Best Razer headsets 2022: the top sets compared

Whatever your platform, Razer headsets are some of the best in the business, and they’ll serve you perfectly in 2022. We think that’s a well-established fact now, and I constantly find myself reaching for a Razer headset as my default audio-giver now across multiple platforms. They can make up an integral part of your gaming set-up: Razer’s audio range does not mess around. 

Your gaming headset should be comfortable, durable, have all the features you want, and be stylish to boot. And most importantly of all, they have to sound spectacular. While you’ll pretty much always have to compromise in some of these areas to ensure you get the most out of your budget, it’s still possible to tick most of the boxes with one of the best Razer headsets for gaming. We should know, as we’ve tested so many of them that even our best gaming headset guide features a few of them.

Razer’s audio products frequently make Best Of lists and have won a number of Editor’s Choice awards, and such is their consistent quality, we’ve gathered our top picks from the gaming lifestyle brand and popped them below in their very own guide, so you can peruse what the best fit for you is before investing. Generally speaking, Razer knows its stuff when it comes to gaming, and it’s one of the more premium brands, so if you’re looking for great tech these are some of the headsets you should definitely consider.

The best Razer headsets 2022

Best Razer headsets 2022 – Top 10

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1. Razer BlackShark V2

The best Razer headset

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed back; over earCable length: 1.8m charging cableDrivers: TriForce Titanium 50mmWeight: 9.2oz / 262gCompatibility: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Mac, Mobile

Reasons to buy

+Exquisite game audio+Brilliant richness and audio detail+Very comfortable+Near-endless versatility and customization with the app+Great bang-for-buck value

Reasons to avoid

-Umm…..

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)

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2. Razer Kraken

The best value Razer headset

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed BackCable length: 1.3mDrivers: 50mmWeight: 322gCompatibility: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Mac, mobile

Reasons to buy

+Lightweight and comfortable+Beefy bass+MIc is great for voice chat

Reasons to avoid

-Mid tones are lacking

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

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3. Razer Kraken V3 Pro

One of the best Razer headsets remade

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed Back, over earDrivers: 50mm Razer TriForceWeight: 365gCompatibility: PS4, PS5, PC, Mobile

Reasons to buy

+Great audio quality+Very comfortable+Haptics are excellent+Solid design

Reasons to avoid

-Dearer than some of the competition-Mic is a bit tinny and thin

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.

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4. Razer Nari Ultimate

Takes immersion to the next level

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed BackDrivers: 50mmBattery life: 8 hoursCompatibility: PC, PS4, mobile

Reasons to buy

+HyperSense haptic technology creates a new level of immersion+THX Spatial Audio Support +Great clarity

Reasons to avoid

-Auto-adjusting headband is on the large side

The Razer Nari Ultimate sits at the top tier of the Razer headset line. What sets the Nari Ultimate apart from the Nari Essential, and the Nari itself, is the L5 haptic drivers that provide modulated feedback to make you feel like you’re in the thick of the action. With amazing clarity and bass that’s enhanced by the HyperSense haptic technology, you’ll get a great quality of sound and immersion. 

Specifically designed with single-player games in mind, the Nari Ultimate adds an extra dimension to your gaming that you won’t have experienced before. Better still, it’s just as suited to blockbuster action movies and music as it is to games. 

Overall, it’s a versatile headset that can be used with a multitude of devices thanks to the 3.5mm jack. You can even use it wirelessly with PC, PS4, and PS5.

Read more: Razer Nari Ultimate review

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5. Razer Thresher for PS4

The best Razer headset for PS4

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed BackBattery life: up to 16 hoursDrivers: 50mmWeight: 402gCompatibility: PS4, PS4 Pro, PC

Reasons to buy

+Awesome sound quality+Great design and build+Neat PS4 audio/port connection+Very comfortable+Decent battery life

Reasons to avoid

-Fluctuating stock now we’re in the PS5 generation

The Razer Thresher is a truly exquisite Razer headset in every way: it’s got a quality build and design, some of the best sound going for Razer PS4 headsets, a quality mic – that is retractable – a neat optical-to-dongle audio set up, and drivers which can carry the biggest boom to the tweetiest of tweets, and also ensure you can hear your teammates over both.

The Razer Thresher has become my staple, go-to PS4 headset, replacing my SOny Platinum due to its superior low-end range and its better microphone that carries far less extra noise down the line to my teammates –  the retractable, boom mic on this generation of Razer headsets is still excellent, I think.

Now, there are a few variations upon the Razer Thresher PS4 theme still available, but whatever one you snag, you’ll be really delighted with the results. If you pushed me, I’d probably say that saving up a bit more budget for the 7.1 version or the Ultimate version is worth the step up. The prices you see above will represent the range of PS4 Threshers still available. And the word available is key at the moment as it is probably coming toward the end of its true life span – you can often see it out of stock with Razer – as focus will surely shift toward a range of PS5 headsets.

But, if you’re on the lookout for a seriously good wireless Razer headset for your PS4 (without the Nari’s extra rumble and haptics, for example) that will last you a long while, support you on PC, give you audio excellence, and quality chat and game sound then the Razer Thresher is it.

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6. Razer Nari Ultimate for Xbox

Feel the noise with added vibration tech

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed BackCable length: WirelessDrivers: 50mmWeight: 15 ozCompatibility: Xbox One, PC (needs an andapter for PC)

Reasons to buy

+Very comfortable+Decent surround sound+Hypersense is fantastic for action gaming

Reasons to avoid

-Haptic feedback isn’t for everyone

These Hypersense-enabled haptic headphones offer something a little different from other Razer headsets thanks to the vibration technology built into them. Particularly fun for louder action games and shooters, you can physically feel the impact of every booming explosion, a pounding bassline, or even heavy footsteps in the likes of Doom. 

The audio quality is similarly excellent. We were particularly impressed with the spacial audio giving a surround sound-esque finish to audio landscapes, making games such as Red Dead Redemption 2 much more immersive and giving us a nice heads-up on which side ambushes were coming from. 

Just remember, these are Bluetooth-only for Xbox – there’s no wired connection. That’s not a make-or-break issue, but it’s something to be aware of. For example, we did notice the signal dropping out a fair few times, giving some unpleasant audio crunching before returning.

Still, it doesn’t ruin what is otherwise a great experience. When considering the best Razer gaming headsets, comfort is key too… and the Razer Nari Ultimate is an extremely comfortable pair of headphones. The spongy headband never pinched our heads and soft gel-infused cushions stopped our ears overheating even after hours of play.

A quick word of warning, however: the vibrations aren’t for everyone. Although vibration intensity is adjustable via a handy scroll wheel on the side of the headphones, we found there aren’t too many degrees of subtlety. It’s either full-on, not quite full-on, or nothing at all. If you’re the sort of player that doesn’t even like their controller vibrating, then these might not be for you and the price of the Razer Nari Ultimate is a little steep if you’re not going to use that side of them.

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7. Razer Kraken Tournament Edition

Perfect for players addicted to bass

Specifications

Cable length: 1.3mDrivers: 50mmWeight: 322gCompatibility: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, mobile

Reasons to buy

+Compatible with a range of devices+Bass control with 17 adjustable levels+Game/ Chat balance+THX Spatial Audio

Reasons to avoid

-Bulky form factor-Headset needs to be connected to an amp

The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is a versatile headset that can be used with pretty much any device. It’s available in Razer neon green, but there’s a black option as well, which is a relief for those of you looking for something a bit more understated. The biggest draw is the THX Spatial audio and the bass, that can be fine-tuned over 17 levels, to get your perfect audio profile. You can tweak the sound on the amp, or by using the Razer Synapse 3 software, allowing you to achieve the perfect balance for both games and movies.  

Read more: Razer Kraken Tournament Edition

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8. Razer Kraken V3 X

A streamlined – and now enhanced- version of the classic

Specifications

Acoustic design: Closed BackDrivers: Razer TriForce 40mm driversCompatibility: PC, PlayStation

Reasons to buy

+Brilliant 7.1 surround sound on PC+Comfy+Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-Non-detachable mic-7.1 only on PC-Only USB connection

The Kraken V3 X is the latest in the line of Razer’s famous Kraken headset range and the latest in the ‘X’ range of Kraken which looked to offer an entry-level point to the gaming headset market. In short, the V3 X enhances its predecessor in every way and takes advantage of some of the latest advancements that Razer can offer.

The headset has been refreshed to include the latest developments and enhancements that Razer has in its bag, but in particular, it’s the microphone and the drivers which get the most attention. Both features are upgraded to almost be in line with Razer’s top dog headset, the BlackShark V2: the microphone is the now Razer’s Hyperclear Cardioid mic, with greater speech pickup and noise cancellation; and the drivers are now Razr’s own excellent TriForce beasts, offering improvements across the sound spectrum.

In actual, everyday and gaming use, we found the sound excellent still, and the 7.1 still shines on PC – this is a PC-first gaming headset still – though it is a little tinnier than the top tier BlackShark headsets. The mic is also an excellent upgrade, though it being non-detachable will irk some folks. However, for the price, this is an excellent gaming headset, particularly for those looking to get into the pc gaming headset game, and it features all the hallmarks of Razer’s audio excellence.

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9. Razer Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds

An excellent mobile gaming option

Specifications

Acoustic design: Ear budsDrivers: 2 x 13mm driversCompatibility: PC. PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile

Reasons to buy

+Great visual design+Sound quality is generally good+Excellent value

Reasons to avoid

-Bass isn’t too impressive-Battery and Bluetooth could be better-Touch controls are hit and miss

These small earbuds pack a punch and are some of the best earbuds going. The Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds are primed for mobile gaming, but hold their own in pretty much any audio (to an extent) and won’t really let you down. They are small and compact and have a neat storage-meets-charger pillbox setup which makes them easy to transport and use. The companion app is simple and neat, the controls are, on the whole, intuitive and just need a bit of memory to get used to. The Bluetooth connection could be a bit stronger, and the battery life isn’t out of this world, but, hey, they are tiny earbuds that have great audio so there are going to be some slight compromises.

It’s hard to top what Christian finished his Razer Hammerhead earbuds review (opens in new tab) with: “If you’re looking for a mid-range pair of wireless earphones, the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless earbuds can scratch that itch. They’re not well suited to audiophiles, but provide solid performance and design quality at an undeniably great price. These are the AirPod antithesis; the perfect companion to a sleek black Android device – though you can still use them with iPhones, of course! And if you like squeezing in a few fights on your phone on your lunch break or are simply after a straightforward wireless setup for Netflix binges on the morning commute, the Razer Hammerhead earbuds are perfect.”

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10. Razer Kraken X Lite

A great budget headset from the acclaimed Kraken range

Specifications

Acoustic design: Over-ear, closed-backDrivers: 40mm driversCompatibility: PC. PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile

Reasons to buy

+Comfortable+Very affordable Kraken-range headset+7.1 digital surround sound

Reasons to avoid

-No onboard audio control-7.1 surround sound only on PC

Not everyone can afford to splash out on the more expensive gaming Razer headsets, and the Kraken Lite X proves that you don’t have to. Alright, so it’s not got the best audio quality on the block. And it’s not built from premium materials. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your time. It still sounds good, looks handsome, and offers great value for under $50 / £50. 

A sturdy but lightweight 230g frame adds another string to its bow, while the pleather ear cups make sure it doesn’t feel tacky. The addition of digital 7.1 surround sound on PC (via downloadable software) also elevates the Lite beyond what you’d expect of a headset at this price range, as does the attached noise-canceling mic.

What’s the difference between the Lite and the standard Kraken X, then? Besides the price, this one lacks onboard volume controls – you’ll have to adjust everything via your computer or laptop instead. That’s a fair compromise when the headset costs as little as this.

Under very normal circumstances we’d probably advise saving up for one of the Kraken models further up the spectrum but if you’re in a fix and need a cheap Kraken-range headset, then the X Lite will do you very well indeed and will absolutely scratch that itch.

Best Razer headsets 2022 – Best of the rest

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11. Razer Tetra

A great lightweight budget option

Specifications

Acoustic design: Single-ear, closed backCable length: 1.3mWeight: 70gBattery life: N/ACompatibility: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch, mobile (via 3.5mm jack)

Reasons to buy

+High-quality mic+Super light (but not flimsy)+Plug and play simplicity

Reasons to avoid

-In-game audio experience lacks impact

Just getting started with online gaming or want something lightweight that’s focused on the online chat side of things rather than in-game audio? Then the Razer Tetra is a great piece of kit.

Unlike the cheaper single-ear chat headsets we see clogging up online retailers, the Razer Tetra has great build quality, a two-year warranty, and clear chat audio from the earpiece. The adjustable mic is super clear thanks to the cardioid tech that suppresses unwanted noise from the back and sides so you can still be heard over the audio coming from your TV or home cinema setup. In-line controls on the cable allow you to adjust the volume or mute the mic without having to head into any settings menus either.

You also have the option of playing game-audio through the earpiece too, which is handy for late-night sessions where you might want to keep the TV volume low or muted. If you want something with more substantial bass and volume, plus stereo or virtual surround sound, then there are plenty of other Razer headsets on this page that will suit your needs. If you just want to communicate well with online friends, teammates or colleagues (I use this for online meetings at work on my laptop too) with a low-cost headset that doesn’t take up much room when not in use, this is ideal.

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12. Razer Opus

Amazing noise-cancelling headphones hold up as a headset too

Specifications

Acoustic design: Over-ear, closed backDrivers: 40mmWeight: 265gBattery life: Up to 25 hoursCompatibility: 3.5mm wired on PS4, Xbox One, and Switch. Bluetooth supported on mobile and PC

Reasons to buy

+Excellent noise-canceling+Incredible battery+Super comfy

Reasons to avoid

-Lacks any sort of spatial audio-Bass is a bit lacking for action gaming

The Razer Opus is designed as a pair of straight-up headphones rather than a gaming headset. So these are much better suited to music playback from your phone or PC rather than gaming as the spatial sound and virtual surround sound features we’ve come to crave in gaming aren’t represented here as you just get your standard left/right audio. 

However, if that’s not as much of an issue for you and you are in the market for a great set of headphones for music playback too, we thoroughly recommend the Razer Opus as they feature very highly on our guide to the best headphones. They’ve become our go-to headphones while we work. There is a built-in mic that’s reasonable enough to use if there’s not much background noise around you.

Audio is wonderfully crisp and detailed, the noise-canceling is stunning considering how much cheaper these are than top Sony/Bose models and the battery life is amazing at well over 25 hours per charge. If you’re using this on consoles though, you’ll need to connect via the 3.5mm cable.

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