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.
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.
Reason 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 Headband
Yes
Auto-Adjusting Headband
No
Battery Life
20 hrs
Compatible Platforms
Android, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Connector Size
3.5mm, USB Type-C
Detachable Mic
Yes
Driver Size
40mm
Earcup Foam Material
Memory Foam
Headphone Fit
Over-ear
Max Frequency Response
20,000 Hz
Min Frequency Response
20Hz
Noise Canceling
No
Product Weight
0.59 lbs
Programmable Buttons
No
Wireless
Yes
Wireless Connectivity
USB Dongle
All Specs
Test Results
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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
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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
