The Razer BlackShark V2 X are the Razer BlackShark V2's pared-down, budget-friendly sibling. Even though they don't offer a lot of features such as companion software or a USB sound card, these wired headphones still deliver a decent audio experience for gaming. They're comfortable enough for multi-hour gaming sessions, they have full wired compatibility on most consoles, and their excellently-performing boom microphone is able to capture your voice clearly, even in loud environments. Although we don't currently test for it, these headphones also have a downloadable virtual soundstage feature. That being said, they're prone to inconsistent bass and treble delivery and some parts, like the metal hinges and audio cables on their ear cups, feel a bit fragile.
Our Verdict
The Razer BlackShark V2 X are passable for neutral sound. Depending on the headphones' fit, positioning, and placement on your head, you may experience inconsistent bass or treble delivery. That being said, they have a dark and bass-heavy sound profile. They don't have companion software to EQ them to your liking, either.
- Excellently-performing boom microphone.
- Downloadable virtual soundstage feature available.
- No companion software.
- Inconsistent bass and treble delivery.
The Razer BlackShark V2 X are poor for commute and travel. Although they're comfortable enough to wear for long bus rides, they have a gamer-centric design that stands out, especially as their boom microphone isn't detachable. They also don't really isolate almost any bass-range noise like bus or train engines, and they lack basic call/music management controls. On the upside, since they're wired, you don't have to worry about them running out of battery life before you reach your destination.
- Excellently-performing boom microphone.
- Comfortable and stable fit.
- Disappointing noise isolation.
- Sub-par controls.
- Gamer-centric design.
The Razer BlackShark V2 X are disappointing for sports and fitness. While they have a stable and comfortable fit, they aren't the most portable. Since they're wired, their neon green audio cable can snag on something, which may pull them off your head. They also have pretty limited controls, and although you can adjust their volume, they don't have any other call/music management buttons.
- Excellently-performing boom microphone.
- Comfortable and stable fit.
- Sub-par controls.
- Gamer-centric design.
- Non-detachable audio cable.
The Razer BlackShark V2 X are disappointing for office use. While they should be comfortable enough to last throughout your workday, they really struggle to isolate noise around you like office chatter. On the upside, if you want to listen to your music at a fairly loud level to compensate for their sub-par noise isolation, your coworkers shouldn't be able to hear your audio. That being said, they look like gaming headphones and you won't be able to remove their boom microphone to make them look more casual.
- Excellently-performing boom microphone.
- Comfortable and stable fit.
- Disappointing noise isolation.
- Gamer-centric design.
The Razer BlackShark V2 X are wired-only gaming headphones and aren’t compatible with wireless connections.
The Razer BlackShark V2 X are decent for wired gaming. These comfortable over-ears have full wired compatibility with PC, PS4, and Xbox One. While they have inconsistent bass and treble delivery, their average response is a bit bass-heavy and dark, which can be suited for action-packed games with a lot of explosions. Their boom microphone performs excellently, so your voice is heard clearly, even in loud environments.
- Excellently-performing boom microphone.
- Comfortable and stable fit.
- Downloadable virtual soundstage feature available.
- No companion software.
- Inconsistent bass and treble delivery.
- Sub-par controls.
The Razer BlackShark V2 X are good for phone calls. They have an excellently-performing boom microphone that can capture your voice clearly, whether you're speaking at home or out and about in the city. However, these headphones have disappointing noise isolation, which means that you hear a lot of what's going on around you. They also don't have any call management controls.
- Excellently-performing boom microphone.
- Comfortable and stable fit.
- Disappointing noise isolation.
- Sub-par controls.
Changelog
- Updated Oct 18, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Aug 19, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Aug 14, 2020: Early access published.
- Updated Aug 11, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Razer BlackShark V2 X are entry-level wired gaming headphones. Although they're less feature-heavy than their sibling headphones, the Razer BlackShark V2, they still have an excellently performing boom microphone and a comfortable fit. However, unlike the similarly performing Astro A10, they don't have any companion software to easily customize their sound and they don't feel as well-built as other budget headsets like the HyperX Cloud Stinger. If you're still looking around for gaming headsets, check out our recommendations for the best gaming headsets, the best PS4 gaming headsets, and the best Xbox One headsets.
The Razer BlackShark V2 X and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 are both budget-friendly gaming headphones. Both have a comfortable fit and very good mic performances. However, the SteelSeries are better built and have a more neutral sound profile, although it's still warm overall, and their audio cable is detachable, so you can easily replace it if it gets damaged. On the flip side, the Razer leak less audio at high volume.
The Turtle Beach Recon 70 are better gaming headphones than the Razer BlackShark V2 X. While the Razer have a more comfortable and stable fit, their sound profile is considerably less balanced than the Turtle Beach, with a very recessed treble range that makes lead instruments and speech sound dark and muted. However, the Razer have a better performing mic, that also does a better job of separating your voice from background noise.
The Razer BlackShark V2 X are somewhat better gaming headphones than the Razer Kraken V3 X. The BlackShark V2 X are more comfortable and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. Their boom mic also offers better overall performance, and they have a 1/8" TRRS cable, so you can use them on Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles. However, the V3 X have customizable RGB lighting.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are better headphones for wired gaming than the Razer BlackShark V2 X. The HyperX have a much more comfortable fit and feel much more durable, and their boom mic is detachable for when you want a more casual look. Their sound profile is also more neutral, which some may prefer. However, the Razer's mic has a significantly better recording quality and does a much better job separating your voice from background noise.
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