The Razer Barracuda X headset is the latest in the company’s long line of impressive gaming tech. With an emphasis on versatility, this headset is designed for mobile users and gamers on the go while still appealing to PC and PlayStation enthusiasts. While the biggest selling point here may be its multi-platform uses, comfort and clarity are two major factors that make the Razer Barracuda X a must-have piece of technology.
Getting starting with the Razer Barracuda X couldn’t be easier. There’s no software to worry about installing, no app to download, and no syncing or pairing required. Users simply have to use the wireless USB-C dongle included in the box, turn on the headset, and then sit back to experience high quality audio. A USB-A to USB-C adapter (included in the box) also makes it easy to use the Razer Barracuda X on systems without the right port, while a 3.5mm audio jack (also included) allows for wired usage as well. All of this means that the Razer Barracuda X can work great with just about any platform.
Promoted as a 4-in-1 wireless headset, the Razer Barracuda X is compatible with PlayStation consoles, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Android devices. It’s also fully compatible with the PS5’s 3D audio. The headset works great on the Nintendo Switch whether the console is docked or in handheld mode. While playing Monster Hunter Stories 2, every footstep of the Rathalos that crunched in the snow (and the wind’s constant howling around icy caverns) felt extremely real – creating a truly immersive experience. Aiding in the immersion are the earcups, which block out a surprising amount of outside noise and limits distractions.
The Razer Barracuda X Is All About Quality & Comfort
The comfort levels of the Razer Barracuda X can’t be stressed enough. The memory foam FlowKnit ear cushions and the headband are lightweight and soft. The earcups themselves conform around the user’s head easily, and wearing glasses isn’t a factor here. Whereas some headsets can press too tightly against the temples of glasses and cause discomfort, this isn’t an issue with the Razer Barracuda X.
For Switch and Android users, being able to game on the go is often a big priority. The Razer Barracuda X makes an excellent pairing for both of these types of devices, and its reach is surprisingly long. During an online Dungeons & Dragon session, communication between players was able to continue even when moving several rooms away from where the USB-C dongle was inserted into the computer. Leaving the computer to grab a drink from the fridge isn’t a problem here, even when that fridge is several rooms away. And while the reception did get a little fuzzy eventually, this was only after putting several walls between the headset and the dongle.
The Razer Barracuda X also includes the company’s trademark HyperClear Cardiod Mic, which can be adjusted according to the user’s preferences. Once the mic is connected, it can be easily muted with the press of a button (located on the back of the left earcup). Volume controls and other buttons are found back here as well, making for easy-to-reach and intuitive placement. Because of the mic’s location, the speech pickup and noise cancellation couple to make users’ words effectively clear. And instead of Bluetooth, the Razer Barracuda X uses a 2.4 GHz connection called HyperSpeed Wireless, which means latency is almost nonexistent.
While its full compatibility with the PlayStation 5’s 3D audio is impressive, the sound quality on PC, mobile, and Nintendo Switch are equally great. For people who prefer gaming on more than one console, the Razer Barracuda X is just about perfect. It’s a comfortable, easy-to-use headset that can flawlessly transition between use across multiple platforms.
The Razer Barracuda X is available now for $99.99. A unit was provided by Razer for the purpose of this review.
