Razer BlackShark V2 X Wired Gaming Headset

For a first proper gaming headset, the BlackShark V2 X is hard to argue with. It plugs in with a single 3.5mm jack, so it works with a PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Switch or the controller of an Xbox One (that last one may need Microsoft’s stereo adapter). No dongle, no charging, no software needed to get sound.

At 240 grams it’s light on your head, and the breathable foam cushions keep things from getting too warm in long sessions. The closed earcups seal around your ears for passive noise isolation, which helps block out a noisy room and keeps your game audio from leaking out. Razer’s TriForce 50mm drivers split the driver into three parts to tune highs, mids and lows separately, so footsteps and gunfire stay distinct instead of blending into a boomy mess.

The HyperClear cardioid mic picks up mostly what’s in front of it, which cuts down on keyboard noise reaching your squad. Razer’s 7.1 surround is software-based and only works on Windows 10 64-bit, so console players get plain stereo, which is fine for most games. Being wired, it also means one more cable on the desk. For a simple, comfy headset that moves between systems, it does the job well.