You can choose either Razer HyperSpeed Gen-2 WiFi or Bluetooth 5.3... or both
As Razer's highest-end gaming headset, the BlackShark V3 Pro brings just about every feature to the table. For starters, the BlackShark Pro can wirelessly connect in two different ways. The faster method is its Razer HyperSpeed Gen-2 2.4GHz WiFi, which boasts ultra-low latencies as low as 10ms. The second method is Bluetooth 5.3. You can also pair and use both wireless connections simultaneously. There are two wired connections available as well, USB Type-C and 3.5mm audio, although only the USB Type-C port will charge up your battery while you play.
The V3 Pro has better 3D positional audio with new height channels
The BlackShark V3 Pro ups the ante with THX-certified 7.1.4ch surround sound thanks to two simulated height channels for better 3D positional audio. That means you'll be better able to differentiate footsteps and noises above and below you for greater immersion (and potentially a better advantage in competitive shooters like Battlefield 6). Razer offers game-specific EQ profiles, but you're also free to customize and save your own EQ profiles.
The new Gen 2 earcups offer passive noise isolation AND breathability
On the hardware front, Razer has updated the earcups with TriForce Bio-Cellulose Gen 2 50mm drivers that feature a new diaphragm design and increased magnet size, which in turn produces big sound (including a powerful low end) without distortion even at high volumes. The earcups are upholstered in dual-layered FlowKnit memory foam cushions. Razer claims this dual layer design offers the sound isolation qualities of leatherette, the plush comfort of memory foam, and the moisture-wicking breathable comfort of ventilated fabric. Other design perks include a steel reinforced headband and 15-degree swiveling earcups to conform to your ears for a tighter, sound isolating fit.
Hybrid active noise canceling is new to the V3 Pro
New to the BlackShark Pro series is hybrid active noise cancelation. Whereas the V2 Pro only offered passive noise isolation (which literally just means earcups that are designed to seal off your ear canal), the V3 Pro adds on active noise cancelation, which digitally filters out unwanted noise. I currently use a noise canceling gaming headset and it makes a huge difference, especially if your gaming PC is like mine and sounds like a wind turbine whenever a game is running. Active noise cancelation is especially effective at filtering out consistent, predictable noise sources like that. The detachable 12mm microphone also utilizes noise cancelation so that your teammates will hear your voice and nothing else.
You still get up to 70 hours of battery life on a single charge
The V3 Pro continues the Blackshark legacy of offering up to 70 hours of playtime from a single charge. And even if that's just not enough for your gaming ultra marathons, then the fast charge capability will get you 6 hours of playtime from just 15 minutes of charging over USB Type-C. Note that the 70 hour estimate is with 2.4GHz wireless connection and, presumably, with noise cancelation disabled.
The V3 Pro is priced favorably compared to the competition
At $250, the BlackShark V3 Pro isn't the cheapest headphone on the block, but it's actually quite reasonably priced when you look at other top-end gaming headsets on the market. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, one of the few other gaming headsets with noise canceling, retails for $380, or $130 higher. The Logitech G Astro A50 X retails for $400, or $150 higher. If you're looking to pick up one of the best gaming headsets on the market and you're looking not to spend north of $300, you'd be hard pressed to find something better.
We reviewed the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro and loved it
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
What to know about Wplace, the social art experiment taking over the global map one pixel at a time