Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) review

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023): Two-minute review

If news about Razer launching the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is giving you a sense of déjà vu, it’s probably because the gaming headset was originally released back in 2020. As bizarre as it may seem, Razer has taken its popular headset and re-released it with some key improvements.

Now, I’m not exactly sure why the company didn’t just roll out an entirely new model with an incrementally new name, but it may have something to do with the fact that the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is really more of an update rather than a proper upgrade. That is, the drivers are the same, and the overall design is largely similar.

Of course, that isn’t to say that this new and improved version isn’t worth checking out. Razer has essentially taken an already excellent device – and one of the best wireless gaming headsets I’ve tested – and made it a lot better with longer battery life, a clearer and crisper mic, and an even better fit. So, if you didn’t think before that Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is among the best gaming headset ever made, you might think that now with this iteration.

Design-wise, things have largely stayed the same. If you don’t look too closely, you might think Razer is pulling a fast one on you. But while the overall look is the same, there are a few small yet vital improvements on the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) that many will appreciate. 

That gorgeous headband that boasts that unique and classy cross-stitched fringing is plusher than ever due to the thicker and softer foam underneath. And, for longevity, it’s now attached to the earcups with stronger steel headband sliders, which are now strengthened. As for the earcups, they may also look the same as their predecessors, but they also now come with better memory foam cushions that are both designed to relieve pressure and optimized for sound isolation.

That’s not all. Likely from users moaning about the fit of the original headset, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) now has a more refined clamping force – not too much that it tries to squeeze your brains out (looking at you, Audeze Penrose) but enough that it stays on your head even during intense moments. Of course, its lightweight design (it keeps the same 320g weight as its predecessor) helps as well. This is definitely among the most comfortable and excellent-fitting headsets I’ve ever used. 

As a bonus, it wasn’t a burden to carry around when I brought it with me on my Greece vacation, which means I’m comfortable recommending it as a go-to travel gaming headset. Although if you are looking for something that’s more like a headphones-and-headset hybrid, you should look at the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless first.

Finally, Razer has gotten rid of the micro USB charging port – who even uses those anymore?! – and slapped on a nice USB-C one instead, which means you don’t even need to take that charging cable out of the box if you already have a couple of USB-C cables out for your other devices. And while you have to go through Razer Synapse to access the different game profiles, this headset now has a physical button on the right ear cup for on-the-fly access. At default, it’s set to the standard profiles; hold it down for three seconds, and it will switch to Pro-Tuned FPS profiles for game-specific EQs.