Razer Blackshark V2 $100

AS FAR AS gaming peripherals are concerned, Razer seems to know how to make a strong product. As soon as you open the box you’re greeted with a card declaring: “Sound is just as important as sight when you’re in-game.” It’s not wrong, and the Blackshark V2 is a good example of this. It sits in the budget end of the group here, but don’t let the price fool you.

Razer has created an awesome-looking headset, with aviation its aesthetic theme. The finish is matte black plastic that feels good to the touch, with green accents and of course the Razer logo. It feels light on your skull and is paired with breathable memory foam pads, so you can expect to get hours of gaming out of these before things start to become uncomfortable. There are very few buttons—you get a mute button and a volume rocker. This is due to the lack of Bluetooth connectivity or any noise-canceling features. However, Razer does offer this headset with wireless connectivity for an extra 70 bucks.

CallofDuty with this headset is great— all of the sound elements seem to be prioritized. Directional audio is very accurate, and the bass is right in your face. Razer has stuck to its message about the importance of sound in gaming. Bass is layered and deep, and the highs are clear for those intricate details that give you that extra edge.

This headset is pretty strong for music too, offering a solid sound through all of our tested songs, favoring more rock music if anything. Its sound is powerful, and you’ll be more than happy using it for both types of listening styles, although it does perform stronger in its target market. The Razer Blackshark V2, then, delivers very good bang for your buck. The fact that it’s lacking some of the more high-end features seen in this battle doesn’t stop it from being a strong competitor. It punches above its weight and is a solid headset for anyone looking for an immersive experience for 100 bucks.