Razer is a brand that has become synonymous with gaming in everything from headphones, keyboards, mice, and other PC accessories, to high-end gaming machines themselves. Given its grasp within the industry, it was only a matter of time before Razer started casting its net out to a wider audience as a lifestyle brand that goes beyond the couch or from behind a computer screen.
Enter the Razer Opus - a set of headphones developed in partnership with THX that aims to provide users with uninterrupted audio experiences wherever they may be listening. Whether it be for gaming, travel, conference calls, or simply enjoying your summer playlist, if you’re in the market for some new headphones, look no further than the Razer Opus.
Professional Aesthetics, Superior Comfort
Prior to the Razer Opus, my go-to solution for gaming and traveling were the Razer Krakens. That said, it definitely made more sense to use that headset for gaming than it did to travel with. While the Krakens are a solid pair of headphones, the wired bulkiness and extendable microphone are better suited as a gaming accessory rather than an everyday use-type of headset.
The Razer Opus, on the other hand, has all of the features that, to me, define what lifestyle headphones should be. The wireless Bluetooth functionality works immediately out of the box. No need for any sort of technical prowess to get them to work with a phone or computer. Just turn them on and connect to them from whatever device you’re using. The included cord allows you to turn them into wired headphones as well, should you need that.
The Razer Opus also features an incredibly slick design that conveys are more professional tone than, say, the Krakens, with the plush - and breathable - leatherette foam ear cushions and headband bringing everything together in a pair of headphones that are honestly so comfortable and lightweight, you might forget you’re wearing anything at all while you’re gaming or walking through the airport.
The Sounds Of Silence
I have an entirely new appreciation for that song title from Simon & Garfunkel thanks to the Razer Opus. I’ve used noise-cancelling headphones before, but none of those experiences can hold a candle next to the Opus’ Advanced Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) system, which cancels out the noise from the surrounding environment thanks to the four dedicated ANC microphones designed to accurately tune out a broad range of external frequencies. The result is an unbelievably immersive experience.
I tested out the Opus in a variety of settings including next to a busy street, next to a lawnmower, and during a meltdown that my 9-month-old was having. Each situation resulted in the headphones completely drowning out the external sound. It was absolutely wild, and I couldn't believe that the ANC system was as effective as it was. The only test I didn’t perform was while doing yard work or working out. The leather design of the Opus seems easy enough to clean, but I feel like I would want a dedicated pair for those sweatier situations. They really are that nice, so it would be worth the investment for a second pair.
Of course, there are moments when headphone wearers need to actually hear something from an outside source, which means manually pausing whatever song they're listening to or letting it continue to play while taking the headphones off.
This is remedied in the Opus’ ability to automatically pause the media source it’s connected to whenever the user moves the headphones from their ears to their neck. Putting the headphones back in place automatically starts up the source again, without the need to press any buttons.
A Quick Attention mode also exists, in which users press and hold the ANC button, allowing them to hear the ambient noise around them, such as for a quick conversation. Releasing the button brings back the noise-cancelling mode immediately.
Finally, the Opus has its very own app on iOS and Android devices, allowing users to tailor their listening experience using the application's THX presets. And what an experience it is! It’s clear that a ton of work went into creating a pair of headphones that were THX Certified. From grandiose orchestral scores to power rock ballads and everything in between, the in-ear experience sounds as epic as it does in THX Certified movie theatres. Music hits at the core while wearing the headphones thanks to the work that THX has put into the Opus.
The Audience Is Listening
I’ve waited for something like the Razer Opus for a very, VERY long time. I never invested in Beats by Dre or a Bose set of headphones because none of those products ever appealed to me. Neither brand had headphones that fit as well as they should have, and I never really understood the hype behind the sound quality (which I've always found to be unimpressive). It mostly felt like you were paying for the brand name rather than the actual functionality and features of the headphones.
For those reasons, I would choose the Razer Opus over any of those competing brands, no question. Not to mention the fact that the Razer Opus goes for a surprisingly reasonable $199. The price, comfort, aesthetics, quality-of-life features, and THX sound design of the Opus combine to create an immersive headphone experience that needs to be heard to be believed. The Razer Opus is only one of Razer’s first major attempts to bring in a more lifestyle-centric audience, but I for one can’t wait for the encore.
A pair of Razer Opus headphones were provided to TheGamer for this review. The Razer Opus is now available through Razer.com, RazerStores, Amazon, and other authorized online retailers throughout North America, Europe, China, and Asia Pacific.