Sometimes all you truly need is a versatile headset that can be plugged into your home PC for gaming marathons and just as easily connect to your phone when you’re on the move. Within Razer’s range of gaming headsets, the “Barracuda” series stands out as the ideal pick for this dual-purpose use, thanks to its refined look that doesn’t overtly shout ‘gamer’. The Razer Barracuda X is the most budget-friendly option of the bunch, and now it has a new sibling, the Chroma variant. This mid-generation tweak introduces some interesting changes and, true to Razer’s style, offers plenty of customizable RGB lighting.
The Razer Barracuda X Chroma remains a dependable wireless gaming headset, adaptable enough to match whatever listening activity you throw its way. Yet, these updates present a bit of a puzzle. While there are improvements, the price jump is mostly tied to that RGB lighting addition — which might not make sense for an entry-level headset. Additionally, one feature is actually dropped from the original Barracuda X, which can still be bought at a lesser cost.
Having personally tested countless headsets and headphones, my experience spans countless hours of gaming, music, and everything in between. This extensive background equips me to give you a well-informed opinion on aspects like design comfort, battery endurance, audio clarity, and overall reliability.
It’s important to know that this review is unbiased, with Razer providing the headset for evaluation but having no influence over the content of this review.
### Barracuda X Chroma: Pricing and Specifications
When unboxing the Barracuda X Chroma, you’ll find a decent array of accessories, including a travel bag. Notably, wired audio cables aren’t part of the package this time. Priced at $130, this Chroma version is $30 more than the basic Barracuda X, which you can still purchase. Considering the minimal enhancements, many might find better value sticking to the original, saving some dollars in the process.
The package includes the Razer Barracuda X Chroma wireless gaming headset, the detachable Razer HyperClear Cardioid microphone with an external pop filter, a USB Type-C Razer HyperSpeed 2.4GHz wireless dongle, a USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter, a basic felt travel bag, and a braided USB Type-C charging cable. Razer offers a 2-year standard warranty for this headset.
### Barracuda X Chroma: The Good
Design-wise, Razer has done well. The RGB lighting seamlessly blends with the headset’s aesthetic, giving it a clean, customized look. Sonically, for its price range, it delivers a warm and enjoyable audio experience. Wireless performance excels with easy transitions between devices.
The original Barracuda X already sported a sleek, low-key design, fitting well aesthetically anywhere. The Barracuda X Chroma enhances this with tasteful RGB lighting. It’s still comfortable, even with added weight. The materials are average, yet solidly constructed, as you’d expect from a ~$100 model.
Along its edges, you’ll find a USB Type-C charging port, a jack for the detachable microphone, a volume dial, a mute switch, the power button, and Razer’s SmartSwitch button. Although it sounds like a lot, the system’s intuitive setup makes operations straightforward.
The TriForce 40mm drivers deliver balanced, warm sound. While not sporting the profound bass or crispiest highs, it remains impressive, especially in competitive games. The battery life impressively jumps from 50 to 70 hours with RGB off; it’s closer to 30 hours with the lights on. Razer’s estimates hold up in practice, though disabling the lights to extend playtime is not as straightforward as one might hope.
### Barracuda X Chroma: The Bad
While RGB lighting makes the headset quite striking, its necessity is debatable, especially when it results in a price hike. The headset’s upgrades don’t significantly outweigh the older model’s value. Other aspects, like the average microphone quality, stay pretty much in the standard range.
Despite improved wireless performance, added weight, and the elimination of wired audio options undercut these modest upgrades. The detachable microphone continues with its ‘HyperClear Cardioid’ label but remains just passable, occasionally faltering.
### Barracuda X Chroma: Considerations and Concluding Thoughts
Razer maintains a high aesthetic standard, but features like RGB lighting arguably play into a luxury facade more than practical advancements. The Barracuda X Chroma, priced higher, doesn’t officially leap beyond its predecessor in value or utility, overshadowed by the solid performance of the original Barracuda X.
You should consider the Barracuda X Chroma if a sleek, versatile gaming headset with customizable design appeals to you. It’s less ideal if you prioritize cost-effectiveness with functional benefits.
Despite genuinely enjoying the Barracuda X Chroma for its comfort, balanced sound, and impressive aesthetics, the earlier model still poses a strong case. It costs significantly less while still providing support for wired audio and remains a robust choice. This leaves the question — is paying $60 more for some RGB flair and minor specs upgrades worth it to you? The decision depends on how much you value those colorful lights adding pizzazz to your gaming gear.
