Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023): Two-minute review

If news about Razer launching the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is giving you a sense of déjà vu, it’s probably because the gaming headset was originally released back in 2020. As bizarre as it may seem, Razer has taken its popular headset and re-released it with some key improvements.

Now, I’m not exactly sure why the company didn’t just roll out an entirely new model with an incrementally new name, but it may have something to do with the fact that the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) is really more of an update rather than a proper upgrade. That is, the drivers are the same, and the overall design is largely similar.

Of course, that isn’t to say that this new and improved version isn’t worth checking out. Razer has essentially taken an already excellent device – and one of the best wireless gaming headsets I’ve tested – and made it a lot better with longer battery life, a clearer and crisper mic, and an even better fit. So, if you didn’t think before that Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is among the best gaming headset ever made, you might think that now with this iteration.

Design-wise, things have largely stayed the same. If you don’t look too closely, you might think Razer is pulling a fast one on you. But while the overall look is the same, there are a few small yet vital improvements on the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) that many will appreciate. 

That gorgeous headband that boasts that unique and classy cross-stitched fringing is plusher than ever due to the thicker and softer foam underneath. And, for longevity, it’s now attached to the earcups with stronger steel headband sliders, which are now strengthened. As for the earcups, they may also look the same as their predecessors, but they also now come with better memory foam cushions that are both designed to relieve pressure and optimized for sound isolation.

That’s not all. Likely from users moaning about the fit of the original headset, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) now has a more refined clamping force – not too much that it tries to squeeze your brains out (looking at you, Audeze Penrose) but enough that it stays on your head even during intense moments. Of course, its lightweight design (it keeps the same 320g weight as its predecessor) helps as well. This is definitely among the most comfortable and excellent-fitting headsets I’ve ever used. 

As a bonus, it wasn’t a burden to carry around when I brought it with me on my Greece vacation, which means I’m comfortable recommending it as a go-to travel gaming headset. Although if you are looking for something that’s more like a headphones-and-headset hybrid, you should look at the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless first.

Finally, Razer has gotten rid of the micro USB charging port – who even uses those anymore?! – and slapped on a nice USB-C one instead, which means you don’t even need to take that charging cable out of the box if you already have a couple of USB-C cables out for your other devices. And while you have to go through Razer Synapse to access the different game profiles, this headset now has a physical button on the right ear cup for on-the-fly access. At default, it’s set to the standard profiles; hold it down for three seconds, and it will switch to Pro-Tuned FPS profiles for game-specific EQs.

Bad news for pink fans, though. This one doesn’t come in Razer Quartz. However, it does come in Razer Mercury as well as black, so you’ve got an option if you’re tired of the same boring black aesthetic.

More improvements can be seen internally. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) now comes with Bluetooth connectivity on top of the 2.4GHz wireless one, and Razer has thrown in a USB Extender in case all those USB dongles are interfering with one another’s signals. 

A massive improvement that’s worth a spotlight, considering that this is an esports gaming headset, is the Razer HyperClear Super Wideband mic that replaces the old SuperCardiod mic. This has a 32kHz sampling rate, which might not matter to most users but does improve the accuracy of sound representation. Of course, such high sample rates are most useful for studio work, but in this case, you’re coming through clearly to your teammates no matter your mic settings. 

This mic sounds incredible, boasting a very full representation and more than decent background noise rejection. And, because of that high sampling rate, those enhancements on the Razer Synapse app work very well, whether you’re using voice gate (automatically mutes mic when you’re not talking), turning on vocal clarity (treble boost), or doing your own EQ (there’s a 10-band mic EQ on hand).

In terms of audio performance, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) inherits its predecessor’s impressive sound quality. There is lots of volume on tap, very rich mid-range, and fairly detailed high-end, making games like Kena: Bridge of Spirits all the more amazing during my testing.

Strangely, I found the low end to be somewhat weak – typically, I find gaming headsets a little heavy-handed on bass. But because the soundstage is already wide and immersive, and the sound imaging is incredibly accurate, you’re still getting that in-the-middle-of-the-battle feel, just not a lot of rumble.

You’ll find several sound profiles here, some standard ones and a handful of esports pro-designed game EQs for titles like CS: GO and Fortnite. I found these to be a hit or miss. Some, like the CS: GO profile, suit what they were made for perfectly; others don’t make that big of a difference. But that’s ok since you can create your own custom profile through the Synapse app as well.

Finally, I can’t round out this review without giving the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)’s battery life a proper shoutout. While the 2020 model only gave users a measly 24-hour gameplay, this one almost triples that with its 70 hours of juice and fast charging capability that offers up to six hours for a 15-minute charge. Apart from the initial full charge, I didn’t have to recharge this headset during my week-long testing, which was nice especially since I was traipsing around Greece in the second half and had to charge several devices every night.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023): Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $199.99 (about £199.99 / AU$300)
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Available now in the US, UK, and Australia, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) will set you back a fairly hefty $199.99 (about £199.99 / AU$300). Not that it isn’t worth it – and you kind of expect wireless gaming headsets to cost quite a bit. However, it is a little more expensive than what most people are willing to pay for a pair of headsets.

It is also slightly more expensive than the 2020 model, which retailed at  $179.99 / £179 / AU$299 at launch. If you are willing to pay for a great pair, however, you’ve got an ace here, especially if you value a lightweight design, a comfortable fit, and great audio quality.

• Value: 4 / 5

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023): Specs

Should you buy the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023): Also consider

How I tested the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

• Tested the headset for a week
• Used it for gaming, listening to music, and streaming shows
• Used it with games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Putting the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) through its paces meant using it for a week as my main wireless headset for gaming, listening to music, and watching my favorite shows. Because it’s designed to be lightweight, I brought it with me on my holiday in Greece to see how it would fare as a travel gaming headset.

As it is an esports-focused device, I did use it to play CS: GO and Fortnite, paying close attention to the sound profiles specifically designed for those games. However, I also used it with games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Kena: Bridge of Spirits. Since it has dual connectivity, I used it with my gaming PC, my work laptop while traveling, and my iPhone.

I’ve been testing, reviewing, and using gaming headsets for years as a freelance tech journalist and now as one of the Computing editors at TechRadar. My years of experience along with my discerning audio tastes make me more than qualified to test and vet these devices for you.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed April 2023

The OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock is a Thunderbolt docking station with a power supply built-in, making it more portable and a bit larger in its footprint. It offers a good array of ports and is a clear contender for hybrid workers, creatives on the go, and digital nomads alike.

Unboxing and First Impresssions

Unboxing was probably the least exciting part of using the Thunderbolt Go over the last few weeks. The dock itself, a Thunderbolt cable, and the AC adapter are in the box, and its packaging is simple, and there was no need for extra packing materials to ensure no damage, as this dock can easily withstand a bump or two.

We immediately appreciated that the port used to connect our MacBook (or any USB-C/Thunderbolt computer or tablet, for that matter) to the dock is isolated on the right side of the device. This placement makes the front even cleaner and leaves plenty of room to plug in and unplug devices quickly without the concern of unplugging your computer accidentally.

Design and Build Quality

The OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock is a sharp-looking docking station with sharp lines, clean fonts, and well-placed ports. The dock size is larger than others with the same port offerings. However, it's reasonable as the power supply is also housed inside the casing. 

Overall, the entire casing is sturdy and quality. There are no loose pieces, no wobble when put on a desk, and the ports are secure. The design is minimalist enough that we are okay with having it on our desk - especially not with our Delorean perched on top. 

Not needing to find a spot to hide (or mount) a large power brick has to be one of the most convenient benefits of the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock. Yes, the desktop footprint is slightly more prominent, but it's worth the benefit of not needing to crawl under our desk to unplug and then have another large box in our bag when we move between the office and our home office. 

In Use

After utilizing the Thunderbolt Go for a while, we were pleased with the port split between the front and the back of the dock. The front (left to right) has an SD Card reader, a headphone jack, a USB-A 2.0 port, and a USB-C 3.2 port (10Gb/s). The back (left to right) features two Thunderbolt 4 Ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, an Ethernet port capable of 2.5GB/s, two USB-A 3.2 ports (10Gb/s), and the AC in port.

We genuinely enjoyed using the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock and found it very beneficial for taking something to the office quickly and using our best standing desks. We didn't want to clutter up the underside of these desks with bricks, so being able to drop a monitor on top of it (like one of our best business monitors, for example) and then add this dock, both without needing an extensive power brick, is quite lovely. Making things even easier, we no longer need to choose between a little clip-on adapter or a full-fledged docking station when we are packing up for a day on the go, at the office, or in a coffee shop. We can always bring this one dock, knowing it is capable of charging our laptop, outputting video to a monitor, can be our hub for all of our devices to plug into our computer, and does not need a behemoth of a brick to do so.

With our music background in mind, this dock has sparked a plethora of ideas in our minds for use cases. When creatives as a group move from gig to gig or workspace to office space to studio space, knowing that the ports needed will always be with you is not just peace of mind but vital for workflows. Whether the creative setup needs USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, CAT-6 Network, USB-A, or SD card, this port can handle it all, turning a MacBook into a brain for a creative project without breaking a sweat.

Final Verdict

For good reason, the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock has quickly earned a place in our remote work bag. We love having everything in a very portable yet durable and reliable dock. The Thunderbolt Go Dock is a beautiful middle ground between desktop power and portable convenience, finding the sweet spot where the only compromise can be easily overlooked. The size of this dock is the one downside, though, for the peace of mind, this gives us that it feels like a fair trade for the right user on a day-to-day basis.

• Looking for a new laptop for remote work? Check out our guide to the best laptop for working from home