Low-latency wireless connection for gaming, ANC when you need to focus, and Bluetooth so you don't miss calls: Barracuda V2 Pro is aimed at people who frequently switch between PC, PS5, and phone.

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People often say, balancing work and entertainment is never easy. Perhaps that won't change anytime soon. But at least, choosing headphones for both can be simpler. I work and play games on PC, switch to PS5 when I want to play on the big screen, and use my phone to listen to music, watch videos, and take calls. Every time I change devices, I don't want to have to change headphones or pair them all over again.

The Razer Barracuda V2 Pro addresses that need with a low-latency 2.4GHz receiver for PC or PS5, while phones still connect via Bluetooth 6.0. While playing a game and the phone rings, I can receive calls right on the headset. Along with ANC, a detachable mic, and an integrated mic, the Barracuda V2 Pro has enough features to follow me through both work and play.

Design

Barracuda V2 Pro looks different from the familiar image of a Razer gaming headset. The product is black, has a small logo and does not use RGB lights. When removing the detachable mic, it is closer to a headset for everyday use, not only suitable for playing games but also suitable for listening to music, watching videos and even online meetings.

The headset weighs 285 g, uses soft head cushions and elastic foam ear cups covered with artificial leather. This weight makes the product easier to wear for long periods of time.

The frame is strong enough to keep the headphones stable, but comfort depends on head size and whether the user wears glasses or not. The tight-fitting earcups help with sound insulation, but the leather cushions can also warm your ears after a few hours of play.

The two ear cups can rotate and the body folds. The USB-C receiver is stored under a magnetic cover on the left earcup. Here's a detail I found useful: when unplugging the receiver from the PC to switch to the PS5, or when finished using it, it has a fixed location to store. This arrangement is very convenient: after using it on PC or PS5, just put it back in the headset instead of mixing it with other accessories on the table. Everything is neater and easier to find when needed again.

The Barracuda V2 Pro has two ways to collapse: rotate the earcups to lay flat on the table, or fold the earcups into the frame to put in a backpack or bag. The ability to fold inwards is new compared to the previous Barracuda Pro, making the headphones more compact when needed to carry. However, these are still over-ear headphones and do not come with a hard case, so I still leave some space in my bag. For me, the ease of stowing is an added convenience, but the most convenient point is still sharing the Barracuda V2 Pro for PC, PS5 and phone.

If you place the headset in the corner of your PC, the Base Station V3 Chroma is a separate accessory that fits quite well with the Barracuda V2 Pro. The stand gives the headset a permanent place to store it, and features a 12-zone RGB strip and two USB 3.1 ports. Once set up in Razer Synapse, lifting the headset from the stand can automatically activate audio profiles for gaming.

Connections, controls and battery

The Barracuda V2 Pro has three ways to connect: HyperSpeed ​​2.4 GHz wireless via USB-C receiver, Bluetooth 6.0 and direct USB-C cable. When playing games on PC, I prioritize the receiver because there are no wires and still have low latency. Razer claims 20 ms latency for this connection. If the battery is low, I can plug in the USB-C cable to charge and continue playing via a wired connection.

Switching to PS5 is also quite simple. I unplugged the receiver from the PC, plugged it into the USB port on the PS5 and the device automatically recognized the headset. No need to re-pair or go through many setup steps. The fact that I still have to switch the receiver manually is something to note, but it's quick enough when I regularly play on both devices.

What I use more is the ability to listen to audio from the 2.4 GHz receiver and phone via Bluetooth at the same time. While playing on PS5 and there is an incoming call, I can receive and chat immediately using Barracuda V2 Pro. When playing on PC, text message tones from my phone can also sound in the headset if I turn on notifications. Thanks to that, I can still monitor my phone without having to turn off the game sound.

The SmartSwitch button helps switch between connection modes. On the earcup there is also a power button, volume up and down, mic mute and multi-function button to control music or calls. I can handle most common operations right on the headset. The two volume up and down buttons alone will take some getting used to if you are used to using the knob.

In addition to PC and PS5, Barracuda V2 Pro also supports Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck and mobile devices. However, software features are not the same on every platform; Full THX Spatial Audio+ requires Razer Synapse on Windows PC. Synapse and the Razer Audio app on your phone allow you to adjust EQ, ANC and mic. Game, Movie, Music modes also help me quickly change sound quality according to the content I'm listening to, instead of using one setting for every device.

The battery is claimed to reach a maximum of 70 hours with ANC off or 50 hours with ANC on with a 2.4 GHz connection. A 15-minute quick charge can give about six hours of use; Actual duration depends on volume and connection mode. The long battery helps me pay less attention to charging when switching between PC, PS5 and phone. Even if you forget to charge, the USB-C cable allows you to continue playing without interruption.

Sound, noise canceling and mic

Barracuda V2 Pro uses Razer TriForce Bio-Cellulose 40 mm driver, with announced frequency response range from 12 Hz to 20 kHz.

With CS2 on PC, the 2.4 GHz HyperSpeed ​​connection helps sound closely follow what's happening on the screen. What's useful in a fight is not just to hear loud gunshots, but to distinguish between footsteps, reloads, and the direction the sounds are coming from. When these signals are not concentrated in one block, it becomes easier to decide to hold the corner, change position or inform teammates. This is the type of game that clearly shows why a gaming headset still needs a low latency connection, even though it has many more features to serve other needs.

On PC there's also THX Spatial Audio+ with virtual 7.1.4 surround sound. Four height channels add to the feeling of sound coming from above, in addition to surrounding directions. This effect can make the game space larger and more vivid. However, full THX Spatial Audio+ requires Razer Synapse on a Windows 11 PC.

With Phantom Blade Zero on PS5, I pay more attention to the emotions that sound brings. Wearing the Barracuda V2 Pro, I heard details in the background music more clearly at a moderate volume; If I turn on the speakers, I often have to turn them up louder to feel them. In particular, the sound of weapons colliding sounds very good: each block or sword clash has sharpness and force, making the fighting rhythm more exciting. Headphones also help me play games late at night without disturbing people around me. I like that I just need to plug the receiver into the PS5 and it will receive the headset and can start playing right away.

I rarely play games on my phone, but still use Barracuda V2 Pro to listen to music and watch videos. Users can also personalize some features on the Razer Audio application. Voices are clear, overall sound is easy to listen to, and it doesn't feel like the headset is only tuned for gunfire or explosions. Game, Movie and Music modes help quickly switch by content: Game when playing on PC or PS5, Movie when watching videos, Music when listening to music. If it doesn't suit my ears, I can still adjust the EQ instead of having to accept the default configuration.

Barracuda V2 Pro also has Hybrid ANC with four adjustable levels and Ambient mode. ANC is useful even when I mainly use headphones at home. The sound of fans, air conditioners or surrounding sounds can distract me from playing games or listening to music. Noise canceling helps reduce background noise; Ambient is convenient when you need to hear someone else's call without taking off your headphones.

ANC does not completely eliminate all noise. Regular background noise is often easier to reduce than nearby voices or sudden collisions. The tightness of the earcups also contributes to passive sound insulation, but can make the ears hotter when worn for long periods of time.

The Barracuda V2 Pro features a detachable Razer HyperClear Full Band mic and two built-in mics hidden in the ear cups. When playing games on PC or PS5 and need to chat with teammates, I attach an external mic. When I don't need voice chat, I remove the mic to make the headset look more compact; The device will automatically switch to the built-in mic. I can still receive calls from my phone without having to go into the app and select the mic again.

The headset has AI background noise reduction, separate EQ for the mic and mic monitoring. In a room with fan noise or keyboard typing, noise filtering can help your voice stand out more. In a quiet place, try both on and off modes to choose a more natural voice. If you often have long meetings, stream or record content, mic quality is still something you need to listen to carefully. The two mic styles offer flexibility, but don't automatically replace a dedicated recording device.

Conclusion

After a period of use, what I appreciate about the Barracuda V2 Pro is the ability to use the same headset for multiple devices. On PC, 2.4 GHz receiver for fast connection, low latency when gaming; Besides, I still use headphones to listen to music, watch videos or have online meetings. If I want to switch to PS5, I just need to plug the receiver into the device, I don't have to pair it again. The phone stays connected via Bluetooth so I receive calls even while listening to game audio.

Barracuda V2 Pro costs 6,990,000 VND in Vietnam, a not small number. But for people who regularly use PCs, PS5s and phones, that flexibility, along with ANC and the ability to listen to two audio sources simultaneously, makes the product worth considering. Among the tasks that must be balanced every day, at least choosing headphones for both work and entertainment can be simpler.