How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
If you want a feature-rich, wired gaming headset with virtual surround sound and a mic you can tuck away, choose Amazon Renewed Razer Kraken V4; if you need a lightweight, plug-and-play headset that works with almost anything you already own, choose Corsair HS35.
• Amazon Renewed Razer Kraken V4 — biggest strength: 7.1 surround sound, retractable cardioid mic, and app-based control give it a more "gaming-first" feature set.
• Amazon Renewed Razer Kraken V4 — biggest trade-off: It relies on a USB Type-C connection, so older gear with only a 3.5 mm jack won't work without the right port.
• Corsair HS35 — biggest strength: A universal 3.5 mm plug plus a lightweight floating headband make it the low-friction, go-anywhere pick.
• Corsair HS35 — biggest trade-off: No surround processing, no app, and no active noise control — it's a straightforward stereo headset, nothing more.
• Choose the Razer if you game mostly on PC or a USB-C device and want surround audio and a cleaner mic setup.
• Choose the Corsair if you hop between consoles, phones, and laptops and want something light that just plugs in and works.
The Kraken V4 X is built around gaming immersion. Its TRIFORCE 40 mm drivers use a three-part design that Razer separates into highs, mids, and lows, and the pitch is that the layers don't smear into each other. On top of that you get 7.1 surround sound, which is the kind of processing that helps you place footsteps, reloads, and directional cues instead of hearing a flat wall of noise. For anyone playing competitive or atmospheric games on PC, that's the headline feature.
The mic is the other standout. It's a retractable HyperClear cardioid mic, which means the pickup pattern leans toward your voice and away from room noise, and you can push it back into the earcup when you're not talking. That's a genuinely nice touch if you use the headset for solo play or music and don't want a boom in your face. Controls run through an app, so you're adjusting things in software rather than hunting for buttons.
Corsair HS35: Who It's For
The HS35 v3 takes the opposite approach: keep it simple and make it fit everywhere. The universal 3.5 mm connector is the whole story — PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch, and more, with no adapter juggling and no app to install. If your setup changes depending on the day, that single plug is worth a lot.
Sound comes from custom-tuned 50 mm neodymium drivers, which are physically larger than the Razer's 40 mm units. Larger drivers don't automatically mean better sound, but they're a reasonable sign of fuller low-end presence, and Corsair rates the headset at 32 ohm impedance with a 20 KHz frequency response and 113 dB sensitivity — easy numbers for a phone, controller, or laptop to drive without a separate amp.
Comfort is the other selling point. A new adjustable floating headband and soft fabric earpads are aimed squarely at marathon sessions, and the whole thing weighs in around 8.16 ounces, which is light for an over-ear headset. The omnidirectional mic handles chat, and there are push-button controls right on the earcup for volume and mic mute, so you're not digging through menus mid-match. What you give up is features: no surround sound, no app control, no noise control of any kind, and a mic that picks up more of the room than a cardioid design would. The upside is a 2-year manufacturer warranty and a design that works with basically anything.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for surround sound and positional audio → Amazon Renewed Razer Kraken V4. 7.1 surround is the feature the Corsair simply doesn't offer.
• Best for platform flexibility → Corsair HS35. The 3.5 mm plug covers consoles, phones, and laptops without a USB port in sight.
• Best for long-session comfort → Corsair HS35. A light 8.16-ounce build, floating headband, and fabric pads are tuned for marathon play.
• Best for software control → Amazon Renewed Razer Kraken V4. App-based control beats reaching for an earcup dial.
• Best for on-the-fly adjustments → Corsair HS35. Push-button volume and mute sit right on the earcup.
• Best for warranty peace of mind → Corsair HS35. Two years from the manufacturer versus 90 days on the renewed Razer.
• Best for a USB-C-native setup → Amazon Renewed Razer Kraken V4. If your PC or handheld already lives on USB-C, the convertible cable is a natural fit.
In my opinion, the Corsair HS35 is the safer buy for most people. It plugs into nearly everything, it's light enough to wear all evening, it has a longer warranty, and the 50 mm drivers and earcup controls cover the basics well. I'd pick the Amazon Renewed Razer Kraken V4 instead if surround sound and a retractable cardioid mic are the things you actually care about, and if your devices are USB-C friendly. Buy the Razer for features; buy the Corsair for flexibility and simplicity.
what is gaming headset
A gaming headset is an over-ear headphone with a built-in microphone, designed to handle both game audio and voice chat. Both headsets here are wired over-ear models: the Razer Kraken V4 connects over USB Type-C, while the Corsair HS35 uses a 3.5 mm jack, and both include a boom-style mic for team comms.
how to buy a gaming headset
Start with your connection. If you play across consoles, phones, and laptops, a 3.5 mm headset like the Corsair HS35 is the most flexible. If you're mostly on PC or a USB-C device and want surround sound, the Razer Kraken V4 fits better. Then weigh comfort (weight and earpad material) and mic type — cardioid for less room noise, omnidirectional for simplicity.
how to test gaming headset
Once you have it, check three things: whether your device drives it cleanly at a comfortable volume, whether the mic picks up your voice without too much background noise, and whether the earcups stay comfortable after an hour or two. The Corsair's 32 ohm impedance and the Razer's 31.99 ohm rating both suggest easy-to-drive designs, so neither should need extra amplification.
what is best gaming headset
There's no single best one — it depends on what you need. In my opinion, the Corsair HS35 is the better all-rounder for mixed platforms and long sessions, while the Amazon Renewed Razer Kraken V4 is the better pick if surround sound and a retractable cardioid mic top your list. Since prices shift, check the current price on Amazon before deciding.
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