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Your price for this item is $249.99

Customer reviews

Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars with 70 reviews

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  • Value

    Rating 4.2 out of 5 stars

  • Quality

    Rating 4.6 out of 5 stars

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    Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars

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94%would recommend to a friend
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 3 Showing 41-60 of 70 reviews
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Multi use Headphones

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    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This is the best overall option inside the series of Blackshark V3 Pro. It works for all platforms.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Great headset great sound very light weight i would recommend

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life, Comfort, Connectivity
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Razer have made the almost perfect headset!

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I’ve been using the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro for a couple of weeks now, and man, this headset is a beast for gaming! Here’s my take as a casual gamer who also loves music and long Discord chats. The good stuff: The sound is insane. The 50mm drivers pack a punch—playing Apex Legends and Black Myth: Wukong, I could hear every footstep, explosion, and whisper in the game. The THX Spatial Audio (on PC) makes it feel like enemies are sneaking up behind you, which is great for competitive play. I messed around with the EQ settings in Razer’s app, and it’s super easy to tweak the sound for gaming or music. Bass is deep, mids are clear, and highs are crisp. Comfort is top-notch. The memory foam earcups with that breathable mesh layer are so comfy, even during my 6-hour gaming binges. No sweaty ears here! The headset’s a bit heavy at 367g, but the padded headband and swiveling earcups make it feel snug without clamping too hard. The mic is detachable and sounds amazing—my squad said my voice was crystal clear, even when I was yelling during intense matches. The wireless features are good. The 2.4GHz HyperSpeed connection is lag-free, and I love that I can connect to Bluetooth at the same time for Discord calls on my phone while gaming. Battery life is great too—I got about 45 hours with some ANC use, which is plenty for a week. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is a nice touch, blocking out my noisy AC unit pretty well. Oh, and the controls (volume knob, EQ switch, ANC button) are super intuitive. The not so good: The ANC could be better as it doesn't block out like non gaming headsets. I think this is due the the material used on the cups. This isn't a deal breaker for me at all but could be if you're expecting these to block out all noise

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Great headset

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Its a great headset, always love Razer products. Only problem that brings it to a 4 star for me is idk why but everyone once in awhile I will stop getting audio suddenly until I turn my headset off and back on.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Razer's Best Yet

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Just an amazing headset. Has everything you could possibly want.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Gaming

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Great headphones nice base for fps and footsteps thx is ok but if you looking for fos get them

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 2 out of 5 stars

    Not for me

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    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    My Turtle Beach Stealth pros broke for a second time and I decided I would try these. Immediately disappointed by the low volume in comparison to the headset I was used to. I only play Call of Duty/ Warzone. I could not get the footstep audio I did from my previous headset. Ive tried and returned many headsets and nothing compares to the stealth pros. Even though I have broke 2 pairs, I'd rather have them over any other headset, especially when it comes to Xbox. Options are limited. I dont think they should cost what they do. The headband barely clamped my head and would move around a lot also. Was unfortunate as I wanted a mic that wasnt flip to mute, which is the weak point of the Turtle Beach. Again id buy that 10 times before buying this.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    great upgrade

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    i brought the PC verision but was given the XBOX verision om pick -up works great on a wimdows 11 pro

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life, Comfort, Sound quality
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    High quality, nice sound

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I’ve been using the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro ANC Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox and it’s been an amazing upgrade to my setup. The sound quality is rich and clear with deep bass that really pulls you into the game. The active noise cancelling is impressive, blocking out background distractions so I can focus fully whether I’m gaming or listening to music. The headset is lightweight and comfortable even during long sessions, and the memory foam cushions feel great. The wireless connection has been rock solid with no lag, and battery life easily lasts through long days of use. I also like the design, it looks sleek and has a premium feel. The mic quality is excellent for chat, making my voice come through clear without static. The Razer Synapse app adds another level with customization for sound profiles, mic settings, and ANC control, which really lets you fine tune everything the way you want. Overall, this headset feels like the perfect mix of comfort, performance, and style, and I’d recommend it to anyone on Xbox who wants a top-tier wireless experience.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Gaming Headset

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Best headphones ever. Don’t think just buy, it’s worth every penny!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Razer boi

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Great hsadset, upgraded from the previous model and do not regret it one bit

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life, Comfort, Connectivity
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great headset, mediocre mic

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    If you’re like me and you spend a little too much time multitasking on your Xbox, PC, and phone, finding a headset that handles everything without making your ears cry is a big ask. Enter the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro. This headset almost gets it all right. It’s built like a tank, sounds very good, feels great even after hours, and plays well with all your devices. Sure, it’s not without flaws. The mic is a bit of a letdown. ANC isn’t the best. But overall, this headset punches well above its weight in just about every category that matters. Right out of the box, the build quality makes a great first impression. It doesn’t creak or flex like cheaper plastic competitors, and the aluminum hinges and dense materials give it a sturdy, premium feel. It’s not featherlight, but it also doesn’t feel heavy on your head. The memory foam earcups are plush, the clamping force is just right, and using glasses is perfectly fine. The green Xbox stitching adds a premium touch as well. ANC is a big and welcome addition here. No, it’s not industry-leading or studio-grade, but it actually works. It does a solid job blocking out low rumbles and fan noise, along with keyboard and mouse clicks. It seals well enough to keep distractions at bay, but if you move around a lot it can loosen the seal and the ultimate experience of it. There are four levels along with ambient, but most will use level 4 I’d imagine for it to make a true difference. Battery life is another area where this headset surprised me in the best way. Razer claims up to 48 hours for the Xbox model (70 hours for the PC version), and while I didn’t sit around timing every minute, I got through a full week of regular use without needing to plug it in. That includes gaming, calls, and some light music listening. The wireless range was rock solid throughout my house via the dongle, and the dual-mode wireless plus Bluetooth function worked seamlessly. As for sound, it delivers across the board. The audio profile is balanced with just a touch of bass-forward warmth, which gives explosions and gunfire extra oomph without drowning out voice chat or footsteps. Whether I was gaming, streaming, or listening to music, the headset handled it all with clarity and detail. The treble is a little distorted out of the box, and the bass a tad heavy, but the warmth is there. If you’re the type to tweak everything, Razer Synapse gives you full EQ control, game and chat balance, mic tuning, and more. Speaking of controls, they nailed the design here. There’s a dedicated ANC toggle, mic mute, SmartSwitch button, a textured volume knob, and a custom control wheel. It’s all tactile, responsive, and spaced well enough that I wasn’t fumbling mid-game trying to hit the right button. Now for the one area that gave me pause. The microphone is fine, and usable. But for a headset in this price range, I expected better. The mic captures voice clearly enough for casual chat or in-game comms, but it struggles with background noise and lacks the crispness and warmth you’d expect from an upgraded size (12mm capsule vs 9mm) and shape. It’s especially noticeable if you’re doing anything beyond basic communication, like streaming or recording. Thankfully, Synapse lets you tune it a bit, and that can help, but something seems off overall. There is no built-in mic, either, so you will have to leave the external one plugged in to talk when connected to any device. That said, everything else about the V3 Pro makes it easy to recommend. The comfort, build quality, audio performance, battery life, and software customization put it firmly in the "worth it" category. If you can live with a so-so mic or plan to use an external one anyway, this headset is a fantastic all-rounder that delivers where it counts and does it with style.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Comfort, Sound quality, Weight
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    An Elite Offering by Razer

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The new Razer BlackShark V3 Pro has been an awesome addition to my gaming experience. I have had more gaming headsets than most, so I feel I have a pretty good idea of what makes one good or bad. Fit/Feel/Weight: Arguably the most important aspect to a headset, even more than sound. When you are having a long gaming session, the last thing you want is a heavy uncomfortable headset. Thankfully this is one of the BlackSharks’ biggest pro. Even though it looks pretty large, the material choice by Razer has resulted in a sturdy and comfortable headset. The plastics feel of high quality, the earmuffs are cushy while still providing some stiffness and support. Most importantly, it’s light enough. I have had several multi hour gaming sessions now and didn’t experience any discomfort. Sound Quality/Mic: I think most headsets at this price point provide good sound quality. The differentiating factor with sound at this price point is usually the connection stability. Nothing make great sound useless like a poor connecting headset that has sound hiccups. Thankfully the BlackShark has been flawless from my use with a Series X and my gaming PC. The actual sound is really balanced. The highs are well defined which is what I look for most in headsets as that’s what usually drives things like footsteps, reloads, and other enemy sound effects. As far as more cinematic games where lows drive the bass feel for the environmental sounds, it has been good as well. You will not be disappointed. The ANC feature further helps to immerse you and provide a gaming sanctuary. In my experience ANC can be hit or miss. Some brands have given me headaches when I use them, others haven’t. Thankfully, the BlackSharks do not. I’m not sure what makes ANC give headaches, but if you are prone to them like me, just keep in mind that maybe the BlackSharks ANC won’t. On some online discussion platforms, I’ve seen some people bashing the mic on this headset. Some people claim it was fixed with a software update. In my experience, the mic sounded great right out of the box. I asked several people who were in Discord with me and they didn’t notice it be any worse or better than usual. Perhaps I got lucky or as usual, online chat platforms blow things out of proportion. Conclusion: The BlackShark V3 Pro slides in amongst the elite gaming headset offerings on the market today. I think the best thing you could do is go into your local Best Buy and try it on. The best headset is the one that fits you best. All the technical aspects of this headset have been excellent, now it just comes down to whether you find it comfy. I highly recommend you give this headset a shot if you are in the upper gaming headset market.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 2 out of 5 stars

    Avoid.

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I'm not sure where the plethora of positive reviews are coming from, a lot seem to be from people who did not pay for the headset. If you give me something free, versus having to spend hard earned money, more than likely I am going to be more receptive to it. For $250, this headset is not worth it. In game the audio sounds hollow and does not project accurately. I have a pair of Sennheiser HD 600 that were on sale at the time for $285. For being Stereo only, the positioning was much more accurate than the Razers. And audio reproduction was 100x better. The employee even made the comment they were getting a lot of returns. Personally I wouldn't recommend these to anyone at this price point. Note: Even updated the firmware and it did not make any improved.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Comfort, Sound quality, Weight
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Rounding Down

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I went back and forth for a full day, stressed out about if I’d give this a 4 or 5 star review and decided to give it a 5. Find out why… The packaging is sleek, minimalist, and shows its hand that you’ve purchased a high end product that you should be proud of. Out of the box, you’re going to get the headset, a USB-C to 3.5 jack, a USB to USB-C cord, the headset, some stickers, instructions and the receptor dongle. This is probably nearing the 15-20th gaming headset I’ve owned over the last 15 years, gaming across every major platform, and the first few things I noticed were how comfortable it was, how light it felt, and unfortunately, how astronomically long it took to setup. The headset didn’t come charged and the first thing you’re instructed to do is charge the headset to full. I’d say that took around an hour, which was longer than expected, though I have no idea what the battery life was at, though I know it wasn’t “red” aka low. Upon charge, and using this for an Xbox, you have a few options. You can use the 3.5 jack and play wired, though I can’t imagine why anyone would want to use a wired headset in 2025. More often, you’re going to have to connect the USB to USB-C cord to your Xbox, and then the dongle to get going. That is the recommended method for quickest sound response time, which is crucial for competitive gaming. Unfortunately, setup wasn’t very black and white. I was instructed to download the Razer Audio app on the Xbox, which I did and due to issues in the Microsoft store, that took longer than expected. After I got the app up and running and connected my device as instructed, I was informed that my headset needed an update but that I couldn’t do that with the Razer Phone app or Xbox app, I’d have to use my laptop. So I followed the instructions to update my headset, which maybe took another 5-10min, only to find out that the dongle needs an update, so that took another five minutes. Then, finally, I was able to put my laptop away and get this hooked back up to my Xbox, to continue using their app for setup, which was at that point, relatively quick. Upon finally setting this up on my Xbox, I decided to ensure I had the phone app working correctly as I’d generally prefer to use that over the Xbox app so I don’t have to close a game to make audio changes, and is easier from my phone app. Unfortunately the phone app kinda stinks too and kept telling me that my headset needed an update (which I’d just done), and figuring out the Bluetooth connection isn’t as easy as their instructions, but alas I persevered. Finally comes time for functionality. One of the nice things is this has a dual Bluetooth connection, which… I’m not sure whoever would use this but it’s nice as you can game while listening to music from your phone or taking calls. I had my wife call to test and we both agreed the audio felt great both ways. My other gripe here when it comes to functionality is that there’s a TON of buttons, with all very small logos on them on the headset, so it’s not as simple as a power on/volume up/down situation. There’s a power button, a Bluetooth button which was more complicated that it seems, a noise cancelling function that cycles through a few options, a volume dial, a preset audio function, a USB-C port, a mute button, and it’s all a LOT. Speaking of, I have to give a strike agains them for having one of the rare headsets that you can’t flip the mic to mute, you can only detach the microphone or hit the mute button. That’s a swing and a miss in my book. If this was your primary headset for everything, over time, sure, you’d pick it up, but for most people who aren’t constantly gaming, it’s probably too much to memorize. That’s it, I’m giving this four stars. Now to gaming… I decided to use the wireless dongle connection for the fastest sound speed, which unfortunately drains the battery quicker. All frustrations aside, this is noticeably the best audio I’ve ever experienced in gaming. I used the “gaming” preset to follow Razer’s guidance on tuning, and was just so dang pleasantly surprised. Everything was quick, registering well, spatial, good bass, and I was hearing things I hadn’t heard in hundreds of hours of playing the same games previously. I can’t praise their audio quality enough. I haven’t used this enough to speak on battery life but with an internal battery exclusively, I’m hoping there’s long battery life or I can use the audio jack in place of a charged headset, but surprisingly the instructions state nothing about that option or extended battery life. All said, this has frustration in the setup and execution but just hits an unbelievable grand slam on the audio and comfort, which is the reason you’d buy this. I can recommend it but hope they can continue to build upon what’s working for the future.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life, Comfort, Sound quality
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Comfort, Quality, and Immersive audio all in one!

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The Razer BlackShark V3 headset for the Xbox and PC is one of the best headsets I have ever used in gaming. Its wireless connectivity brings a whole enjoyable experience in itself. The headset is pretty light, and the ear cushions are very breathable, soft and extremely comfortable. They are large cups and fit well over big ears. The adjustable arms feel very sturdy and supportive and the top head cushion is very soft and comfortable as well. The material the cups and head cushion are made out of don't feel cheap and seems like they will hold up very well to wear. The side plates of the headset are magnetic and changeable to suit your colors or designs. The mic is detachable if you just want to use it as wireless headphones as well for music or tv listening. The volume knob on the side of the cup is solid and has a great feel to it. There is a rotary dial on the other cup that mixes the game volume and chat volume. It free wheels and doesn't have solid end points, it just keeps spinning either direction, but actually adjusting the volume mix is on the money when you turn it either way. The mic itself is a decent length and does have a directional input so it should be facing a certain way towards your mouth. The mute button is under the mic on the bottom of the cup, and takes some getting used to reach up to mute. Would prefer to see it on the mic boom itself but it is in the next best spot you could put it. This headset also includes Active Noise Canceling, for which it does a pretty good job at masking the outside noises of the headset and makes the game more immersive. There is a button on the bottom of the cup to turn it on or off. The audio drivers in this headset are what brings everything together. The sound gets loud, the quality is clear, and has a good bass mix where it can really deliver an explosion in a game but not overpowered. The directional sound is very immersive and very easy to tell where people are coming from in the game. I've been able to game for 4 hours before feeling headset fatigue which is amazing and the battery lasts for several gaming sessions. Overall I am very happy with this headset and love finding new favorites. I would definitely recommend this headset.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Comfort, Connectivity, Sound quality
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Best XBOX ANC Headset? Yes.

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I've had more than my fair share of headsets over time, every one of the touts some feature, quality, etc that generally delivers but comes at a price, sometimes that price feels warranted, other times, not so much. If XBOX is your gaming platform of choice, then I would argue that in this case, the price is warranted. To start: Packaging is much as you'd expect from anything Razer. Has the acid green and black box which interestingly in this case is native to both XBox and Razer's color schemas. Inside you'll find the headset, an a-to-c adapter, the hyperspeed dongle and a USB type C cable, along with minimal literature. Nothing special here, but it really doesn't need to be. Use: The headset is capable of being used on basically any platform, but in this case and quite impressively, the headset with it's hyperspeed dongle plug and play with the XBox Series X that I have. It's good to have a plug and play capability like this that isn't bluetooth based as bluetooth is natively slower than something like hyperspeed, and it takes additional steps to get it rolling. Plugging this in and being 'up and running' instantly, true plug and play, is a huge value. Bluetooth also does not tend to support the 7.1 (or other virtual surround) capabilities of headsets that support it on non-native platforms. The headset is THX native since it is owned by Razer and it shows. the sound is gorgeous and the 7.1 is astounding. When playing games such as Forza or Fortnite the positional audio really shines. The headset is incredibly comfortable with the memory foam ear cups and despite the look, it is not a heavy headset at all, in fact often I forgot I was wearing it. What would I change? Not much really, I don't "love" detachable boom mics, so if it folded or retracted I'd prefer it, and at this price point I'd love a charging cradle, but if they put the cost of something like a cradle into the headset itself (and it seems like they did) then I'm ok with more quality in the device rather than convenience. Overall: Thrilled. It's a wonderful headset, the instant plug and play capability with the hyperspeed dongle is excellent and the audio quality is really beautiful. Is it expensive for a gaming headset? Kind-of, but again if this is your gaming platform of choice or you will use it on multiple platforms, then it's well worth the money.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 3 out of 5 stars

    Connection issues

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Disconnects with the playstation even though its advertised having compatibility.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life, Comfort, Connectivity
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great Universal ANC Cans for Gaming and Work

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    In addition to these being great for XBox, I have also found my preferred mobile Teams meeting headset as these are comfortable enough to wear all shift. The XBox integration is awesome as well. The headset includes a dongle to switch audio to you xBox by just flipping a switch. The dongle can be placed anywhere and it very convenient to have. Of course, when you're done with the Xbox, you can switch back over to Bluetooth and I connect to your pc for pc games, work, music, or movies. I really like the removable microphone. I just pop off the microphone when i'm mobile and leave the headset hanging off my work bag. This insures that it doesn't get lost in transit. The headset offers two modes: ambient and ANC. Ambient mode lets you hear what's around you. I can say it definitely works because when its on, I definitely hear everything. My go to mode is ANC though and while it's not as good as some other ANC I have tried, it does block most sound. You also have one button that has preset EQ settings for Game, Movie, Music, Esports, and Default. Pretty clever. My favorite thing really is the physical microphone mute button. Having that is so handy, when you're not sure if the software mute button did the trick. The battery life has been great. I can use these for 8 hours no problem and that's really all I need as I charge them up every day.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Comfort, Sound quality
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Stylish and full of options

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Headphones and headsets are a dime a dozen these days, with manufacturers putting out all sizes and shapes with a variety of tech features in every category. The competition remains particularly hot in gaming headsets, with a focus on not only sound quality, but gamer-specific features like audio latency and source mix adjustments. Razer -- probably the most well-known gaming accessory manufacturer -- is out with their latest high-end entry, the BlackShark V3 Pro (and this Xbox-specific version). The headline features here include active noise cancellation, as well as their latest wireless connection standard, what Razer calls HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2. Razer also promises new and improved audio drivers, a better mic and custom sound profiles for specific games. Unboxing is a quick and simple affair, with high-quality packaging materials and next-to-no plastic. The box includes the headphones, their detachable mic, a USB-C to 3.5mm cable, a USB-C to USB-A cable, and the HyperSpeed Gen-2 dongle. I was impressed with the packaging efficiency, simplicity and recyclability. Pro tip: if you have trouble finding them, the user guide and stickers are tucked in the top edge of the molded insert holding the headset. The BlackShark V3 Pro headset itself is relatively minimal, but the sense of quality is immediate. Solid, matte plastic with metal accents, a burled volume knob and Xbox green stitching on the headband is classy, but understated. The included cords are nice braided affairs, and the mic and wireless dongle all match the headset quality. I'm intrigued by the interchangeable magnetic plates on each ear cup, which should allow for some awesome customizability. Hopefully Razer continues expanding the available designs (or maybe comes up with a DIY option?). With multiple connection options to multiple devices, both wired and wireless, setup was a bit more complex than I anticipated. I started with a bluetooth connection to my phone, which involved putting the headset in pairing mode. I couldn't figure this out without the instructions, but once entered the BlackShark V3 Pro paired quickly. The free Razer Audio app allows you to customize most aspects of the headset, as well as switch modes and sound profiles. Once connected it was easy to stream music and take phone calls like any normal Bluetooth headset can do. Connecting to the Xbox took me a few tries. Plugging in the dongle with the included cable is easy, but I couldn't get the BlackShark to switch to HyperSpeed mode and connect despite following the directions exactly. I was, however, on a phone call with a friend over bluetooth, and as soon as I hung up that call I was able to switch modes and connect successfully. I also downloaded Razer's Xbox sound app, which offers about the same amount of control as their mobile app. The Xbox app informed me there was a firmware update available, but could not actually install the update. Turns out, you'll need a PC for this. Updating involves downloading Razer's firmware update package, which will have you first connect the HyperSpeed dongle and then the headset via USB for updating. It took two tries, but eventually both devices were successfully updated. This was definitely a clunkier process than expected, but as it's my first headset with a proprietary wireless dongle, I don't have a good point of comparison. It does seem strange that one of the apps couldn't make the update, however. The firmware package prompted me to install Razer Synapse on my PC, which offers the deepest control over the BlackShark V3 Pro, regardless of this being the Xbox-specific version. Synapse lets you customize the order of some selections when cycling through options using headset buttons, as well as access to/selection of custom game sound profiles, such as for Call of Duty. Additionally, included sound modes offer a graphic equalizer that you can customize to your liking and save. In my use, I found the default profile fine for most things, and the game profile useful when playing my longtime favorite, Grand Theft Auto III. Once updated and successfully connected I set out to get a good headset fit. After a few hours of use I can say the BlackShark weight is very well-distributed, and the headband padding is quite comfortable. The ear cup padding is nice as well, and I appreciate that it's not shiny pleather that gets sweaty after only a few minutes. My chief complaint is the clamping force, which I find a little high, but I have yet to find a pair of 'phones that don't annoy me in this area. All over-ear headphones I've used tend to make the space behind and below my ears sore after a short time, but this is highly personal and YMMV. I don't love the adjustment mechanism Razer used here, either, as it involves two thin metal posts on each ear cup rather than one sliding element per side. The headset stays where you adjust it, but there are no lines or detents to help you achieve an even fit or remember your adjustments after storage. I do appreciate the amount of rotation and flexibility provided tho, and I'm guessing most folks will find a good fit easily. That good fit will help you get the best seal for the ANC, which is very effective in typical home use. My AC unit, right next to the TV, is easily rendered silent, and keyboard taps (and cat meows) are significantly reduced in volume. I'm thankful Razer gives you four levels of ANC to choose from, as the highest level does produce some of the "eardrum suck" common to most ANC devices. I went down to level 3 and find plenty of noise cancellation with a more comfortable listening experience. Whether listening to music, taking a phone call or playing a game, the BlackShark V3 Pro delivers a good audio experience. After some trial and error, I decided to keep the set on the default sound setting for all activities, and I've been satisfied with the sound reproduction. Voices are clear on calls and in songs, and the soundstage for music is pretty balanced and easy to listen to for long periods. These are gaming 'phones, though, and at that they excel. Enable surround sound effects and I think you'll be very pleased with their performance. I'm used to gaming with a soundbar that does a pretty good surround sound impression, but there's nothing like actual headphones giving you pinpoint precise audio. Razer isn't kidding about latency, either, with the HyperSpeed Gen 2 connection producing no noticeable latency for me. GTA III really comes alive in surround sound, with voices clear and at the front and sound effects emanating from the appropriate corners of the screen. It's easy to get lost in the action and forget there's anything going on around you. What's more, with the BlackShark's simultaneous audio mode, you can chat on a phone call and game at the same time, with both audio streams reaching your ears. I had a bit of trouble adjusting the balance at first, but after using the phone app and Xbox volume controls on-screen I found a good balance and had a nice time gaming while keeping my phone conversation going. When in gaming mode alone, you can use the roller dial to adjust sound effect/voice balance, and the large knob to change overall volume easily. My friend on the phone reported my voice as clear and easily heard, if a bit muffled. Razer helpfully includes multiple mic modes to experiment with as well, and the mic physically adjusts easily and holds position just fine. I'll be honest, the headset's physical controls are almost too plentiful, with a bit of learning curve to all the buttons and knobs, which do function slightly differently depending on how you're using the BlackShark V3 Pro. A few hours of use (with help guide nearby) should have you trained pretty well, though. Consistent with the build quality, the buttons and knobs feel great to use and are generally very responsive. In a world of touchscreen-everything, it's a joy to rely on physical buttons and knobs for a change. Overall, and for my first gaming-focused headset, I'm pleased with the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro. It's very well made, stylish without being garish, and includes every connection mode, button and dial you could ever want. Performance with the made for Xbox version is great, and I'd wager any gamer would be impressed with the lack of latency and level of control Razer has included here. Sound quality is good and very customizable, ANC works well, and I really appreciate how the Xbox version works great with mobile devices and PCs, wired and wireless, making this a good do-it-all option. My complaints are minor overall. I'd appreciate a simpler firmware update process, a lighter clamping force, and perhaps a touch simpler user interface. That said, I'll take customization and more buttons over limited options and fewer physical controls. For the price, the BlackShark V3 Pro is right at the top of the game, although I would have liked to see a case or bag included with the headset and accessories. That being said, Razer has put together a really good product, and it's an easy recommendation. Game on!

    I would recommend this to a friend
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