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Razer Barracuda X 2021 Review

Nikshep Myle Avatar
Updated Jan 10, 2024 12:35 PM

True Score

83
82
14

Experts

87
5,289

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The Razer Barracuda X 2021 is a great, affordable set of gaming headphones, as they have a suitable frequency range, low latency, and are comfortable for long listening sessions.

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

Released in 2021, the Razer Barracuda X 2021 is a budget wireless closed-back over-the-ear headset that boasts compatibility with gaming consoles (no wireless connectivity for Xbox and Nintendo Switch), desktops, laptops, and smartphones with 3.5 mm headphone jacks for gamers to switch between their favorite platforms seamlessly.

Like some of the best gaming headsets in its range, it features 40 mm dynamic sound transducers with cloth textured memory foam ear pads for comfort. Unfortunately, these headsets do not have active noise canceling. It also doesn’t support Bluetooth or multi-device pairing and only has proprietary wireless connectivity. If you need these features, read our Razer Barracuda Wireless review. The Barracuda X comes with a ⅛” cable (no in-line controls).

Consensus

our Verdict

The Razer Barracuda X 2021 headphones are affordable headphones that work well for gaming. With a 20-20,000 Hz frequency range, they provide a warm, balanced sound profile. The headphones also have a very low latency when producing audio via a wireless dongle; its latency tests in at 22 ms, which is very good for a set of gaming headphones. However, the headphones lack customization settings, which limits the user’s ability to achieve ideal sound setups for gaming. Also, due to the closed-back design, the soundstage is very passive.

The detachable boom mic works well for gaming and recording content. It provides a natural sound without letting in too much outside noise. In terms of comfort, the headphones have cushy padding both on the headband and earcups without being too tight on the head, making them ideal for long gaming sessions.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Good audio quality
    • For an affordable headset, the Razer Barracuda X 2021 is great for gaming, as they have a wide 20-20,000Hz frequency range to provide a balanced and accurate output.

  • Comfortable Earcups
    • With substantial and breathable padding around the headband and earcups, the headset is ideal for gamers to use for long listening sessions, as it helps avoid fatigue

  • High-quality Mic
    • The detachable boom mic handles noise excellently during gameplay and recording/streaming. Mic quality was tested and rated to be 7.3/10, leaving it in the top 50% of gaming headsets.

    • Gamers can communicate clearly in-game, as the speech-to-noise ratio is 23.3 dB, which also sits in the top half of the category.

Reason to Avoid

  • Limited Wireless Connectivity
    • The wireless headphones don’t connect via Bluetooth and only connect wirelessly through a USB dongle

  • No Companion Software
    • The headset doesn’t allow users to adjust or customize audio to their preferences, given the lack of a companion

  • No noise cancelation
    • Excessive outside sound can be heard, given the headset lacks an active noise-cancellation feature

Razer Barracuda X 2021 Specs

Adjustable HeadbandAdjustable HeadbandYes
Auto-Adjusting HeadbandAuto-Adjusting HeadbandNo
Battery LifeBattery Life20 hrs
Compatible PlatformsCompatible PlatformsAndroid, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Connector SizeConnector Size3.5mm, USB Type-C
Detachable MicDetachable MicYes
Driver SizeDriver Size40mm
Earcup Foam MaterialEarcup Foam MaterialMemory Foam
Headphone FitHeadphone FitOver-ear
Max Frequency ResponseMax Frequency Response20,000 Hz
Min Frequency ResponseMin Frequency Response20Hz
Noise CancelingNoise CancelingNo
Product WeightProduct Weight0.59 lbs
Programmable ButtonsProgrammable ButtonsNo
WirelessWirelessYes
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityUSB Dongle

All Specs

Test Results

Max Volume (dB)0
Microphone Sound Quality Rating (out of 10.0)6.6
Speech To Noise Ratio (dB)23.3
BT Latency (ms)0
Non-BT Latency (ms)22
Low End Roll Off (Hz)30.844
High End Roll Off (Hz)15,565.829

All Tests

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Product Comparison

Razer Barracuda X 2021 Review

Corsair HS70 Review

True Score

83
81
75
85
NR

Ranking

#

11

/

57

#

17

/

57

#

53

/

57

#

4

/

57

#

/

Market Context

Released in 2021, the Razer Barracuda X 2021 is a budget wireless closed-back over-the-ear headset that boasts compatibility with gaming consoles (no wireless connectivity for…

Released in 2021, the Razer Barracuda X 2021 is a budget wireless closed-back over-the-ear headset that boasts compatibility with gaming consoles (no wireless connectivity for Xbox and Nintendo Switch), desktops, laptops, and smartphones with 3.5 mm headphone jacks for gamers to switch between their favorite platforms seamlessly.

Like some of the best gaming headsets in its range, it features 40 mm dynamic sound transducers with cloth textured memory foam ear pads for comfort. Unfortunately, these headsets do not have active noise canceling. It also doesn’t support Bluetooth or multi-device pairing and only has proprietary wireless connectivity. If you need these features, read our Razer Barracuda Wireless review. The Barracuda X comes with a ⅛” cable (no in-line controls).

The Razer Barracuda X 2021 weighs just 0.59 lbs, whereas the Corsair HS70 wireless headset weighs 0.8 lbs. As a result, the Razer Barracuda X…

The Razer Barracuda X 2021 weighs just 0.59 lbs, whereas the Corsair HS70 wireless headset weighs 0.8 lbs. As a result, the Razer Barracuda X 2021 headsets are comfier to play on for longer periods in comparison to the Corsair HS70, and they are also more breathable thanks to their looser fit and cloth textured memory foam ear cushions compared to the HS70’s faux leather ear pads. But the Corsair HS70 does support the manufacturer’s much-regarded iCUE app that supports EQ customization and mic-level controls, unlike the Razer.

The Razer Barracuda X 2021 features a significantly better overall build quality than the Logitech G435 gaming headsets. However, at just 0.35 lbs, the Logitech…

The Razer Barracuda X 2021 features a significantly better overall build quality than the Logitech G435 gaming headsets. However, at just 0.35 lbs, the Logitech G435 is much lighter than the 0.59 lbs Razer Barracuda X 2021, as it is mostly aimed at kids. This, along with its looser fit, surprisingly makes the Logitech G435 headsets much more comfortable for long periods than the Razer Barracuda X 2021. But, the Razer Barracuda X 2021 headsets do have better microphones than the Logitech G435 headphones for Discord calls and voice chatting purposes.

The newer wireless Razer Barracuda X 2021 headset is a spiritual successor to the older wired Razer BlackShark V2 that the brand introduced for those…

The newer wireless Razer Barracuda X 2021 headset is a spiritual successor to the older wired Razer BlackShark V2 that the brand introduced for those asking for a wireless model. In addition to significantly better build quality, the manufacturer slightly reduced the overall body weight on the newer model compared to the 0.6 lbs Razer BlackShark V2, along with a looser fit for better comfort and breathability. On the other hand, the older Razer BlackShark V2 has support for the Razer Synapse app for EQ settings, surround toggle, and mic adjustment, unlike the Barracuda. We also have a great Razer Blackshark V2 Pro review for those who want to check out more gaming headphones.

Despite both featuring a similar closed-back design, the Razer Barracuda X 2021 gaming headsets are significantly more breathable when pitted against the Razer Opus Wireless…

Despite both featuring a similar closed-back design, the Razer Barracuda X 2021 gaming headsets are significantly more breathable when pitted against the Razer Opus Wireless 2020. This is mainly thanks to the Razer Barracuda X 2021’s cloth textured ear pads and a looser fit compared to the leatherette Razer Opus Wireless 2020 headset, which makes the Razer Barracuda X 2021 much more comfortable for long gaming sessions in hot environments. On the other hand, the Razer Opus Wireless 2020 has active noise canceling, unlike the Barracuda X. For more on this brand, check out our Razer Barracuda Wireless review.

Adjustable Headband

Yes

Yes

Yes

Auto-Adjusting Headband

No

No

No

Battery Life

20 hrs

30 hrs

18 hrs

Compatible Platforms

Android, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Android, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

Connector Size

3.5mm, USB Type-C

USB Type-C

3.5mm

Detachable Mic

Yes

No

Yes

Driver Size

40mm

40mm

50mm

Earcup Foam Material

Memory Foam

Memory Foam

Memory Foam

Dig Deeper

Logitech G435 Lightspeed Review →

Razer Blackshark V2 Review →

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

82

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

87

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

83

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    99.8

    Category Trust Rating

    70
    The Razer Barracuda X are satisfactory for neutral sound. Out-of-the-box, they have a fairly neutral,… Read More

    By:

    Dagobiet Morales Alfaro
  • Sound Guys
    82.1

    Category Trust Rating

    77
    The Razer Barracuda X is a solid performer for $99 USD, and its USB-C makes… Read More

    By:

    Sam Moore
  • Tom’s Hardware
    65.25

    Category Trust Rating

    80
    Razer’s Barracuda X offers excellent connectivity for multi-platform gamers, a tasteful and subtle design and… Read More

    By:

    Denny Atkin
  • PC Mag
    67.6

    Category Trust Rating

    80
    The Razer Barracuda X is an incredibly flexible wireless gaming headset with a USB-C adapter… Read More

    By:

    Will Greenwald
  • Tom’s Guide
    56.25

    Category Trust Rating

    70
    The Razer Barracuda X is a solid wireless gaming headset from a trusted manufacturer. It… Read More

    By:

    Marshall Honorof
  • Trusted Reviews
    67.5

    Category Trust Rating

    90
    The Razer Barracuda X is a very versatile gaming headset, offering wireless support for PS5,… Read More

    By:

    Ryan Jones