Razer Barracuda Pro: Two minute review
The Razer Barracuda Pro is part of a trio of Razer releases this year, with three new headsets aimed at a more "lifestyle" audience rather than the hardcore gamer: the Razer Barracuda X, the Razer Barracuda, and the Razer Barracuda Pro. Each it targets a different segment of the market, mainly in terms of price and features, with the X being the lowest and the Pro the premium option at a very high price of €249 (£249, around AU$350).
While the Barracuda Pro isn't a dedicated gaming headset, which means it won't beat many (if any) of the best PC gaming headsets at this price point in terms of sheer clarity and depth, but that won't is what the Barracuda Pro is. , and as a hybrid device it works amazingly well.
The Barracuda Pro accommodates any type of sound or music from whatever device it's currently connected to, with pretty solid bass reproduction. And because it's not particularly big for a headset and doesn't come with bulky accessories like a large microphone (instead opting for a built-in microphone that can be activated with the click of a button), you can go out there and not look silly.
The main selling point of the Razer Barracuda Pro is the ability to switch between two paired devices which can be any combination of PC, phone and gaming device thanks to its dual wireless (2,4GHz) and Bluetooth support. Although it comes with a USB Type-A dongle, which allows you to connect to non-Bluetooth-enabled devices that have the port, this headset is designed for Bluetooth, as the main functions only work with it.
It's convenient and headache-inducing, as any Bluetooth device owner can tell you, as the technology can be a bit patchy at times, including the dedicated button for connecting and switching between paired devices. .
The second biggest selling point is its active noise cancellation capability which comes in three flavors: Off, On, and Ambient. The difference between each mode is amazing in the best way, with Ambient mode perfectly balancing the filtered sounds. This parameter and many others can be controlled through the Audio app.
All in all, it's hard to call this one of the best wireless gaming headsets because it's not exactly that, but so much more than that, and as a true first step into the gaming market lifestyle, it's much more successful than it is. what should a first try. If you're the type of person looking for this type of device, the Razer Barracuda Pro is the best there is.
Razer Barracuda Pro: prices and availability
- How much is it? MSRP is €249 / €249 / AU$439
- When is it available? It is available now at Razer.com and other retailers.
The Razer Barracuda Pro will set you back $249 / £249 / AU$439 for a pair, which comes with a handy case that includes a small section for the USB dongle and charging cable, but it doesn't come with a docking station, which is disappointing considering the price of the headphones.
Another drawback is the lack of availability outside the US. While it's available for Australia at AU$439, as well as European regions, those in the UK may have a hard time finding one (we certainly did), and you may need to resort to importing a pair, something that makes an already expensive part even that much more.
Today's best Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless deals
Razer Barracuda Pro: Design
- elegant and beautiful
- comfortable earmuffs
- Quality construction
Razer Barracuda Pro Key Features
Here are the Razer Barracuda Pro specifications sent to TechRadar for review
Connectivity: SmartSwitch Dual Wireless (2,4GHz and BT)
Controllers: TriForce Bio-Cellulose 50mm
Ear cups: memory foam cushions
Weight: 340g
Battery life: 40 hours
Charging port: USB-C
Features: Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier, THX Spatial Audio, Dual Built-in Noise Canceling Microphones
The Razer Barracuda Pro is a well-designed headset, and that's an understatement. Its simple yet slim and sexy silhouette paired with a sleek black paint job results in a product that exudes sophistication without being too overt. It's appealing to those interested in a hybrid headset that offers a mix of features but doesn't need to attach giant gaming microphones or have a dual headband paired with equally bulky ear cups.
What we like most about the design is the memory foam ear cushions, where you'll feel instantly comfortable. Although most helmets have large cushions, the vast majority are cheaply made and can be sore after an hour.
But the Pro is easily one of the most comfortable earphones we've tested, the plush memory foam. The headband is also covered in memory foam, which forms the perfect cushion thanks to the strong stainless steel it's made from. Not only is this headset built to last, it doesn't sacrifice comfort to do so.
The buttons on the ear cups are well placed and once you memorize which one does what you do, they're easy to access. It really shows attention to detail, ensuring that the average user can take full advantage of each of these buttons' functions without having to constantly remove the headset each time to check which button they're pressing.
Razer Barracuda Pro: Features
- Noise cancellation is top notch
- Bluetooth/wireless switch is inconsistent
There are several useful features that make up the bulk of the Razer Barracuda Pro's offerings, most notably active noise cancellation. Through a separate app that can be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store, users can control whether to disable noise cancellation or adjust it to suit their needs. It can also be turned on and off via a button on the headset, but the app allows for much finer control.
As well as turning it off, you can choose between Ambient and On, with the former selectively filtering out outside noise for you to hear and the latter filtering out all background noise. Ambient mode is our favourite, as it balances unnecessary noise with the ones you absolutely need to hear.
Active noise cancellation is a delight too, with a scale to control how well it blocks out other sounds. At its finest, it almost becomes a danger due to its ability to block out other external noises.
The other big feature is the ability to switch between two connected devices using the assigned button on the headset. And it's a great feature in theory, but in practice it falls victim to the flaw that Bluetooth and wireless technology are so famous for. It's often easiest to reconnect the device through its Bluetooth settings page.
There are also some pretty useful minor features like the customization options available within the app, as well as the ability to mute phone calls during gameplay if your phone is paired with the headset.
Razer Barracuda Pro: Performance
- Excellent overall sound quality
- Game mode speeds up wireless performance
For those looking for a dedicated gaming headset with premium sound, this probably isn't the headset for you. While it has excellent audio quality, especially for what is supposed to be a hybrid headset, there's no way it can match much more specialized equipment. However, for being more of a lifestyle helmet, it really is one of the best.
According to Razer, the Barracuda Pro uses 50mm bio-cellulose drivers, which are said to reduce distortion and provide "distinctive clarity and deep, punchy bass reproduction." While we can't comment on the technology itself at all, we can say that the Barracuda Pro sounds fantastic. It's incredibly clear, and bass reproduction is pretty good, which isn't great for the subwoofer, of course. But for the average user who doesn't particularly meddle with the details, it's more than enough for regular gaming or movie streaming sessions.
There are also many other bells and whistles included in the package, such as the THX Spatial Audio and the THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier, all of which serve to create a great sound experience. Combined with the excellent noise canceling feature, it is truly amazing how immersive all the sounds played through this earphone can be. Not to mention how amazing the battery life is, giving you 40 hours between charges, which is phenomenal.
The Barracuda Pro is compatible with PC, PlayStation, and various mobile devices, though Xbox fans are out of luck. For gaming, there's even a dedicated gaming mode that enables faster wireless performance over a smaller range, which works well for those who need the headset to be particularly responsive during a session.
Where does the Razer Barracuda Pro fit into the market?
The Razer Barracuda Pro currently occupies a unique position in the headset market. They combine features like noise cancellation and a sleek design reminiscent of the Beats line or something from Sony, combined with the solid bass reproduction and faster wireless performance of high-end gaming headsets.
This makes it very difficult to compare the Pro to most other gaming headsets, although Sony's range of headsets in general, such as the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Sony WH-CH510, come the closest, in our review. opinion.