After testing more gaming headsets than I can count, my instincts have been sharpened by years of experience — and a healthy dose of scepticism. I’ve learned that spec sheets promise the world, but the reality often falls short. Razer’s BlackShark line has always been competent, occasionally even impressive, but it had never replaced my daily drivers for competitive play. So when the BlackShark V3 Pro in white arrived, I assumed it would follow the same pattern: pleasant enough, but not life-changing. I was wrong. Not only did this headset exceed my expectations, it actively sharpened my performance in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, helping me pinpoint enemy footsteps with such precision that my reaction time noticeably improved.
This year, the BlackShark lineup includes three distinct models: the V3 Pro, V3, and V3 X. The V3 Pro is the flagship, offering Active Noise Cancellation, simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth streaming, and a premium build with aluminium yokes and FlowKnit memory foam cushions. The standard V3 drops ANC but retains the same core audio drivers and software support, making it a strong value pick for quieter environments. The V3 X is the entry-level option, with a more basic build and fewer connectivity options, aimed at budget-conscious gamers who still want solid sound performance.
The design sticks to the signature helicopter pilot silhouette that has come to define the BlackShark series, but in white it feels cleaner, more modern, and refreshingly subtle compared to Razer’s louder green-and-black offerings like the Kraken V4. The matte finish resists fingerprints, and the aluminium yokes give a reassuring solidity that speaks to its premium positioning. At 367 grams, it’s heavier than both the V2 Pro and the 270g V3, but the weight is so well-distributed that it never feels bulky or uncomfortable — even during extended gaming sessions.
The dual-layer FlowKnit memory foam cushions breathe well without losing their seal, and the 15-degree swivel in the earcups allows for a comfortable fit that conforms naturally to different head shapes. Even after marathon Warzone sessions stretching past four hours, I felt no uncomfortable pressure points. That said, for a headset that commands around $449 AUD, Razer’s decision not to include both pleather and fabric earcups — something competitors like SteelSeries and Logitech manage at this price tier — feels like a missed opportunity for added value and versatility.
Connectivity is versatile, with Razer’s HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2 over 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C wired, and even 3.5mm analogue available. The option to run 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously is a boon for players who want to blend game audio from a console or PC with a chat feed from a phone. However, the new trapezoidal USB-C dongle gives me pause. Instead of plugging directly into most devices, it now requires a short cable connection. On a desktop setup this is harmless, but with a laptop or handheld like the Steam Deck, it adds awkward clutter and diminishes portability compared to the V2 Pro’s more compact solution. In an era where the Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed still manages a small, console-friendly dongle at $349 AUD, this feels like a step backwards.
Where the V3 Pro truly earns its stripes is in audio performance. The TriForce Bio-Cellulose 50mm Gen-2 drivers deliver a soundstage that feels wide and open, yet naturally coherent. Positional cues in Black Ops 6 were astonishingly accurate — not just a vague sense of direction, but precise spatial awareness that let me pre-aim before opponents appeared in sightlines. Bass notes have more presence than on the V2 Pro, yet they remain tight enough to avoid muddying the midrange, while highs retain clarity without crossing into harshness unless pushed to extreme volumes.
THX Spatial Audio remains one of the strongest implementations of virtual surround in competitive gaming, and the dedicated EQ profiles for specific games, such as the “Competitive” setting for Call of Duty, are far from a gimmick. In back-to-back comparisons with the similarly priced Logitech Astro A50 Gen 5, which excels in musicality and cinematic immersion, the V3 Pro favoured surgical precision over musical warmth, making it a formidable choice for players prioritising a competitive edge. While the Astro A50 Gen 5 delivers richer bass and a more immersive media experience, the Razer’s positional accuracy and spatial clarity in competitive titles like Black Ops 6 consistently outperformed both rivals.
The microphone story is more complicated. On paper, the V3 Pro’s 12mm HyperClear Full-Band mic with 48kHz sampling should have been a clear step up from the V2 Pro’s 9.9mm capsule. But initial reviews revealed an odd truth: despite better physical specifications, early units produced thinner, more compressed audio than the older model. Confusion rippled through forums and review channels alike. To their credit, Razer moved quickly, pushing a firmware update that transformed the mic’s performance, restoring body and clarity to voice capture and making it entirely suitable for in-game comms and even light streaming without a dedicated microphone. It’s a rare and welcome example of a brand responding decisively to constructive criticism.
Active Noise Cancellation is the flagship upgrade over the V2 Pro, and it works well enough, using four dedicated mics to reduce ambient distractions. Low-frequency hums from air-conditioning or PC fans fade into silence, but higher-pitched sounds like nearby conversations still slip through. The breathable fabric earcups also limit passive isolation, which makes the ANC less effective than it might be with pleather. For players in noisy households or those who travel, it could be worth the extra investment compared to the cheaper V3 model that lacks Active Noise Cancellation. For most home setups, however, the benefits will be less pronounced, and the ANC feels more like a premium add-on than a transformative feature.
Battery life is another standout, delivering up to 70 hours over 2.4GHz or around half that with ANC engaged and simultaneous Bluetooth in play. However, its a far cry from 300 hours of the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless but for most people, the V3 Pro is unquestionably plenty. Plus a quick 15-minute charge yields roughly six hours of use, meaning you can easily top up between matches. Physical controls remain intuitive and satisfyingly tactile, with the left cup handling power, mic mute, volume, and the USB-C port, while the right handles ANC and multipurpose functions such as game-chat balance, sidetone adjustment, preset switching, and connection toggling. The addition of a customisable roller is a quality-of-life tweak that makes on-the-fly changes effortless.
There’s even deeper customisation in Razer Synapse and the new Razer mobile app, but it’s worth noting that the cheaper V3 model — which lacks Active Noise Cancellation — also supports these software features. That means if ANC isn’t a priority, you won’t be missing out on the core tuning options like EQ presets, mic settings, and game-specific profiles. The V3 Pro simply adds more granular control over ANC levels and sidetone, which may appeal to players in noisier environments or those who stream regularly.
Feedback from the wider reviewer community supports the idea that this is Razer’s most refined headset yet. Build quality is solid, simultaneous wireless streams are genuinely useful, and thoughtful touches like a replaceable battery suggest long-term durability. There are still minor drawbacks — the fit can loosen during quick movements, treble peaks at high volume may cause fatigue, and Bluetooth codec support is limited.
After weeks of testing, I can confidently say the BlackShark V3 Pro in white is Razer’s best headset to date. It blends style with competitive-grade audio performance, and the firmware fix has resolved early mic issues. Whether the ANC-driven price premium is worth it depends on your setup: in noisy environments, it’s a smart upgrade; in quieter ones, the cheaper V3 model may offer similar value. Either way, it’s earned a spot on my recommended list.
Razer Australia kindly provided the Blackshark V3 Pro to PowerUp for the purpose of this review
