Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: Versatile quality

Razer Barracuda X Chroma Headphones Review

I believe that quality headphones are not a luxury, but a necessity. Especially for gamers who don't have a monster audio system, a good headset can make a big difference in the impact and presence of a game. A decent microphone is an equally important consideration for cooperative or competitive games. But what if you want to listen to music or a video stream somewhere other than in front of your PC or console? Razer's Barracuda X Chroma headphones aim to be the answer to most of your headphone needs.

The entire lineup

Razer's Barracuda line of wireless headphones are designed for multi-use scenarios. From the high-end Barracuda Pro to the entry-level Barracuda X, the mission statement is the same. They all feature wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, so the headphones can be used in virtually any situation. They all claim to be lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods, and they all have good to exceptional battery life.

The specifications and features of the Barracuda X Chroma are similar to those of the Barracuda X, with one important exception. The X Chroma features 40mm TriForce drivers and a detachable Hyperclear cardioid microphone. Instantly switches between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless and can connect to both simultaneously. The Barracuda X Chroma weighs 285 grams. Razer claims 70 hours of battery life (without the RGB on) on a full charge. However, I didn't have the headphones long enough to confirm this.

So what's the twist? As the name suggests, the Barracuda X Chroma includes six RGB lighting zones, programmable via the Razer Audio app or Razer Synapse. X Chroma is the only headset in the Barracuda line with RGB. To be totally honest, I'm not entirely sure why a headset needs RGB since, you know, you can't actually see the lights while wearing the headset. Maybe it adds to the light show on the desk. In any case, it's there if you want it or if you're a streamer and want an extra touch. It also drains battery life.

The sound of fury

The specs are great on paper, but it's the experience of using the device that counts. The fabric-covered memory foam earcups of the Barracuda Unless the room or environment is very warm, I prefer over-ear headphones for their inherent noise reduction. That's a good thing, because the Barracuda X Chroma doesn't feature any real noise cancellation capabilities. That comes with the higher-end models of the Barracuda line. For an all-plastic build, the headphones feel pretty solid, but are quite bulky looking.

In terms of audio quality, it is in line with the $129 price tag. That is, it is perfectly acceptable for playing games, casually listening to music, and chatting or calling on the phone. The sound is generally clear and well separated, but the bass is quite anemic. There are built-in EQ curves for music, movies, and games, but you can also use the Razer DAW to create a custom EQ. The detachable microphone sounds clear for in-game chats or phone calls, but I definitely wouldn't recommend it for recordings, podcasts, or YouTube streams. I had some trouble placing the microphone correctly. There is no click to let you know it is in place.

The RGB of the headphones can be programmed using the Razer Audio app or its popular Synapse software. The controls on the former are pretty basic, so if you want real customization or pair it with other Razer peripherals for a coordinated light show, you'll need to use Synapse. The X Chroma is the only headset in the Barracuda line with RGB. The “base model” Barracuda X has slightly shorter battery life and no RGB, but it comes in five colors. It sells for $99.

Headphones to headphones

I don't envy Razer trying to find a niche for the Barracuda X Chroma. There is almost no segment of the technology equipment market as saturated as headphones and earphones, from entry-level to high-end. That said, the Barracuda X Chroma has one target: customers looking for a reasonably priced headset that can be used in almost all situations. It may not be an audiophile's dream, but it's comfortable for long periods and has easy connectivity. The Razer Barracuda X Chroma is a go-anywhere, do-anything headset that's definitely worth a try.

***Razer Barracuda X Chroma provided for review***