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Razer BlackShark V3 Pro vs BlackShark V2 Pro: Should you upgrade?
August 2, 2025
Razer’s latest flagship headset, the BlackShark V3 Pro, enters the ring with some big upgrades, including Active Noise Cancellation, a redesigned driver system, and ultra-low latency wireless performance. But at $249.99, it costs $50 more than the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023), which has earned a reputation as one of the best wireless gaming headsets under $200. So the question isn’t just whether the V3 Pro is better, it’s whether it’s worth upgrading if you already own the V2 Pro, or even if you’re deciding between the two right now, which one offers the better value for your gaming needs. I tested both extensively to help you make the right purchase.
This article was originally published on August 2, 2025, and this is the first version.
What’s it like to use the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro compared to the BlackShark V2 Pro?
Despite being two years apart, the BlackShark V3 Pro and V2 Pro (2023) share a lot of design DNA. Both use Razer’s pilot-inspired frame with fabric-covered memory foam padding. However, I found the V2 Pro has a tighter clamping force that delivers a better seal, especially during fast head movements, whereas the V3 Pro’s yoke design feels too loose and tends to break the seal, which can impact both comfort and noise isolation. The V2 Pro also sits lighter on the head at 331g, compared to the V3 Pro’s 367g.
That said, the V3 Pro does make some notable design upgrades. The softer fabric feels better on the skin, and the new magnetic faceplates give you easy access to a removable battery—a nice step toward future repairability. The 15-degree swivel on the V3 Pro’s earcups helps with fit, but not enough to fix the yoke looseness. Both headsets can get warm during long sessions, but overall, they’re nearly identical for daily comfort and ease of use.
In terms of controls, both headsets offer a nearly identical layout: a power button, a mic mute button, a SmartSwitch multifunction button, and a large volume dial on the left earcup. The SmartSwitch allows users to toggle between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless on the V2 Pro, but you can now use both at the same time on the V3 Pro. The BlackShark V3 Pro also adds a roller on the right earcup and a dedicated ANC toggle button. The roller can be customized—by default, it adjusts Game/Chat balance on PC and Xbox, or mic sidetone on PlayStation. The ANC button cycles between ANC On, Ambient Mode, and ANC Off.
Do the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro or BlackShark V2 Pro have more features?
The V3 Pro is the more fully loaded headset, clearly aimed at competitive gamers who want every possible edge. It’s the first in the series to include Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, and you also get dual wireless audio (2.4GHz + Bluetooth simultaneously), a removable battery, and upgraded TriForce bio-cellulose drivers. If you game on PC, you’ll benefit from THX Spatial Audio and a library of 12 pro-tuned EQ profiles via Razer Synapse.
The V2 Pro (2023) doesn’t go that far, but it nails the core features that most gamers care about. It includes Bluetooth and USB-C charging—both welcome upgrades from the original 2020 model—and it has onboard EQ preset switching. While it lacks ANC and simultaneous audio support, it still offers THX Spatial Audio on PC. If you don’t need bleeding-edge features, the V2 Pro still gives you plenty for a lower price.
How do the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro and BlackShark V2 Pro connect?
The V3 Pro supports four connection types: 2.4GHz HyperSpeed wireless with incredibly low 10ms latency, Bluetooth 5.3, USB audio via USB-C, and analog 3.5mm. During testing, I appreciated being able to game via dongle and listen to music over Bluetooth at the same time—especially helpful for managing Discord or listening to podcasts while gaming. That said, the dongle requires a USB-C to USB-A cable to connect to your console or PC, making it clunkier for handheld use, and it can topple over due to the weight of the cable.
The V2 Pro sticks with a 2.4GHz wireless dongle that plugs directly into your PC or console and supports Bluetooth 5.2 but doesn’t allow simultaneous connections. There’s no analog jack, and the USB-C port is strictly for charging, not for audio. While connectivity is stable and easy to use, it’s more limited overall. If you need multi-device flexibility or wired options, the V3 Pro is the clear winner. But if you only plan to use one source at a time, the V2 Pro covers the basics well.
Is battery life better on the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro or BlackShark V2 Pro?
Battery life is a strong point for both headsets. In our testing, the V2 Pro delivered 55 hours and 3 minutes of use, comfortably lasting multiple days between charges. The V3 Pro goes further, offering up to 70 hours on PC, though you’ll only get about 48 hours on consoles. Still, that’s more than enough for all but the most marathon sessions. The V3 Pro also adds a replaceable battery, which I really appreciate from a longevity and repairability standpoint.
Do the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro or BlackShark V2 Pro block noise better?
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With the V3 Pro, Razer finally brings ANC to the BlackShark line, and it helps, especially for low-frequency background noise. The headset achieves a respectable 77% average attenuation in lab conditions, but in practice, its performance is hit-or-miss due to the loose fit. I often found myself adjusting the earcups to maintain a seal, and even then, voices and other ambient sounds still crept through more than I’d like. The V2 Pro doesn’t have ANC, but its tighter fit offers strong passive isolation, especially in the upper frequency range. Overall, if blocking out background noise is non-negotiable, the BlackShark V3 Pro is the winner here.
Do the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro sound better than the BlackShark V2 Pro?
The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is tuned with a competitive edge, delivering clear directional cues that work well in fast-paced shooters. It’s especially effective when paired with spatial audio on PC, making it easier to track enemies or environmental sounds. While the sound profile is geared toward precision, it can be shrill or fatiguing during longer sessions, particularly with music.
The BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) has a bass emphasis and a less sharp treble lift that gives it a punchy, in-your-face character. This works well for cinematic games and bass-heavy music, but voices and finer details sometimes get buried under the weight of the bass.
Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)
The V2 Pro scores higher overall in MDAQS testing, with a 3.9 overall score compared to the V3 Pro’s 3.7. It also outperforms in Distortion (3.2 vs 2.5) and Immersiveness (4.3 vs 3.8), making it the cleaner-sounding headset across a broader range of content. I suspect these results are due to the better fit provided by the stronger clamping force. However, it is worth mentioning that the V3 Pro does manage better Timbre in its Game EQ preset.
- Timbre (MOS-T) represents how faithfully the headphones reproduce the frequency spectrum and temporal resolution (timing information).
- Distortion (MOS-D) represents non-linearities and added noise: higher scores mean cleaner reproduction.
- Immersiveness (MOS-I) represents perceived source width and positioning: how well virtual sound sources are defined in three-dimensional space.
Objective Measurements
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Looking at the objective measurements, both the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro and BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) emphasize bass and treble, but in different ways that noticeably affect how each headset sounds. The V2 Pro shows a much stronger mid-bass and upper-bass lift, especially between 100Hz and 300Hz, which adds a sense of impact but also introduces a boomy character. This overemphasis can muddy lower-midrange detail, especially in dialogue or music with dense instrumentation.
In contrast, the V3 Pro has a more controlled bass shelf. While it still boosts sub-bass around 60Hz for rumble, its mid-bass stays closer to the SoundGuys’ preference curve, preserving clarity and separation in the low-mids. Its 3–6kHz region is also overemphasized compared to the V2 Pro’s treble peaks, making it more likely to induce sibilance or listener fatigue.
Do the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro or BlackShark V2 Pro have a better microphone?
Both mics are excellent, but the V2 Pro (2023) remains the benchmark in this price range. It consistently delivered a clear, natural voice quality in every scenario I tested, from quiet offices to noisy team chats. The shorter boom arm also made it easier to position and less intrusive, or in the way.
The V3 Pro’s new 12mm mic captures vocals well and samples at a higher rate (48kHz), but it’s not as good with noise rejection. While it sounds fantastic in a quiet room, I picked up more environmental sounds during gameplay, like keyboard clicks and nearby chatter. If you stream or game in a noisy space, the V2 Pro’s mic is simply more forgiving.
BlackShark V3 Pro microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
BlackShark V2 Pro microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
BlackShark V3 Pro microphone demo (Noise conditions):
BlackShark V2 Pro microphone demo (Noise conditions):
Which microphone sounds better to you?
Razer BlackShark V3 Pro vs BlackShark V2 Pro: Price and availability
The V3 Pro comes in at $249.99 at Amazon, while the V2 Pro (2023) costs $199.99 at Amazon. Both are widely available from Razer and major retailers, and the V2 Pro frequently dips below its MSRP during sales. Given how many of the V3 Pro’s premium features are only meaningful for a niche group of competitive PC gamers, the V2 Pro represents better overall value for most users.
Unless you’re specifically chasing dual-mode wireless, ANC, or the lowest latency available, you’re paying more for features that the average gamer likely won’t use to their full potential.
Should you get the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro or BlackShark V2 Pro?
The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is a clear technical upgrade over the V2 Pro (2023), with lower latency, more connectivity options, ANC, and a better soundstage for competitive play. It also introduces quality-of-life upgrades like dual wireless audio. But these improvements come with trade-offs: the loose fit affects comfort and ANC performance, and the default tuning needs EQ work for anything other than competitive video games.
Meanwhile, the V2 Pro isn’t nearly as advanced, but it gets the fundamentals right. It’s more comfortable, easier to use, and still delivers strong wireless performance with better mic quality and long battery life. Its aggressive sound signature won’t appeal to everyone, and the lack of wired options or ANC may limit its appeal for some use cases. But if you’re not chasing the absolute lowest latency or multi-device audio, the V2 Pro remains a solid value, especially under $200.
If you’re looking for a headset built around versatility and long-term use, the V3 Pro is the better long-term investment. However, for many gamers, the V2 Pro still hits the sweet spot regarding price, performance, and practicality.
Need ANC in a gaming headset? Consider the Alienware Pro
If you’re looking for a high-performance gaming headset with strong ANC, excellent sound quality, and day-long comfort—but aren’t sold on the quirks of the BlackShark V3 Pro—consider the Alienware Pro Wireless. At $229.99, it delivers better overall value than the V3 Pro for gamers who want great audio across games, music, and calls without dealing with finicky fit issues or treble distortion.
The Alienware Pro’s ANC performs more consistently, thanks to a better seal and more stable fit. It also has superior out-of-the-box sound quality, scoring higher in MDAQS for Timbre, Immersiveness, and overall listener preference. During my testing, it handled everything from cinematic soundtracks to competitive multiplayer with ease, without needing EQ adjustments. Its detachable mic, long battery life (70+ hours), and sleek design make it more versatile for everyday use or remote work.
That said, it lacks some of the V3 Pro’s gamer-specific features like pro-tuned EQ profiles, swappable battery, and dual wireless audio streaming, and it also doesn’t support Xbox. It’s not quite as feature-dense for competitive esports setups. But if you value a more polished, balanced listening experience and better comfort for long sessions, the Alienware Pro Wireless is a strong alternative worth considering.
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