Compare Razer BlackShark V3 Pro vs Turtle Beach Atlas Air Wireless Gaming Headset

ANC effectiveness is widely viewed as a meaningful upgrade for the BlackShark line, especially for low-frequency noise like AC or transit rumble. However, multiple reviewers note it is not class-leading compared with top lifestyle ANC headphones, and fit and pad material can limit real-world performance. ANC controls are flexible, with app-based level adjustment and on-headset cycling between ANC, ambient, and off. Reviewers generally like having multiple options rather than a simple on/off implementation.

There is no active noise cancellation. The open-back design prioritizes airflow and natural sound, so it can’t cancel distractions the way closed-back ANC headsets can.

Works on Android over Bluetooth and supports the Swarm II mobile app, but several advanced audio features are PC-centric and mobile options can feel limited.

Razer Synapse on PC and the Razer Audio mobile app provide useful control for EQ, mic settings, ANC, and wheel behavior. Reviews note the tools are powerful, though occasional quirks, connection-mode requirements, or finicky behavior can slow setup.

Swarm II provides firmware updates plus access to EQ, mic controls, spatial options, and game/chat features. Stability and feature parity vary by platform, and some users report connection or preset issues.

Audio latency is best over the 2.4GHz dongle and 3.5mm wired mode. Bluetooth is fine for casual listening but not ideal when timing is critical.

Bass is generally described as punchy and impactful for games without overwhelming everything else. A few reviewers call it only above-average for music, and some note bass balance changes depending on ANC or EQ settings.

Bass is generally controlled rather than thunderous. Some reviews find it punchy enough for games, but many note weaker sub-bass and less impact for explosions or bass-heavy music.

Battery life is frequently described as excellent, with the 70-hour PC claim often treated as believable and strong in real use. Heavy feature use, like ultra-low latency and ANC, can reduce runtime notably, especially on console variants. Access to a replaceable battery is noted as a welcome repairability move, especially with the magnetic faceplate design. Reviewers still point out it is not as seamless as systems with official hot-swap batteries, but it is a meaningful step toward longer lifespan.

Battery life is repeatedly praised, usually meeting the advertised ~50 hours and sometimes exceeding it, so most users can go many sessions between charges.

Bluetooth stability is usually reported as reliable, including for calls and background audio while gaming. A few reviewers mention the mode switching and app behavior can be less intuitive than competitors, but dropouts are not a dominant complaint.

Bluetooth generally works reliably for calls and media, but it’s higher latency than the 2.4GHz dongle and switching between sources can take a couple seconds. True simultaneous game audio (2.4GHz) plus Bluetooth mixing isn’t supported. You can toggle/QuickSwitch between sources instead.

Build quality is commonly described as solid and premium-feeling, with sturdy yokes, refined stitching, and a secure overall structure. Some parts are still plastic and long-term hinge durability is discussed, but most impressions are positive.

Build is mostly plastic to keep weight low and is generally described as solid and flexible. It doesn’t feel as premium as metal-framed competitors, and the unusual suspension design raises long-term questions for some.

Physical controls are generally considered comprehensive and responsive, including dedicated ANC and a configurable wheel. Some reviewers find multiple similarly-shaped buttons hard to identify by touch, so there can be a learning curve.

Controls are mostly on one earcup with a prominent volume wheel. Some find them easy to locate, while others dislike similarly shaped buttons or coarse volume steps.

Included cables are generally appreciated, with some calling out a quality braided USB-C cable. A few reviewers complain the USB-C to 3.5mm cable can transmit clothing or handling noise into the earcups, which hurts perceived cable quality.

Pack-in cables are commonly braided, longer than average, and better than typical bundled cables, drawing positive comments across multiple reviews.

The included pouch/bag is useful for scratch protection but isn’t a structured case and offers limited impact protection.

USB-C charging is convenient, and several reviews note you can keep using the headset while it charges in supported modes. Charging is not a major pain point across the review set.

USB-C charging is convenient, with multiple reviews citing fast charging (often roughly under a couple hours) and the ability to keep using the headset while it charges.

Clamp force is generally described as moderate and non-fatiguing, helping the headset feel comfortable for long sessions and with glasses. The tradeoff is that lighter clamp can reduce seal consistency for ANC and isolation on some heads.

Clamp is typically gentle and glasses-friendly, but the same light clamp can reduce stability for people who move around a lot.

Long-session comfort is a consistent highlight, with multiple reviewers reporting hours of wear without pain or hot spots. A minority report heat buildup or fit drift, but overall comfort is repeatedly described as top-tier for a gaming headset.

Comfort is a standout theme: lightweight build, breathable pads, and low clamp keep it easy to wear for hours, especially for glasses wearers.

The BlackShark pilot-style look is consistently praised as sleek and professional, with a premium, understated aesthetic. Custom faceplates and refined stitching add personality without turning it into a flashy RGB headset.

A restrained, modern look with distinctive open-back grilles and floating cups. It reads more functional than flashy, which some prefer and others find plain.

Having both USB and analog wired paths adds versatility and makes the headset usable even when the battery is low. The main caveat is that using a wired connection can override wireless features, which limits simultaneous use cases.

The detachable boom mic is convenient for swapping between gaming and casual use, and positioning is generally easy thanks to the flexible arm. A few reviewers dislike the size or note limited backward compatibility with older mics, but the detachable design is broadly appreciated.

The detachable boom mic and flip-to-mute are convenient for switching between gaming and casual use. A few mention the boom length or ergonomics as minor annoyances.

The wireless dongle design is one of the most common complaints, because it often requires a cable connection and creates desk or console clutter. On the upside, reviewers note it can help positioning for stable signal, but many still want a cleaner plug-in solution.

The included 2.4GHz USB-A dongle is the preferred mode for low-latency gaming and tends to be stable, while also enabling the best PC-only audio options.

The memory foam pads and breathable materials are frequently praised for softness and reduced sweat compared with pleather pads. Some users still find the pads warm over time or dislike the fabric feel, so comfort is excellent but not universal.

Earpads are described as plush, breathable, and comfortable, often using fabric rather than pleather to reduce heat. Many note they’re removable for cleaning or replacement.

The added swivel helps the headset conform better than earlier BlackShark models, improving seal and comfort. It still does not rotate fully flat, and the limited swivel can affect portability and neck-rest convenience.

The earcups don’t swivel flat, which makes it less convenient to rest around the neck or pack neatly compared with headsets that fold or rotate.

Most reviews do not flag major pad noise, but a few mention comfort-related warmth or that handling noise can become noticeable depending on cables and movement. Any noise issues tend to be situational rather than constant.

EQ customization is widely praised, with 10-band controls, per-game profiles, onboard storage, and separate mic EQ options. Many reviews suggest the best results come from dialing in EQ rather than sticking to defaults.

A 10-band EQ with custom presets is a core strength (especially on PC). A few reviewers report EQ-related artifacts or odd behavior with non-default profiles.

Measurements and subjective impressions suggest the default tuning is gaming-optimized rather than strictly neutral. Reviewers commonly recommend EQ to smooth peaks and achieve a more balanced frequency response for mixed use.

Tuning is broadly balanced with a mild upper-frequency emphasis that favors detail and competitive cues. Multiple notes point to less sub-bass than many closed-backs and occasional treble unevenness.

Game and chat balance control is consistently praised, especially with the physical wheel or roller for quick adjustments. This feature is often singled out as a practical upgrade for competitive play and communication-heavy sessions.

Game/chat mix is typically handled in the companion software rather than with a dedicated hardware dial, which is workable on PC but less convenient mid-game.

Adjustment is straightforward, with yoke-based sizing that works once set. Some reviewers note it lacks notches or reference marks and can feel stiff, but it does allow a secure, stable fit for many users.

Adjustment relies on a suspension/velcro system rather than sliding yokes. It fits many heads well, but it’s less granular and some worry about long-term velcro tension.

Several reviews mention redesigned or reinforced hinges and smoother motion versus prior generations. Long-term durability is still an open question for some, but overall build reinforcements are viewed positively.

The floating, band-suspended earcup design avoids traditional hinge stress points and feels robust in early use, but it’s unconventional enough that long-term wear remains an unknown.

Included accessories are seen as generous for a gaming headset, typically covering the dongle, detachable mic, pop filter, USB-C cable, and an analog cable or adapter. Few reviewers complain about missing essentials, aside from wishing the dongle solution were cleaner.

The bundle typically includes the dongle, USB-C cable, 3.5mm cable, detachable mic (often with a windscreen), and a pouch. Braided cables and overall completeness get frequent praise.

Instrument and effect separation is a standout strength, with many reviewers highlighting how easily they can pick out layers like footsteps, reloads, engines, and ambient details. This separation is often cited as a key reason the headset excels in competitive titles.

Instrument and layer separation is strong, helping complex mixes and busy game scenes remain distinct rather than blending together.

At higher volumes, many reviews report the headset stays clear for games, but a subset hears treble-related artifacts that can reduce perceived cleanliness. Clarity tends to improve with sensible EQ and avoiding overly aggressive preset profiles.

Clarity at high volume is generally strong with little distortion, though a few reports suggest certain EQ modes can introduce artifacts, especially at lower listening levels.

Noise reduction on the mic is generally effective for lowering steady background noise like fans and keyboards, especially when using the software controls. Some reviewers still hear more environmental bleed than expected in busy office conditions, but voice intelligibility remains strong.

Noise handling is generally good with adjustable noise gates and processing, but some reviewers hear occasional dips or artifacts when noise reduction is too aggressive.

Microphone quality reviews are mixed: some call it clear, loud, and among the better headset mics, while others describe it as a step down from the V2 Pro with a muffled or fuzzy character. Several sources note mic EQ, noise processing, and firmware updates can improve results substantially.

Mic clarity is above average for a gaming headset, especially over the dongle/high-bandwidth modes. Over Bluetooth it can sound more compressed and less full.

Midrange comes through cleanly for dialogue, footsteps, and callouts, and many reviewers find it better-balanced than older models. Some tuning choices still lean toward competitive clarity rather than a neutral music profile.

Midrange is typically clear and present, keeping dialogue and key cues intelligible even in busy scenes.

Multi-platform compatibility is a major selling point, with support spanning PC and major consoles plus mobile use via Bluetooth. Reviewers still emphasize that features and compatibility details can vary by model and connection method.

Connectivity is flexible via 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm analog, covering PC, PlayStation, Switch, and phones well. Xbox support is the main caveat because it isn’t wireless.

Multipoint or dual-connection behavior is often praised in practice, particularly for maintaining two sources while mixing. Limitations mainly come from mode rules, such as wired connections overriding wireless and some app controls requiring a specific connection mode.

Passive isolation is helped by the over-ear seal, but the fabric-style pads and lighter clamp can make results inconsistent across head shapes. Some reviewers find it good enough without ANC, while others say the seal is harder to maintain, especially with the yoke design.

Passive isolation is minimal by design. Sound leaks out and outside noise comes in, so it’s poorly suited to shared rooms, offices, or commuting.

Portability is limited by the non-folding design and lack of full flat swivel, making it less ideal for travel. It is better suited to desk and console setups than commuting or packing.

Preset EQ profiles are a mixed bag: esports and game-focused presets can help with footsteps and competitive emphasis, while some music or movie presets are criticized for exaggerating bass or treble. Reviewers often recommend tweaking presets into a personal custom profile.

The default Signature Sound profile is widely considered the most balanced and reliable. Superhuman Hearing and other presets can sound artificial or overly bright, and some profiles behave inconsistently.

Earpads are replaceable, which is a plus for longevity, but some reviewers note the attachment method is less elegant than magnetic systems and can feel stiff. Still, having serviceable pads supports long-term ownership.

Earpads are removable and replacements/mod options are available or expected, which helps hygiene and long-term maintenance.

Sidetone controls are useful for avoiding shouting and monitoring your own voice, and several reviews like having the adjustment available on the headset or in software. A few reviewers dislike the sidetone sound character or latency, so quality varies by preference and setup.

Mic monitoring/sidetone is adjustable and often described as hiss-free, but several reviewers found it too quiet unless set very high or noted it doesn’t feel especially strong.

Basic setup is often plug-and-play, but software complexity can be a drawback for people who want everything to be obvious without reading a manual. Some reviewers describe Synapse as finicky or unintuitive, especially for mode switching and advanced features.

Setup is straightforward when everything behaves, but multiple reviews mention finicky detection, firmware/update hiccups, or settings that don’t persist, making the experience inconsistent.

Across reviews, the V3 Pro is praised for highly detailed, competitive gaming sound with strong positional cues. Several sources note it is less consistent for music, with some treble harshness or distortion that benefits from EQ tuning. Wired audio options are seen as a valuable fallback for controllers, consoles, and dead-battery situations. Most reviewers find wired sound acceptable, though a few mention cable-related handling noise or platform-specific wired limitations.

Overall sound quality is a highlight: detailed, natural-leaning audio with strong positional clarity. The most common caveats are lighter low-end impact and occasional brightness depending on content and EQ.

Soundstage is generally wide enough to create an immersive, directional gaming presentation, but it is not an expansive open-back style stage. Some reviewers say ANC can make the presentation feel more closed-in, and a few call the stage relatively tight for music.

Soundstage is notably wide and airy thanks to the open-back cups, creating a speaker-like sense of space that helps immersion and directional awareness in quiet rooms.

Spatial audio support is frequently highlighted as a real strength for immersion and competitive awareness, especially on PC with THX spatial processing. Some reviewers prefer stereo for music and note certain esports presets may not work simultaneously with spatial modes.

PC-focused spatial features (often Waves 3D) can add useful directionality, though results vary by game and some listeners prefer it off for the cleanest, most natural presentation.

Stability is mixed: it can sit comfortably when you’re stationary, but the light clamp and floating cups may shift with head turns or quick movement.

Transparency or ambient mode is commonly described as useful for awareness and in-room callouts while still wearing the headset. It is not the same as an open-back feel, but it is functional and easy to toggle.

Treble performance is the most polarizing part of the tuning. Multiple reviewers report peaks, harshness, or distortion at higher volumes or on certain tracks, often recommending EQ adjustments to tame fatigue.

Treble tends to lean bright for detail and cue pickup, but several reviews mention occasional sharpness or sibilance, especially with certain presets or EQ changes.

USB-C is central to charging and some wired use, and reviewers generally like the convenience. A few note platform restrictions or mode rules depending on how USB is used, but the port itself is not controversial.

Charges over USB-C; reviewers treat the USB-C connection as power/charging rather than a full-featured wired audio link.

Overall loudness is usually sufficient for gaming and media, but a couple of reviewers mention the out-of-box configuration can feel quieter until settings are adjusted. Once configured, the headset has enough headroom for most users.

Overall loudness is adequate for many, but multiple reviewers note an odd volume curve or that it needs higher percentage settings to reach their preferred listening level.

Despite being heavier than some competitors and prior versions, most reviewers say the weight is well-distributed and does not feel burdensome. A few still notice the added mass compared with the V2 Pro, but it rarely becomes a dealbreaker.

Weight is consistently noted as very low for a wireless headset (around 300g), helping it feel almost invisible during long sessions.

Xbox support depends on getting the correct model, and reviews frequently remind buyers to choose the right variant for full wireless console compatibility. When matched correctly, console support is generally strong.

Xbox use is described as wired-only through the controller via 3.5mm, with no native Xbox wireless support.