Making the right choice when buying a Razer Kraken headset

16x9-23-4868271

kraken-te-16x9-se-6506100

Best answer: The two most current versions of the Kraken headset are the ones to get. The Tournament Edition are the best choice if you’re a PC gamer, and the regular Kraken suits console and mobile gamers the best.

For PC gamers: Razer Kraken Tournament Edition ($100 at Amazon)
For console gamers: Razer Kraken ($80 at Amazon)

Two most recent additions

Razer’s Kraken headset lineup is admittedly a confusing thing to navigate. There are multiple headsets that look pretty much identical and even have very similar specs and prices. It makes choosing quite difficult.

For 2019 though, there are two current models to choose from: The Kraken and the Kraken Tournament Edition. The Pro v2 and Kraken 7.1 appear to have been discontinued. And unless you really want to have Chroma lighting on your head, getting a current model is always the way to go, especially since you’ll still be paying pretty much the same.

There’s also the fact that both current models are direct replacements. The Tournament Edition has taken the surround sound model a little further by adding in THX Spatial Audio processing, and the regular Kraken is a slightly improved version of the Kraken Pro v2.

If you stumble across a crazy deal on either of the older headsets, you won’t be losing much but it’s probably the only reason to consider picking them up.

Who should buy the Razer Kraken

4x3-31-4390152

razer-kraken-headphones-1-3937429

Even narrowing down to the two most current models leaves plenty of questions to be answered. It’s good that they’re so closely matched in so many ways, but it also makes choosing that little bit harder.

In the case of the regular Razer Kraken, if you’re a console or mobile gamer then it’s the one to go for. It’s good for PC gaming, too, but since it’s only a 3.5mm connection with stereo audio, it’s not the best you’ll get for gaming on your rig.

For consoles, it’s a perfect choice. Whether it’s the Xbox, PS4 or Switch, just plug it in to the 3.5mm headset jack and you’ll get crisp stereo audio from the custom tuned 50mm drivers. The earcups are also home to a special cooling gel that helps to reduce unnecessary perspiration. Plus, they are delightfully comfortable thanks to the memory foam construction.

Aside from inline volume and mute controls, there’s not a lot else to the Kraken. It’s well made and looks amazing especially in the green or pink color schemes you can get one in. Though there’s no active noise cancelation, it’s so large you get a great seal on your head for some good passive noise isolation.

Who should buy the Kraken Tournament Edition

4x3-31-4390152

kraken-te-2-6976825

Everything that’s good about the Kraken is also present in the Kraken Tournament Edition. There’s bad news if you’re a fan of the Quartz Edition pink because you can only get this one in black or green. However, if you’re a PC Gamer then the Tournament Edition is the one to get, thanks to the extra that put it a step ahead of the regular Kraken.

You get the same basic design, high-quality construction, cooling gel and custom tuned 50mm drivers. You also get a 3.5mm jack, so you can easily jump over to console or mobile if you wish, but it’s the USB connection that makes all the difference.

You get THX Spatial Audio which is fully customizable in the Synapse companion application. It takes the surround sound from the previous model a little further, and instead of merely immersing you in the audio, it gives you a full sound stage with excellent directional information. You’re able to tweak just how much you hear from which directions, too, so depending on the type of game you’re playing you can get just the right balance for you.

It’s only a little more expensive than the regular model, too, which for the addition of the spatial audio is well worth the extra investment.