Gaming
Razer Barracuda
62Average
$160
Full review dataRazer Barracuda vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless - Great overall at around $190.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Razer Barracuda
Sound6.0
Battery7.0
Calls6.0
Value6.5
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery9.0
Calls8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Razer Barracuda | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming | Gaming |
| Price (USD) | $160 | $190 |
| HearWiki score | 62 / 100 · Average | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 50 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 10 Hz - 22,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | 93 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.x | 5 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 40 h | 22 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 36 h |
| Battery incl. case | - | 44 h |
| Full charge time | - | 15 min |
| Quick charge | - | 15 min = 3 h |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | none | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes |
| Companion app | No | Yes |
| Custom EQ | No | Yes |
| Wear detection | No | No |
| Controls | buttons | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 300 g | 337 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 2 | 1 |
| Call noise reduction | AI noise cancellation | - |
What reviewers said
Razer Barracuda
The Razer Barracuda is a wireless over-ear gaming headset that prioritizes versatility and battery life over added features like active noise cancellation. It connects via 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or a 3.5mm cable, making it compatible with PC and PlayStation. With a 40-hour battery and a detachable mic, it's a straightforward option for gamers who want a long-lasting, multipurpose headset without extra frills.
- Pro:Long 40-hour battery life for extended gaming sessions
- Pro:Multiple connection options (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, 3.5mm) for broad device support
- Pro:Detachable microphone for easy transition between gaming and casual use
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so ambient sounds can intrude
- Con:Lacks app support and custom EQ, limiting sound customization
- Con:No wireless charging, requiring cable charging
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a premium gaming headset that pairs solid wireless freedom with hybrid active noise cancellation and a handy hot-swappable battery setup. Its balanced sound, clear detachable mic, and strong app-based tuning make it a versatile pick for gamers, though it comes at a steep price and carries some tuning quirks. The included base station adds extra flexibility by juggling multiple audio sources and offering quick battery swaps for longer sessions.
- Pro:Hot-swappable batteries for extended playtime
- Pro:Versatile base station with dual audio connections
- Pro:Effective noise cancellation and transparency mode
- Con:Pricey compared to many rivals
- Con:Frequency response consistency could be better
- Con:ANC performance is decent but not class-leading
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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