Overview

Razer Synapse is Razer’s free device-control and lighting software for people who use compatible Razer peripherals. It suits players who want to tailor buttons, macros, performance settings, and RGB behavior in one ecosystem. Its broad controls and migration path from Synapse 3 are useful strengths, but support depends on the specific device and Mac users currently get a preview rather than a broadly supported release.

Synapse 4 also offers browser-based quick customization for compatible devices, including onboard profiles and Chroma RGB quick effects. Its migration tool can transfer Synapse 3 profiles, macros, and Chroma effects, with individual profile selection. That makes upgrading more manageable, though it does not remove the need to confirm device compatibility.

Razer says Synapse 4’s multi-threaded architecture isolates device processes, so installing or updating one device should not interrupt others in use. Razer also claims processing is up to 30% faster than Synapse 3, based on a stated July 2023 test; actual improvement can vary with usage, software, power settings, and other conditions. Those claims are relevant context, not a reason to choose Synapse without checking whether the needed controls work with your gear.

Key features

Device controls: Button remapping, macros, and performance settings let users configure compatible Razer devices around their playstyle. Hypershift adds a secondary set of button functions, while Rapid Trigger and advanced macros serve users seeking more specialized controls.
Lighting: Synapse supports addressable RGB control, lighting profiles, cross-device synchronization, and game lighting effects through Chroma RGB. Chroma also supports enabled accessories from more than 50 third-party hardware partners, including Govee, Yeelight, Philips Hue, Nanoleaf, and Twinkly. This expands the potential for coordinated lighting, but only across enabled accessories.
Browser customization: Compatible devices can be adjusted with browser-based quick controls, including onboard profiles and Chroma RGB effects. That is useful for quick changes, though device compatibility still sets the boundary.
Legacy migration: Synapse 4 works with Synapse 3 devices subject to Razer’s compatibility list, and its migration tool can bring over selected profiles, macros, and Chroma effects. This is a practical bridge for existing Razer users, not a guarantee that every legacy device or setting will carry forward.

Pricing

Synapse is free, with no paid plan or free-trial period described. That makes it a straightforward choice for Razer users who need its device controls, but its value is tied to compatible Razer hardware rather than serving as a general peripheral utility.

Platforms

Synapse is available for Windows and Mac, with browser-based customization for compatible devices. Windows support covers Windows 11 x86-64 and Windows 10. The Mac preview supports macOS 15 Sequoia and above on Apple silicon Macs, so Mac users outside that specific combination should not assume the desktop software is supported.

Who it's for

Synapse is the best fit for players and teams standardizing on compatible Razer gear who want remapping, macros, performance controls, and synchronized lighting under one software umbrella. It is less suitable for mixed-brand setups that need one utility to configure peripherals across manufacturers, or for Mac users who need support beyond the stated preview conditions.

Pros and cons

Pros

Broad control set: Remapping, macros, performance settings, Hypershift, and Rapid Trigger give compatible-device owners multiple ways to tailor controls.
Legacy migration: Selected Synapse 3 profiles, macros, and Chroma effects can be transferred, easing a move to Synapse 4.
Lighting reach: Chroma RGB supports game effects and enabled accessories from more than 50 third-party hardware partners.
No software charge: The free offering makes Synapse accessible to owners of supported Razer devices without a subscription decision.

Cons

Compatibility is device-specific: Legacy support and feature access depend on Razer’s compatible-device list, so users need to verify their exact gear.
Mac support is narrow: The current preview applies to macOS 15 Sequoia and above on Apple silicon Macs.
Performance gains are not assured: Razer’s up-to-30% faster claim is relative to Synapse 3 and may vary by usage, software, power settings, and other conditions.

Alternatives

For Logitech gear, Logi Options+ is a free option for supported Logitech devices on Windows 10 or later and macOS 12 or later. Logitech G HUB is the more relevant Logitech choice when you want LIGHTSYNC RGB customization, device configuration and presets, or game profiles.

Rapoo A HUB is another free option with Windows, Mac, and web platforms. Glorious CORE is free for configuring Glorious products, with most products supported; cloud profile saving requires a Glorious ID.

Rebind is worth considering when Linux support or a Luau scripting runtime matters; its free software mode requires no account or Rebind Link. be quiet! IO Center is a free alternative. Higround Forge is a free Windows option, while Fnatic OP Software is free on Windows and Mac.

For category browsing, see Keyboard and Mouse Customization Software, Gaming Peripheral Software, and RGB Lighting Software.

Verdict

Choose Razer Synapse if your setup centers on compatible Razer devices and you want button controls, macros, performance settings, and Chroma lighting without paying for the software. Its device breadth and selected Synapse 3 migration make it a strong ecosystem utility; look elsewhere if you need dependable support for a mixed-brand setup or Mac coverage beyond the Apple silicon preview conditions.

	OpenMouse	Razer Synapse
Free plan	No	No
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	—	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Web	macOS, Web, Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Desktop platforms	windows + macos + linux	—
Button remapping	Yes	—
Lighting control	Yes	—
Supported device types	Gaming mice	—

OpenMouse vs Razer Synapse

OpenMouse

Razer Synapse