The Razer Barracuda X Chroma is Razer’s latest addition to their wireless gaming headset lineup, sitting comfortably between the base Barracuda X and the premium Barracuda Pro. At A$229, this headset delivers premium features including Chroma RGB lighting without the premium price tag, making it an excellent choice for multi-platform gamers who want quality without spending a fortune.
After testing it extensively across gaming sessions, music listening, and movie watching, I can say that this headset consistently delivers impressive performance across all use cases.
UNBOXING AND PACKAGING CONTENTS
DESIGN AND COMFORT
The Barracuda X Chroma truly shines in the comfort department. Weighing just 285 grams, it’s remarkably light for a wireless headset with RGB lighting. The breathable memory foam ear cushions have been a blessing during Melbourne’s hot days, and the headband cushion provides excellent comfort for those long gaming sessions. While some might prefer leather ear cups for aesthetics, I find the breathable fabric more practical and durable in the long run (hate looking at those thin line cracks on leather materials).
The standout feature has to be the 6-zone Razer Chroma RGB lighting on the earcups. Through Razer Synapse on PC or the Razer mobile app, you get access to 16.8 million colours and various lighting effects. It’s worth noting that if you’re after the absolute lightest option in the Barracuda line, the standard Barracuda X weighs 35 grams less – though you’ll miss out on the gorgeous illumination.
Connectivity and Smart Features
One of the most versatility aspects of the Barracuda X Chroma is its dual wireless connectivity. You can simultaneously connect via 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth, with Razer’s SmartSwitch feature allowing seamless transitions between sources. I like how incoming phone calls automatically route through the headset before smoothly returning to game audio. For competitive players, there’s a handy Do Not Disturb mode to prevent unwanted interruptions.
Sound Performance
The Razer TriForce 40mm Drivers deliver impressive audio quality across different scenarios. While watching The Witcher series on Netflix, I noticed significantly deeper bass and more pronounced soundtracks compared to my regular earbuds. The gaming performance doesn’t disappoint either – during Overwatch 2 sessions, I could clearly distinguish every sound from flanking footsteps to ability activations in the heat of battle.
The headset offers various EQ presets for Game, Movie, Music, and Custom profiles, easily toggled via an onboard button or through Synapse. I found myself regularly switching between these presets depending on my activity, and each preset feels appropriately tuned for its purpose. While 7.1 surround sound is available, I found the stereo mode combined with Dolby Atmos (in supported games like Overwatch 2) already provides excellent spatial awareness.
Microphone Quality and Features
The detachable Razer HyperClear Cardioid Microphone boom is well-thought of as there is this flexibility to transform this from a gaming headset to regular headphones in seconds. Voice quality is clear and there’s also a handy mute button that’s easy to reach on the headset itself.
Battery Life and Charging
According to Razer, battery life sees a substantial 40% improvement over the previous Barracuda X, offering up to 70 hours of use depending on your settings (lightings off), connection type, etc. The quick-charge feature is particularly impressive – a 15-minute charge provides up to 6 hours of playtime, perfect for those moments when you’ve forgotten to charge overnight. Just take a short break and you can game again.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Another strong point of the Barracuda X Chroma is its versatility across different platforms. While I tested it with my PC, the headset also supports other gaming platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, smartphones, tablets, etc. This universal compatibility makes it an excellent choice if you game across multiple platforms as you don’t need to buy an extra pair of headsets.
Razer Barracuda X Chroma Review Conclusion
The Razer Barracuda X Chroma strikes an excellent balance between features, performance, and price. It manages to deliver premium features like dual wireless connectivity, Chroma RGB lighting, and impressive battery life while maintaining a reasonable price point. The sound quality holds up well across gaming, music, and media consumption, while the comfort level makes it suitable for both gaming marathons and daily commutes.
It’s available for purchase at Razer’s website and retailers across Australia at A$229 RRP.
Disclosure: Razer Barracuda X Chroma review sample was supplied for reviewing
Razer Barracuda X Chroma Review
Overall
Summary
Razer Barracuda X Chroma delivers premium value without the premium price tag. It’s multiplatform compatible and you can also detach the microphone and use this while you commute
Pros
- Excellent value for money at A$229
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Dual wireless connectivity (2.4GHz + Bluetooth)
- Versatile sound profile suitable for gaming and media
- Detachable microphone for outdoor use
- Customisable 6-zone Chroma RGB lighting
Cons
- Might be slightly heavier than needed for some users (if you don’t need the lighting, probably grab the original though you’ll lose some upgrades)
- Software required for full feature customisation
- No leather ear cup option included for those who prefer it
