PROS
- Crisp, clean sound
- Excellent microphone
- 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity
- Long battery life
CONS
- Lacks wired connection options
- Could use more powerful bass
RAZER BLACKSHARK V2 PRO (2023) SPECS
| Type | Circumaural (over-ear) |
| Wireless | |
| True Wireless |
The Razer Blackshark V2 has been a preferred wired gaming headset for a number of years, however, the wireless Blackshark V2 Pro, which was launched in 2020, did not gain as much popularity due to its significantly higher price. The 2023 version of the Blackshark V2 Pro is even more expensive, but it comes with Bluetooth connectivity, triple the battery life, and a more refined and detailed sound quality. Initially designed as a PC-exclusive headset, Razer has now introduced versions compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S (these models include wireless USB-C adapters specifically tailored for their respective consoles). Overall, the Blackshark V2 Pro surpasses its predecessor and has been awarded our Editors’ Choice for midrange wireless gaming headsets.
Design: Light and Comfortable
The latest iteration of this headset maintains the same physical design as its predecessor, with the added option of choosing between black or white. Weighing a mere 11.3 ounces, the Blackshark V2 Pro is remarkably lightweight, and its earpads are crafted from a plush memory foam material, covered with breathable cloth. The underside of the headband is generously padded, while the top features a faux leather cover. Rest assured, you won’t encounter any discomfort during extended gaming sessions.
The Blackshark V2 Pro features spacious, elongated earcups made of matte plastic shells. These earcups are connected to the headband through Y-shaped wire struts and short wires wrapped in fabric. The slender struts found in the Blackshark line differentiate them from the ones in the Kraken and Barracuda series. The Kraken models, such as the Kraken V3 Pro, utilize rounder earcups, whereas the Barracuda headsets, like the Barracuda X which was awarded Editors’ Choice, boast a more understated appearance.
The majority of the headset’s controls and connections are located on the left earcup. These include a volume knob that functions alongside your connected device, a power button, a microphone mute button, a USB-C port, and a port for the detachable boom microphone. On the other hand, the right earcup solely houses a pairing button.
Wireless-Only Operation
The Blackshark V2 Pro operates without the need for wires using the provided 2.4GHz USB transmitter and also supports Bluetooth 5.2, allowing for seamless connectivity with devices that support AAC and SBC codecs. However, it does not feature a 3.5mm wired port, preventing you from directly connecting it to your PlayStation or Xbox controller.
Razer claims that the Blackshark V2 Pro has a battery life of 70 hours, with just a 15-minute charge providing up to six hours of usage. This marks a substantial enhancement compared to the earlier model, which only lasted 24 hours on a single charge.
The Blackshark V2 Pro by Razer comes equipped with the THX Spatial Audio simulated surround sound feature, accessible through the Razer Synapse application on Windows. Additionally, the application offers 10-band EQs for both the headphones and microphone, adjustable settings for Bass Boost, Sound Normalization, and Voice Clarity, as well as a Do Not Disturb mode that prevents phone calls when the 2.4GHz connection is in use.
Another Excellent Razer Mic
Razer maintains its streak of impressive microphone performance with the Blackshark V2 Pro. The test recordings exhibited exceptional clarity, effectively capturing my voice without any disturbance from the laptop fan. This microphone is suitable for various purposes such as voice chats, recording, and streaming. However, for individuals deeply invested in content creation, we suggest investing in a dedicated USB microphone for superior dynamic range and signal quality.
Crisp, Clear Spatial Audio
The Blackshark V2 Pro’s THX Spatial Audio performs admirably, delivering precise imaging. During my Fortnite gaming session, I effortlessly discerned the origin of far-off gunfire, footsteps approaching from the front, and opponents attempting to flank me. In the past, I harbored doubts regarding the effectiveness of virtual surround sound in gaming headsets, but this implementation truly excels in providing a distinct sense of direction. Additionally, action-oriented sounds like gunshots were conveyed with clarity and intensity, although the emphasis lies more on accuracy rather than a booming bass.
In our tests, the audio of Ultrakill was also rich and immersive, although it tended to emphasize the higher frequencies. The gunshots had a satisfying impact, but they didn’t delve into the lower sub-bass ranges. Unlike Fortnite, the game’s audio didn’t prioritize directional sound, making the stereo panning less advantageous.
Despite the focus on clarity, the bass was not entirely lacking. When we played The Knife’s “Silent Shout” on our bass test track, the synthesizer notes and kick drums had a full and impactful sound at high volume levels. Additionally, there was no distortion even at maximum volume levels. While you may not feel like there is a subwoofer attached to your head, you will still experience a satisfactory amount of low-end power.
The initial acoustic guitar notes in Yes’ “Roundabout” resonated with a noticeable amount of low-mid frequencies, allowing the string texture to be clearly heard with a clean treble response. As the song progressed, the bassline delivered a punchy sound and the vocals stood out prominently in the overall mix. The guitar strums and high-hat were slightly more subdued in the background, yet they remained audible.
Verdict: A Powerful Midrange Headset
For PC or console gamers looking to spend around $200, the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro stands out as an excellent choice due to its impressive sound quality, clear microphones, and comfortable design. It has earned our Editors’ Choice award. However, there are other options to consider as well. For those willing to invest more, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless provides active noise cancellation, enhanced bass, and the convenience of dual swappable batteries to avoid any downtime during charging. On the more affordable side, the Razer Barracuda remains a great value option at half the price, even though it lacks precise spatial audio.