Plantronics RIG 500 Pro HX [Review]: Xbox & PC Gaming Headset

Plantronics recently unveiled its RIG 500 Pro series, headlined past a powerful RIG 500 Pro Esports Edition headset. The company has also produced a cheaper version of that same headset specifically for Xbox and PC gamers, dubbed the 500 Pro HX.

The 500 Pro HX is $lxx cheaper than the esports edition, which we found to be an awesome pick for gamers who want amazing audio and sublime comfort. But does this $80 version make too many compromises to be worth the price? Permit'due south take a wait.

Next-level comfort and keen audio

Plantronics RIG 500 Pro HX headset

$79.99

Bottom line: This is i of the all-time-value wired headsets, but we wish it had more features.

Pros:

Comfortable and lite.
Great audio.
Great value.

Cons:

Mic quality isn't great.
Other options in the toll bracket have more than features.

What you'll love near the RIG 500 Pro HX

Plantronics continues its tradition for high-quality, high-condolement headsets with the 500 Pro HX. At just 258 grams, this might be one of the lightest headsets you lot've ever used. Its modular design and mesh cup exoskeleton gives it both a flashy and functional appearance, reducing the weight past not-trivial amounts. The floating headband, combined with airy textile cushioning and adaptable ear cups make this a true pleasure to wear.

Category	Spec
Frequency response	20Hz to 20,000Hz
Weight	258 grams
Connection	3.5mm
Speakers	50mm neodymium
Surroundings sound	Dolby Atmos code included
Features	Unique volume control nub for PS4 and Xbox Ane Flip-to-mute mic
Price	$79.99

One of the main compromises RIG has made with this headset versus its Esports version is swapping out the metallic elements for plastic. Thankfully, the materials used nonetheless feel solid and adequately pliable. Some cheaper headsets frequently seem to use quite brittle plastics that snap at the showtime sign of force per unit area. Not this one.

Where Plantronics didn't make whatever compromises for this headset is in the speakers. It used the same 50mm neodymium magnets constitute in the esports edition, with the aforementioned frequency response. The audio scape on offer hither is merely sublime. The major frequencies offering distinct, crisp audio, with rich bass notes and shattering highs, putting yous in the eye of the battle. It also features a flip-to-mute mic, which is becoming somewhat of a gaming headset staple, and a unique volume control nub that plugs into the bottom of your controller.

At that place'south little to complain about with this product, but it's non perfect.

What yous'll dislike nearly the RIG 500 Pro HX

At that place's no native surround feel, simply to make up for it, Plantronics included a free lawmaking for Dolby Atmos in the box. Personally, I'm not a big fan of Atmos for gaming, merely that'due south simply because so few games really utilize it properly. Information technology's certainly adequate, though, providing at least some environment sensations.

I found the microphone on this headset to be a bit of a permit down when compared to similar solutions in this toll range. Both on Discord on PC and on Xbox Live with friends, they reported that they could hear a soft whining interference in the background. It was very quiet and certainly non a deal breaker, merely definitely present, especially when compared side by side with the 500 Pro Esports Edition version.

Finally, whether or not yous like the appearance of the RIG 500 Pro volition largely depend on your preferences, but I adopt the all grayness design on the 500 Pro Esports Edition. The gilded accents don't really scream "Xbox" to me, considering this is indeed an Xbox-licensed product.

Should you buy the Plantronics RIG 500 Pro HX?

Plantronics has produced an incredibly high-value headset with the 500 Pro HX. It feels great on your head, and provides first-class audio scaping with a decent mic experience. The lack of surround sound, wirelessness, or things like mic monitoring make me question whether or non most gamers might be served amend with some other headsets in this price range. That said, I'm not certain I've experienced better raw sound quality at this cost before.

So should yous purchase it? Absolutely. You won't regret this purchase.

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