If you're going to buy your student one headset for school, gaming, and audio, this should be it

Razer Blackshark V2
Razer Blackshark V2 (Image credit: Windows Central)

Back to school time inevitably means buying a host of new equipment for your kids. And the list quickly starts getting really long! There are a few areas you can cut down, though, and one of those is on their audio. Particularly with the increase in remote learning through 2020, a good pair of headphones is a must.

But, if your young student also wants to game in their downtime and enjoy music and movies without bothering those around them, what's the best thing to get? I'm here to suggest a gaming headset, and the new Razer BlackShark V2 is the one to get.

Great sound and comfort

Razer Blackshark V2

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

The idea of a gaming headset as a single solution might sound a little out there, but that's not the case at all. The BlackShark V2 is Razer's newest headset, and it's also the company's best.

In combination with the Razer owned THX, the BlackShark V2 has been tuned to provide exceptional audio, delivered by the all-new TriForce driver. Without getting bogged down in the tech — check out our review for that — the drivers in this headset allow highs, mids, and lows to be individually optimized, which in turn delivers a clear, quality sound.

While there are additional features on hand to tune the audio for PC gaming through the THX Spatial Audio system and the new game-specific profiles, the overall sound is very pleasing if you're just listening to music or watching a video, too.

The BlackShark V2 is also probably the most comfortable gaming headset on the market today. A big part of that is how light it is, lighter than just about any other headset and indeed many popular pairs of regular headphones. In particular, if remote learning is going to be a big part of the next school year, this is something to get, since you can easily wear it all day without fatigue.

Perfect for PC, console, and mobile

Razer Blackshark V2

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

To get the very best out of the BlackShark V2, you'll be using the included USB sound card dongle, turning the THX Spatial Audio on, and jumping into some top-level gaming. However, the added beauty here is that you don't need to use USB to use this headset.

The primary connection is just a 3.5mm jack, making it compatible with PC, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. The microphone is also detachable for those times. A pair of good headphones is all that's needed.

After all, nobody wants to go outside screaming GAMER. The styling here is still not necessarily what you'd find on regular headphones, but it's subtle enough to go unnoticed.

Attractive price, quality product

Razer Blackshark V2

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Whether shopping for headphones or headsets, price is always a factor. In both cases, prices for quality items can go really, really high. If you're getting a pair of the latest Bose headphones, for example, you're blowing well past $300.

That's one of the other advantages of getting the BlackShark V2 as a do-all pair of cans. All of this goodness is available for just $100, and it includes access to the THX Spatial Audio goodies. You even get a neat little carry bag thrown in to keep it safe for the times it goes in a bag on the way to class.

Ultimately, the BlackShark V2 makes a superb all-round audio solution for the coming school year, covering gaming, working, and relaxing. It's a quality product at an amazing price and one that won't disappoint.

Check out more tips on getting the most out of your headphones and earbuds.

Richard Devine
Managing Editor - Tech, Reviews

Richard Devine is a Managing Editor at Windows Central with over a decade of experience. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently, you'll find him steering the site's coverage of all manner of PC hardware and reviews. Find him on Mastodon at mstdn.social/@richdevine