Razer Kraken
Score: 96/100
Alienware Pro Wireless Dark Side
Score: 89/100Rankings
The 2019 Razer Kraken is a wired over-ear headset with 50 mm drivers, a retractable cardioid mic and software-enabled 7.1 surround. It offers a durable aluminum frame and broad platform compatibility via a 3.5 mm jack.
The Alienware Pro Wireless headset blends premium audio, long battery life, and hybrid ANC in a minimalist, RGB-free design. It excels in comfort and sound quality but is hampered by a sparse software suite and unintuitive controls.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
50 mmbest | 50 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 20 Hzbest | 20 Hzbest |
20,000 Hz | 40,000 Hzbest | |
— | 75 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 32 ohmsbest |
| ↓ lower better | 321 g | 314 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | — | 100 Hzbest |
— | 10,000 Hzbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(2) | ||
Frequency Response (High) (Hz) | 20000 Hz | 40000 Hz |
Noise Cancellation | false | true |
Microphone(2) | ||
Microphone Type | Retractable Cardioid | Detachable unidirectional boom mic |
Detachable Microphone | false | true |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Connection Type | Wired 3.5mm | Wireless/Bluetooth/USB-C |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 321 g | 314 g |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Kraken's comfort, sturdy aluminum construction and immersive audio, especially when paired with THX Spatial Audio. However, they note that the headset's bass-heavy tuning can mask dialogue and that the higher-priced Kraken Ultimate offers minimal extra benefit beyond lighting and THX support.
Everyday users love the headset's comfort, durability and the punchy sound of the large drivers, often calling it the most comfortable they've owned. Recurring complaints focus on excessive bass, software hiccups with Razer Synapse, and the lack of a detachable cable.
“The hardware in the Krakens is excellent... My husband loves these phones (and I do, too!)”
“These phones should not be offered sans the THX Spatial Audio-it's kind of baffling that they are.”
“the most comfortable I've ever worn”
Professional reviewers praise the headset's hardware - comfort, audio fidelity, ANC, and battery life are repeatedly highlighted as top-tier, while noting the thin software layer and lack of a mobile app.
Everyday users echo the experts, lauding the comfort, sound quality, effective ANC, and clear microphone, with complaints focused on accidental power-offs and the inconvenient charging cable placement.
