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The Razer Barracuda X (2022) resting against a PC on a white desk.

Razer Barracuda X (2022) review

The Razer Barracuda X is back to beat its personal records.
By
September 12, 2023
7.7
Razer Barracuda X (2022)
The bottom line
The Razer Barracuda X (2022) builds on the success of the Razer Barracuda X from 2021, this time with Bluetooth, longer battery life, and a better microphone. For only $99 USD, it's a deal for any multi-platform gamer seeking a reliable headset.

Razer Barracuda X (2022)

The Razer Barracuda X (2022) builds on the success of the Razer Barracuda X from 2021, this time with Bluetooth, longer battery life, and a better microphone. For only $99 USD, it's a deal for any multi-platform gamer seeking a reliable headset.
What we like
Lightweight
Good sound quality
Multiple connectivity options
Bluetooth 5.2
Nice microphone
Long battery life
What we don't like
Ear cups swivel in a strange way
Only SBC codec, no AAC or aptX
USB-C audio is quieter
7.7
SoundGuys Rating
7.7
User Rating
Rating Metric
Our Rating
User Rating
Sound Quality
9.3
8.1
8.0
Bass
8.9
8.1
8.0
Midrange
9.9
8.5
9.0
Highs
9.3
7.2
7.0
Isolation / Attenuation
3.5
7.5
8.0
Durability / Build Quality
6.5
7.2
7.0
Value
7.0
7.6
8.0
Design
7.0
8.2
8.0
Connectivity
7.0
7.3
7.0
Portability
7.0
7.4
7.0
Battery Life
10.0
8.4
8.0
Feature
6.5
6.8
7.0
Comfort
8.5
8.3
8.0

After releasing the original Razer Barracuda X in 2021, Razer has decided to give it an upgrade, alongside the rest of the Barracuda line. The Razer Barracuda X (2022) brings improvements to battery life, sound quality, mic quality, and connectivity, all at the same price as last year’s Barracuda X. Is this enough to justify an upgrade, or will newcomers to the Barracuda X be satisfied with last year’s multi-platform headset?

We spent a week with the Barracuda X (2022) to see if the new headset is worth it.

Editor’s note: this review was updated on September 12, 2023, to address some formatting changes and to improve clarity.

Multi-platform gamers will appreciate multiple connectivity options for different consoles. Gamers of any kind looking for a moderately affordable headset can get everything they need from this one. At-home workers will find the boom mic works well for video calls.

What is the Razer Barracuda X (2022) like?

The Razer Barracuda X (2022) is made of plastic and wears foam ear pads covered in woven mesh fabric. A leatherette-covered foam cushions the headband and keeps things comfortable for hours at a time. The headset weighs in at just 250 grams, but the clamping force is a bit weak. The Barracuda X often shifts forward and slides off my head when I lean over.

The Razer Barracuda X (2022) laying flat on a table.
The Barracuda X design is about as plain as it gets, and in certain light, you can’t even see the Razer logo on each ear cup.

You can swivel the ear cups flat in one direction. This flexibility makes them face upward when the headset rests on your neck, which is the opposite of how headphones usually lay. You can’t ball the headphones up toward the band, which makes it a bit less portable than other popular wireless headsets like the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QC 45.

You have three color options for this gaming headset: Mercury White, Classic Black, and Quartz Pink.

How do you control the Barracuda X (2022)?

The left ear cup has a volume slider, a mute button, and a power button. Under the power button is an LED indicator for whether it’s connected via Bluetooth (blue LED) or 2.4GHz (green LED). Below that is a 3.5mm jack, a USB-C port, and the microphone port.

The volume slider has enough resistance that it’s hard to accidentally slide it too high or low, but isn’t difficult to move. The mute button is positioned in a way that you won’t accidentally press it, and it’s easy to find, being the highest button on the back of the ear cup.

How is the Razer Audio app?

The Razer Audio app (iOS/Android) is worth installing if you plan on doing any mobile gaming. From here, you can enable gaming mode for lower latency over Bluetooth, which effectively cuts down on audio-visual lag. The app also allows you to choose from four EQ presets, Default, Game, Movie, and Music, or you can create a custom 10-band EQ with sliders for different frequencies. You can also enable Do Not Disturb, which blocks calls when you’re using the 2.4GHz dongle.

How is gaming on the Razer Barracuda X (2022)?

Gaming is very enjoyable with the Razer Barracuda X (2022). This headset works on any platform with USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm, or Bluetooth support, so you’re all set for gaming on PC, PlayStation 4 and PS5, Xbox One and series S/X, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, mobile, or any other device you can connect it to.

The Razer Barracuda X (2022) on the author's head.
The Razer Barracuda X (2022) is really comfortable and light.

PC gaming over 2.4GHz wireless works well for first-person shooters where timing and hearing matter a lot, like CS:GO or Splitgate. Gunshots in CS:GO are satisfyingly loud and boomy, thanks to this headset’s bass emphasis. Sometimes the gunshots can make it hard to hear the sound of footsteps, but it doesn’t pose a disadvantage for a player. Sub-bass is under-emphasized, making explosions slightly less intense. This can be a positive, though, as it makes it easier to hear those more delicate sounds like an enemy reloading nearby.

Playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on Nintendo Switch is also a breeze in this headset. Sounds like Link’s footsteps and breaths are clearly audible, and I can hear all the nuanced sounds of any weapon or armor he’s wearing. The cinematic music sounds clear and keeps me engaged. Rumbles emanate from the Stone Talus as it emerges from the earth, sounding as loud and terrifying as it ought to.

The Razer Barracuda X (2022) laying against a Nintendo Switch with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the screen.
The Razer Barracuda X (2022) is a solid choice if you play games on multiple consoles.

Switching over to Mario Kart 8, the soundtrack of the game sounds nice alongside the sounds of engines, red shells, and banana peel mishaps. No sound is unnecessarily loud or distracting because of the headset.

One slightly annoying thing is that quiet sounds sometimes cut out after a short period. For example, when I’m in my inventory when playing Breath of the Wild and don’t select anything or move the joy-con, the very quiet ambient music will start to hiccup or skip, then cut out entirely until I move the joy-con or press a button. Additionally, the headset is noticeably quieter using the USB-C wireless dongle than when using it over Bluetooth or wired.

How does the Razer Barracuda X (2022) connect?

All the accessories that come with the Razer Barracuda X (2022), USB-C to USB-A adapter on the left, the USB-C dongle to the right, the 3.5mm cable underneath, and the detachabl microphone on the far right side.
The Razer Barracuda X (2022) has multiple connectivity options.

The headset comes with a USB-C 2.4GHz dongle and a USB-A to USB-C adapter for devices without USB-C. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone cable for wired listening. There’s no additional setup when using this headset, just connect it and start playing.

The Barracuda X (2022) also has Bluetooth 5.2, an upgrade from the previous Barracuda X. It only supports the SBC Bluetooth codec, which is a bit of a letdown for a gaming headset, since higher quality codecs like AAC and aptX can be found in some other Razer products.

To pair the Barracuda X (2022) to your device using Bluetooth, hold down the power button until you hear the voice on the headset say “Power on.” Then the LED under the button will flash blue to indicate it’s in pairing mode.

Once it’s in pairing mode, you can open Bluetooth settings for the device you want to connect to. The list of devices you can connect to will list “Razer Barracuda X.” Once you choose that, you’re paired!

How long does the Razer Barracuda X (2022) battery last?

Razer claims that the Razer Barracuda X (2022) has a battery life of 50 hours, but we found it exceeded that by nearly 20%. During our objective testing, the Razer Barracuda X (2022) lasted 59 hours, 53 minutes, with a constant output of music peaking at 75dB(SPL). This is fantastic battery life compared to other headsets. The Razer Barracuda X from 2021 only lasted 25 hours, 22 minutes in our testing.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless leans on a PlayStation DualSense controller on a leather couch, with a PlayStation 5 console standing next to a TV displaying Elden Ring in the background.
The console experience is pretty smooth.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless has the best battery life we’ve tested at 327 hours, 27 minutes. It takes just a couple of hours to recharge the headset via USB-C, but it’ll take you a long time to drain this battery. To contextualize its performance, you’ll need to have it running for more than 13 and a half days, nonstop, before it needs a recharge. This is really just an overpowered HyperX Cloud Alpha but there’s no wired listening on the wireless version.

Anyone who wants a cheaper option than the Alpha Wireless with great battery life should look into the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX. This wireless-only headset lasts 78 hours, 23 minutes and can easily hop between consoles.

How well does the Razer Barracuda X (2022) block out noise?

The isolation chart for the Razer Barracuda X (2022), showing just okay isolation, especially for higher sounds.
The isolation on the Razer Barracuda X (2022) isn’t spectacular, but it dampens higher sounds quite a bit.

The isolation we measured is typical for a closed-back headset, with higher frequencies being effectively dampened, whilst lower ones are barely impacted. Low-pitched sounds like a vacuum cleaner or the rumbling of passing traffic aren’t much quieter with the headset on, but a fan, or a sink running is less audible. I can hear speech around me pretty clearly with the headset on, so don’t expect it to block out noisy roommates.

How does the Razer Barracuda X (2022) sound?

The Razer Barracuda X (2022) frequency response chart, showing a boost in the bass range, some variations in the highs, and mids that closely follow our consumer curve.
The Razer Barracuda X (2022) frequency response follows our consumer curve in the mids especially.

The headset’s frequency response follows our consumer target curve somewhat closely in the mids, but there are variations in the lows and highs. Sub-bass is under-emphasized through this headset, while bass is boosted compared to our curve, and the highs peak and dip in a few areas. This frequency response is perfectly fine for gaming, where most gamers prefer more bass.

Lows, mids, highs

Music sounds good on this headset, especially since there’s no major over-emphasis on sub-bass or bass like we’ve seen on other gaming headsets. Kids by MGMT is a highlight, with the bass coming through pleasantly loud. The melody in the chorus ranges from 440-880Hz, and it doesn’t get overpowered by the lows or highs that are relatively emphasized. When I listen to Maps by Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the melody comes through clearly as the most prominent part of the song.

How is the microphone on the Barracuda X (2022)?

The microphone frequency response chart for the Razer Barracuda X (2022).
The microphone on the Razer Barracuda X (2022) is better than average.

The Razer Barracuda X (2022) microphone performs very well, and voices come through very clearly. The detachable boom mic quiets noises around me when I speak, and my voice never cuts out. This microphone is more than adequate for Discord, and Zoom meetings. Listen for yourself:

Razer Barracuda X (2022) microphone demo (Ideal):

Razer Barracuda X (2022) microphone demo (Office):

How does the microphone sound to you?

6672 votes

Should you get the Razer Barracuda X (2022)?

The Razer Barracuda X (2022) laying against a Razer keyboard on a white desk.

For only $99 USD, the Razer Barracuda X (2022) is a great gaming headset. This headset won’t disappoint you with multiple connectivity options, a comfortable build, and pretty good sound. It has everything a multi-console gamer needs, and nothing is frustrating or finicky about it. It doesn’t have bells and whistles like RGB or virtual surround sound, which most people don’t really need (or want). If you don’t care about premium features and just want a utilitarian gaming headset, you should consider buying this.

However, if you already own the previous year’s Barracuda X, I recommend saving your $99 USD and don’t bother upgrading to this model. The differences are small apart from Bluetooth connectivity, which is not really important for gaming, given the inherent latency in Bluetooth audio.

Since the Razer Barracuda X (2022) is an update on the original Razer Barracuda X, there are bound to be some differences, but first, the similarities. The headset is still lightweight at 250 grams and connects through USB-C and 3.5mm aux.

The Razer Barracuda X leans on a PlayStation 5 with its USB-C dongle plugged into the front of the console.
The Barracuda X lacks any colored LEDs, or even any of Razer’s characteristic neon green highlights, but it’s a top contender among other $100 USD headsets.

Now, on to the differences. The Barracuda X (2022) has a much longer battery life of 59 hours than the previous generation’s 29 hours. It also features Bluetooth, which the old one didn’t. The microphone is also a lot better on the new Barracuda X, sounding clearer. The USB-C dongle features a different design. On the 2022 model, the USB-C plug is slightly off-center from the dongle, probably so it doesn’t partially cover ports on each side of it. And lastly, the frequency response for the Barracuda X (2022) is a bit bassier than the older Razer Barracuda X.

Razer Barracuda X (2022)Razer Barracuda X (2022)
Razer Barracuda X (2022)
Lightweight • Good sound quality • Multiple connectivity options
MSRP: $99.00
The Razer Barracuda X is back to beat its personal records.
The Razer Barracuda X builds on the success of its predecessor, this time with Bluetooth, longer battery life, and a better microphone. At this price, it's a fantastic value for any multi-platform gamer seeking a reliable headset.

What should you get instead of the Razer Barracuda X (2022)?

With many cheap gaming headsets on the market, you have a lot of options to choose from depending on your preferences.

The Razer BlackShark V2 gaming headset sits on table in front of a window.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve got $500 budget or a $50 one: the Razer BlackShark V2 is worth considering.

The Razer BlackShark V2 is another $99 USD headset from Razer. It’s a wired headset that’s marketed specifically for PC gaming, with THX Spatial Audio available through the Razer Synapse software. This is a good option if you’re more of a PC gamer, since the Barracuda X (2022) is meant for mutli-platform gamers. At the competitive price of $99 USD or less, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless is a capable headset with a USB-C RF dongle. You can hardwire the headset with its 3.5mm cable too, and no matter how you connect, you can enjoy clear sound quality with a minor bass bump.

Another $99 USD headset with a similarly great microphone is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3. It has a 3.5mm or USB-C connector, making it great for multi-platform gamers, but PC gamers will get the most out of it due to all the features in the SteelSeries GG software. It also has RGB lighting on the ear cups, if you’re into the gamer aesthetic.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha is a reliable, no-frills wired gaming headset, with excellent sound quality and isolation. At most, this headset will only cost you $99 USD.

Frequently asked questions about the Razer Barracuda X (2022)

This headset doesn’t have Razer Synapse support.

Yes, you can replace parts for the Razer Barracuda X (2022) and other headsets, with replacements available directly from Razer.