Razer - BlackShark V2 X

Not sure if this helps you now or not, but the Razer BlackShark v2 is actually not bad at all. It is a wired headset and the cable is hardwired to the set. That just means you have to plug your headset into your controller, which is what many gamers suggest anyway. Sound is really good for the price and the mic is better than expected. Not as good as the "pro" version but better than the Turtle Beach I had before. Of course the price difference between the regular and the pro is significant. Currently you can pick up a pair on BestBuy for $35. (Pro is $199) [https://www.bestbuy.com/site/razer-blackshark-v2-x-wired-gaming-headset-for-pc-ps5-ps4-switch-xbox-xs-and-xbox-one-white/6496580.p?skuId=6496580](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/razer-blackshark-v2-x-wired-gaming-headset-for-pc-ps5-ps4-switch-xbox-xs-and-xbox-one-white/6496580.p?skuId=6496580) I've been using them as my backup for 2 or 3 years now and they still sound really good.

Cloud Alpha is the only decent one here, the rest are meh and Razer audio products are actually awful. There are better options than these that cost far less.

Most gaming headphones are just cheap headphones sold at a higher price due to rgb or branding. Even cheap studio headphones would be far better. The old HyperX products like Cloud 2 and Alpha are based on studio headphones so they're not bad. Their new stuff is awful, though. And Razer in particular has the most overpriced headphones I've ever seen. SHP9500 would be far better than all of these and probably cheaper, too

For context, I've had the entry headset **HyperX Cloud Stinger Core (PS4 Version)** for about 5 years. I started using these with the PS4 and eventually used them on my PS5 since the PS5 release. No complains, microphone is what it should be and I use it a lot since I play mostly Co-Op games with friends and family. I've also streamed with the microphone and when I heard the VOD everything was ok. Soundwise the bass would sometimes "eat" the mids and highs and not in a good way. It's not that hard thump bass, it's just a muddy bass that messes with the overall clarity. The advantage they had is that they got pretty loud and I enjoyed that since most headsets won't be very loud on a PlayStation. Long story short, my cushions fell off and new ones will take over a month to arrive so I'm going to give those away to someone and buy new ones for myself. Went back on the market and watched probably a hundred video reviews and searched dozens of websites, specially RTings to find a decent unexpensive headset. **Note: I've not only watched reviews, I've had all these headsets in my house and tested them all connected 3.5mm to my DualSense Controller.** My local store is fine and I had a little chat with the manager and he was OK with me testing a few headsets. **Blackshark V2 X** These came up a lot in reviews and recommendations. I gotta say, their microphone is very decent, but it's not as clear as the microphone on the Cloud II's. It makes your voice sound more bassy but it can also make you sound muffled sometimes but keep in mind microphones heavily depend on your type of voice and even your language and/or accent. If you see the reviews not all YouTubers sound great using the same headsets and sometimes they judge the microphone based on their own voice but it might make another's voice sound great. Soundwise it simply did not work for me at all. The volume controls are super convenient but the sound was very flat on a warm tone. Probably good for racing games, I could hear the roar of the car but that's pretty much it. **JBL Quantum 100** These were a major disappointment. I bought them because the microphone sounded broadcasty but after using them myself that was not the case. I tested this microphone in a number of ways but my voice would always sound muffled even without the pop filter. Once again, it highly depends on the type of voice you have. Since I articulate syllables very rigidly those articulations are not caught due to the lack of sensitivity in the microphone as it tends to capture a lot more of the open words. Sound wise ... it's a disaster. Everything is messed up, there's sound coming out of these alright but it's just not good. It's the Blackshark V2 X all over again but much much worse. If you're looking for a microphone seriously, just get a dedicated microphone, you have the **HyperX Solocast** for around 40\~50 bucks and many others for that price range that will provide you quality no headset will replicate. I've also used the **Astro A10**, the **Steelseries Arctis Nova 1** and the **HyperX Cloud III.** Then again, all of them sounded **quiet** on the **PS5.** And yes I had Game/Chat tuned, I had everything with optimal conditions so I listened to all of these in optimal conditions and also tested their microphones in optimal conditions. # TLDR That was until I finally went for the legendary good old pals **HyperX Cloud II**. After trying all these headsets I was a little tired. So I got home, opened the Cloud II's, plugged them into my DualSense controller and finally, finally I had a louder headset. Cloud II are the **louder** headset I've tried connected via **3.5mm** to a **DualSense** controller. And they are not just louder, they're also **extremely crystal clear** probably because of the 53mm drivers. I could feel everything, even just reloading a gun, I could hear all those metal parts moving. This was not even noticeable in any of the other headsets. And yes, the one thing the reviewers point out the most is **TRUE**. The pinpoint accuracy is insane. I played Valorant on PS5, xDefiant and Warzone. This was more noticeable on Valorant as it is a more sound dependent game. You won't miss anything with these. I started to watch out at angles I wouldn't watch with the others because some audio cue made me suspect a door and ... it was 100% right all the time. I could tell where they were with excellent accuracy, both horizontal and vertical. Now don't think these have like a boomy bass or anything like that, they definitely "thumb". They "vibrate" more than all the others but it's not muddy or too low, it's "bassing" for the amount of time it has to. It's not going to replace a 7.1 soundsystem with a subwoofer or anything, but it's the best experience I've had in my ears. One thing I disagree. These are **not just for FPS** they are very generalist in my opinion. I tried games like **God of War**, **Hogwarts Legacy, Ghost of Tsushima** and other dramatic/cinematic videogames and once again I prefer the clarity of the Cloud II than the muddy bass of other headsets. Even **Kratos voice** sounds better on the Cloud II. It's almost intimidating. Same thing for **Diablo IV voice acting** also low voices that sound great on the Cloud II while other headsets just give you the low part of the voice making the "WOOOF" too low to have a clear sound. **Microphone** wise now ... the microphone was my biggest surprise. Well, I tried the microphone on day 1 and I hated it instantly. I was like "nah, gonna return these". But then I liked how those drivers sounded so much that I was like "Nah, these are loud and crisp let's give the microphone a second chance" and I tried the microphone again and compared it with other recordings from other microphones recorded under the very same conditions and I was speechless. "**But these were supposed to be the ones with the worst microphone from the reviews! It's not supposed to be bad, but it's not supposed to be better than a Quantum 100 or a Blackshark microphone."** I sent the audio files to multiple friends, I've asked, I've listened to them over and over again on multiple different devices, with different headsets, ony my TV speakers, on my Soundbar, on my phone and the **Cloud II's microphone sounded the best, the clearer on every single audio device I've tested.** I'm still recovering from that one to be honest. It was a surprise that went against everything I've seen on reviews so I'd like to really underline that one because most people thing the Cloud II microphone isn't good. Well, these are the HP version so maybe the reworked HP version actually improved the microphone. I also prefer the non-rubber earcups as they are easier to clean and don't gather as much dirt and dust. Now, not everything is perfect about these, but I'll try to do pros and cons. **PROS** * Loudest headset I've tried on a PS5 * 53mm drivers provide very detailed, crisp and powerful overall sound * The most comfortable headset (Blackshark V2 X were close) * Crystal clear microphone, picks up everything and has good cancelling, if you have an average voice it should sound better than most headsets. * Cable is braided and thick, I feel safe using these (JBL Quantum 100 has the thinnest cable I've ever seen) * Easy to find replaceable parts (cushions, microphones, etc) * Detachable Microphone - this might not seem important at first, but before using the **Blackshark V2 X** you have no idea how annoying that is when you're playing a single player game. Also doesn't seem reliable to transport since you will have to bend the microphone. * Unexpensive, competes with headsets twice it's price. **CONS** * There are no volume controls or mute button. The mute button isn't needed, you have a mute button on the DualSense, but a volume wheel would be nice, you do get volume control but it's just for USB. * Microphone lacks bass for people with low voices (not my case) * Not the best experience through USB out of the box, some people might have a negative thought about these because they didn't know they should update the headset. * 7.1 sound is shenanigans, the best way to use them is without 7.1 and with the PS5 3D Sound enabled. They react well to the Tempest technology. * Cable is not detachable like the Alphas. * No transport bag anymore and I needed it for tournaments and Lan Parties * Can't EQ on PS5 but this is not the headset's fault, they have much potential with such drivers and can be greatly improved with software on PC, not that it needs EQ that much in my opinion. And here are my 2 cents, feel free to ask any question about these. I've learned that reviews are good to filter what's good and what's not but they're never be able to provide you the actual experience so keep that in mind. We all have different ears, different taste and diferent voices and sometimes you might be surprised. Also there's a reason why these are the **Legendary HyperX Cloud II**.

Haven’t been steered wrong with these. [Headset](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/razer-blackshark-v2-x-wired-gaming-headset-for-pc-ps5-ps4-switch-xbox-xs-and-xbox-one-white/6496580.p?skuId=6496580) I should have got the first time.

There’s a lot of junk on the market. Many products are overpriced and fail to perform. I’ve tested quite a few, and [Razer BlackShark X](https://www.reddit.com/r/NewYorkLife/comments/1e8xp24/the_best_gaming_headset_of_2025_is_the_razer/) is the best I’ve found. It’s a fast seller and gets recommended constantly on Reddit.

I have one it works quite well

I’ve had great success with this after reading different options on some Reddit threads. I tried some others, and they all were just terrible. While [Razer BlackShark V2 X](https://www.reddit.com/r/NewYorkLife/comments/1e8xp24/the_best_gaming_headset_of_2025_is_the_razer/) was a bit more than the cheap stuff, it is totally worth it.

Sony xm5. It is universally accepted for sounding great. For work, music and phone calls, you can use Bluetooth. A bonus is that it has multipoint connection so the headphones are connected to my phone and my laptop. For gaming, I have an Xbox so I use a wired connection. If we are talking wired headsets, I have used the Razer black shark v2x and the epos H6pro. Both sound great for calls, gaming and music. And they have good mics. Some days I use my Microsoft Xbox wireless headset for everything as well. With an EQ, it sounds pretty good too.

Sennheiser PC38X or Sennheiser HD560S with a separate microphone I have both and HD560S feels like cheating (CS2, Valo, Overwatch) Edit: I could only compare these to what I have/had: - Razer Blackshark V2 X - Koss KSC75 - Koss KPH40i - Moondrop Chu 2 (earphones) - Philips SHP9500 - Philips SHP9600 - Philips Fidelio X2HR - Logitech G535 Honestly, the Chu2 ($20) and KSC75 ($21) are enough in terms of sound quality as a baseline going forward. I personally wouldn’t drop more than $150 or more if I’m very unsure about how it may go.

I had it for a while and the sound is trash BUT I could hear everything surprisingly good at all times

Razer Blackshark V2 X's when I'm working from home. Completely unapologetic.

Another vote for blackshark v2 X, def best in class and great for the price

Blackshark v2 x is def the best choice, logi ones are trash

You got a dud, I have both og blackshsrk v2 wireless and 2023 edition and both are great, 2023 have the best wireless mic. I also had v2 x, absolute best buy with greta mic quality.

Good for the money. Also recommend the razer blackshark V2 X

I have a Razer Blackshark V2 X, THE best headset I’ve ever purchased so far

I have one, and i am not an audio expert, so hear the opinion trough my lenses. i can hear directional stuff pretty well, but it is still not close to what my friend hears in the above mentioned hyperX cloud2. I have usually no problems with directional audio in a compound, but my duo can predict things more effectively after a set range. Its not bad but if you have the other for the same price, that is just better.

Went from a blackshark v2 to a pcx38 and wow the blackshark was absolutely sbit for the 100$ I paid yrs back tho this one set me back 275$ cad usa prices it's like 170. But for a sennheiserheadset it's insane it is a open back tho

For me, the only thing that really matters in headphones, is a good [frequency response](https://www.rtings.com/headphones/tests/sound-quality/raw-frequency-response). I have [Blackshark V2](https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/razer/blackshark-v2) (got it with 30% discount), and overall its good for that price. However, this THX thing sounds horrible and I turned it off immediately after testing it in "*THX-certified*" games. And Razer software tends to get worse and worse over time, here is the volume control issue from the latest driver version: [https://insider.razer.com/razer-support-45/windows-app-volume-control-not-working-after-synapse-update-58009](https://insider.razer.com/razer-support-45/windows-app-volume-control-not-working-after-synapse-update-58009) Microphone is okay, but definitely not great. As for Blackshark V2 X, it's sound quality looks considerably worse compared to normal V2: [https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/razer/blackshark-v2-x](https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/razer/blackshark-v2-x)

All I know is that my ~$100 Razer Blacksharks are about as shitty as my mates ~$200 Logitech. Both sets are fine for gaming, but not an inch more. 

Blackshark V2 is the one you want. The Kraken fits quite snug. Also, ignore the morons. Razer headphones have been decent ever since they introduced the triforce drivers. They're not mind-blowing, but they're definitely serviceable with a lot of gaming convenience (built in mic, volume control, mic mute button etc). I have a Sennheiser setup specifically for music consumption. For gaming, nothing beats a good pair of gaming headphones.

Basement dwellers looking for validation and a nice dose of cheap dopamine hit. I'm an engineer myself (not audio tho, but I do know a bit), tried so many headphones I lost count, co-designed and built my own home theater. So I actually do know a little bit about Audio. The main issue with Razer headphones nowadays is the built quality. Make sure you buy locally that will handle RMA process for you. I myself had 3 Razer headphones, and none of them broke prematurely. But I've seen complaints going around. My friend just got a pair of Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed and he is extremely happy with it.

on my main gaming setup i have hd560s, but on the simrig i use my old blackshark v2 just because those are the only other headphones i have that dont completely suck (never managed to sell them so it kinda worked out lol). Would obviously prefer something more high end but dont wanna spend money on it yet.

Blackshark v2

Well, what you also need to consider is not many people care about all that. And yes, for most solutions you do need an amp/dac. Sure there are 80 ohm headsets that can be run straight from the onboard sound, but if you really want to experience the sound Sennheiser/Beyerdymamic/AT, etc. are known for you’re going to need a dac/amp because most require 120+ ohms which a motherboard just cannot push. Personally I agree with going the non-gaming route, because after these two headers I’m gonna invest in a pair of DT770’s, and still researching amp/dac, and I’m not going to bother with a mic since I don’t chat with people online. But for most folks who want plug and play, gaming headsets, namely ones like the HyperX Cloud 3, Razer Blackshark, or other solutions $120 are the best value for their needs. There’s them the more expensive solutions that are tuned specifically for what people need from a gaming headset. Sure, they’re not going to match the overall quality HD600’s, or DT770/990’s, but they’re also not just RGB plastic junk either.

Get a used/refurbished (Or new, but refurbished will be the same for cheaper) BLACKSHARK V2 (NOT X) It lasts forever! I have had mine for over 2 years and it still is practically brand new and I got it for ~$35 at the time. If you get it used look up how to remove the earpads and clean them well.

I have seen some suggestions in the comments like Astro A50X, Nova Pro, Maxwells, etc. Currently, I have a 2020 blackshark, and personally I'm looking to get a pair of 6xx for music and single player titles, but they are not available in Europe. For wireless at the moment, the single "Cheap" ones that it took my eyes are the Turtle Beach Atlas Air, but I will have to look more in to them. Maybe for wireless you can try Turtle beach stealth pro or Master & Dynamic MG20 or Logitech G PRO X 2 Light speed wireless. I had the maxwells in the past and I went true 3 pairs of them from 10th May 2024 until 23 July 2024 (Yeah 74 days) tow of them Diaphragm damage and one of them factory defect (At least after the 3rd pair I got my money back) to be honest they are incredible at sound, I loved them, but the quality on the Drivers are bad, and I have seen a lot of people complaining about them.

I am on this thread because I own blackshark v2s. I have had two pairs of these and it only takes a couple months for the cord to become terrible. I do not recommend these, you eventually start only being able to hear out of one ear and you have to jimmy the cord around until it sounds ok.

Razer Black Shark v2 (wired) user here. Been using them for like 6 years daily, still looking new. The sound quality is great and low weight.

koss 30ikph for music, drop PC38x for gaming and most of the time for office work razer blackshark wired for the comfort and excellent microphone

i’ve had mine since 2022 and zero issues. i don’t abuse my headset, but ive dropped it probably 5+ times per year

I bought the razer v2 but I didn’t like the fit and it sounds worse than my xm4 and now I’m just waiting for the cloud 2 but if they sound the same as razer then I will just buy a vmoda mic for my xm4

HyperX Cloud II, Logitech G Pro X, Razer Blackshark any of them, there are some higher quality ones listed in this thread but those are my personal picks

Omg, i got the headset a few days ago and I have been so dissapointed with the sound, like you mentioning the bass is absolutely to strong and the sound quality is garbage, cant wait to try this tutorial out, thanks! I was just about to go and return it and go back to a Razer blackshark which I had prior to getting this!

Razer blackshark

I love it

Disconnection? Never had that problem.

For razer I was thinking more about the Blackshark headsets otherwise I tend to agree with you... I'm using an HyperX right now and I'm very happy but for the too long cable 🤣 I'm searching for a wireless headset

Will you be on camera or no? If you're not on camera, gaming headsets are the best bang for your buck. If you are, I think it looks a touch unprofessional and might opt for something else. I use a Razer Blackshark for my gaming headset and it is great if you don't mind the look of the mic boom.

Razer Blackshark is very comfortable.