Razer Thresher 7.1 Ultimate Wireless PS4 Review – Keeps The Right Things Simple

Whether it’s the oversized box itself or its premium look on the inside – I always feel a slight tingling sensation when a new Razer product arrives.

I was finally given the opportunity to review Razer’s premium wireless surround headset for the PlayStation 4 – the Razer Thresher Ultimate Wireless 7.1. At first, I was hesitant to review this premium headset due to it requiring an optical (digital) audio output port, and since Sony’s PS4 Slim model doesn’t feature one, I was under the impression that I wouldn’t be able to get the Thresher running on my setup.

However, after some research and experimenting, I managed to get the headpiece working on my PlayStation 4 Slim by connecting the supplied wireless transmitter to the digital sound output of my TV. For instructions on how to set this up, please read our 'how to' right here.

The Razer Thresher 7.1 Ultimate has been on the market since 2017 but as it’s still regarded as one of the best wireless PS4 headsets around, we decided to put this premium headset to the test. With various wireless alternatives available for the PS4, is the Thresher Ultimate Wireless still worth the purchase? Yes and no, I'd say.

After having opened the impressive-looking black box I’m presented with the following contents:

• Razer Thresher Ultimate Wireless PS4 Headset
• Wireless base station
• Two USB to Micro-USB cables
• Optical cable
• Headset stand
• Manual

Features and design

With the Thresher Wireless, Razer intends to take its PC headset expertise to deliver a reliable and great-sounding wireless headset for consoles (its also available for Xbox One). Razer’s Ultimate PS4 headset sports large 50mm drivers in leatherette ear cups cushioned with memory foam and a metal frame. Its design is what you expect from a Razer product – a matte black look combined with blue accents to match Sony’s PS4 console. When in use, the Razer logo’s on the ear cups glow blue.

Overall, I find the design of this premium headpiece somewhat graceless compared to offerings from other brands. It might be a matter of personal taste but there are more nimble alternatives available in this price range (the Tresher Ultimate sells for $249.99).

The Thresher features a retractable digital microphone with unidirectional mic boom design. The controls of the headset can be found on both the left and right ear cups, including controls for mic volume, game/voice chat balance, master volume and a micro-USB port for charging.

The “Ultimate” edition that I received includes a wireless 2.4GHz RF base station that allows you to toggle Razer’s 7.1 digital surround sound. In addition to being compatible with the PS4, the headset can also be used on PC by flipping the switch on the back of the base station.

Performance

How does this premium headset from Razer actually perform? Before going into details, let's start by saying the Thresher is still one of the best wireless PS4 headsets around. Although large and heavier than many of its rivals (the Astro A50 and SteelSeries Arctis Pro come to mind), the Thresher's suspension band combined with its leatherette pads makes it comfortable to wear, even for hours straight. The suspension band allows for a great fit as it only requires you to put the pads over your ears and the Thresher will automatically adjust to match the size of your head.

Like the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless that I reviewed last year, Razer's offering uses a gaming-grade lossless 2.4GHz RF signal for wireless transmission instead of BlueTooth. This results in very low latency and I haven't experienced any delay in the games I've tested this headset with. According to Razer, the wireless signal of the Thresher reaches up to 40ft/12m. I haven't tested this maximum range, but I didn't notice and stutter at roughly 10m. from the base station.

Razer boasts that the battery inside the Thresher can last up to 16 hours on a single charge - I managed to get around 15 hours out of it before it needed a 4-hour juice.

First and foremost, a gaming headset is about audio quality and the Razer delivers an amazing sound experience. Sound and voices are clear and positional audio in titles such as Fortnite and Modern Warfare, is handled like a champ. I would have liked the bass to be louder in action-packed titles, but this might just be a personal preference.

Audio quality from the retractable microphone is great as well on this headpiece. Voices are clear, and I was perfectly understandable in chats. Also nice to know is that the microphone can easily be adjusted to basically any position.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, I feel somewhat conflicted about recommending this outstanding headset to those looking for a premium headset in the $200 to $300 price range. Truth is, Razer is also offering the standalone Razer Thresher Wireless for $149.99 - a price difference of $100.00. Yes, the 'normal' Thresher doesn't come with a wireless base station and stand, but it offers the same features and sounds exactly the same as the Ultimate.

Conclusion

The Razer Thresher 7.1 Ultimate Wireless for PS4 is still one of the best PlayStation 4 headsets currently available. While its design might not appeal to everyone, it offers excellent sound and voice quality. With the Thresher, Razer delivers a very comfortable wireless headset that is really easy to set up, but due to its steep price, I would rather recommend the 'non-ultimate' Razer Thresher Wireless.

Review sample provided by the manufacturer.

7.5

Wccftech Rating

The Razer Thresher Ultimate Wireless PS4 remains one of the best-sounding PS4 headsets on the market. It's comfortable and keeps things simple. However, its steep price and not too nimble design might turn players off.

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