No matter your reasoning, generally all you actually need is a single headset you could hook as much as your PC at residence for gaming classes and connect with your cellphone whereas on the go.
Out of Razer’s a number of households of gaming headsets, the “Barracuda” line is the one most suited to this function, with sleeker designs that do not scream “gamer” at first look. The Razer Barracuda X is probably the most inexpensive within the lineup, and now it is joined by a Chroma variant, a mid-gen improve that makes some notable adjustments and — as Razer completely likes to do — provides loads of customizable RGB lighting.
The Razer Barracuda X Chroma continues to be a strong wi-fi gaming headset that’s versatile sufficient to regulate to no matter you need to do or hearken to, however this refresh general feels a tad odd. There are some upgrades, however you are largely paying extra for the addition of that RGB lighting — which does not make as a lot sense once you’re speaking about an entry-level wi-fi headset. On high of that, you are truly dropping a function in comparison with the non-Chroma Barracuda X, which continues to be accessible at a cheaper price.
Dozens of headsets and pairs of headphones have graced my ears, and I’ve spent many hundreds of hours gaming, listening to music, and extra. Relating to design and luxury, battery life, audio high quality, reliability, and past, you may belief me to ship a trusted verdict.
This assessment was made doable due to a assessment pattern supplied by Razer. Razer had no enter nor noticed the contents of this assessment previous to publication.
Barracuda X Chroma: Pricing and specs
- The Razer Barracuda X Chroma retails for $130.
- That is $30 greater than the common Barracuda X, which continues to be accessible.
Razer Barracuda X Chroma
• Value: $129.99 at Best Buy
• Connectivity: Wi-fi by way of Razer HyperSpeed 2.4GHz (Home windows PC), wi-fi by way of Bluetooth 5.3 (Home windows PC, Android, iOS, PlayStation, Swap)
• Drivers: Razer TriForce 40mm, 20-20,000Hz frequency response, 32 Ohms impedance
• Microphone: Razer HyperClear Cardioid microphone, removable, unidirectional, 10-10,000Hz frequency response, exterior pop filter
• Battery life: As much as 70 hours w/o RGB, as much as 30 hours w/ RGB
• Additional options: 6-zone Razer Chroma RGB lighting per earcup, SBC Bluetooth audio codec, Razer SmartSwitch button w/ 4 onboard EQ profiles, Razer Audio & Razer Synapse assist, 7.1 encompass sound assist
• Weight: 285g (0.63lbs)
The Razer Barracuda X Chroma is essentially similar to its predecessor, sufficient that there is no “V2” moniker to point a generational leap ahead. The general design and dimensions are practically an identical, and most of the capabilities are shared between the 2 headsets as nicely. As a fast rundown, the Barracuda X Chroma beneficial properties 6-zone RGB lighting in every earcup, improved battery life, extra weight, higher Bluetooth connectivity, an enhanced microphone, and no wired audio.
The Razer Barracuda X Chroma retails for $129.99 at Best Buy. As compared, the present Razer Barracuda X is still available for $99.99 at Best Buy, and it typically goes on sale for as little as $70. Given the modest checklist of upgrades, many individuals could be higher served saving that $30+ and choosing the non-Chroma Barracuda X as an alternative.
Within the field, you will discover the Razer Barracuda X Chroma wi-fi gaming headset, the removable Razer HyperClear Cardioid microphone and its exterior pop filter, a USB Sort-C Razer HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wi-fi dongle, a USB Sort-C to USB Sort-A adapter, a fundamental felt journey bag, and a braided USB Sort-C to USB Sort-C charging cable. This headset is roofed by Razer’s 2-year normal guarantee.
Barracuda X Chroma: The great
- The brand new RGB lighting may be very tastefully carried out, enhancing the design.
- For the worth, this headset additionally has a heat, nice sound profile.
- Wi-fi efficiency is superb, and it is simple to modify units.
The Razer Barracuda X already boasted a smooth, muted design that feels proper at residence on any head or in any scenario, and the Barracuda X Chroma merely provides customizable lighting to the equation. Razer carried out that lighting in the very best manner, although, leading to an extremely clear look that provides you a ton of flexibility to customise the way in which you need it.
The Barracuda X Chroma continues to be a cushty headset to put on, too, regardless of weighing greater than its predecessor. The clamping power steadiness is almost good (it may very well be only a tad tighter) and the material cushions are each smooth and breathable. Construct high quality is strictly what I count on from a ~$100 headset — the supplies aren’t distinctive, however every part is at the least put collectively nicely.
Across the edges, you will discover your USB Sort-C charging port, an audio jack for the removable microphone, a quantity dial, a mute swap, the facility button, and Razer’s SmartSwitch button. That feels like so much, however the system is intuitive; the facility button doubles as media controls (play, pause, subsequent observe, and former observe), and the SmartSwitch button allows you to swap connectivity modes and onboard EQ profiles.
That SmartSwitch button works nicely, too, with dependable and fast connections throughout Bluetooth and 2.4GHz. It is good to have 4 onboard EQs, and the fourth is a “Customized” EQ you could configure in Razer Synapse or the Razer Audio app on Android and iOS.
Don the Barracuda X Chroma, and you will be met with a well-recognized listening expertise. This headset is powered by Razer’s tried-and-true TriForce 40mm drivers, which ship a well-balanced, heat, and pleasing sound whether or not you are taking part in video games or listening to music. The Barracuda X would not have a pulsing low-end or the clearest highs, however it’s nonetheless greater than acceptable for the worth and is responsive sufficient to maintain up with probably the most aggressive video games.
You’ll use it for fairly some time, too. The Razer Barracuda X Chroma did improve its endurance over its predecessor, leaping from 50 hours of listening time to a cool 70. In fact, that is when the RGB lighting is disabled — with the Chroma lights activated, you are taking a look at nearer to 30 hours. Thankfully, Razer’s estimates do really feel correct, like regular, and it is simple sufficient to disable that lighting for some prolonged endurance (sadly, there is no manner to take action with simply the headset, although).
Barracuda X Chroma: The dangerous
- RGB lighting is a luxurious addition that needlessly will increase value.
- The Barracuda X Chroma finally would not really feel like a significant improve.
- That is very true of the microphone, which is decidedly common.
RGB lighting is a “luxurious” function often reserved for probably the most premium gaming {hardware} and equipment, and that affiliation is robust sufficient that many smaller manufacturers will laden their least expensive merchandise with poor RGB LEDs to offer the impression of upper high quality. There is no sensible cause to incorporate RGB, in any case, and it finally solely provides value.
That is the place the Razer Barracuda X Chroma is available in. Razer took certainly one of its most inexpensive wi-fi gaming headsets, made a handful of minor upgrades, added RGB lighting, after which bumped the pricing up by 30%. It is arduous to not really feel like this can be a side-grade at finest, with the Barracuda X Chroma nowhere close to the worth that its older sibling is (and continues to be since Razer continues to be promoting it). That feels much more apparent once you bear in mind the RGB lighting is generally for different individuals since you may’t see your personal ears.
Longer battery life is nice, however the Barracuda X Chroma will truly die sooner for those who use its unique lighting. You are additionally gaining 35g in weight (a noticeable improve) and dropping assist for 3.5mm wired audio. That is sufficient to offset any of the opposite minor upgrades, together with improved wi-fi efficiency, higher software program assist, onboard EQ profiles, and the upgraded microphone. Talking of that…
Retaining the “HyperClear Cardioid” branding of Razer’s extra modest headset mics, the Barracuda X Chroma’s removable, unidirectional microphone not solely tends to sporadically not work but additionally sounds common at finest. This can be a quiet microphone, so you will have to show up the mic quantity, and you will not discover any choices to finetune or customise your recording expertise other than enabling sidetone monitoring.
As a result of it is removable and never retractable (and the Barracuda X Chroma boasts no built-in mics), you will additionally have to lug it round if you wish to use this headset to take cellphone calls.
Barracuda X Chroma: Additionally contemplate
Barracuda X Chroma: Ultimate ideas
You can purchase this if …
✅You desire a smooth, easy headset for gaming and media consumption
The Razer Barracuda X Chroma is designed to be a multi-platform, multi-purpose wi-fi headset, and it does obtain that objective. It has a smooth, unobtrusive design, a satisfying and balanced sound, and dependable battery life.
✅You really need that RGB lighting
The Barracuda X Chroma admittedly options a few of the most well-done RGB lighting I’ve seen in any gaming headset, and it appears implausible (on high of providing you with a ton of customization choices). Should you worth that sufficient to pay a bit additional for it, this headset will not allow you to down.
You shouldn’t purchase this if …
❌You are on the lookout for operate over type at an awesome value
For $130, the Barracuda X Chroma merely is not the good worth that its predecessor continues to be, particularly when the older Barracuda X is recurrently discovered on sale. You are clearly paying a premium for that RGB lighting, however extra inexpensive headsets can match and even beat the Barracuda X Chroma in practicality.
I truly actually just like the Razer Barracuda X Chroma. It is an accessible, snug, and balanced wi-fi headset that I can put on for lengthy durations of time and belief simply as a lot with gaming as with music. It additionally appears superb, and the RGB lighting is genuinely very nicely carried out. The Barracuda X Chroma would not exist in a vacuum, although, and it is overshadowed in some methods by the headset that got here earlier than it.
You may nonetheless purchase the Razer Barracuda X, and when it may be discovered for as a lot as $60 lower than the Barracuda X Chroma, it is arduous to justify buying and selling a decrease weight, and wired audio assist for RGB lighting, barely longer battery life, and minor upgrades to the wi-fi connectivity, microphone, and software program options. I could not blame you for actually liking how the Barracuda X Chroma appears, although, particularly that gorgeous two-tone white colorway (I truthfully want I had requested that colour from Razer to assessment as an alternative).
You can now buy the Razer Barracuda X Chroma for $129.99 at Best Buy, providing you with the chance to pay a bit extra to face out a lot extra. There’s nonetheless no Xbox assist, although.
The Barracuda X Chroma is not a simple improve over its predecessor, however it does provide the alternative to pay a bit extra and get a extra enticing, colourful headset that — at its core — continues to be a reasonably strong, value-driven wi-fi gaming headset.
