AKG K72 vs Razer BlackShark V2 X

Short answer: the Razer BlackShark V2 X, though neither ranks well in its class. Both are rated 1.0/5 for sound quality (#216 and #212 of 216 over-ear headphones), and the Razer BlackShark V2 X costs $34.99 against $58.95 for the AKG K72, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 216 over-ear headphones, so if sound quality matters, consider the Superlux HD 660 Pro 150 Ohm instead, ranked #57 at $34.

What the AKG K72 does well: A budget closed-back wired headphone at 0.4 lbs (200 g), light for its size. Watch for: The response is very uneven, with a standard deviation of 5.9 dB and a preference score of 13.

Why pick the Razer BlackShark V2 X: A built-in microphone makes it usable for voice chat without a separate headset. The catch: Crinacle’s measurement gives a Harman score of just 1, so the tonal balance is a long way from what most listeners prefer.

Buy the Razer BlackShark V2 X. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $23.96 less than the AKG K72.

Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

Related Headphone Comparisons

More worthwhile head-to-heads for AKG K72:

• AKG K72 vs Razer Barracuda X
• AKG K72 vs AKG K92
• Razer Barracuda X vs Razer BlackShark V2 X
• AKG K92 vs Razer BlackShark V2 X
• Koss KPH40 vs Razer BlackShark V2 X

Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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The Two Headphones In Full

AKG K72: $58.95 Amazon eBay

Pros: A budget closed-back wired headphone at 200 g, light for its size. The 32 ohm impedance and 112 dB sensitivity let any phone or laptop drive it. Bass is strongly boosted, about 7.6 dB from 60 to 200 Hz, for listeners who want maximum thump.

Cons: The response is very uneven, with a standard deviation of 5.9 dB and a preference score of 13. A 12.5 dB peak near 6.8 kHz makes cymbals and sibilance piercing, while the upper mids are 5 dB low and the low mids 6 dB high, so vocals sound boxy and distant. The Sennheiser HD 450BT is rated far higher at a similar price.

Full AKG K72 review and specifications →

Back	Closed
Connection	Wired
Deviation From Target	5.93 dB standard deviation
Driver Type	Dynamic
Drivers	1 x 40mm dynamic
Form Factor	Over-ear
Frequency Response	16Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Harman Preference Score	13 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ)
Impedance	32 ohms
Sensitivity	112 dB SPL/V
Sub-bass Extension	Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.4 dB at 30 Hz)
Tonal Tilt	-1.70 (negative is warmer, positive brighter)
Weight	0.4 lbs (200 g)

EQ preset to match the Harman target

Set a preamp of -6.8 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.

Filter	Frequency	Gain	Q
Low shelf	105 Hz	-1.1 dB	0.70
Peak	177 Hz	-8.6 dB	1.25
Peak	1,488 Hz	+6.9 dB	1.24
Peak	521 Hz	-3.1 dB	1.21
Peak	2,817 Hz	+4.8 dB	2.71
High shelf	10,000 Hz	+1.3 dB	0.70
Peak	6,500 Hz	-8.9 dB	4.44
Peak	73 Hz	+3.0 dB	1.32
Peak	39 Hz	-1.6 dB	0.85
Peak	123 Hz	-2.6 dB	3.77

• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • AutoEQ results for the AKG K72 (oratory1990 measurement)
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • AKG K72 vs Razer Barracuda X
  • AKG K72 vs AKG K92

Razer BlackShark V2 X: $34.99 Amazon eBay

Pros: A built-in microphone makes it usable for voice chat without a separate headset. The 32 ohm impedance suits PC, console and phone outputs with no amp needed, and the closed back keeps game audio from leaking into the room. At 240 g with 50 mm drivers it is a straightforward wired gaming option at a low price.

Cons: Crinacle’s measurement gives a Harman score of just 1, so the tonal balance is a long way from what most listeners prefer. The response is uneven, with a deviation of about 5.4 dB and a warm tilt, which tends to cloud vocals and detail in music. It is better suited to casual gaming and chat than to critical listening.

Full Razer BlackShark V2 X review and specifications →

Released	Aug 2020 (6 years ago)
Back	Closed
Built-in Microphone	Yes
Connection	Wired
Deviation From Target	5.39 dB standard deviation
Driver Type	Dynamic
Drivers	1 x 50mm dynamic
Form Factor	Over-ear
Frequency Response	12Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Harman Preference Score	1 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ)
Impedance	32 ohms
Sensitivity	100 dB SPL/mW
Tonal Tilt	-2.96 (negative is warmer, positive brighter)
Weight	0.5 lbs (240 g)

EQ preset to match the Harman target

Set a preamp of -5.6 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.

Filter	Frequency	Gain	Q
Low shelf	105 Hz	-3.9 dB	0.70
Peak	158 Hz	-13.0 dB	0.91
Peak	825 Hz	+8.9 dB	0.18
Peak	7,600 Hz	+3.5 dB	3.10
Peak	808 Hz	-10.8 dB	0.68
High shelf	10,000 Hz	+0.5 dB	0.70
Peak	312 Hz	+3.1 dB	3.28
Peak	477 Hz	-1.6 dB	2.83
Peak	4,275 Hz	+1.7 dB	4.98
Peak	216 Hz	-1.8 dB	3.70

• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • AutoEQ results for the Razer BlackShark V2 X (crinacle measurement)
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Razer BlackShark V2 X vs AKG K92
  • Razer BlackShark V2 X vs Razer Barracuda X
  • Razer BlackShark V2 X vs Koss Porta Pro
  • Razer BlackShark V2 X vs Koss KPH40