[REVIEW] Superior Surround Sound: The Razer Barracuda X Chroma Is More Than Just Pretty Lights

A gaming headset that sounds really good, and not only for gaming.

Dec. 20, 2024

[REVIEW] Superior Surround Sound: The Razer Barracuda X Chroma Is More Than Just Pretty Lights

There are always doubts when a product is marketed with RGB lighting as one of its highlight draws, and I was expectedly skeptical when Razer offered to send me the Barracuda X Chroma headset for review.

Thankfully, I found that the Barracuda X Chroma offers way more than flashy lights on the sides of the earcups — sonically, it’s pretty solid across most applications, and I found myself putting it on instead of my trusty Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2 earphones, which I typically use for my daily music consumption.

But let’s circle back to the build of the product first.

Lightweight and very comfy

When I first picked up the Barracuda X Chroma, I was immediately drawn to how light it was despite its comparable size to other gaming headsets.

While made mostly from plastic, the headset’s feathery build thankfully doesn't translate to flimsiness or a perceivable lack of quality.

The flexible headband offers satisfying snappy adjustments, and the presence of memory foam on the earcups and the underside of the headband indicates a premium touch. The buttons feel solid when clicked, and the swiveling earcups feature ergonomic angles for a natural fit on my head, which measures a bit larger than average.

This leads to one of the headset’s high points — with its total weight of 285g, the Barracuda X Chroma makes for pretty comfortable wearing.

Factoring in the generous flexibility of the headband, there is almost no discomfort during extended wear. Overall, the memory foam earcups envelope my ears generously, while there is also very little lateral pressure exerted on my outer ears.

RGB lights: A flashy extra

As an aside, the Chroma function (RGB lights) is more of a novelty than a selling point.

While it looks cool, it quickly becomes a forgotten feature as you use the headset — mainly because it’s out of sight when worn. That said, Razer does allow you to customize the lighting effects using its Synapse software, which requires an additional download. While this may not be worth the hassle for some, it’s nice to have the option to turn off the lights and conserve battery.

Sonically sound

The Barracuda X Chroma delivers impressive sound, especially for gaming. Equipped with 7.1 surround sound, it offers crisp immersion in games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, where spatial awareness is critical. Positional audio is precise, and during my review, I found myself relying on it to detect the direction of footsteps or gunfire, enhancing my in-game performance.

Razer’s inclusion of 7.1 surround sound support also gives users the option to upgrade to THX Spatial Audio for more customization. So when it comes to music listening, the headset doesn't disappoint either.

Its wide soundstage and well-balanced frequency response handle various genres effortlessly. Tracks with driving beats, such as EDM or rock, sound particularly dynamic, while atmospheric tunes with airy pads and reverb-rich strings feel expansive.

The detachable microphone on the Razer Barracuda X Chroma is also a pleasant surprise. Its sensible cardioid pattern managed to picked up my voice with clarity and warmth, both during hectic gaming sessions or casual online calls.

I appreciated how it filtered out most background noise, keeping communication crisp and free of distractions. Whether chatting on Discord or handling work calls on Zoom, the microphone performed reliably without any noticeable dropouts.

The option to detach the boom mic is also a thoughtful touch for users who prefer a streamlined look when not actively using voice features.

Rounding up the features

The Barracuda X Chroma supports three connectivity options: wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless via an included dongle.

Both wireless modes were stable throughout my usage, with no dropped connections on Bluetooth. Switching between devices was seamless, a bonus for users who multitask across platforms.

Battery life is another strong suit, with Razer’s advertised 70 hours of usage holding up well when the RGB lights were off. With the Chroma functionality turned on, battery life is reduced significantly, making it more practical to use the headset without the lights for longer listening sessions.

Get it or not?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Barracuda X Chroma.

Its lightweight design, superb comfort, and strong sonic performance make it a well-rounded option for gamers and casual users alike. For its main use case — gaming — it excels with clear spatial audio and robust connectivity options. While the RGB lighting is a minor feature, it adds a touch of flair for those who enjoy aesthetic customization.

At RM749 (USD129.99 in the U.S.), the Barracuda X Chroma strikes a balance between functionality and style.

If you’re looking for a gaming headset that delivers on the essentials while offering a bit of visual flair, it’s worth considering.