Gaming Tested
8+ Years Experience
Amazon UK Prime
Warranty Protected
Every PlayStation headset now claims to deliver “3D audio” and “competitive advantage.” The real question is whether you can actually hear that enemy flanking left in Warzone or if it’s just marketing nonsense. I’ve spent three weeks testing the Razer BlackShark V2 X specifically on PS5, pushing it through competitive matches where positional audio matters. Here’s what actually works and what doesn’t.
Razer BlackShark V2 X (PlayStation) - Wired Esports Headset for PlayStation console (PS5) (240g, Cardioid microphone, 50mm drivers, Passive noise cancellation, 3.5mm connector, PC) Black
- Razer TriForce 50mm Drivers - for high-end audio performance: Our new, cutting-edge proprietary design divides the driver into 3 parts for the individual tuning of highs, mids, and lows - producing brighter, clearer audio with richer highs and more powerful lows.
- Razer HyperClear Cardioid Mic - for enhanced voice capture: An improved pickup pattern ensures more voice and less noise as it tapers off towards the mic’s back and sides, with the sweet spot easily placed at your mouth because of the mic’s bendable design.
- Cross-platform Compatibility - for use across devices with its 3.5 mm jack: Aside from its primary use on PlayStation 5, the headset’s 3,5 mm jack allows it to work with other popular platforms such as PC so you can enjoy amazing gaming audio across different setups.
- Lightweight Design with Memory Foam Ear Cushions - for long-lasting comfort: At just 240 g, the headset features thicker headband padding and memory foam ear cushions with leatherette to keep you in peak form during gruelling tournaments and training sessions and training sessions.
- Volume Wheel - for on-the-fly adjustments: Its on-headset control makes it convenient for you to adjust audio levels without having to fiddle with any system or program settings.
Price checked: 21 Jan 2026 | Affiliate link
📋 Product Specifications
Physical Dimensions
Product Information
Key Takeaways
- Best for: PlayStation 5 gamers wanting clear directional audio without breaking the bank
- Price: £44.99 (solid mid-range value)
- Rating: 4.4/5 from 826 verified buyers
- Standout: TriForce 50mm drivers deliver genuinely good footstep detection for the price bracket
The Razer BlackShark V2 X PlayStation Headset delivers proper competitive audio performance in the mid-range bracket. At £44.99, it’s one of the better options for PlayStation gamers who need accurate positional audio without spending enthusiast money. The TriForce drivers aren’t marketing fluff – they genuinely help with footstep clarity.
Who Should Buy This Headset
- Perfect for: PS5 gamers playing competitive shooters (Warzone, Apex, Valorant on PC) who need clear directional cues and don’t want to spend over £100
- Also great for: Multi-platform gamers thanks to the 3.5mm jack – works with PC, Xbox, Switch, and mobile
- Skip if: You need wireless (this is wired only) or you’re after premium build quality with metal frames. Consider the Corsair HS55 Wireless if you need cable-free gaming
Audio Specifications That Actually Matter
Audio Specifications
Driver Size
Frequency Response
Impedance
Sensitivity
The 50mm TriForce drivers are Razer’s attempt to fix the typical gaming headset problem – muddy mids and boomy bass that obscure important audio cues. Instead of one large driver handling everything, they’ve split the internal chamber into three sections. Highs, mids, and lows get tuned separately.
Does it work? Mostly, yes. The frequency response extends down to 12Hz, which is lower than you’ll actually hear (human hearing bottoms out around 20Hz), but it means bass notes have proper weight without bleeding into the midrange where footsteps live.
The 32-ohm impedance means your DualSense controller can drive these properly. I tested volume levels across various games – never had to max out the PS5 volume slider, which is a good sign. Some higher-impedance headsets struggle with console controllers.
Sound Quality: Where It Wins and Loses
Sound Signature
Balanced with slight V-shape
The tuning favours competitive gaming – footsteps and reloads sit forward in the mix, while explosions have impact without drowning out important cues.
Sound Quality Breakdown
Punchy – Explosions in Warzone have proper weight, but they don’t blur footsteps. This is harder to achieve than it sounds
Clear – Footsteps, reloads, and voice comms all sit distinctly in the mix. This is where the TriForce design earns its keep
Crisp – High-frequency details like distant gunfire come through clearly without sibilance or harshness during long sessions
Medium-wide – Not as expansive as open-back headphones, but sufficient for accurate left/right/behind positioning in games
Overall, this is a competitive gaming tuning. It won’t blow you away with music (vocals can sound slightly thin), but it’s built for hearing enemies before they hear you.
Gaming Performance
Excellent
Good
N/A – Stereo only
Tested extensively in Warzone, Apex Legends, and Valorant (on PC). Footsteps are genuinely clear – I could hear enemies climbing stairs in Verdansk and distinguish between teammate and enemy movement in Apex. Left/right positioning is spot-on. Front/back distinction requires PS5’s Tempest 3D Audio to be properly configured, but once set up, I was pre-aiming corners based on audio cues. No virtual 7.1 gimmicks here – just proper stereo imaging that works with PlayStation’s spatial processing.
I spent most of my testing time in Warzone Resurgence matches. The BlackShark V2 X genuinely helped me win gunfights I’d have lost with TV speakers or cheaper headsets. In one match on Rebirth Island, I heard an enemy healing behind a wall – the audio cue was clear enough that I knew exactly when to push. That’s the kind of practical advantage you’re paying for.
But it’s not perfect. Vertical audio (enemies above or below) is trickier to pinpoint. That’s partly a limitation of stereo headsets in general, partly down to how games mix their audio. In multi-storey buildings, I sometimes had to rely on visual cues to confirm whether someone was upstairs or downstairs.
Microphone: Good Enough for Squads
Microphone Quality
Mic Type
Polar Pattern
Voice Clarity
Noise Rejection
- Mute: None – you’ll need to mute in-game or via PS5 settings
- Sidetone: No – can’t hear your own voice
- Detachable: No – fixed boom mic
The HyperClear cardioid mic is perfectly serviceable for squad comms and Discord calls. It’s not streaming quality, but your teammates will hear you clearly without excessive background noise. The cardioid pattern does a decent job of rejecting keyboard clicks and ambient room noise. I tested it with a mechanical keyboard nearby – teammates heard my callouts fine, only occasional key presses during quiet moments.
Voice quality is what I’d call “functional.” You sound like you’re on a gaming headset, not a podcast microphone. There’s a slight nasal quality to voices, and it doesn’t capture the full depth of your voice. But for callouts in Warzone? Completely fine.
The lack of a mute button is annoying. You have to either mute through the PS5’s quick menu or use in-game settings. When you need to cough or talk to someone in the room, fumbling through menus isn’t ideal. This is a cost-cutting measure that impacts usability.
Positioning matters with the bendable boom. I found the sweet spot about two finger-widths from my mouth, angled slightly off-axis. Too close and you get plosives (harsh P and B sounds). Too far and you sound distant.
Comfort and Build: Lightweight Champion
Comfort Details
- Weight: 240 g – Genuinely light for a gaming headset with 50mm drivers
- Clamping Force: Medium – Secure without being vice-like. Glasses wearers will appreciate the balanced pressure
- Ear Pads: Memory foam with leatherette covering – Soft initially, but they trap heat during long sessions. Decent depth means most ears won’t touch the drivers
- Headband: Padded with decent cushioning. The adjustment mechanism clicks firmly into place
This is one of the lighter headsets I’ve tested. At 240g, you barely feel it on your head during the first couple of hours. After four-hour sessions, I noticed some warmth around my ears (leatherette doesn’t breathe like fabric), but no pressure hotspots or headaches. If you wear glasses, the clamping force is gentle enough that it won’t dig the arms into your head.
I wear glasses full-time, so headset comfort is critical for me. The BlackShark V2 X passes the glasses test. The memory foam compresses around the arms without creating painful pressure points. After three-hour Warzone sessions, I had minor warmth buildup but no discomfort.
The leatherette earpads are a double-edged sword. They create a good seal for passive noise isolation (helpful for blocking out household noise), but they’re not breathable. In a warm room, your ears will get sweaty. Fabric earpads would solve this, but they’d compromise the seal and bass response.
Build Quality
- Headband: Plastic construction with metal adjustment sliders. Feels solid enough for daily use, but this isn’t premium metal-frame territory
- Hinges: Plastic pivot points with limited rotation. They don’t feel fragile, but I wouldn’t stress-test them
- Ear Cups: Plastic shells with minimal flex. They swivel for a better fit but don’t fold flat for travel
- Cable: 1.3m rubberised cable with 3.5mm jack. Not braided, but it has decent strain relief at both ends. Non-detachable, which is a shame
- Overall: This is a mid-range headset with mid-range build. It’ll survive normal use and the occasional drop, but it’s not built like a tank
The all-plastic construction keeps the weight down, but it doesn’t inspire confidence like metal-framed headsets. I’ve been using these daily for three weeks without issues, but I can see the hinges being a potential failure point after a year of heavy use. The non-detachable cable is another concern – if it breaks, you’re buying a new headset.
That said, at this price point, you’re not getting aluminium frames and modular cables. The build quality is appropriate for the cost. Just don’t expect it to outlast a HyperX Cloud II, which uses more durable materials.
Connectivity: Simple Wired Setup
Connectivity
- Cable Length: 1.3 m – Long enough for console gaming from the sofa
- Wireless Range: N/A – Wired only
- Latency: Zero – Wired connection means no audio delay
- Battery Life: N/A – No charging required
- Charging: N/A
Platform compatibility is excellent thanks to the universal 3.5mm jack. Works with PS5 (via DualSense controller), PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One (via controller), Nintendo Switch, PC (motherboard audio or sound card), and mobile devices. You’ll need a Y-splitter cable (not included) if you want to use it with PC setups that have separate headphone and mic jacks.
The wired-only design is both a strength and limitation. On the plus side, you never worry about battery life or charging. Audio latency is non-existent. And the headset works the moment you plug it in – no pairing, no dongles, no software.
The downside? You’re tethered to your controller. The 1.3m cable is adequate for couch gaming, but if you lean forward or move around, you’ll feel the tug. I accidentally yanked the cable a few times when reaching for my drink. A detachable cable would let you swap in a longer one, but that’s not an option here.
For PS5 specifically, setup is plug-and-play. Insert the 3.5mm jack into your DualSense controller, go to Settings > Sound > Output > Headphones, and ensure “Chat Audio” is set to “All Audio.” The PS5’s Tempest 3D Audio works automatically with any stereo headset, including this one. No additional configuration needed.
How It Compares to the Competition
| Feature | Razer BlackShark V2 X | HyperX Cloud II | Turtle Beach Recon 70 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £44.99 | ~£70 | ~£30 |
| Driver Size | 50 mm TriForce | 53 mm | 40 mm |
| Connectivity | Wired 3.5mm | Wired 3.5mm + USB | Wired 3.5mm |
| Weight | 240 g | 275 g | 220 g |
| Mic Quality | Good (cardioid) | Very Good (detachable) | Average |
| Build Quality | Plastic, decent | Metal frame, excellent | Plastic, basic |
| Best For | Competitive PS5 gaming, footstep clarity | Durability, PC/console hybrid use | Ultra-budget casual gaming |
Against the HyperX Cloud II, the BlackShark V2 X trades build quality for better competitive audio tuning. The Cloud II feels more premium with its metal frame and detachable mic, but the BlackShark’s TriForce drivers offer clearer midrange separation for footsteps. If you prioritise longevity, get the HyperX. If you want better positional audio for competitive games, the Razer edges ahead.
The Turtle Beach Recon 70 costs less but sounds like it costs less. The 40mm drivers lack the bass punch and soundstage width of the BlackShark. It’s fine for casual gaming, but you won’t get the same competitive advantage. The extra money for the Razer is worth it if you play ranked modes.
For wireless alternatives, the Corsair HS55 Wireless offers cable-free convenience with similar audio quality. You’ll pay more and deal with charging, but you gain freedom of movement. If you hate cables, that’s your pick.
What Buyers Are Saying
What Buyers Love
- “Footsteps are so much clearer than my old headset – I’m actually winning more gunfights in Warzone”
- “Really comfortable for long sessions, and I wear glasses. No pressure headaches”
- “The mic quality is better than I expected for the price. Squad mates say I come through clearly”
Based on 826 verified buyer reviews
Common Complaints
- “Ear pads get warm after a few hours” – Valid concern. The leatherette doesn’t breathe well. I experienced the same thing during extended sessions
- “Wish it had a mute button on the headset” – Absolutely agree. Having to mute through menus is inconvenient during matches
The user reviews align with my experience. The overwhelming majority praise the audio quality for competitive gaming, particularly footstep clarity. Comfort scores highly, though the heat buildup is a recurring theme. The lack of a physical mute button frustrates people who stream or use Discord frequently.
Some users mention the cable feeling short, which depends on your setup. For controller-based console gaming, 1.3m is adequate. For PC desk setups, you might want more length.
Value Analysis: What You’re Actually Paying For
Where This Headset Sits
Mid-Range£40-80
Upper Mid£80-150
Enthusiast£150-250
Premium£250+
In the mid-range bracket, you’re paying for proper driver technology and tuning. Budget headsets under £40 use generic drivers with boomy bass. Enthusiast headsets over £150 add premium materials, wireless connectivity, and advanced features like active noise cancellation. The BlackShark V2 X sits in the sweet spot – you get competitive-grade audio without paying for luxury features you don’t need for gaming.
At this price point, the BlackShark V2 X delivers excellent value for competitive gamers. You’re getting Razer’s TriForce driver technology, which genuinely improves positional audio compared to budget alternatives. The lightweight design and decent comfort make it suitable for long sessions. And the cross-platform compatibility means you’re not locked into PlayStation only.
What you’re not getting: premium build materials, wireless connectivity, detachable cables, or advanced features like ANC. Those features push headsets into the £100+ bracket. If you need them, look at the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P or similar upper mid-range options.
For PlayStation 5 gamers specifically, this represents better value than Sony’s Pulse 3D headset. The BlackShark offers superior audio quality and comfort, despite lacking wireless connectivity. If you don’t mind cables, you’re getting more performance for similar money.
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Pros
- Excellent footstep detection and directional audio for competitive gaming
- Lightweight 240g design remains comfortable during long sessions
- TriForce 50mm drivers deliver clear midrange separation
- Cross-platform 3.5mm compatibility works with all consoles and PC
- Good value in the mid-range bracket for audio performance
Cons
- Leatherette earpads trap heat during extended sessions
- No physical mute button – must use system menus
- Non-detachable cable limits replacement options
- All-plastic build feels less premium than metal-framed competitors
Hear Every Detail – Check Price on Amazon
Price verified 20 January 2026
Buy With Confidence
- Amazon 30-Day Returns: Not comfortable? Return it hassle-free
- Razer Warranty: Two-year manufacturer warranty on headsets
- Amazon A-to-Z Guarantee: Purchase protection on every order
- Prime Delivery: Game with better audio by tomorrow
Full Specifications
| Razer BlackShark V2 X PlayStation Headset Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Driver Size | 50 mm TriForce |
| Frequency Response | 12-28,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
| Connectivity | Wired 3.5mm jack |
| Microphone | HyperClear Cardioid, fixed boom |
| Weight | 240 g |
| Battery Life | N/A (wired) |
| Surround Sound | Stereo (works with PS5 Tempest 3D Audio) |
| Platform Support | PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Switch, Mobile |
| Cable Length | 1.3 m |
| Ear Pad Material | Memory foam with leatherette |
| Controls | On-ear volume wheel |
Final Verdict: Competitive Audio Without the Premium Price
Final Verdict
The Razer BlackShark V2 X PlayStation Headset delivers where it matters most – competitive audio performance. The TriForce drivers aren’t marketing nonsense; they genuinely improve footstep clarity and directional accuracy compared to budget alternatives. At this price point, it’s one of the better options for PlayStation gamers who play competitive shooters. The lightweight design and decent comfort make it suitable for marathon sessions, though the leatherette earpads will warm up. If you can live with a wired connection and don’t need premium build materials, this represents excellent value in the mid-range bracket.
After three weeks of testing across Warzone, Apex Legends, and various single-player games, the BlackShark V2 X has earned its place as a solid mid-range recommendation. It’s not perfect – the lack of a mute button annoys me, and the earpads could breathe better. But the core audio performance is excellent for the price.
This headset will genuinely help you perform better in competitive games. I heard enemies I’d have missed with cheaper headsets. That’s the practical advantage you’re paying for, and it delivers.
Not Right For You? Consider These Instead
Consider Instead If…
- Need wireless? Look at the Corsair HS55 Wireless for cable-free gaming with similar audio quality
- Tighter budget? The Turtle Beach Recon 70 offers basic gaming audio at a lower price point, though you sacrifice footstep clarity
- Want better build quality? The HyperX Cloud II uses a metal frame and detachable cable for improved durability
- Prioritise mic quality? Consider the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P with its ClearCast microphone for streaming
About This Review
This review was written by the Vivid Repairs gaming peripheral team. We’ve tested hundreds of gaming headsets across all price points since 2018. Our reviews focus on real competitive gaming performance, not just spec sheets. We don’t accept payment for positive reviews – if a headset is rubbish, we’ll tell you.
Testing methodology: Three weeks of daily use in competitive FPS games (Warzone, Apex Legends, Valorant), Discord call quality tests with squad mates, comfort evaluation during 4+ hour sessions, and comparison against similarly-priced alternatives. All testing conducted on PlayStation 5 and PC.
Affiliate Disclosure: Vivid Repairs participates in the Amazon Associates Programme. We earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t influence our reviews – we only recommend products we’d actually use ourselves.
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