during big-screen play. This is a versatile headset that doesn't force EQ or RGB features into its price tag (though the former is still available via the Razer Audio app), it offers up excellent sound quality and a long battery life without any additional fuss.
That means you're not spending any extra cash on features you won't want or use, making more room for high-end audio at a lower mid-range price point.
Read more: Razer Barracuda X review
If you've got a healthy budget and are looking for a premium headset that can do it all, then the Razer Barracuda Pro could well be for you. It channels all that makes Razer headsets great, first and foremost with a high grade of gaming audio. This can still be tinkered with to your heart's content with Synapse of course, but it covers all the bases for all media - particularly good as it's prime for use as a mobile and on-the-go headset.
The design and build are robust and you can have confidence slinging the Barracuda Pro on no matter your platform, situation, or whereabouts, and while the built-in microphones are just 'OK', I've used this headset almost every day and haven't had any meaningful trouble - they just struggle a bit in gaming scenarios. But, equally, that's the tradeoff you get when ditching a boom mic for built-in ones.
Another slight weakness is the ANC capability which changes the audio experience a bit too much for our liking but is serviceable for a commute's worth of play. It's also more expensive than the wonderful BlackShark V2 Pro which is a fabulous wireless headset that can offer serious value in the face of the BArracuda Pro. However, if you are really looking for a boom-mic-less, do-it-all, multi-platform headset, then this Razer headset is definitely worth a look - and certainly whenever it receives a price cut.
Read more: Razer Barracuda Pro review
The Razer Kraken V3 Pro is the latest, premiere model from the latest Kraken-range refresh from the gaming hardware behemoth. And it's not just any product range refresh - this is a wholesale change from previous Krakens and improves on them in almost every way. And it's one of the best Razer headsets money can buy now.
The V3 Pro offers some serious firepower, and this comes twofold. First in adopting Razer's latest innovations and developments in audio. The drivers are exquisite and offer a great range of detail across the sound spectrum, with enemy footsteps clearly given to you, just as much as the sound of the wind howling, and gunfire, in particular, is a treat. It's even great for music and meetings. By default, it's a little trebly out of the box, so tinkering is worthwhile and is relatively straightforward in Synapse too.
The second area that the headset offers firepower is in is the haptic feedback technology. I am a fan of this - I used the Nari Ultimate for ages - and this is an incredibly immersion-enhancing feature that's better than it's ever been. There are four settings (including 'off') so a bit of tuning can be had, and when played in single-player, it really is a feature worth shouting about. The one drawback of the haptics is that your teammates and friends speaking to you will also set the rumble off too which is a little annoying - perhaps the next generation of haptics will be able to tell between in-game audio to enhance and chat audio to ignore...
The microphone is one small area of weakness with colleagues and teammates suggesting I sounded a bit thin, tinny, and lacking richness, but our communication was never impeded so it really doesn't bring the headset down.
All in, another absolute cracker of a wireless gaming headset from Razer, and one worthy of investing in - it has usurped my BlackShark V2 Pro as my go-to, everyday headset now.
If you're looking for rundowns of some other top brands' headsets, then check out our guides to Turtle Beach headsets, and Sennheiser gaming headsets.
