Razer's Thresher headset is the company's first headset that uses the Xbox Wireless protocol to connect directly to your console, completely free of USB cables, dongles, or base stations. It leverages a similar design to that of the Razer Thresher Ultimate and Thresher 7.1, albeit stripping out some of the bells and whistles, and for a lower, $150 price.
I've been using the Thresher headset for Xbox One for a few days now, and I've found it to be one of the most comfortable headsets I've ever used. That said, there are some compromises.
$150Bottom line: Razer puts a focus on quality craftsmanship and there's no shortage of that here. The $150 Thresher is one of the best wireless headsets you can get for Xbox One, but it's held back by an important missing features.
Pros:
Looks great.Very comfortableGreat battery.Rich sound.Cons:
No mic monitoring voice feedback.No 3.5mm connectivity.What you'll love about Razer Thresher (Xbox Wireless)
Razer is known for making great hardware, and that tradition continues with the Thresher, which comes in various formats.
| Category | Spec |
|---|---|
| Drivers: | 50 mm, neodymium |
| Audio: | Stereo |
| Impedance: | 32Ω at 1kHz |
| Frequency response: | 12Hz to 28,000Hz |
| Connection: | Xbox Wireless (2.4 GHz, 40 ft listed range) |
| Microphone: | Uni-directional, retractable |
| In the box: | Headset and USB charge cable |
| Compatibility: | Xbox One, Xbox Wireless PCs |
| Estimated Battery Life: | 16 hours |
| Price: | $150 |
There is a cheaper wired version, and a more expensive 7.1 version, known as the Razer Thresher Ultimate. This Thresher edition is designed for Xbox One, complete with direct-to-console wireless connectivity. There are no dongles or cables (save for USB charging), giving you a convenient, lag-free wireless experience. It's as simple as hitting the connect button on your Xbox console, and you're ready to go.
Construction-wise, the Thresher maintains Razer's standards for quality materials and craftsmanship. The head strap is made of light but sturdy metal, with a floating headband that adjusts dynamically to your head. The band and ear cups are cushioned in thick, high-quality memory foam that is not only gentle on your skull but also surprisingly cool and airy for a leatherette-type setup. It might be the most comfortable headset I've ever used.
It might be the most comfortable headset I've ever used.
Razer completes the design with some slick features, including a completely retractable microphone in case you want to play without voice comms. The logos light up on the sides and flash to let you know when it's pairing to your console, and the headset comes with green accents that match both Xbox's and Razer's branding (the PS4 version comes in blue). The volume controls are neatly tucked on the underside of the speakers, and are not only responsive but combine mute functions. It's a polished, well-built product.
When it comes to audio, Razer's Thresher certainly delivers on all fronts, offering rich bass notes and crisp highs, with clarity even at the highest volumes. Most notably with this headset though, is the chat experience. I'm not sure I've used a headset before that made Xbox Live party chat sound so good before.
What you definitely won't love about Razer Thresher (Xbox Wireless)
Most of my gripes with this headset are true of the entire Thresher line, all the way up to the most expensive Thresher Ultimate: there is no mic monitoring voice feedback. Given how thick and isolating the headphones are, not being able to hear yourself talk is a big downside. As someone who uses party chat frequently, this puts them behind the cheaper Turtle Beach Stealth 600 or 700, which support mic feedback. For some this won't be a big issue, but the omission is annoying at $150.
Additionally, while the build quality is great for the most part, the pivot on the speakers has no resistance whatsoever. They swing on their hinges quite erratically when you're trying to store them, and it's easy to imagine how the unexpected movements could lead to accidental damage. The grooved, glossy plastic is also great at attracting dust.
It's a shame virtual 7.1 sound isn't there either, since I'm personally not a fan of Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos for that surround sound feel. Still, the soundscape overall is stunning.
Final thoughts on the Razer Thresher
There's simply not a huge amount to complain about with this headset. It's a great piece of kit for $150 that exemplifies Razer's quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The lack of mic monitoring holds it back from being the ultimate $150 Xbox headset, but if you don't care about that, the audio experience, mic quality, and its airy, comfortable, and robust design will not disappoint.
