Razer Barracuda Pro

Razer Barracuda Pro is sexy and smart, what more could you want?

A Razer Barracuda Pro on a headset stand in front of a computer with the techradar logo on it
(Image: © Future)

TechRadar Verdict

The Razer Barracuda Pro is a truly excellent headset that successfully carves out an untapped niche in the market. It combines robust noise-cancelling and great sound quality that creates a uniquely immersive sound experience, though the price you pay for its quality may be too steep for some.

Pros

  • +

    Robust noise-cancelling options

  • +

    Great sound quality

  • +

    Simple yet gorgeous design

Cons

  • -

    Very expensive

  • -

    Sound quality can’t match a gaming headset

  • -

    Bluetooth device switch a bit spotty

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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 casual "lifestyle" audience rather than the hardcore gamer: the Razer Barracuda X, the Razer Barracuda, and the Razer Barracuda Pro. Each one targets a different segment of the market, mostly on price and features, with the X priced the lowest and the Pro being the premium option at a very lofty price of $249 (£249, about AU$350).

Though thethe Barracuda Pro is not a dedicated gaming headset, meaning it won’t outperform many (if any) of the best PC gaming headsets at this price point in terms of pure solid clarity and depth, but that's not what the Barracuda Pro is about, and as a hybrid device, it performs incredibly well. 

The Barracuda Pro adapts to any type of sound or music from whichever device it’s currently connected to, with some pretty solid bass reproduction. And because it’s not particularly oversized for a headset nor features clunky attachments like a large mic (instead opting for a built-in mic that can be toggled on via a button click), you can actually go outside and not look foolish. 

The biggest 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 through its dual Wireless (2.4GHz) and Bluetooth support. Though 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 meant for Bluetooth as the main features only really work with it. 

This is both convenient and headache inducing, as any Bluetooth device owner can tell you, since sometimes the tech can be a bit spotty including the dedicated button for connecting to and switching between paired devices.

The second biggest selling point is its active noise-cancelling capabilities which comes in three flavors: Off, On, and Ambient. The difference between each mode is staggering in the best way, with the Ambient mode perfectly balancing which sounds are filtered. This setting and tons of others can be controlled through the Audio app.

On balance, it's tough to call this one of the best wireless gaming headsets around because it not quite that, but also much more than that, and as a first real step into the Lifestyle market, it succeeds far more than it should for a first attempt. If you're the kind of person who is looking for this kind of device, the Razer Barracuda Pro is about as good as it gets. 

Razer Barracuda Pro: Price and availability

A Razer Barracuda Pro on a headset stand in front of a computer with the techradar logo on it

The headband on the Razer Barracuda Pro is incredibly comfortable and sleek as hell (Image credit: Future)
  • How much is it? MSRP is $249 / £249 / AU$439
  • When is it available? It is available now at Razer.com, and through other retailers

The Razer Barracuda Pro will run you $249 / £249 / AU$439 for a pair, which comes with a handy carrying case that includes a little section for the USB dongle and charging cord but does not come with a base station, which is disappointing considering the price of the headset.

Another drawback is somewhat 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 might have a hard time finding one (we sure did), and you might have to resort to importing a pair — something that makes an already expensive piece even more so.

If you track one down, keep an eye on if any Razer promo codes can help you save on your purchase. 

  • Value: 3.5 / 5

Razer Barracuda Pro: Design

A Razer Barracuda Pro on a headset stand in front of a computer with the techradar logo on it

The carrying case for the Razer Barracuda Pro is a great feature, but we'd have liked a base station as well. (Image credit: Future)
  • Sleek and gorgeous
  • Comfortable ear pieces
  • Quality build
Razer Barracuda Pro Key Specs

 These are the specs on the Razer Barracuda Pro sent to TechRadar for review

Connectivity: SmartSwitch Dual Wireless (2.4GHz and BT)
Drivers: TriForce Bio-Cellulose 50mm
Earcups: Memory Foam Cushions
Weight: 340g
Battery life: 40 hours
Charging port: USB-C
Features: Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Technology, THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier, THX Spatial Audio, Dual Integrated Noise-Cancelling Microphones

The Razer Barracuda Pro is a well-designed headet, and that's putting it lightly. Its simple yet svelte and sexy figure combined with an elegant black paint job results in a product that oozes sophistication without being too overt. It’s appealing for those who are interested in a hybrid headset that offers a mix of features but doesn’t need to attach giant gaming mics or have a double headband paired with equally cumbersome earpieces.

What we especially appreciate about the design is the memory foam cushions on the earpieces, in which you’ll feel the comfort instantly. Despite most headsets having large cushions, the vast majority are cheaply made and can become borderline painful after an hour. 

But the Pro is easily one of the most comfortable headsets we’ve ever tried on, the memory foam pillowy and plush. The headband is also coated in memory foam, which forms the perfect cushion from the sturdy stainless steel that it’s made from. Not only is this headset built to last, but it doesn’t sacrifice comfort to achieve that.

The buttons located on the earpieces are conveniently placed and once you memorize which one does what, it’s easy to access them. It really shows an 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 what button you're pushing.

  • Design: 5 / 5

Razer Barracuda Pro: Features

A close up of the controls for the Razer Barracuda Pro

The controls for the Razer Barracuda Pro are very easily accessible (Image credit: Future)
  • Noise-cancelling is top-notch
  • Bluetooth/wireless switch is spotty

There are several handy features that make up the bulk of the Razer Barracuda Pro’s offerings, the top one being the active noise-cancelling. Through a separate app that can be downloaded on Google Play or the App Store, users can control whether to turn off the noise-cancelling or to adjust it depending on your needs. It can also be toggled off and on through a button on the headsetm, but the app allows for way more precise control.

Other than turning it off, you can choose between Ambient and On with the former selectively filtering which outside noises to let you hear and the latter filtering out all background noises. The Ambient mode is our favorite, as it balances out unnecessary noises versus the ones you definitely need to still hear. 

The full active noise-cancelling is a treat as well, with a scale to control how thoroughly it blocks out other sounds. At its maximum, it becomes almost a hazard because of how well it keeps out other outside noises.

The other major feature is the ability to switch between two connected devices by using the assigned button on the headset. And it’s a great feature in theory, but in practice it falls victim to the spottiness that Bluetooth and wireless are so well-known for. It’s often easier to simply reconnect the device via its Bluetooth settings page.

There are also minor features that are pretty handy, such as the customization options available in the app, as well as the ability to suppress phone calls during gaming if you have your phone paired to the headset.

  • Features: 4 / 5

Razer Barracuda Pro: Performance

A Razer Barracuda Pro on a headset stand in front of a computer with the techradar logo on it

The Bluetooth connection can sometimes be spotty, but when is that ever not an issue with a Bluetooth headset? (Image credit: Future)
  • Great all-around sound quality
  • Game Mode speeds up wireless performance

For those looking for a dedicated gaming headset with top-of-the-line audio, this is probably not the headset for you. Though it does feature some excellent audio quality, especially for what’s meant to be a hybrid headset, there’s no way it can match a far more specialized piece of equipment. However, for being more of a lifestyle headset it really is one of the best.

According to Razer, the Barracuda Pro uses bio-cellulose 50mm drivers, which are supposed to reduce distortion and allow for “distinct clarity and deep, impactful bass reproduction.” While we fully can’t comment on the tech itself, we can say that the Barracuda Pro sounds fantastic. It’s incredibly clear and the bass reproduction is quite good — not subwoofer good, of course. But for the average user who doesn’t particularly dabble in the details, it’s more than good enough for regular gaming sessions or movie streaming.

There are also plenty of other bells and whistles including in the package like THX Spatial Audio and THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier, which all serve to create a superb sound experience. Combined with the truly great noise-cancelling feature and it’s honestly shocking how immersive any sounds that play through this headset can be. Not to mention how downright incredible the battery life is on this, giving you 40 hours in between each charge, 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 devoted Game Mode which allows for faster wireless performance within a smaller range, which works well for those who need the headset to be particularly responsive during a session.

  • Performance: 5 / 5

Where does the Razer Barracuda Pro sits in the market?

The Razer Barracuda Pro currently sits in a unique position in the headset market. They blend in features like noise-cancelling and a sleek design reminiscent of the Beats line or something made by Sony, combined with solid bass reproduction and faster wireless performance from high-quality gaming headsets.

So it’s really pretty difficult to compare the Pro to most other gaming headsets out, though the Sony line of headsets in general, like the Sony WH-1000XM4 or the Sony WH-CH510, come the closest, in our opinion.

Should you buy a Razer Barracuda Pro?

Buy it if...

You want excellent noise-cancelling
By far the best feature on this headset is its noise-cancelling, which is not only phenomenal on its own but can be fine-tuned to exactly the specifications you need.

You’re looking for a sleek and non-bulky design
The design itself is such a great selling-point, since it’s instantly appealing to those uninterested in the cumbersome and frankly ugly designs of most gaming headsets.

You want a great battery life
Its battery life is 40 hours, which is truly amazing for a headset. You genuinely may forget to charge your battery because of how long it lasts.

Don't buy if...

You need a dedicated gaming headset
While it works as a lifestyle headset, there are certain features that had to take a hit in order to maintain that balance like bass reproduction and hyper fast wireless performance.

You're on a budget
The Barracuda Pro carries a premium price tag for a premium experience, but it's not for the faint of heart (or wallet).

Also consider

Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony WH-1000XM4
It’s one of the best pair of headphones out there as it offers superb noise-cancellation and sound quality in an equality great design, as well as DSEE Extreme audio upscaling and mulit-point pairing. Though the price is even more painful than the Barracuda Pro’s.

Check out our Sony WH-1000XM4 review 

Sony WH-CH510

Sony WH-CH510
A much more affordable option for potential buyers but still has solid audio, great battery life, and Bluetooth connectivity. Though you do sacrifice build quality, as this headset feels a bit flimsy compared to more premium products.

Check out our Sony WH-CH510 review 

Razer Barracuda Pro: Report Card

Swipe to scroll horizontally
ValueThough it offers plenty for its price, the Razer Barracuda Pro is quite pricer compared to other non-gaming headsets and it isn’t available in the UK.3.5 / 5
DesignEasily the best reason to buy this headset, it’s gorgeous and well-built with some downright cozy eaarpieces.5 / 5
FeaturesThe noise-cancelling feature is the top one, as it’s high quality on its own with tons of options that allow you to customize your experience.4 / 5
PerformanceThough it doesn’t match gaming headsets, it’s an excellent hybrid with great sound quality on all fronts.5 / 5
TotalIt's definitely not for everyone, but for those who are looking for a wireless headset to straddle the line between gaming and the everyday, this headset is damn near perfect — if you can afford it.4.5 / 5
  • First reviewed July 2022

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Allisa James
Computing Staff Writer

Named by the CTA as a CES 2023 Media Trailblazer, Allisa is a Computing Staff Writer who covers breaking news and rumors in the computing industry, as well as reviews, hands-on previews, featured articles, and the latest deals and trends. In her spare time you can find her chatting it up on her two podcasts, Megaten Marathon and Combo Chain, as well as playing any JRPGs she can get her hands on.