Razer has built up a reputation for releasing well-made gaming peripherals, ranging from mice and keyboards to gaming headsets. On the headset front, it is hard to top the likes of the Razer Blackshark V2 and its terrific audio quality. However, the new Razer Barracuda X aims to do something a bit different, with its primary focus being on a solid performance across several platforms.
The Razer Barracuda X is compatible with four different devices. PC gamers and PlayStation 5 owners will have no problem using the headset, though more intriguingly, it also works on the Nintendo Switch and Android devices. While the Razer Barracuda X will certainly get the job done as a main gaming headset on PC and PS5, its mobile capabilities are what truly sets it apart.
The Razer Barracuda X comes with a detachable Hyperclear Cardioid mic, a feature that should prove useful given how many gamers will likely take this headset with them on the go. The mic itself can be removed easily, allowing users to transform the Razer Barracuda X into a traditional pair of headphones with ease. Based on our testing, we found that it was very durable as well, allowing gamers to bend it as much as needed so that it is always in the perfect position. When worn, users can mute their audio with the press of a button, a crucial feature for any headset.
Based on our testing, we found that the user’s audio comes through loud and clear on the other end, with no sound issues to report. The detachable mic also boasts strong sound cancelation, with background noise kept to a minimum. As for the audio coming into the headset, everything sounded great, whether it be a peaceful game like Minecraft or an intense shooter like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. In the case of the former, it was easy to distinguish every block stepped on, with distinct sounds of dirt and wood coming through clearly. For the latter, weapon reloads and gunfire sounded particularly great, with enemy footsteps also being easy to detect.
The headset’s 40mm drivers shined most when playing solo, as it was easier to find the right volume level for each game. Controlled with a wheel on the side of the headset, it can be tough to nail down the right volume while playing alongside a friend, especially on the PS5. Unlike the PlayStation Pulse headset, which lets players change the party and game audio levels with special buttons on the headset itself, players will need to adjust these settings manually. They may need to adjust each party member individually, or mess with each game’s sound. With the Razer Barracuda X’s audio wheel being all-purpose, players will be raising or lowering their teammates’ audio alongside the game itself.
While stopping consistently to make audio adjustments could prove frustrating, particularly in online multiplayer games like Call of Duty, it can be forgiven due to the Razer Barracuda X’s multi-platform approach. Not only does the headset work great on PS5 once the right audio setup is found, but there are three other platforms where this gaming headset can shine. This multi-system approach is accomplished with a special USB-C dongle for the Razer Barracuda X, with the small item doing a lot of legwork for the headset.
For PS5 and PC, players can either plug the dongle straight into a USB-C port or use a USB-A connecter to prepare the headset, with the connector coming inside the box. Once done, they can let the dongle rest on their battle station, not needing to mess with any further setup. While this low prep time is already worthy of appreciation, the setup is equally quick for mobile gamers. For those planning to use the Razer Barracuda X to game on the go, whether it be on an Android device or Nintendo Switch, the dongle simply needs to be placed into the USB-C port at the bottom of the device. Once there, the audio will come through the headset, and players can sit back and enjoy some mobile gaming.
While having an impressive mobile headset like this one will surely help in competitive games like Call of Duty Mobile, it is great for casual games as well. When we tested the headset on the Nintendo Switch, the audio quality for games such as Pokemon Snap and Animal Crossing: New Horizons ended up being particularly impressive. While these games sound fine on their own, playing them with the Razer Barracuda X added a new layer to the experience. Hearing the waves splash onto shore while exploring one of Pokemon Snap’s peaceful vistas was lovely, for example, while the clear sound of a bug’s wings flapping as it flew off in Animal Crossing: New Horizons was equally impressive.
The Razer Barracuda X also boasts a terrific battery life of 20 hours, ensuring that gamers never need to worry about their headset dying in the middle of a game. Provided that users charge their headset consistently, this battery should get them through some incredibly long gameplay sessions. It could also last a few days before it needs to be charged, adding to its convenience. On the off chance that gamers ever find the headset’s battery running low, they will have plenty of warning that it needs to be charged, as subtle beeps will be heard every fifteen minutes. For those that take good care of their headsets, though, battery life will never be a concern.
From a visual standpoint, the headset is intentionally subdued, with the design being kept entirely black. Even the Razer logo on the ear maintains this color, as does the Razer text on the top of the headband. With the USB-C Dongle being left black as well, Razer succeeds at its goal of making this headset less flashy. Considering that the Razer Barracuda X meant to be used with several different devices, the all-black color choice ensures that it never looks out of place. With the PS5 lacking swappable faceplates, a green headset may have looked a bit out of place, though any gaming setup should be able to accommodate the Razer Barracuda X.
While one would expect a modern gaming headset to be comfortable, Razer’s latest effort is worthy of extra praise in this area. Not only is the headband flexible and easy to adjust, but the cushions are incredibly soft. They also seal well around ears, with the most impressive feature being the way that the cushions move along with the wearer’s head. Designed to always stay around the ears, players looking to the left or right will find that their headset moves along with them. Whether it be a brief thirty-minute gameplay session or a five-hour long easter egg hunt in Outbreak, our testing always saw the headset being extremely comfortable, with the moving cushions being a major highlight.
With it also being so light, the Razer Barracuda X’s comfort is as impressive as its mobility. Though there will certainly be some more expensive headsets that can provide better audio quality than its 40mm drivers, it does still provide some immersive sound — particularly when playing alone. With amazing battery life and a simple setup for every device, users are guaranteed a solid experience regardless of where they do their gaming. For Android owners and Switch fans specifically, the Razer Barracuda X will be hard to top.
The Razer Barracuda X retails for $99.99 and is now available for purchase. Game Rant was provided with a Razer Barracuda X headset for this review.