TL;DR
The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro headphones impress with premium build and comfort, offering a seamless wireless connection to Xbox Series X and other devices via HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2. Its standout feature is the powerful Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, effectively silencing ambient distractions for immersive gaming and media. While the audio performance and battery life are stellar (up to 70 hours!), the microphone quality sees a slight dip compared to its predecessor. Despite this, the V3 Pro is a compelling upgrade, especially for its advanced ANC and dual connectivity. Ready to dive deeper into the details and see if it's the right fit for you? Read the full review!
My recent engagement with the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro headphones began with an immediate appreciation for their robust and premium build quality. Upon unboxing, the absence of any cheap plastic feel was evident, underscoring a commitment to durable construction and high-quality materials.
Easy Connection to Xbox Series X
Connecting wireless headphones to the Xbox Series X can sometimes present challenges, with wired options typically requiring direct connection to the controller. The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro streamlines this process through a dedicated dongle that plugs into the Xbox console, enabling an instant and stable wireless connection.
Comfort and User-Friendliness
The on-headset controls are intuitively placed, distinct, and offer precise tactile feedback. The detachable microphone provides flexibility, allowing users to remove it when not required for gaming. Furthermore, the headset incorporates a sidetone function, which enables real-time monitoring of one’s own voice. Despite their solid construction, the headphones maintain a comfortable fit and light feel, even during extended gaming sessions.
During initial testing with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, the headphones delivered impressively powerful bass. Environmental soundscapes were accurately reproduced, enhancing immersion throughout gameplay.
Audio Technology and Noise Cancellation
The superior audio performance of the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro stems from its advanced internal components, including TriForce Bio-Cellulose 50 mm drivers, and comprehensive support for both THX Spatial Audio and Tempest 3D Audio. A significant enhancement in the V3 Pro is its Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system, which utilizes four microphones to effectively suppress ambient noise, particularly within the low-frequency spectrum. This results in the virtual elimination of pervasive low-humming sounds from sources like refrigerators and fans, ensuring an unadulterated, crystal-clear audio experience for movies or games.
The noise cancellation proves remarkably effective even in loud environments, all while avoiding any sensation of auditory muffling or pressure.
Performance and Battery Life
In fast-paced FPS games, desynchronization between audio and visual cues can be a critical disadvantage. However, the V3 Pro addresses this with its HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2 technology, achieving an ultra-low latency of approximately 10 ms, which is crucial for competitive gaming.
The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro boasts impressive battery longevity, providing up to 70 hours of usage on PC and 48 hours on PlayStation. It also features rapid charging capabilities, delivering 6 hours of playback from a mere 15-minute charge. Connectivity options include both 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth, ensuring versatile compatibility across various devices.
Design and Build Quality
The headset features a robust design, complemented by a padded headband and plush memory foam ear cushions for enhanced comfort. Weighing 366 grams, it is marginally heavier than its predecessor, the V2 Pro, but remains well within acceptable limits for prolonged gaming use.
Comparison with V2 Pro
A direct comparison reveals how the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro distinguishes itself from its predecessor, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro. The V3 introduces substantial updates, most notably in its noise cancellation capabilities, which significantly outperform the V2’s effectiveness. However, a noteworthy observation is a slight decline in microphone quality in the V3 compared to the V2. While not a drastic disparity, this difference is sufficient to impact its standing as an unequivocal upgrade in all aspects.
Beyond these points, the two models share considerable similarities, with a key distinction being the V2’s requirement for manual switching between 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, whereas the V3 supports simultaneous operation of both.
The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro represents a well-executed iteration of the V2, though the slight regression in microphone quality is a notable drawback. While an incremental improvement in some areas coupled with a decline in others can be unexpected, the headset is still highly recommendable, particularly for its effective and comfortable noise cancellation.
We have also reviewed the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro White Edition.
Razer sent review samples for this test. Material providers have no editorial influence on our reviews; we always write independently with our readers and consumers in focus.
