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Razer Kraken X Review

Nikshep Myle Avatar
Updated Jan 12, 2024 2:59 AM

True Score

78
76
12

Experts

83
4,740

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The Razer Kraken X offers an immersive gaming experience with its 7.1 surround sound and shines with exceptional microphone recording quality. However, the sound output isn’t top-tier, and its control scheme is also limited.

$89.99

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Product Snapshot

Overview

The Razer Kraken X headphones were first launched in 2019 as entry-level headphones designed for gamers. The headphones don’t have noise canceling or app support, but they have a boom mic and ship with an ⅛ inch TRRS audio cable for plugging into an AUX port. They feature 40mm custom-tuned drivers, and their ear cups are generously padded. However, these headphones are wired.

Read our list of the best gaming headsets for some wireless alternatives. The Kraken X headphones have support for surround sound, and its control scheme includes a mute and unmute button for its mic and a volume wheel.

Consensus

our Verdict

The wired Razer Kraken X gaming headset has an imbalanced sound profile. While mids are clear and even, the bass response is boomy, and this cannot be adjusted since there’s no companion software. The headphones also boast a clear, functional microphone with excellent recording quality, and they can be connected easily to both PCs and consoles.

The build quality is also generally durable despite its lightweight design, and it is also comfortable courtesy of the thick padding on both ear cups. The included 7.1 surround sound software enhances the overall gaming experience.

Though not without minor flaws, the Razer Kraken X offers good value for those seeking an affordable gaming headset with few bells and whistles.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Decently comfortable
    • The Razer Kraken X gaming headset has thick ear cup padding, and weighing only 250g, their lightweight design doesn’t put as much strain on the wearer. This makes them ideal for marathon gaming sessions

  • Excellent microphone recording quality
    • The sound captured through the microphone is clear, detailed and natural sounding for hassle-free in-game chatting. This is also reflected in its 8.7/10 spot in our microphone sound quality rating, giving it a position in the top 20% of alternatives in this category.

  • 7.1 Channel surround sound
    • Its support for 7.1 surround sound makes it ideal for situational awareness and object placement for more immersive gaming.

  • Imbalanced sound profile
    • The headphones have a boomy sound output, but the mids are clear and even. Unfortunately, this cannot be accurately fine-tuned because the headset doesn’t have companion software.

  • Limited control scheme
    • The Kraken X doesn’t have as many control options. It is similar to the Sennheiser Game One, which we’ve covered in our Sennheiser Game One review.

Reason to Avoid

Razer Kraken X Specs

Adjustable HeadbandAdjustable HeadbandYes
Auto-Adjusting HeadbandAuto-Adjusting HeadbandYes
Battery LifeBattery LifeWired
Compatible PlatformsCompatible PlatformsMac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Connector SizeConnector Size3.5mm
Detachable MicDetachable MicNo
Driver SizeDriver Size40mm
Earcup Foam MaterialEarcup Foam MaterialFoam
Headphone FitHeadphone FitOver-ear
Max Frequency ResponseMax Frequency Response28,000Hz
Min Frequency ResponseMin Frequency Response12Hz
Noise CancelingNoise CancelingYes
Product WeightProduct Weight0.55 lbs
Programmable ButtonsProgrammable ButtonsNo
WirelessWirelessNo
Wireless ConnectivityWireless Connectivityn/a

All Specs

Test Results

Max Volume (dB)0
Microphone Sound Quality Rating (out of 10.0)8.05
Speech To Noise Ratio (dB)37.29
BT Latency (ms)0
Non-BT Latency (ms)0
Low End Roll Off (Hz)68.25
High End Roll Off (Hz)7,782.914

All Tests

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    Product Comparison

    Razer Kraken X Review

    True Score

    78
    85
    83
    NR

    Ranking

    #

    42

    /

    57

    #

    4

    /

    57

    #

    7

    /

    57

    #

    /

    Market Context

    The Razer Kraken X headphones were first launched in 2019 as entry-level headphones designed for gamers. The headphones don’t have noise canceling or app support,…

    The Razer Kraken X headphones were first launched in 2019 as entry-level headphones designed for gamers. The headphones don’t have noise canceling or app support, but they have a boom mic and ship with an ⅛ inch TRRS audio cable for plugging into an AUX port. They feature 40mm custom-tuned drivers, and their ear cups are generously padded. However, these headphones are wired.

    Read our list of the best gaming headsets for some wireless alternatives. The Kraken X headphones have support for surround sound, and its control scheme includes a mute and unmute button for its mic and a volume wheel.

    The Razer Kraken X headphones are slightly larger than the Razer BlackShark V2 X headphones, however, the V2 X headphones include a pouch for storage,…

    The Razer Kraken X headphones are slightly larger than the Razer BlackShark V2 X headphones, however, the V2 X headphones include a pouch for storage, while the Kraken X headphones do not. The V2 X headphones also have much better sound leakage performance, and they also have thick memory foam ear cushions for added comfort. Another alternative similar to these that’s worth considering is the Razer Nari Ultimate, which we’ve covered in our Razer Nari Ultimate review.

    While the Razer Kraken X headphones are only compatible with PCs and either PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles, the Razer Kraken V3 X headphones can…

    While the Razer Kraken X headphones are only compatible with PCs and either PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles, the Razer Kraken V3 X headphones can be connected to PCs, both PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles, as well as Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles through an analog connection. The V3 X has a companion app allowing users to customize its RGB lighting and configure their surround sound performance. This app support is missing on the Kraken X headphones. Still, you can learn more about the V3 X headphones through our Razer Kraken V3 X review.

    The first noticeable difference between the Kraken X headphones and the Sennheiser Game One’s is that the former has a closed-back enclosure, while the latter…

    The first noticeable difference between the Kraken X headphones and the Sennheiser Game One’s is that the former has a closed-back enclosure, while the latter has an open-back enclosure. The Kraken X headphones are also significantly larger than the Sennheiser headphones. We’ve covered the Game One headphones in our Sennheiser Game One review, so you can have a look if you’re interested.

    Adjustable Headband

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Auto-Adjusting Headband

    Yes

    No

    No

    Battery Life

    Wired

    n/a

    Compatible Platforms

    Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

    Android, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

    Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

    Connector Size

    3.5mm

    3.5mm

    USB Type-A

    Detachable Mic

    No

    Yes

    No

    Driver Size

    40mm

    50mm

    50mm

    Earcup Foam Material

    Foam

    Memory Foam

    Memory Foam

    Dig Deeper

    Razer Blackshark V2 Review →

    Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense Review →

    All Stores

    Updated every 24 hours

    • $89.99

      Availability

      Free Shipping

      Yes
    • $92.41

      Availability

      In Stock

      Free Shipping

      No

    Score Card

    E

    Expert Score

    76

    *.75

    We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

    C

    Customer Score

    83

    *.25

    We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

    True Score

    78

    Expert Scores

    • Rtings
      99.8

      Category Trust Rating

      61
      The Razer Kraken X are okay for wired gaming. They a fairly comfortable design. They… Read More

      By:

    • Sound Guys
      82.1

      Category Trust Rating

      71
      If you need a functional gaming headset that gets the job done without draining your… Read More

      By:

    • Tom’s Guide
      56.25

      Category Trust Rating

      70
      Get the Razer Kraken X if you’ve got only $50 to spend on a gaming… Read More

      By:

    • Trusted Reviews
      67.5

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      The Razer Kraken X is a good mid-range headset that gets most of the basics… Read More

      By:

    • Kit Guru
      54.5

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      Here at KitGuru we’ve reviewed plenty of Razer headsets over the years, with some costing… Read More

      By:

    • PCWorld
      57.65

      Category Trust Rating

      90
      The Razer Kraken X is a no-frills take on a headset line that already had… Read More

      By:

    Customer Scores