Razer Barracuda 2 (Regular, Pro, X, and Chroma series) wishlist: All the features I want to see

Razer is one of the most popular manufacturers of wireless gaming headsets on the market. Alongside its Kraken and BlackShark offerings, the Barracuda line is revered for bundling the best wireless headphones features into gaming headsets. The Barracuda X Chroma is the company’s latest release and builds upon the successes of the earlier Barracuda X, Barracuda, Barracuda X (2022), and Barracuda Pro. Enjoying improved battery life, better microphone quality, and RGB lighting, the headset caters to streamers and avid gamers alike. However, some important omissions leave room for an updated Razer Barracuda 2.

Unfortunately, Razer has not officially announced any versions of the Barracuda 2 so far. Given many of the previous Barracuda iterations launched on the same date, here are all the best features I want to see in the Barracuda 2, Barracuda Pro 2, Barracuda X 2, and Barracuda X Chroma 2.

A detachable boom microphone

The original Razer Barracuda and Barracuda Pro embed a beamforming microphone array instead of sporting dedicated boom microphones. This allows the headsets to be worn out and about while appearing to the public as regular wireless headphones. Unfortunately, beamforming microphones pick up voices less well than microphones positioned directly in front of the mouth. The result is a pair of headsets less suitable for gaming than their immediate rivals.

The Razer Barracuda X (2022) and Barracuda X Chroma solve this issue by implementing detachable boom microphones. Supplied in the packaging, fans can plug the microphone into the left ear cup’s dedicated port and receive superior microphone quality. The Razer Barracuda X (2022) can also utilize its built-in microphone to take calls on the move without attaching the boom microphone. The Razer Barracuda 2 and Barracuda Pro 2 would serve gamers better by adopting a detachable boom microphone.

Bluetooth 5.4 and high-res codecs

2.4GHz USB dongles are the reigning champion of low-latency wireless connectivity. They also allow gamers to connect to a broader list of consoles without fumbling around with wires. However, mobile gamers and those wanting to use their headset as standard wireless headphones require Bluetooth connectivity. In this instance, Bluetooth 5.4 is the most desirable version and brings improved battery life, a longer signal range, and better audio quality.

All of the most recent versions of the Razer Barracuda headset run Bluetooth 5.2. Consequently, fans receive less efficient wireless connections than headsets that run Bluetooth 5.4. The Razer Barracuda and Barracuda Pro operate the SBC and AAC codecs, while the Barracuda X (2022) and the latest Barracuda X Chroma only connect via the SBC codec. This falls short of the competition, leaving mobile gamers without a high-quality wireless connection. The Razer Barracuda 2 should incorporate Qualcomm’s aptX codec to provide its user base with 352kbps, 48kHz/16-bit LPCM audio streaming.

Active noise canceling

To many people’s surprise, very few gaming headsets come with active noise canceling baked in. As such, gamers living in noisy environments are forced to select from a small pool of ANC-capable headsets. These include the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, and JBL Quantum ONE. The problem for many is that these cans come with a hefty price tag that can be difficult to justify. Thankfully, the ANC headset industry is burgeoning and should yield more affordable options as competition grows.

One of the Razer Barracuda Pro’s major selling points is that it is Razer’s only ANC-ready headset in the Barracuda line. Attenuating up to 45dB of high-frequency noise and with good isolation, the headset is well equipped for dampening intrusive environmental sounds. In particular, the headset’s ANC quells low-end incidental noises like car engines and AC drones better than its siblings’ passive isolation. The headset makes life easier by adorning an ANC control on the right ear cup. This allows you to toggle different ANC modes directly from the cans and should come as standard on all future Razer Barracuda 2 headsets.

Comprehensive connectivity options

The best gaming headsets feature platform-agnostic features and many connectivity options. For example, the Razer Barracuda X (2022) comes packaged with a USB-C 2.4GHz dongle and a USB-A to USB-C adapter to hook up older devices. The headset also sports a 3.5mm headphone cable for wired listening. Combined with Bluetooth 5.2, the Barracuda X (2022) can connect to PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and mobile.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Razer’s whole Barracuda catalog. For example, the Barracuda Pro omits its predecessor’s headphone jack. So too does the Razer Barracuda X Chroma. Adding further insult to injury, the USB dongle included with both products is incompatible with Xbox consoles. Without a wired connection, Microsoft fans are left by the wayside. All variations of the Razer Barracuda 2 will need a USB dongle, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and Bluetooth connectivity to appease platform-agnostic fans.

Improved sound quality

Regarding sound quality, the Razer Barracuda line of headphones is a mixed bag. For example, the Barracuda Pro follows our preference curve below 200Hz but has an early roll-off around 8kHz. The mids between 200Hz-1kHz are also underemphasized, making fundamentals like speech and in-game footsteps less intelligible. The original Barracuda is similar, albeit with a bump in the bass range around 100Hz.

The graph above shows that the Barracuda X (2022) and Barracuda X Chroma share a similar frequency response. However, the Barracuda X (2022) underemphasizes sub-bass frequencies and those above 1kHz. The Barracuda X Chroma follows our preference curve more closely, although it has a prominent treble peak at 7kHz that may annoy some listeners. The Razer Barracuda 2 should feature improved sound quality over its predecessors.

Will there be a Razer Barracuda 2?

Razer is one of the oldest and most influential gaming peripheral brands. Celebrated for its superior comfort, sleek aesthetics, and industry-leading innovations, the company remains invested in its gaming headset category. The Barracuda X Chroma is Razer’s latest addition and packs many improvements and desirable features.

Unfortunately, there has been no word on the Razer Barracuda 2. Rumors are particularly sparse, so we may not see the headset come to fruition soon.

• Razer Barracuda X — July 13, 2021
• Razer Barracuda, Battacuda X (2022), and Barracuda Pro — May 31, 2022
• Razer Barracuda X Chroma — October 24, 2024

However, we can estimate an approximate release window for the Barracuda 2 by analyzing Razer’s previous release schedule. For example, the original Barracuda X arrived on shelves on July 13, 2021. The subsequent Barracuda, Barracuda X (2022), and Barracuda Pro launched one year and two months later on May 31, 2022. Finally, the latest Barracuda X Chroma came to market two years and five months later on October 24, 2024. By that metric, we should expect the Razer Barracuda 2 to launch in the summer of 2026.

Should you wait for the Razer Barracuda 2?

With no indication of the Razer Barracuda in sight, it makes little sense to wait around. Instead, gamers should grab the latest Razer Barracuda X Chroma. This headset is available from the company’s website and most major retailers including Amazon and Best Buy.

The Razer Barracuda X Chroma costs ($129.99 at Amazon) and delivers superior comfort thanks to its 285g lightweight design and breathable fabric earpads. Razer’s new RGB lighting adds flare for streaming sessions and can be customized extensively in the Razer Audio app (iOS/Android.) Hidden under the hood is a low-latency Bluetooth gaming mode and a ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature that blocks calls while using the 2.4GHz dongle. Those wanting to adjust their sound can select from four EQ presets or toggle the app’s 10-band custom EQ. The left earcup houses the headset’s controls including a microphone mute button, a volume dial, and a power button. The Barracuda X Chroma also owns a new quick switch button to toggle connection methods or change EQ presets. Battery life lasts over 70 hours with the lights off, and the headset enjoys good spatial positioning.

Those needing Xbox compatibility at a similar price point will enjoy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X ($129 at Amazon.) Unlike most gaming headsets, the Nova 5X includes a USB-C 2.4-GHz dongle that lets you switch between Xbox and virtually anything else. You’ll find the usual array of buttons and dials on the ear cups, with the addition of a ChatMix Dial to adjust the chat and game audio balance. Downloading the Arctis Nova 5 app unlocks over 100 game-specific EQ presets, battery life monitoring, sidetone, and microphone volume controls. Battery life lasts over 42 hours, and the headset can fast charge six hours of playtime from a 15-minute top-up. The Arctis Nova 5X does an okay job of blocking out incidental noise and has a frequency response most people will enjoy. The tradeoff is its bulkier design and a wide USB dongle that can block adjacent ports.

If you desire best-in-class microphone quality, grab the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) ($199.99 at Amazon.) While they pick up some background noises like keyboard clicks, the headset does an excellent job of relaying voices. The build quality is also very pleasing, given the headset weighs 331g and sports thick memory foam cloth-padded ear pads. Like the Barracuda X Chroma, the BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) uses a SmartSwitch button on the right ear cup to switch between Bluetooth and Razer Hyperspeed. The Razer Synapse app delivers THX Spatial Audio, a 10-band graphic EQ, ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode, and a list of voice-related modifications. The headset connects via a 2.4GHz USB dongle or Bluetooth 5.2 over the AAC and SBC codecs. Unfortunately, the lack of a headphone jack means Xbox fans are again left out. Battery life lasts over 55 hours, noise isolation is good, and the headset should sound decent to most people.

Noise canceling enthusiasts with cash to splash should consider the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless ($349.99 at Amazon.) This sturdy headset wears faux leather ear pads and an inconspicuous metal-infused plastic frame that feels pleasant. It also ships with a base station that uses two USB-C connectors to hook up two devices simultaneously. It can charge the hot-swappable battery and features an OLED display to handle the headset’s software features like a 10-band EQ and game/chat mix balance. Alternatively, gamers can download the SteelSeries GG app to access the Moments and Sonar suits to record gameplay and adjust audio settings. The headset uses the base station to connect devices via USB-C and 3.5mm TRS jacks. Mobile gamers can utilize Bluetooth 5.0, although only with the SBC codec. However, unlike much of the competition, the Nova Pro Wireless supports active noise canceling.

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