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Whether Razer Synapse 2 or Synapse 3 will work depends on two things: your operating system and whether Razer supports your exact device in that version. The operating-system lists overlap, but device support does not. Also, both versions have lost cloud-related services, and Synapse 3 stopped receiving updates on February 3, 2026. Check your device’s support listing before choosing a version.
Which operating systems support Synapse 2 and Synapse 3?
Razer’s support pages list the following operating systems. These lists establish the operating systems each version is intended to support; they do not guarantee that a particular device is supported on that system.
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| Software | Operating systems listed by Razer | Additional qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Synapse 2 | Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 64-bit; Mac OS X 10.10–10.14 | Razer separately states that Microsoft .NET Framework 4 is required for installation. Its page lists PC 64-bit version 2.25.528.1 and Mac version 1.87; those are the versions shown on the page, not a guarantee of the newest available installer. |
| Synapse 3 | Windows 10 64-bit (x64) and Windows 11 | Razer’s page lists version V1.22.0.737. Treat this as the version displayed on that page, not as confirmation that it is the latest available installer. |
Razer’s listed Synapse 2 Mac support ends at Mac OS X 10.14. The cited requirements do not establish Synapse 2 support for later macOS releases, or Synapse 3 support for macOS.
How do you check whether your exact device is supported?
Look up the precise model in Razer’s device-support information for the Synapse version you intend to use. A product family name is not enough: devices in the same family can have different software support. Razer says some devices supported by Synapse 2 were migrated to Synapse 3 in 2018, while others could not be ported. So a device working in Synapse 2 does not, by itself, mean it will appear or be configurable in Synapse 3.
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Use this check before installing or switching versions:
- Find the exact model name or number on the device, packaging, or its product information.
- Check Razer’s support listing for that model and confirm which Synapse version it names.
- Compare that version’s operating-system requirements with the operating system and architecture on your computer.
- Decide whether you need Synapse customization or only basic device operation; those are different requirements.
Will the device work without Synapse?
Razer describes its products as plug-and-play devices. Basic operation may therefore work without Synapse, while software features such as button rebinding, macros, and lighting configuration may require a supported Synapse version. Plug-and-play functionality is not a promise that every advanced feature will work without the software.
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
Can you keep using Synapse 2 or Synapse 3?
Synapse 2
Razer says Synapse 2 cloud-related features ended on October 28, 2025. Existing local settings remain, and Razer says users can export settings manually. If your device and operating system are supported, the loss of cloud features does not by itself mean local configuration has stopped working.
Synapse 3
Razer says Synapse 3 updates and cloud services ended on February 3, 2026. Devices that remain installed in Synapse 3 can still be configured, but Razer says devices fully uninstalled from Synapse 3 require Synapse 4 for continued customization. Razer also states that no new hardware will support Synapse 3.
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
Synapse 4 and moving profiles
Razer identifies Synapse 4 as the replacement for Synapse 3. If you are migrating, Razer’s guidance is not to manually uninstall Synapse 3 first. Start the upgrade through the migration banner or installer, then use the profile-migration flow; the tool presents profiles backed up on the local machine. Do not assume profiles that exist only elsewhere will appear in that migration flow.
What happens if you use devices across different Synapse versions?
Razer says Chroma quick effects cannot be synchronized across devices running different Synapse versions. If cross-device lighting synchronization matters, check that the devices can be configured in a compatible version rather than assuming Synapse 2 and 3 will coordinate them.
Is Synapse 2 or Synapse 3 faster?
The cited Razer support material does not publish a quantified performance test comparing Synapse 2 with Synapse 3. It therefore does not establish a specific speed advantage, CPU or memory cost, or guaranteed performance on an individual PC.
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
Razer describes Synapse 4 as having improved performance, quicker load times, and a smoother interface compared with Synapse 3. Those are the manufacturer’s comparative claims, not independent benchmark results, and they do not establish how Synapse 4 will perform on a particular computer.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which version should you use?
- Choose based on device support first: the exact model’s listing is more decisive than the fact that your operating system appears on a requirements page.
- If you need Synapse 2 on an older system: verify both the listed OS and the device model. Account for the stated .NET Framework 4 installation requirement on Windows.
- If you currently use Synapse 3: its installed devices remain configurable according to Razer, but it no longer receives updates or cloud services. Razer directs users to Synapse 4 as its replacement.
- If you need cloud synchronization: neither Synapse 2 nor Synapse 3 retains the cloud services described in Razer’s lifecycle notices.
- If you use mixed-version devices: do not expect Chroma quick effects to synchronize across the versions.
These compatibility and lifecycle details reflect Razer’s support pages as accessed on October 7, 2026. Razer’s software and device-support listings can change, so check the current listing for your model before making a change.
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
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- 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
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.
