This $250 gaming headset could cater to all your Android audio requirements.
Until this year, it likely wasn’t wise to commit significant funds to enhance your Android gaming setup. There were a few excellent accessories available, but smartphone technology wasn’t quite prepared.
That officially shifted in 2025, when Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform became genuinely proficient for gaming, and Wi-Fi 7 delivered Ethernet-like speeds to Android devices. So, is it time to establish an Android-centric mobile gaming ecosystem?
Razer has recently unveiled the BlackShark V3 Pro, a $250 esports-grade gaming headset crafted for platforms such as PC and console, but it also functions with mobile systems like Android and iOS. I’ve been evaluating it for over a week, seeking to determine whether this type of audio equipment is unnecessary or just right for Android gaming.
More crucially, can this high-end headset meet all your mobile gaming and music listening requirements? Here’s what I discovered.
It’s finally the moment to start taking Android gaming seriously.
I assessed the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro as part of an impressive mobile gaming setup anchored by the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. This phone features an 8-inch primary display and a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, making it an ideal choice for portable gaming. Alongside the BlackShark V3 Pro, I also used the Razer Kishi Ultra as my mobile controller.
The entire configuration costs around $2,400 — but the majority of that is attributed to the $2,000 foldable. It becomes much more feasible if you replace the Galaxy Z Fold 7 with one of the other fantastic Snapdragon 8 Elite devices available. You might also choose the Kishi V2 for $100 instead of the $150 Kishi Ultra.
The BlackShark V3 Pro’s construction quality and comfort features are remarkable.
Gaming headsets are beginning to showcase more upscale designs and understated appearances, and this holds true for the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro. There’s no overt RGB lighting here — just a sleek design offered in white or black options. You get discreet Razer branding on the top of the headband and on the ear cups, which are replaceable and customizable. I tested the white model but believe the black variant is a bit more subtle.
The benefit of this kind of aesthetics is that you can wear the BlackShark V3 Pro in public without looking out of place. The headset’s boom microphone fits into the 3.5mm headphone jack and is removable. When detached, the BlackShark V3 Pro can blend in with all the other over-ear headphones available.
Returning to the premium aspect, the stitching on the leather headband looks and feels excellent. The ear cushions are composed of memory foam and feature a fabric covering, providing substantial comfort. While a leather or faux leather ear cushion might appear more luxurious, I believe fabric is more practical here, as it will better withstand sweat and will be easier to clean.
Instead of modifying the fit of the BlackShark V3 Pro through the headband, adjustment is done via a metal rod linking to the ear cup and audio assembly. Once you become accustomed to it, this feels simpler and more intuitive than traditional adjustment methods.
Comfort is a significant factor that leads me to believe you could use the BlackShark V3 Pro as your primary pair of wireless headphones. They are comfortable to wear, and the memory foam enhances comfort even during extended listening or gaming periods. They are not excessively bulky, especially for a gaming headset.
The BlackShark V3 Pro weighs 367 grams, which is lighter than the 385-gram AirPods Max, my reference point for heavy headphones. I would prefer a lighter pair for everyday use, but if Apple can manage it, so can Razer.
The sound quality and ANC exceeded my expectations.
Razer’s BlackShark V3 Pro impressed me with its audio performance and active noise-canceling features, particularly for a headset. When delving into the specifications, it isn’t particularly surprising. Razer utilizes custom 50mm drivers with bio-cellulose diaphragms and larger magnets, resulting in substantial sound, improved frequency separation, and enhanced sound imaging.
In simpler terms, the BlackShark V3 Pro possesses the audio technology needed to deliver excellent sound, whether you are gaming or enjoying music. For gaming, these components enhance your ability to locate enemy movements or hear a chest nearby. Conversely, while listening to music, these advantages contribute to creating a broad soundstage with a spatial essence.
Active noise-canceling may not surpass that of headphones from Apple, Sony, and Bose, but it is certainly adequate with the BlackShark V3 Pro. I successfully blocked out aircraft flying over my balcony while utilizing the
