Razer Opus headphones review: Gaming audio grows up

Much like its most die-hard fans, Razer is determined to grow up.

Over the past twelve months it seems to have put down the neon-green game controller, turned off the pulsating LEDs, and embraced a more sophisticated style of gadget.

That was no more apparent with the Razer Book – a laptop that was built more for the boardroom, then a gamer’s bedroom. The trend has continued into the world of audio, and unlike Razer’s typical game-centric headset (like the bright pink Razer Kraken that comes with ‘kitty’ ears) its latest pair of cans is far less visibly dramatic.

The Opus headphones then promise top-notch noise cancellation in a streamlined black package, but minus its gaming chops Razer is going up against headphone stalwarts like Sony’s WH-1000-series, and all-star newcomer Apple, with its AirPods Max.

Razer Opus: Design

There’s nothing much to write home about with the Opus’ design; but I guess that’s the point. Unlike Razer’s typical neon-colored peripherals, this one is meant to blend in rather than stand out. In short, they look like most other over-ear headphones in 2021.

You get some big ear cups that can swivel 90-degrees, but also fold up into the included hard case. They rock proper physical buttons (more on that later) and come in two hues: black and blue.

They are comfy to wear, and quite light when compared to other noise-cancelling headphones – but that’s down to the rather plastic-feeling shell, which is a tradeoff.

Razer Opus: Audio Quality

Razer’s new headphones are THX-certified (meaning they should sound pretty sweet) – but for what it’s worth, Razer does indeed own THX. I was pleasantly surprised with the overall sound, as the Opus’ gives you a good mix of highs and lows – making them very good if you work in either the fields of audio or video work.

Noise-cancellation is good, but not great. It will do the job if you are in a quiet-ish office or during the humdrum of the morning commute; but it doesn’t block as much outside sound as I’d like them to.

Fortunately, the physical controls make them significantly more usable then competitors with all touch and tap controls. The volume and play/pause buttons can be found quickly, and the headphones will also automatically pause when you pull them off your head.

Razer Opus: Battery

Battery-life is solid here, and a single charge will net you around a week of ‘work use’ (that is, using them intermittently while at work during a regular day). Charging is taken care of via the USB-C input on the earcup.

Razer Opus: Verdict

Razer is almost certainly going through its adolescent period between die-hard gamer to sophisticated gadget connoisseur – and its Opus headphones are (another) good example of that.  And it doesn’t quite match the more premium competition on noise-cancellation and audio quality, it certainly puts up a decent fight – especially given the price (I found them online for a little-less than US$150).

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