Should you buy the Razer Kraken Tournament edition over the Kraken Pro 7.1 v2?

Newer version of an older headset

Razer's Kraken lineup of headsets can be a little confusing to navigate, but in most cases, each headset is pretty similar. You can consider the Tournament Edition like a newer version of the Kraken Pro 7.1 v2. While that's not technically true, it might as well be considering how many similarities they have.

Both look almost identical, have noise isolating microphones, and both are well made and comfortable to wear. Both also have virtual surround sound, albeit in slightly different forms. in our experience, the THX spatial audio of the Kraken Tournament Edition sounds better than the 7.1 virtual surround sound on the 7.1 v2. Instead of just a sensation of having your head filled with sound, the spatial audio puts a better emphasis on detail and direction, the primary reason you'd want to use it in multiplayer games in particular.

It's entirely customizable, too, so you can set the levels and directions just how you want them. Essentially you should be able to hear when that sneaky snake is creeping up behind you in PUBG while getting an immersive experience when things get louder.

The Tournament Edition doesn't have Chroma lighting, though, while the Pro 7.1 v2 does. Whether that's important only you can decide!

Use with or without the USB audio controller

To make the magic happen on the Kraken Tournament Edition you have a USB audio controller that sits between the PC and the headphones. You have a bunch of controls on this, which include managing game and party chat mix, but you also don't have to use it at all.

The headphones connect to the audio controller over a standard 3.5mm jack, and while you have volume controls there, you also get an in-line remote for easy access and if using with a console or mobile device. The Pro 7.1 v2 also has an in-line remote, but doesn't have the audio controller.

A decent saving

One of the top reasons to consider the Tournament Edition is that it can be had for a decent price cheaper than the Pro 7.1 v2.

Both headsets are sub-$100, but the Tournament Edition can save you about $20 which is nothing to turn your nose up at.