Our Verdict
The Razer Kraken Pro V2 are above-average gaming headphones but not versatile enough for more casual uses. They have a decently balanced sound that won't be ideal for critical listeners but should be good enough for most. They also have a low latency, wired connection, and a good noise-filtering microphone, so they're better suited for gaming and watching videos than common Bluetooth headphones. However, they're too bulky for most outdoor activities and do not isolate enough for loud environments or commuting.
- Sturdy and durable build quality.
- Great microphone.
- Lack of software support.
- Bulky design.
- Poor isolation.
- Bass delivery varies significantly across users. Sensitive to glasses.
Average for neutral listening. They have a decent amount of bass that packs a punch but also makes them sound a little boomy and muddy. This is especially noticeable since there's a slight dip in the higher frequency ranges that cause lead instruments and vocals to sound a little distant and lack a bit of clarity. They also don't have the best soundstage due to their closed design, but they should be okay for casual listening for most users.
Below-average for commuting. Although the Razer Kraken V2 have an AUX connection that works with mobile devices, they're a bit too bulky to carry around on your person without a bag, and they do not block enough noise to be suitable for the loud environments involved in commuting.
Subpar for sports. They're big and bulky gaming headphones that aren't stable enough for sports.
Below-average for office use. The Razer Pro V2 leak quite a bit at high volumes and let a lot of ambient chatter seep into your audio. They also tend to put a bit of pressure on the ears which might get a bit uncomfortable during long listening sessions at work.
This wired gaming headset can't be used wirelessly.
Decent for gaming. The wired design means they won't have any latency when gaming. They also have a great mic that filters out a lot of background noise and accurately reproduces your voice. Unfortunately, they have an average and bass-heavy sound that won't be for everyone and don't benefit from the Razer Synapse app so you can't EQ their sound profile like the Kraken USB or Man O War. There is also no surround sound options since they're not compatible with the software, which is a little disappointing.
Changelog
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Feb 16, 2018: Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
- Updated Oct 26, 2017: Review published.
Check Price
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Kraken Pro 2 is a sturdy and durable gaming headset. Their low latency wired connection and decent, bass-heavy sound make them suitable for gaming although they won't be as convenient as some of the other wireless gaming headset we've reviewed. Unfortunately, they also lack a few customization options since they do not support the Razer Synapse Software. See our recommendations for the best gaming headsets, the best gaming headsets under $100 and the best Xbox One gaming headsets.
The Razer Kraken X and Razer Kraken Pro V2 are similarly-performing gaming headphones. Both are fairly comfortable with a bulky, gamer-centric design. The Pro V2 feel better built, but the Kraken X are more lightweight and have a more stable fit. Both headphones have excellent boom microphones and similar bass-heavy sound profiles. Neither are compatible with the Razer Synapse support software, but the Kraken X has an easier-to-use control scheme. The Pro V2 are best if you’re looking for something that feels a little more premium at the expense of added weight, while the Kraken X are preferable if you prefer a more lightweight design.
The HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II is a better gaming headset than the Razer Kraken Pro V2. The HyperX is better built and more comfortable. It offers great value for the price and has a better sound quality than the Kraken. It also offers channel mixing directly on the in-line remote and the microphone is detachable, so you can use the HyperX as normal headphones as well.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are better gaming headphones than the Razer Kraken Pro V2. They feel much more comfortable and durable, and have a better-balanced sound profile and a detachable boom microphone, which is convenient. On the other hand, the Kraken Pro V2's mic has a much better recording quality.
The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is a better gaming headset than the Razer Kraken Pro V2 thanks to its USB dongle, which offers multiple controls and access to the Razer Synapse app. They are practically built the same and sound the same way, but app support is definitely a major difference. With the Tournament Edition, you get an EQ, presets, calibrated surround sound, channel mixing, and many features to control volume and your microphone.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
Test Results
for pictures & test results
for pictures & test results
for pictures & test results
for pictures & test results
