Razer Synapse vs 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2

Razer Synapse9.3Visit 8BitDo Ultimate Software V28.1Visit

Higher score Razer Synapse #1 in Gaming Peripheral Software 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Razer Synapse

vs

8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 #8 in Gaming Peripheral Software 8.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit 8BitDo

• Razer Synapse fits best

  Razer-device ecosystems and game-linked lighting

• 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 fits best

  Free multi-device remapping and controller tuning

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	Razer Synapse 9.3/10 Visit ↗	8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 8.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.1
Ranking	#1 in Gaming Peripheral Software	#8 in Gaming Peripheral Software
Best for	Razer-device ecosystems and game-linked lighting	Free multi-device remapping and controller tuning
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS
Features Razer Synapse 0/3 · 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 3/3
Macro support	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Button remapping	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Lighting control	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Specs
Desktop platforms	Not checked yet	Windows + macos
Profile storage	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported device types	Not checked yet	game controllers, mechanical keyboards, numpads, mice, speakers, adapters, arcade controllers, mod kits
Our review
Pros	Remaps controls, creates macros, and switches device profiles Synchronizes Chroma lighting across compatible devices and partner hardware Supports game-linked effects, addressable LEDs, and browser customization	Free Windows and macOS software Supports remapping, macros, profiles, and firmware updates Covers controllers and several other peripheral types
Cons	Its main feature set is centered on compatible Razer devices Partner and game lighting depends on Chroma compatibility Profile migration is tied to Synapse 3 settings	Feature availability varies by supported device Limited to supported 8BitDo hardware No published cloud-sync details
Our verdict	Razer Synapse is desktop and web software for configuring compatible Razer gaming hardware. It is aimed at players who want one place to remap buttons and controls, create macros, adjust performance settings, manage profiles, and control… Read the review →	8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 is desktop configuration software for supported 8BitDo gaming peripherals. It is aimed at players who want to customize compatible controllers and other devices from Windows or macOS. Core controls include… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Razer Synapse — where it wins

  • Remaps controls, creates macros, and switches device profiles
  • Synchronizes Chroma lighting across compatible devices and partner hardware
  • Supports game-linked effects, addressable LEDs, and browser customization

  Where it doesn't

  • Its main feature set is centered on compatible Razer devices
  • Partner and game lighting depends on Chroma compatibility
  • Profile migration is tied to Synapse 3 settings

• 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 — where it wins

  • Free Windows and macOS software
  • Supports remapping, macros, profiles, and firmware updates
  • Covers controllers and several other peripheral types

  Where it doesn't

  • Feature availability varies by supported device
  • Limited to supported 8BitDo hardware
  • No published cloud-sync details

• Razer Synapse9.3/10 · Free plan

  A free control hub for remapping, macros, profiles, and Chroma lighting across Razer devices.

  Visit Razer SynapseFull verdict →
• 8BitDo Ultimate Software V28.1/10 · Free plan

  A free Windows and macOS utility for remapping, tuning, profiles, and device updates.

  Visit 8BitDoFull verdict →