Razer BlackShark V3 Pro Review: A Feature-Packed Wireless Headset With a Few Trade-Offs

Introduction

Razer’s BlackShark line has long been a favorite among competitive gamers, and the new V3 Pro arrives with a significantly expanded feature set. This release adds active noise cancellation, simultaneous Bluetooth mixing, and a new low-latency wireless mode, all while keeping the comfortable design that made the previous version popular. Priced at $249.99 US, it sits $50 above the V2 2023 refresh, but the added capabilities may justify the increase for many buyers.

The V3 Pro is available in three distinct versions for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, reflecting Razer’s push into the console market. The industrial design remains largely unchanged from the previous generation, which is good news for comfort, though there are some notable updates under the surface.

Design and Comfort

The BlackShark V3 Pro keeps the plush headband and comfortable fit that defined the previous model. The ear pads are more plush this time around and still pop off easily for replacement. They measure 66 x 45 mm and average about 20 mm deep thanks to the angled drivers. The sport mesh with faux leather interiors remains, and for the first time, aftermarket magnetic face plate options are available.

One important change is the reinforced hinge. The previous release had some reported issues with this piece being a point of failure, and Razer has now reinforced it while adding a 15-degree swivel. This should help with fit and alleviate long-term strain on the component.

The added ANC and Bluetooth hardware does bring some extra weight. The headset measures 365 g on a scale, with the detachable mic adding another 15 g. That is roughly 40 g more than the V2 with the mic attached. Despite the increase, the design remains comfortable with no pain points, though the pads can start to feel warm around the hour mark.

Features and Connectivity

The V3 Pro brings back the aux option that was removed from the previous release. A USB-C to 3.5 mm jack plugs directly into the charge port, giving users 2.4 GHz wireless with low latency mode, USB, or 3.5 mm connectivity. Game and chat audio still use separate drivers, and a roller on the headset controls the balance between them.

The smart switch button on a single press toggles through up to nine different EQ settings, all saved to the headset. A double tap switches between 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and for the first time, simultaneous Bluetooth mode. In simultaneous mode, the volume knob handles the 2.4 GHz connection while the volume on your device, likely your phone, controls the Bluetooth side.

There are two sets of chips and antennas inside, so running simultaneous mode does not affect the performance of the HyperSpeed wireless. However, you cannot run simultaneous Bluetooth and aux cable at the same time. As soon as an aux input is detected, Bluetooth disconnects and the ability to cycle between wireless modes is lost.

The new Gen 2 HyperSpeed wireless uses a dongle that looks similar to the performance mouse dongles. The physical design is not ideal, as it adds another cable and dongle to the desk instead of something that plugs discreetly into the back of a machine. The thick cable can also cause the dongle to roll over on the desk, though there were zero issues running the wireless headset right next to a wireless mouse.

Sound Quality and Performance

The V3 Pro uses a new driver plug and features classic V-shaped tuning in the default mode, with big bass, big treble, and recessed mids. The tuning is more aggressive than the Harman curve, and the low end sounds noticeably smoother with ANC enabled. Without ANC, the low end can sound a bit sloppy.

Total volume output was initially disappointing at 100% on PC, but switching audio enhancements from device default to off in the advanced settings pulls the THX mode off and unlocks significantly more volume. For gaming, channel matching is solid, which translates to good imaging in game. However, the bass-forward presentation extends into gaming, and even the dedicated esports preset for Call of Duty felt too bassy.

The new footstep scaler mode enables the roller to adjust footstep frequencies, but the feature adjusts the same range in every game, which can cause issues. In Call of Duty, boosting for footsteps also boosts the bass punch of your weapon, making gunfire deafening compared to the rest of the EQ band. Outside of competitive titles, the stock bass EQ works well in immersive single-player games with plenty of detail, though the sound stage feels tight.

There is a low-volume hiss in the background when the headset is active with no immediate volume. Range was solid, with no issues moving away from the desk, but the headset did drop out a couple of times while adjusting EQ in Synapse, requiring a power cycle. This was on a pre-release version, so it may improve with the official launch.

Microphone Quality

The V3 Pro features a larger 12 mm microphone capsule, up from the 9.9 mm capsule in the V2. The previous mic was widely considered one of the best in wireless gaming, so expectations were high. First impressions suggest the new mic is a step down from the previous version.

The background is much cleaner with less of the swirly, squelchy transmission artifacts of the V2, and the signal sounds more real and less exaggerated. However, the vocal in the default mode sounds more stuffy compared to the V2 2023. The broadcast EQ offers a better tone but still feels a bit boxed in. The levels are not nearly as high as the V2, requiring a reduction in Windows system volume of about 15 points to make them sound equal.

The low-latency wireless mode, side tone, and simultaneous mode did not cause any quality differences. Background noise reduction in Synapse can clean up the signal further but sacrifices the vocal just a touch. Interestingly, the V2 mic can be physically attached to the V3, though it does not seat perfectly, offering a potential workaround for those who prefer the older mic’s character.

Comparison With Other Flagship Headsets

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless runs anywhere from $290 to $380 depending on sales. In its best configuration with Sonar and broadcast low tone EQ, the BlackShark V3 Pro mic easily clears it.

The Audeze Maxwell at $299 or $319 offers excellent sound quality but lacks ANC and simultaneous Bluetooth. Its microphone, even with background noise suppression off, does not measure up to the BlackShark V3 Pro.

The Astro A50, priced at $299 or $399 depending on the version, is the closest competitor. In its default EQ, the A50’s mic sounds clear with less stuffy vocals, and it may take the edge over the BlackShark V3 Pro in this regard.

Buying Advice

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is priced fairly in the market when considering features and flexibility alone. It offers active noise cancellation and simultaneous Bluetooth, which the Audeze Maxwell lacks entirely. The Arctis Nova 7 has simultaneous Bluetooth but no ANC, while the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless has both but comes in priced significantly higher.

The pros here are the design, comfort, ANC, simultaneous Bluetooth with game chat mix, console support, onboard memory storage, and mobile app support for adjustments. The mic is a letdown compared to the V2 Pro 2023, and the sound is fairly average without EQ tweaking. The Synapse software still feels a little buggy, and the new HyperSpeed Wireless dongle configuration is not ideal.

Long-term durability remains a factor, though the reinforced hinge addresses the primary point of failure from the previous release. Tuning still needs some work, but the direction Razer took here is promising on all fronts except the mic.

Conclusion

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is a feature-packed wireless headset that brings ANC, simultaneous Bluetooth, and low-latency wireless to a comfortable and well-designed package. The mic is a step back from the previous generation, and the default tuning may not suit competitive players without some EQ work. Given the potential for firmware tweaks to smooth out the remaining issues, it may be worth waiting to see if Razer refines this into the complete package it could be.