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It depends on your operating system and the exact Razer device. Razer’s listed requirements include Windows 10 64-bit and Windows 11 for Synapse 3, and Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 64-bit plus Mac OS X 10.10–10.14 for Synapse 2. But an operating system match alone does not guarantee that your device is supported by that version. As of October 2026, both programs have also lost cloud services; Synapse 4 is Razer’s stated replacement.
Check your operating system and device first
Compatibility has two parts: whether the operating system is on Razer’s list and whether your exact model appears in the device-support list for that Synapse version. Razer’s Synapse 3 page lists Windows 10 64-bit (x64) and Windows 11. Its Synapse 2 page lists Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 64-bit for PC, and Mac OS X 10.10–10.14 for Mac. These are the operating systems listed on Razer’s support pages, not a guarantee that every device works on every listed system.
| Software | Operating systems listed by Razer | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Synapse 2 | Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 64-bit; Mac OS X 10.10–10.14 | Check the exact device model in the Synapse 2 device list and confirm the system meets the installation prerequisite. |
| Synapse 3 | Windows 10 64-bit (x64) and Windows 11 | Check the exact device model in the Synapse 3 device list. Razer says no new hardware will support Synapse 3. |
Razer’s support pages list Synapse 3 version V1.22.0.737, Synapse 2 PC 64-bit version 2.25.528.1, and Synapse 2 Mac version 1.87. These are the versions shown on those pages, not assurances that they are the latest installers available. Razer separately states that Synapse 2 installation requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4. Synapse 3 requirements and FAQ, Synapse 2 requirements and FAQ, Synapse 2 installation prerequisite
Why a device may work in Synapse 2 but not Synapse 3
The two programs do not have identical device coverage. Razer says some Synapse 2 devices were migrated to Synapse 3 in 2018, while others could not be ported. Check the full model name or number—not just a product family—against the relevant device list. If a device is absent from Synapse 3’s list, its support in Synapse 2 does not establish that it can be configured in Synapse 3. Synapse 2 device support, Synapse 3 device support
#1 Best Overall
- ICONIC ERGONOMIC DESIGN WITH THUMB REST — PC gaming mouse favored by millions worldwide with a form factor that perfectly supports the hand while its buttons are optimally positioned for quick and easy access
- 11 PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS — Assign macros and secondary functions across 11 programmable buttons to execute essential actions like push-to-talk, ping, and more
- HYPERSCROLL TILT WHEEL — Speed through content with a scroll wheel that free-spins until its stopped or switch to tactile mode for more precision and satisfying feedback that’s ideal for cycling through weapons or skills
- 11 RAZER CHROMA RGB LIGHTING ZONES — Customize each zone from over 16.8 million colors and countless lighting effects, all while it reacts dynamically with over 150 Chroma integrated games
- OPTICAL MOUSE SWITCHES GEN 2 — With zero unintended misclicks these switches provide crisp, responsive execution at a blistering 0.2ms actuation speed for up to 70 million clicks
Basic use is different from customization
Razer describes its products as plug-and-play devices. A peripheral may therefore provide basic input or other standard functions without Synapse, even if its advanced configuration is unavailable. Synapse is used for custom settings such as button rebinding, macros, and lighting. Basic operation should not be confused with full customization or profile management. Razer Synapse 2 FAQ
Know what changed with cloud services
Both versions are now legacy software with cloud limitations. Razer says Synapse 2 cloud-related features ended on October 28, 2025. Existing local settings remain, and users can manually export settings. Synapse 3 stopped receiving updates and cloud services on February 3, 2026. Razer says devices that remain installed can still be configured in Synapse 3, but a device fully uninstalled from it requires Synapse 4 for continued customization. Synapse 4 is Razer’s stated replacement. Synapse 2 service status, Synapse 3 service status
Rank #2
- HIGH-PRECISION 6,400 DPI OPTICAL SENSOR — Offers on-the-fly sensitivity adjustment through dedicated DPI buttons (reprogrammable) for gaming and creative work
- DURABLE MECHANICAL SWITCHES — Supports up to 10 million clicks
- RIDGED, RUBBERIZED SCROLL WHEEL FOR MAXIMUM ACCURACY — Small, tactile bumps increases grip and allows for more controlled scrolling in high-stakes gaming situations
- 5 PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS — Allows for button remapping and assignment of complex macro functions through Razer Synapse
- PC GAMING PERIPHERALS BRAND IN THE U.S. — Source — Circana, Retail Tracking Service, U.S., Dollar Sales, Gaming Designed Mice, Keyboards, and PC Headsets, Jan. 2019- Dec. 2023 combined
What to do when moving from Synapse 3
Razer’s migration guidance says not to manually uninstall Synapse 3 before migrating. The migration tool presents profiles backed up on the local machine; Razer recommends starting the upgrade through the banner or installer and then following the profile migration flow. Synapse 3 migration guidance
- Start the upgrade using the Synapse 3 banner or the Synapse 4 installer.
- Follow the migration flow and review the locally backed-up profiles it presents.
- Do not manually uninstall Synapse 3 before migration, as Razer’s guidance recommends leaving it in place for this process.
Mixed versions and Chroma synchronization
If some devices use different Synapse versions, Razer says Chroma quick effects cannot be synced across devices running different versions. That limitation matters when coordinated lighting is part of your setup: device compatibility with each program does not imply cross-version effect synchronization. Razer Synapse 3 FAQ
What is known about performance
Razer describes Synapse 4 as offering improved performance, quicker load times, and a smoother interface compared with Synapse 3. That is Razer’s product description, not a quantified independent benchmark. The reviewed official support material provides no measured Synapse 2-versus-Synapse 3 speed comparison, and it does not establish a specific CPU or memory impact or guarantee performance on an individual PC. Razer Synapse 3 FAQ
Rank #3
- ICONIC ERGONOMIC FORM WITH 9 CUSTOMIZABLE CONTROLS — Favored by millions worldwide, the mouse’s signature shape perfectly supports different grips, while its numerous easy-access buttons allow for an endless combination of commands and macros
- RAZER HYPERSPEED WIRELESS AND BLUETOOTH — Unleash seamless, low-latency performance that's faster than other wireless tech or switch to Bluetooth for longer hours of gaming. Outfitted with multi-device support for a streamlined setup
- UP TO 285 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — With up to 535 hours on Bluetooth and 285 hours on Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, last longer in the heat of battle with a mouse designed to play the long game. May vary depending on usage conditions
- RAZER 5G ADVANCED 18K OPTICAL SENSOR — Tailor the mouse to the playstyle with a new, robust set of sensitivity settings. Enjoy responsive, pixel-precise aim with an ultra-reliable sensor that tracks movement with zero spinouts
- RAZER MECHANICAL MOUSE SWITCHES GEN-2 — With new gold-plated contact points, the switches are less prone to degrading and have a longer lifespan of up to 60-million clicks, so gamers can enjoy crisp execution that’s just as consistent
A practical way to choose
- Need basic device function only: Try the device as a plug-and-play peripheral; Synapse may not be necessary for standard operation.
- Need customization: Find the exact model in the software’s device list, then confirm your operating system is listed.
- Need cloud sync: Neither Synapse 2 nor Synapse 3 currently offers its former cloud services, according to Razer’s sunset notices.
- Need support for newer hardware: Synapse 3 has no new hardware support; Razer identifies Synapse 4 as its replacement.
- Need synchronized Chroma quick effects: Avoid relying on synchronization across devices assigned to different Synapse versions.
If a device is not detected or configurable, identify the exact model and operating system, then distinguish the symptom: installation failure, device detection, missing customization, cloud sync, or performance. Those are different compatibility questions and should be checked against the corresponding Razer support information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 82G LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN — Featuring a mass centralized design, the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed ensures seamless, consistent swipes crucial to competitive play so never have to settle for unbalanced battery-powered mice
- FOCUS PRO 30K OPTICAL SENSOR — With a forward sensor placement and intelligent functions, our flagship sensor ensures a finer degree of accuracy, while maintaining flawless tracking on a wider variety of surfaces including glass
- UP TO 280 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Power through most intense scrimming and tournament schedule with up to 280 hours of high-performance gaming on just a single AA battery
- HYPERSPEED WIRELESS — Experience a flawless, low-latency connection that remains smooth and stable even in noisy wireless environments for outfitted with multi-device support for a streamlined esports setup
- MECHANICAL MOUSE SWITCHES GEN-2 — Rated with a 60-million click lifespan, the switches feature gold-plated contact points for greater resistance against wear and tear to enjoy crisp execution that always comes in clutch
Rank #4
- 19 PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS — Armed with ergonomically positioned buttons that provide an arsenal of commands at the fingertips for mapping out the essentials or going all out with advanced macros
- RAZER HYPERSPEED WIRELESS (2.4 GHZ) AND BLUETOOTH — Unleash seamless, low-latency performance that's 25% faster than other wireless tech or switch to Bluetooth for longer hours of gaming
- POWERED BY RAZER HYPERSCROLL TECHNOLOGY — Perform repeated commands rapidly or blaze through content in free-spin mode, or activate tactile mode for enhanced precision and satisfying feedback
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — With up to 400 hours on Bluetooth and 250 hours of seamless low-latency gaming on Razer HyperSpeed Wireless (2.4GHz), last longer in the heat of battle with this mouse before having to replace its battery
- FOCUS PRO 30K OPTICAL SENSOR — Razer’s brand-new sensor provides flawless tracking performance on a wider variety of surfaces including glass —supported by intelligent functions for enhanced aim and control
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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