Razer BlackShark V3 Pro
Best OverallOur take
Sources praise its low latency, hybrid noise cancelling and battery life; the weight is the usual complaint.
Pros
- Hybrid noise cancelling that works in a noisy room
- Very long battery between charges
- Several connection options for PC, console and mobile
- Detachable microphone with a clear voice pickup
Cons
- Heavy for long sessions
- Console versions have a lower battery rating
Full review
The BlackShark V3 Pro is the headset we would point most people towards, because it combines the things a gamer actually notices every day: low-latency wireless, active noise cancelling, a very long battery and a detachable microphone. Razer claims about 10 ms of wireless latency on the 2.4 GHz connection, and the headset also supports Bluetooth, USB and a 3.5 mm cable, so it works with a PC, a console or a phone without extra adapters. Its 50 mm drivers are tuned for competitive play, with clear footsteps and a controlled low end rather than an exaggerated bass boost. RTINGS lists it among its PC gaming picks for adding noise cancelling to a long battery life, and the guides that rank wireless esports headsets tend to place the BlackShark V3 family at or near the top. Razer rates the battery at up to 70 hours on a PC, which in practice means charging it once every couple of weeks. The button leads to the version for PC and Mac. Console owners should look at the editions made for their platform, which keep the same design but change the wireless dongle and the lower battery rating on consoles. The trade-off is size. At around 367 g it is heavier than the standard BlackShark V3 and than many rivals, and the fit is more of a snug esports clamp than a pillowy lounge headset. People with larger heads or who wear glasses for long sessions should consider the Arctis Nova line instead. It is also not the cheapest way into wireless gaming audio, so buyers who only need the basics will find better value further down this list. If you want one headset for ranked matches, calls and the commute, this is the safest pick.