Both have the same retractable mic and a mute button on the earcup, and Razer lists both for PC, Mac, PlayStation and Switch, not Xbox. The Kraken V4 is wireless, over its USB-C dongle or Bluetooth, with a game and chat balance button, at $179.99; the Kraken V4 X plugs in by one USB-C cable, at from $79.99.
| Razer Kraken V4 | Razer Kraken V4 X | |
|---|---|---|
| Choose it for | wireless play, over its dongle or Bluetooth | one USB cable and the lower price |
| Maker price | $179.99 · checked November 3 | from $79.99 · checked November 3 |
| Connection | Wireless, through its USB adapter | Wired |
| Mute on the mic | Mic mute button on the earcup; its light stays red while muted | Mic mute button on the earcup; its light stays red while muted |
| Hear yourself | Sidetone, switched on in Razer Synapse on a Windows PC | Sidetone, switched on in Razer Synapse on a Windows PC |
Choice A
Its USB-C dongle connects it over 2.4 GHz, and it pairs with a phone over Bluetooth 5.3 too; the SmartSwitch button swaps between them. A button on the earcup sets the balance between game sound and chat. It also works wired over USB. Maker price $179.99.
Choice B
One USB-C cable, with a USB-A adapter in the box, so there's no battery to charge and no dongle to lose. Razer lists the Switch in docked mode only. Maker price from $79.99.
From the makers
3 of 10 setup details differ.
| Setup detail | Razer Kraken V4 | Razer Kraken V4 X |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone connection | Retractable boom microphone | Retractable boom microphone |
| Connectors (differs) | 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle · Bluetooth 5.3 · USB cable (USB-A to USB-C) | USB-C cable · USB-C to USB-A adapter (in the box) |
| Mute on the mic | Mic mute button on the earcup; its light stays red while muted | Mic mute button on the earcup; its light stays red while muted |
| Hear yourself | Sidetone, switched on in Razer Synapse on a Windows PC | Sidetone, switched on in Razer Synapse on a Windows PC |
| Works with (per the maker) (differs) | PC · Mac · PlayStation · Nintendo Switch · Steam Deck · Mobile | PC · Mac · PlayStation · Nintendo Switch (docked) · Steam Deck · Mobile |
| Included parts (differs) | Kraken V4 headset · USB-C HyperSpeed wireless dongle · USB-A to USB-C cable · USB-A to USB-C adapter cable | Kraken V4 X headset · USB-C to USB-A adapter · Carrying pouch |
| Also needs | Depends on how you connect and mount it | Depends on how you connect and mount it |
| Mount or thread | ||
| Dimensions | Not listed by the maker | Not listed by the maker |
| Software needed | Not listed by the maker | Not listed by the maker |
Both have a retractable mic that tucks into the earcup, a mic mute button whose light stays red while you're muted, and a volume dial. On a Windows PC, Razer Synapse switches on sidetone so you hear yourself, and sets the mic level. Razer lists both for PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch, Steam Deck and phones, and neither for Xbox.
The Kraken V4 X plugs in by USB only: a USB-C plug, with a USB-A adapter in the box. It has no 3.5 mm plug, so it can't go into a controller's headphone jack. The Kraken V4 connects through its own USB-C dongle over 2.4 GHz, over Bluetooth 5.3, or by its USB cable; it has no 3.5 mm plug either.
Razer leaves Xbox out of both lists, and the Kraken V4's dongle isn't an Xbox one. For Xbox party chat, use a headset made for Xbox or a wired headset its maker lists for the controller's jack.
Razer gives the Kraken V4 X two weights, 310 g on its store page and 300 g in its guide; the Kraken V4 weighs 350 g. Razer rates the Kraken V4's battery at up to 70 hours over the dongle with the lights off, and 35 with them on. The V4 X has no battery.
Plug the USB-C dongle into the PC, pick the Kraken V4 in Windows and in Discord, and switch sidetone on in Razer Synapse if you want to hear yourself.
Plug its USB cable into the PS5, then choose the headset in Settings, Sound, Microphone and check the level.
Connections and controls come from these model-specific documents. Manufacturer claims about sound are not independent tests.