Compare Razer BlackShark V3 Pro vs Skullcandy Crusher PLYR 720

Reviewers broadly praised the headset for strong gaming sound, with several calling it fantastic or greatly improved, while a few found it less convincing for music or all-around use.

Most reviewers found the core gaming sound clear, punchy, and highly enjoyable even with Crusher bass off. A few felt the stock tuning was merely decent or less refined than top premium rivals.

Passive isolation was mixed because the cloth pads and fit can leak noise, though one reviewer thought passive isolation was enough for typical gaming.

Passive isolation is very weak by design. The open-back cups let outside sound in, making the headset a poor fit for noisy rooms.

ANC drew strong praise from many reviewers for blocking fans, AC, transit, or household noise, but some found it weaker or dependent on seal and pad design.

Active noise cancellation is absent, and one reviewer counted that omission against the headset at this price.

Mic noise reduction was highly variable, from excellent background suppression to complaints about weak rejection or EQ/noise tools changing the voice tone.

Background-noise rejection is a strength: keyboard noise, ringing phones, and other room sounds are filtered effectively, though the processing can make voices sound compressed.

Soundstage impressions were mostly positive for gaming, with reviewers hearing wider or more open presentation, though one found it narrower and another said it was not open-back wide.

The open-back design creates an unusually wide, spacious presentation that reviewers repeatedly praised for immersion and a convincing sense of distance.

Bass was generally viewed as punchy and useful for games, though some reviewers said it was only above average, too boosted, or not a true bass-monster.

Crusher bass is the defining attraction: it can make explosions, engines, and music physically rumble with unusual force. Reviewers also warn that high settings become overwhelming, fatiguing, or even distort the presentation.

Spatial audio was usually positive for immersion and positional depth, though some reviewers preferred stereo for competitive play or found ANC narrowed the presentation.

THX Spatial Audio can add strong immersion and convincing head-tracked movement, but reviewers disagree on its precision and usefulness. Some found it excellent; others found distance controls subtle or head tracking buggy.

Frequency response was seen as improved but imperfect, with good tonal accuracy or enjoyable tuning offset by V-shaped balance and treble/bass issues.

Measurements and listening impressions point to generally solid tonal balance, but with uneven bass-to-mid transitions and notable treble peaks that benefit from EQ.

Positional audio was a standout strength, with reviewers repeatedly locating footsteps, gunshots, enemies, and environmental cues accurately.

Positional audio is a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly able to pinpoint footsteps, gunfire, and movement accurately in competitive games.

Audio-video sync evidence was limited but excellent, with SoundGuys reporting no noticeable delay on the low-latency wireless connection.

One reviewer reported no perceptible lag during wireless use, with game audio feeling immediately synchronized.

Preset EQ evidence was negative from SoundGuys, especially for the Music preset, which they said worsened balance and listening quality.

Several reviewers were happy with the default flat or out-of-box tuning and found little reason to change presets.

Dongle feedback was the clearest hardware complaint: most reviewers disliked the wired/bulky dongle, though one praised its technology and range.

The 2.4GHz dongle is easy to use, with reviewers describing instant plug-and-play behavior.

Detachable microphone convenience had limited evidence and was mildly negative because one reviewer disliked detachable mic design as a personal preference.

The detachable boom mic is convenient when switching to a separate microphone or using the headset without the boom attached.

Stability was mixed: one reviewer had game-audio reliability issues, while another praised the wireless range and signal performance.

Once adjusted, the earcups held their selected height surprisingly well in one detailed review.

Wireless latency was one of the strongest technical positives, repeatedly described as ultra-low, imperceptible, and among the fastest available.

Wireless latency reports conflict sharply, from snappy 25ms or effectively lag-free use to concerns over a quoted 40–50ms delay.

Microphone quality was the most divisive feature: some reviewers found it clear or excellent, while others saw it as muffled, stuffy, or a downgrade from V2 Pro.

The boom microphone is clear enough for gaming, but its stiff arm repeatedly drew criticism because it springs back instead of holding precise placement.

Sidetone adjustment was mixed: some reviewers found it fuzzy or unpleasant, while others liked its real-time performance and usability.

Sidetone is one of the weaker features. Multiple reviewers called it faint, quiet, or robotic, though one found the level appropriate.

The added swivel/rotation was welcomed as a comfort and fit improvement, even if the headset still does not rotate fully flat.

The 180-degree earcup swivel was praised as convenient for resting the headset around the neck.

Game/chat balance control was praised as an extremely welcome and practical control, especially for quickly shifting focus between chat and gameplay.

Game/chat balance works directly on the headset for Xbox and PC, but reviewers note that the same control is unavailable on PS5.

Cable quality had one clear negative note: the USB-C-to-3.5mm cable produced distracting cable noise when brushing clothing.

The included flat analog cable works, but one reviewer found its tendency to bunch up annoying.

Portability was weak because the headset does not fold or rotate flat and is not ideal for travel or handheld setups with the dongle.

The wide, bulky earcups make the headset awkward to pack or use as a travel companion, and the lack of integrated mics further hurts portability.

Midrange comments leaned positive, with reviewers noting natural voices, present mids, and improved accuracy compared with earlier tuning.

The midrange was described as clean and well balanced overall, with only minor coloration.

Instrument separation and detail were praised, especially by reviewers who heard clearer instruments, better tonal separation, and less congestion than older models.

Busy game scenes stay well separated, with effects and gunfire remaining distinct even when the action gets dense.

Connectivity versatility was a major selling point because reviewers valued Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB, analog, simultaneous audio, and broad device flexibility.

Connectivity is exceptionally versatile, combining Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, USB audio, and 3.5mm across a broad range of devices.

One reviewer found the available volume headroom initially disappointing until changing PC audio settings.

One reviewer found PC and music playback quieter than expected for a premium gaming headset.

Replaceable earpads had limited positive evidence, with one reviewer noting the pads are user-serviceable.

The earpads can be replaced, which helps cleaning and longevity, although reinstalling them can be fiddly.

Treble was the most repeated audio caveat: several reviewers found harshness, distortion, spiky peaks, or fatiguing high-end energy despite some tunability.

Treble is the main tonal weakness. Several reviewers heard reduced top-end refinement or an 8kHz emphasis that can sound sharp, metallic, or sibilant.

Headband adjustment had limited positive evidence, with one reviewer finding the sliding earcup mechanism refreshingly different and effective.

Height and headband adjustment can be smooth and stable, but at least one unit gradually slid out of position and needed repeated readjustment.

Multi-platform compatibility had limited but very positive evidence, with one reviewer saying it could cover an entire gaming ecosystem.

Multi-platform support is excellent, especially with the Xbox version, which reviewers used successfully across major consoles, PC, Switch, and mobile.

Ear cup padding was praised for breathability, sweat control, and softness, though one reviewer found the pads getting warm after about an hour.

The ear cushions are generally soft, breathable, and comfortable for long gaming sessions, though a few reviewers found the cloth less plush than expected.

Included accessories had limited positive evidence, with one reviewer appreciating the included 3.5mm cable for passive use.

The box is well equipped, and the Xbox version’s included Game Pass code was singled out as a welcome extra.

Hinge durability evidence was mixed: reviewers noted smoother or reinforced parts, but one still wished the earlier weak spot had been better addressed.

Plastic hinge and adjustment points raised durability concerns in two hands-on reviews, including creaking and visible flex.

Clamp comfort evidence was limited but positive, with one reviewer appreciating the reduced clamp force for longer wear.

Clamping is light and comfortable, but one reviewer found it so loose that the headset could move during more active head motion.

Build quality was strongly praised across reviews, with comments on sturdiness, premium finish, improved robustness, and well-built construction.

Build quality is divisive. Some units feel premium, sturdy, and durable, while others come across as too plastic-heavy with creaking adjustment points for the price.

Weight comfort was generally good because the headset does not feel too heavy, though a few reviewers noted lighter alternatives or extra weight from new features.

Weight impressions are mixed. The suspension system distributes the mass well for some reviewers, while others found roughly 370 grams too heavy for extended wear.

Design and aesthetics were highly praised for the aviation-inspired look, premium finish, sleek styling, and recognizable BlackShark identity.

The styling is restrained for a gaming headset, with a premium matte-black look and subtle lighting. The oversized cups can still look bulky on the head.

Comfort was one of the strongest consensus positives, with many reviewers wearing it for long sessions without fatigue, pressure, or discomfort.

Long-session comfort is usually very good thanks to breathable pads and the suspension design. Heavier weight, a sticky silicone strap, and occasional fit quirks keep it from being universally comfortable.

Multipoint and simultaneous audio reliability was mostly strong, with reviewers noting calls and dual-device mixing worked well; one found the switching implementation clunky.

Simultaneous Bluetooth plus 2.4GHz is one of the most consistently praised conveniences, letting users keep game audio active while taking calls or using a phone app.

Value was sharply split: some reviewers said the premium was justified or competitive, while others preferred cheaper V2 or non-Pro alternatives.

Value is highly audience-dependent. Bass enthusiasts often feel the experience justifies the premium, while other reviewers argue the $260–$270 price is steep beside cheaper, more polished alternatives.

Fit and seal were mixed: one reviewer liked the seal, while SoundGuys found the yoke and fabric made a reliable seal difficult.

The articulated cups can create a good seal and fit larger heads well, but some reviewers found the overall grip loose enough to shift when tilting the head.

Earpad replacement evidence was limited but mildly positive because removable pads support repairability, even if the clip mechanism could be better.

The earpads are removable and easy to clean, but one reviewer found them frustrating to reinstall.

Bluetooth was consistently valued for simultaneous or extra-device audio, with reviewers calling it a huge win or a blessing despite some implementation quirks.

Bluetooth preserved the headset’s haptic-bass performance well in the tested use case.

Physical controls were generally useful and snappy, but reviewers disagreed on usability, with some loving them and others finding buttons hard to distinguish or unintuitive.

The controls offer a lot directly on the headset, but the multifunction joystick can feel overloaded, imprecise, or easy to mis-trigger. Other reviewers found the layout satisfying and easy to reach.

The companion apps and software were useful for EQ and mobile/PC control, but one reviewer found the app workflow awkward in simultaneous mode.

The apps offer unusually deep control over EQ, lighting, spatial audio, mic settings, and more. Reliability is inconsistent, with some reviewers reporting smooth operation and others repeated detection or sync bugs.

Call and chat mic quality was split: PCMag praised Discord clarity after EQ, while other reviewers found it muffled or merely usable.

Microphone impressions range from crystal-clear to merely usable. Voice intelligibility is usually good, but some reviewers heard compression, clipping, white noise, or weaker-than-premium quality.

EQ customization was a major strength, with reviewers praising onboard EQ, 10-band controls, Synapse depth, and game-specific tuning flexibility.

EQ flexibility is extensive, with multiple custom slots and multi-band tuning that can meaningfully fix the headset’s sharper or bassier tendencies.

Software/setup simplicity was mixed to negative: setup could be easy, but Synapse and mode switching were described as finicky, clunky, or buggy.

Setup can be straightforward when everything behaves, but conflicting instructions, unclear icons, and serious software bugs made the experience frustrating for some reviewers.

Battery life was mostly praised as long or solid, though some reviewers noted feature use can reduce runtime and that the 70-hour claim is not always the whole story.

Battery results vary widely: some reviewers saw multi-day endurance near the advertised range, while others measured closer to about 25 hours with features active.

Android Bluetooth pairing was seamless in two reviews, with stable audio and no meaningful quality drop.

Platform support is broad, but documentation around the two variants and PlayStation behavior can be confusing or contradictory.

Glasses wearers reported little to no extra pressure, with the soft cups sitting comfortably over frame arms.

There are no integrated microphones, so removing the boom mic sacrifices call convenience and makes the headset less practical on the go.

Maximum-volume clarity was mixed: one reviewer heard off-sounds at higher volume or peaks, while another heard no crackle or distortion even very loud.

Overall reactions range from ecstatic to deeply frustrated. The unique bass, strong gaming sound, and immersion inspire unusually strong fans, while software bugs, weight, build concerns, and price prevent universal endorsement.

The packaging was praised for its presentation and eco-friendly approach.

Replaceable ear plates were viewed as easy and potentially cool, but some reviewers considered them limited or not very useful out of the box.

Auto-sleep behavior was unreliable in repeated testing, occasionally leaving the headset powered on for hours.

The silicone suspension strap can pick up visible grease and feel sticky, which makes it less pleasant to keep looking clean.

Transparency or ambient mode had limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer valuing it for hearing surroundings while wearing the headset.

USB-C audio adds another useful wired connection option alongside Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and 3.5mm.

Wireless range drew a repeated complaint: one reviewer saw dropouts at roughly 12 feet, far short of the expected range.

The Xbox version is repeatedly recommended because it adds wireless Xbox support while also working across PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile in testing.

Rapid charging is useful, with one reviewer citing roughly four hours of playback from a ten-minute charge.

Footstep scaling divided reviewers: some liked it as a competitive extra, while others found it gimmicky, game-dependent, or disruptive to other sounds.

Open-back leakage is noticeable in shared spaces, though a couple of reviewers found it less severe than expected at normal listening levels.

RGB is subtle rather than flashy and can be customized by color and brightness. Effects are fairly limited, and much of the lighting sits inside the earcups.