Razer Barracuda X (2021)+(2022) Review, HyperSpeed ​​Wireless

Razerthink – The Razer Barracuda X (2022) continues the success of its predecessor, this time with Bluetooth, longer battery life, and a better microphone. At this price, it’s fantastic value for any multi-platform gamer looking for a reliable headset.

Note: The 2021 model also doesn’t support Bluetooth, but Razer released an updated 2022 model to offer this feature.

Many headsets promise to be used on multiple platforms, which can only be achieved with a wired connection. The Razer Barracuda X combines high-performance gaming features and a wireless connection for 4 devices simultaneously,” said Razer Senior Vice President Alvin Cheung. The Barracuda X was developed as a headset for multiple platforms focused on style and comfort. Razer’s engineering team used their experience to integrate the company’s most advanced audio technology into a wireless headset for comfortable gaming suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Razer designed the Barracuda X to come with Razer’s cutting-edge audio technology, with 40mm Triforce drivers promising high-end audio performance with frequencies specifically tuned for clearer treble, rich midrange, and powerful bass, delivering an immersive audio experience so they do not overlap each other. Remember the Razer HyperClear Cardioid microphone so that it provides clear sound. This microphone has increased sensitivity for high accuracy in the captured sound. The Razer Barracuda X has a Razer HyperSpeed ​​Wireless USB-C dongle connected to a PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or Android device as a plug-and-play device without installing or downloading drivers or software.

Barracuda X Design

The Razer Barracuda X uses a concave surface design for reduced thickness, clean lines, and a harmonious yoke and ear cup blend for a sleek, stylish look. The low-profile ear cups can be tilted to suit any ear shape and adjusted and rotated according to the user’s preference. It feels right with memory foam ear cushions and a thick headband. The Barracuda X’s design is as expected from such a simple headset. Clean, matte black plastic covers two flat cups with soft padding inside.
The whole device only weighs 250g – 28g. The padding is very springy but not too thick to heat up longer. The cups also form a comfortable seal around the ear without cramping, even after a five-hour session. There is an integrated microphone that offers better sound isolation and cancels out ambient noise. Its capabilities have increased sensitivity for a better low-frequency response and optimized housing for increased clarity and accuracy of captured sound.

Features: It Works With Almost Everything

His headset connects wirelessly to a 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle that can be plugged into various devices. The dongle has a small black rectangular body perpendicular to the USB-C plug, letting it stay flush with your phone or Switch. It appears to be automatically paired with a headset. In addition to the boom mic and dongle, the Barracuda X comes with a USB-A-to-male-USB-C male cable for charging and a USB-A-to-female-USB-C male cable connecting the dongle to devices without a USB port. -C, and a 3.5mm cable for using a wired headset.
When a USB-C connection is unavailable, the Barracuda X comes with a USB-C to USB-A adapter cable, ideal for a PC or Nintendo Switch on a dock. For further compatibility, a 3.5mm audio jack is also available when an analogue connection is required—also equipped with a cable to charge USB-C to USB-A, which has a battery life of up to 20 hours in continuous use.

The Razer Barracuda X works with multiple devices.

This headset works on any platform with USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm, or Bluetooth support, so you can play games on PC, PlayStation 4 and PS5, Xbox One and S/X series, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, phone, or other device that you can connect to.
PC gaming over 2.4GHz wireless works poorly for first-person shooters that prioritize timing and hearing, like Valorant. Gunshots on the Valorant are loud, thanks to the headset’s emphasis on bass. Sometimes, the sound of gunshots makes it difficult to hear the sound of footsteps, but this does not cause any harm to a player. The sub-bass is less emphasized, making the boom less intense. However, this can be positive, as it’s easier to hear subtler sounds like enemies reloading nearby.

Bluetooth.

The 2021 model also doesn’t support Bluetooth, but Razer released an updated 2022 model to offer this feature. So you can only use it wirelessly with your phone by removing the dongle from it (and, if your phone doesn’t have a USB-C port, it won’t work at all, so iPhone users are still in luck). One of the Razer Barracuda X’s best features is that there’s so little to talk about. Take the headset out of the box, and you’re ready to plug and play.
It’s an ease of use that the bigger gaming brands have forgotten in recent years, as they pursue the needs of eSports professionals without considering the budget of their everyday fans. You get a set of stereo speakers that can confidently channel software-based surround sound, barebones power, volume, microphone controls, the left cup, and a removable cardioid mic. Your average weekend player only needs that.

To pair Barracuda X (2022) to your device using Bluetooth.

1. Hold the power button until you hear a voice on the headset saying, “Turn on”.
2. Then, the LED under the button will flash blue to indicate that it is in pairing mode.
3. Once in pairing mode, you can open the Bluetooth settings for the device you want to connect. 
4. The list of devices you can connect will say “Razer Barracuda X.” Once you choose them, you pair up!

Barracuda X Software

You need to download the Razer Synapse software; the Razer Barracuda X software offers a variety of features and functions that enhance your gaming experience. This software allows you to customize various Barracuda X  aspects to suit your preferences and play style.

Note: See our post, follow the steps we have written about How to install Razer Synapse 3

Barracuda X Performance

1. Light and Clean

The headset is simple and black, similar to the design of the Blackshark V2, but with flat earcups instead of round ones. Every outer surface is made of matte black plastic, except for the ear and headband pads wrapped in fabric and faux leather. While the padding isn’t very thick, this headset offers a comfortable fit thanks to its lightweight 8.8-ounce frame. The Barracuda X’s featherweight nature makes it feel less solid than the Blackshark V2 or Nari Essential. It doesn’t feel cheap by any means. It’s just less dense and sturdy than the other two.
All controls and ports are along the edge of the left earcup, including the power button, mute microphone button, volume wheel, USB-C port for charging, 3.5mm for wired connection, and another 3.5mm port for a boom microphone. They included detachable. The microphone is a cardioid capsule with a foam windshield on a flexible rubber-coated arm.

2. Optional Audio Processing

The Barracuda X’s versatility means it lacks dedicated apps or integrated audio processing like some PCs or console-only headsets. By default, it works as a stereo device. This doesn’t mean you should go without a surround sound simulation; like almost all headsets, the Barracuda X works well with software-based audio processing, such as Dolby Atmos, THX Spatial Audio, or Pulse 3D. Surround sound processing in the Dolby and THX apps costs extra, but Razer offers a promotional code with the headset to cut the THX Spatial Audio price from $20 to $10.

3. Sharp-Sounding Microphone

As usual with Razer headsets, the Barracuda X’s microphone is excellent. The test recording captures sound. Get some distance from any source of hum or hum, and you’ll get a nice, clean sound that will serve you well for voice chat and works reasonably well for podcasting and streaming.

4. Balanced, Bass-Forward Sound

The Barracuda X is capable of handling music and offers strong bass. The deep synth tones and kick drum hits on the bass test track, The Knife’s “Silent Shout,” come with good low-frequency power and are not distorted even at maximum volume.
The overall sound signature on the Barracuda X is well-balanced, leaning more towards bass than higher frequencies. When the track gets in the right, the bassline is more advanced in the mix than the other elements, but the guitar strum, high hat, and vocals all have enough presence to be easily recognizable. This is a great audio profile for a relatively inexpensive wireless gaming headset.
For all the simplicity on the outside, it’s clear Razer doesn’t skimp on the inside. The overall sound profile is well-balanced, with plenty of scopes in the mid-range for finer detail. Bass is emphasized a bit, but it is close to the overbuzzing of many headsets in this price range. Blasting our way through Borderlands 3’s heavier weapons cache resulted in a satisfying rumble, with enough clarity to hear the differences between our favourite launchers.
This sound profile is also suitable for music. Let alone the thunder of Doom Eternal. We were also surprised by the smoother handling of the Hanging Valleys and Tall Heights tracks. Some higher ranges are slightly blunt, but that’s only seen on rare occasions. Plus, the sleek design and low-profile cup mean you’ll fit just as well on the train as in an RGB-clad streaming studio. You still get a solid 7.1 surround experience on PC and compatibility with Tempest 3D on PS5.

A Versatile Value

The Razer Barracuda X is a fantastic value, thanks to a USB-C dongle that works with almost anything. You can plug it into a PC, Android phone, PS5, or Switch and enjoy wireless audio, although Xbox users are limited to wired and passive connections. Despite being a tight-wired gaming headset, the $99.99 Razer Blackshark V2 offers slightly better sound and microphone performance. It’s the same price as the Barracuda X and has a more solid build. The $119.99 Astro Gaming A20 Gen 2 is a little more expensive, but it has a version that works with PS5 or Xbox (and PC, for both models).
If you’re looking for a wireless headset primarily for use with Xbox One/Series consoles, the $99.99 Xbox Wireless Headset is your best bet (and has Bluetooth connectivity, so you can still use it with your phone). However, the Razer Barracuda X is an attractive package for a wireless gaming headset that’s almost all caught. It offers plenty of connectivity options and powerful audio at a reasonable price.

In The Box

• Razer Barracuda X headphones
• Manuals
• USB-C wireless transmitter
• USB-A to USB-C adapter cable
• Detachable boom microphone, 
• USB-A to USB-C charging cable
• 1/8 TRRS cable
• Extension cable to connect the wireless transmitter to the USB-A connection

Prices

The Razer Barracuda X is now available on the Razer website for US$99.99

Overall

The Razer Barracuda X (2021)  is the first step towards something much more affordable and consumer-friendly. Daily players can pick up high-quality audio in a convenient package and play on any device they want. Multi-platform players will find the ease of use invaluable here. However, those who refuse to be daunted by late-night sessions will also enjoy a certain level of comfort. The Logitech G733 has been designed with the same long playing session in mind and costs $129. However, Razer offers a lighter form factor, clearer bass tones, and wired connections for $30 less. This is certainly one of the best Razer headsets for the price.

Razer Barracuda X  (2022) However, if you already owned the previous year’s Barracuda X, I recommend saving USD 99 and saving the hassle of upgrading to this model. The differences are minor except for Bluetooth connectivity, which is only somewhat important for gaming, given the inherent latency of Bluetooth audio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Razer Barracuda X comfortable?

The Razer Barracuda X is very satisfying for wireless gaming. Thanks to their wireless USB dongle, they support non-Bluetooth wireless gaming with low latency. The Razer Barracuda

Can you use the Razer Barracuda X without a dongle?

The dongle helps you if you want to use this headset wirelessly as desired, but even without the dongle, you can still use the 3.5mm audio combo cable for wired use with any device with a 3.5mm audio jack.

Is the Razer Barracuda X good for PS5?

This headset works on any platform with USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm, or Bluetooth support, so you can play games on PC, PlayStation 4 and PS5, Xbox One and S/X series, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, phone, or other device that you can connect to.

Does the Barracuda X have noise cancellation?

The Razer Barracuda features high-end attenuation worthy of a pair of over-ear headphones. There’s no active noise cancellation (ANC), meaning low-end buzz doesn’t get much cut out.