The Razer BlackShark V2 are wired gaming headphones with a similar look and feel to the Razer BlackShark V2 X, but come with lots more customization features. They have a detachable boom mic, come with a USB sound card, and can access Razer's Synapse 3 software, so you can customize their sound and adjust their microphone settings, though we don't test these features. That said, while they have decently neutral audio reproduction, they can perform differently depending on their positioning and placement on the head. Although they don't have a very versatile performance out-of-the-box, their robust customization features are ideal for PC and PlayStation gamers.
Our Verdict
The Razer BlackShark V2 are good for neutral sound. They can accurately reproduce thump and punch as well as vocals and lead instruments, thanks to their neutral bass and mid ranges. However, sibilants like cymbals may sound a bit lifeless or dull. They're also prone to inconsistencies in bass and treble delivery, and their performance depends on their position, seal, and whether or not you have thick hair or glasses, so your experience may vary.
- Decently neutral sound reproduction.
- Software has 10-band graphic EQ.
- Inconsistent bass and treble delivery.
The Razer BlackShark V2 are poor for commuting and traveling. While they have a comfortable fit, they're a bit bulky, which doesn't make them very portable. Their case is made of soft fabric, which doesn't protect against falls. Also, they have a very limited control scheme, which may be inconvenient when you're on the go. These headphones don't have an ANC feature and can't passively block out engines or voices, so your audio might get drowned out by background noise during your commute.
- Detachable boom microphone.
- Comfortable fit.
- Poor noise isolation performance.
- Disappointing controls.
- Not very portable.
The Razer BlackShark V2 are sub-par for sports and fitness. While they're comfortable and stable, their bulky over-ear design isn't very portable. You can't use these headphones wirelessly, so they can be yanked off your head if their cable gets caught on something. Also, their control scheme is limited, so you can't play and pause your music, skip tracks, or manage your calls during your workout.
- Comfortable fit.
- Good stability.
- Disappointing controls.
- Can't be used wirelessly.
- Not very portable.
The Razer BlackShark V2 are mediocre for office use. These comfortable over-ears can be worn throughout the workday, and you can even remove the boom microphone while you work. That said, while they have a decent leakage performance, you may bother your coworkers if you're listening to your music at high volumes. Unfortunately, they have a disappointing noise isolation performance, so they can't block out the sound of your coworkers chatting around you.
- Detachable boom microphone.
- Comfortable fit.
- Poor noise isolation performance.
- Only decent leakage performance.
The Razer BlackShark V2 headset is a wired-only headset that can't be used for wireless gaming.
The Razer BlackShark V2 are good for wired gaming. These comfortable headphones have a detachable boom mic that makes your voice sound clear. Their sound profile delivers a bit of extra boom, which helps bring out sound effects in action-packed games, and you can also customize it in the companion software. The headphones are fully compatible with PC, PS4, and PS5 and come with a USB sound card that gives you access to features like custom Game Modes and virtual surround sound options. They also work with Xbox One or Xbox Series X via analog connection, but you can't use the USB sound card with those consoles.
- Adjustable microphone settings.
- Detachable boom microphone.
- Disappointing controls.
- USB sound card not compatible with Xbox One or Xbox Series X.
The Razer BlackShark V2 are adequate for phone calls. Their detachable boom microphone can make your voice sound clear and understandable, even in noisier environments, though your voice may sound a bit thin. You can further adjust the microphone settings using the Synapse 3 software, but we don't test for this. Unfortunately, they struggle to passively isolate you from background noise, so you may hear voices or engines during your calls. You also can't manage your calls using their controls.
- Adjustable microphone settings.
- Detachable boom microphone.
- Poor noise isolation performance.
- Disappointing controls.
Changelog
- Updated Dec 12, 2023: The following test group's text has been updated following TB 1.6: Wired Connection. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the product comparisons to match these results.
- Updated Dec 12, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.6 , which updates how we measure latency. We've updated and renamed the following test groups: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). We've also added new codec latency measurements and provided an audio sample of recorded latency.
- Updated Jan 25, 2023: We've tested the frequency response without using the soundcard. You can find more information on this test in our Sound Profile test.
- Updated Aug 24, 2021: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the Razer BlackShark V2, which come in 'Classic Black'. The headphones come in a few other variants with different designs: the Razer BlackShark V2 Special Edition, which has lime green fabric on its headband, and the Razer BlackShark V2 CouRageJD Edition, which have a blue and yellow color scheme and are part of Razer's collaboration with YouTuber CouRageJD. Aside from the color, these variants appear to be identical, so we expect our results to be valid for them too.
You can see the label for the unit we tested here. If you come across another variant or your headphones are different, please let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Razer BlackShark V2 are affordable gaming-oriented headphones. They're similar to the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless 2020, except that they have a wired design, and they have more customization features than the cheaper Razer BlackShark V2 X. They come with a wired USB sound card that gives you access to a variety of microphone settings, although it only works with PCs, PS4, and PS5, not Xbox.
If you're looking for more headphones, check out our recommendations for the best gaming headsets, the best gaming headsets under $100, and the best PS4 headsets.
The Razer BlackShark V2 and the Razer Barracuda X Wireless 2021 are both budget-friendly gaming headphones with similar wired gaming performances, but only the Barracuda X support wireless connectivity with the included USB dongle. The Barracuda X are also better built, and their microphone has a better noise handling performance. That said, the BlackShark V2 come with companion software that offers more customization features. They're also more stable, with a more neutral sound out-of-the-box and better frequency response consistency.
The Razer BlackShark V2 and the Razer Kraken V3 are similarly performing gaming headphones, and you may prefer either one. The BlackShark V2 are more comfortable, have better frequency response consistency, and their passive soundstage is wider as well as more natural. However, the Kraken V3 are significantly better-built, have more robust virtual soundstage features, and their mic performs slightly better overall. Unfortunately, you can only use them with devices that have a USB-A port.
The Razer BlackShark V2 are better gaming headphones than the Razer BlackShark V2 X. The V2 have a better-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box, and their boom mic is detachable. Also, the V2 come with a USB Soundcard and are compatible with companion software that allows you to customize the sound profile, access custom game modes, and adjust the microphone settings. That being said, the V2 X have a better microphone performance out of the box.
The HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II are better headphones than the Razer BlackShark V2, though depending on your preferences, you may prefer one over the other. The HyperX are more comfortable and are better built, and their microphone performs better out of the box. They also do a better job passively isolating noise. That being said, the Razer have a better-balanced sound profile, and they're compatible with customization software that lets you adjust the sound and the microphone performance to your liking. The Razer also have a more stable fit.
Test Results
The Razer BlackShark V2 have a similar oval-shaped ear cup design to the Razer BlackShark V2 X. They're made of black plastic with neon green accents and a neon green Razer logo on each cup. Unlike the V2 X, their headband and ear cups have a soft cloth material covering the faux leather. The boom microphone is detachable.
The Razer BlackShark V2 are comfortable headphones. Their headband feels more comfortable than the Razer BlackShark V2 X, and their memory foam ear cushions are covered in cloth instead of faux leather.
The Razer BlackShark V2 have disappointing controls. While the controls are easy to use and have good feedback, there are only two buttons. There's a volume wheel with a notch in the middle that stops scrolling at min/max volume, and there's a mic mute button.
The Razer BlackShark V2 have mediocre breathability. The ear cups trap heat in and don't allow for much airflow. It shouldn't be too much of an issue when you're just sitting and gaming, but they aren't intended for physical activity and may make you sweat more if you use them during workouts.
The Razer BlackShark V2 aren't very portable. Like most gaming headsets such as the Razer Kraken V3, they're quite bulky. They also don't fold into a more compact shape. Still, the headphones and their carrying pouch should easily fit into a backpack.
The Razer BlackShark V2 come with a flimsy, cheap-feeling soft pouch. The pouch material is so thin you can see through it. It can likely protect your headphones from light scratches, but not from falls or water exposure.
The Razer BlackShark V2 have an okay build quality. They're mostly made of plastic, except for the braided, non-detachable cable. The metal hinges, the cable between the cups, and the headband feel like the weakest points of these headphones. These parts seem like they could break or bend if you aren't careful. For better-built gaming headphones, check out the Corsair HS60 HAPTIC or the Razer Barracuda X Wireless.
The Razer BlackShark V2 are stable headphones. They're lightweight and should easily stay in place while you're gaming or during light physical activity, although they're not intended for sports use. However, their cable isn't detachable, so if it gets stuck or hooked on something, it could pull the headphones off your head.
- Razer BlackShark V2 headset
- USB sound card
- Detachable boom mic
- Soft pouch
- Razer stickers
- Manuals
The Razer BlackShark V2 have a decently neutral sound profile. Their well-balanced mid-range response ensures instruments and lead vocals are present and accurate, while the overemphasized high-bass adds some extra boom to bass-heavy music and game sound effects like explosions. However, they're prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery. Depending on their fit, position, and whether you have thick glasses or hair, your listening experience can vary each time you use them.
We've also tested their sound without using the soundcard. You can see a comparison between frequency responses when using and not using the soundcard here. Without the soundcard, the bass feels slightly less warm than when using the soundcard, and mids are less muddy.
The Razer BlackShark V2 have a mediocre frequency response consistency performance. Like the Razer Opus X Wireless, the headphones' bass and treble delivery varies depending on their fit, seal, and positioning, and people who wear glasses or have thick hair may experience a drop in bass. You may need to adjust the headphones each time you wear them to hear a more consistent sound.
The Razer BlackShark V2 have great bass accuracy. The low and mid-bass are fairly even and neutral, so the thump and punch of bass-heavy genres should be reproduced accurately. The overemphasis in the high-bass adds boominess, and can also muddy mixes. However, the bass delivery depends on the fit, seal, and positioning of the headphones. These results represent the average response, and your experience may vary.
The Razer BlackShark V2 have excellent mid accuracy. The overemphasis in the high-bass range continues into the low-mid, which can make mixes sound slightly muddy or cluttered. The rest of the response throughout the range is well-balanced and even though, so vocals and lead instruments should be accurately reproduced.
These headphones have good treble accuracy. There's a slight overemphasis in the low treble range, which adds a bit of harshness to instruments and lead vocals, while a peak in the mid-treble makes some sibilant sounds, like cymbals, seem piercing. However, these headphones have somewhat inconsistent treble delivery depending on fit and positioning. These results represent the average response, and your experience may vary.
The Razer BlackShark V2's peaks and dips performance is good. A peak in the high-bass adds a boomy quality to the mix. The dips in the mid-range nudges vocals and lead instruments towards the back of the mix. There's also a peak in the low-treble range that adds harshness to instruments while a peak in the mid-treble makes sibilants, like S and T sounds, more piercing.
These headphones have good imaging. Their weighted group delay falls below the audibility threshold for the entire range, resulting in tight bass and transparent treble reproduction. Their L/R drivers are also well-matched in amplitude and frequency response, but there's a slight phase mismatch, which can cause inaccuracies in the stereo image at certain frequencies. However, it shouldn't be noticeable with regular content. Please note that these results are only valid for our unit, and yours may perform differently.
Their passive soundstage performance isn't bad. The soundstage is perceived as quite large and accurate. However it doesn't seem very open, which is common for closed-back gaming headphones.
These headphones have a virtual surround sound feature called THX Spatial Audio that you can access via the Synapse 3 software. However, you need to be connected to a PC, PS4, or PS5 using their wired USB sound card for it to work. Unfortunately, the sound card isn't compatible with Xbox consoles, so you don't have access to any virtual surround sound features when you're gaming with your Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S. You can still use the headphones via analog connection, though. Also, it should be noted that we don't currently test virtual surround sound features.
These headphones have a great weighted harmonic distortion performance, resulting in clean and pure audio reproduction at normal and high listening volumes.
These are the settings used to test these headphones. Our results are only valid when they're used in this configuration.
These headphones have a poor noise isolation performance. They don't have an active noise cancelling (ANC) feature and don't passively isolate you from very much noise. They block out virtually no bass-range noise like rumbling bus and plane engines, and are only slightly better at reducing mid-range sounds like ambient conversation. On the upside, they cut down on high-pitched sounds like a humming A/C unit quite effectively.
These headphones have a decent leakage performance. In a moderately noisy environment like an office, you can listen to music at high volumes without worrying about bothering people nearby.
Update 03/25/2021: Due to user feedback, we have tested the microphone without the USB soundcard. We tested the microphone using three different connections to our PC. Directly connecting to our PC using the mic port doesn't work. However, we were able to use a Y-splitter to connect the headphones to both the mic and headset ports simultaneously, resulting in full audio and mic compatibility. We also connected the headphones to a laptop using their analog connection, resulting in full audio and mic compatibility. Also, we connected them to our PC using the provided USB soundcard, and then again with a Sound Blaster USB soundcard. Both setups confirm that the headphones' microphone and audio work.
These headphones have a detachable boom microphone.
The boom microphone has a decent recording quality. Your voice sounds natural and clear, but not very deep or full. Note that we tested the microphone with the USB sound card attached, so it may perform differently when used without it. If you're looking for wired Razer headphones with a better recording quality, consider the Razer Kaira X.
The boom microphone has a decent noise handling performance. Even in a loud environment like a subway station, it can separate your voice from background noise, so your teammates should be able to hear you clearly even if you're in a noisy setting.
The Razer Synapse software is excellent. You can adjust many settings, including the volume level. If you like to customize your sound, there's even a 10-band EQ for your music or your microphone. You can also further adjust the microphone using features like Mic Boost, Voice Gate, Volume Normalization, Mic Equalizer, and Ambient Noise Reduction, which may help you communicate better with your teammates, though we don't currently test the performance of these features. You need the USB sound card to save the changes made to the headphones using the companion software. As the USB sound card is only compatible with PS4, PS5, and PC, you can't access these changes on your Xbox One.
These headphones come with a non-detachable 1/8" TRRS cable. You can also connect with the USB sound card on PCs as well as PS4 and PS5 consoles but it doesn't work with Xbox One or Xbox Series X consoles. There's a bit more latency when you use the sound card versus simply the analog connection, but it's still very low, so your audio and visuals will stay in sync.
The Razer BlackShark V2 are wired-only headphones. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless 2020 are similar headphones with a wireless design.
These headphones are fully compatible with PCs if you use their 1/8" TRRS cable or USB sound card. The connection has some latency if you use the sound card, but it shouldn't be very noticeable.
The Razer BlackShark V2 offer full compatibility with PS4 and PS5 consoles if you plug their 1/8" TRRS cable into a controller, or using the wired USB sound card.
Update 03/25/2021: We have tested these headphones for compatibility with the Xbox Series X.
These headphones are fully compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X if you plug their analog cable into the controller's AUX port. However, the USB adapter isn't compatible with Xbox One or Xbox Series X consoles.
These headphones don't have a dock. Instead, they have a wired USB dongle (USB sound card) that works on PC, PS4, and PS5. It allows you to save any changes to the headphones' microphone settings that you make in the companion software.