Plantronics makes some great headsets, like the impressive RIG 800LX. But not everyone wants or can afford to spent a lot on an expensive, high-end headset. That doesn't mean you have to settle for a lousy experience, though.
That's where the RIG 400HX comes in. It only costs $50, and while you don't get anything particularly fancy, you get quality where it matters most. It's definitely the wheat that stands out amongst the chaff.
$49.99
Bottom Line: This is very much a no-frills headset for your Xbox One, but at $50 it offers terrific sound quality and comfort.Pros:
Ear cups have very good passive sound isolation.Lightweight and extremely comfortable.Great sound quality.Detachable microphone.Cons:
Not very adjustable for different head sizes.Not going to work with all PCs.You wouldn't go outside using this headset as a pair of headphones.What you'll love about the Plantronics RIG 400HX
For just $50 you're getting a solid headset here from a well-known and respected brand. It's entirely black plastic, sure, but what else would you expect in the budget segment? There's a lot to like here.
For starters, it's really comfortable. The earcups are thick as hell and trimmed in cloth, not leather or PVC, which I prefer (less heat and thus less perspiration). The headband is trimmed in the same material and is equally thick and cushioning.
| Category | Specs |
|---|---|
| Mic Pick Up Pattern | Uni-directional. |
| Mic Freq Response | 100 Hz–10 kHz. |
| HP Impedance | 32 ohms. |
| HP Freq Response | 20 Hz–20 kHz. |
| HP Drivers | Dynamic 40 mm. |
The end result is a headset that's very light and comfy and can easily be worn for longer gaming sessions. The microphone detaches, which is awesome, and there's also an inline remote for volume controls and muting when you don't want to be heard.
The 40mm drivers in the RIG 400HX deliver a really strong sound for gaming. The volume is great, even for a game like PUBG where you're listening for the smallest details. You don't get surround sound at this price, but you'll feel plenty of boom and it has a decent range all around. The passive sound isolation is also pretty excellent from those massive ear cups.
The microphone sounds decent, albeit you won't be using it for any serious creative work or anything. For what it's intended for, party chat, it sounds fine, maybe a little muffled but there are no real complaints.
What you'll hate about the Plantronics RIG 400HX
This is not a particularly good-looking headset. There are some out there that are perfectly usable as a pair of headphones when you're not gaming, and while you can do that, the RIG 400HX isn't subtle in any way. This is all gaming headset, all the time.
Perhaps more important (and less frivolous) is that there's not a lot of adjustability in the RIG 400HX. They don't slide up and down like regular headphones and most headsets. The ear cups can move along the vertical just enough to get comfy, but if your head doesn't fit this headset no amount of tinkering will make it fit.
This headset also isn't entirely compatible with the PC. It only has a 3.5mm connection, so you can use it with things like phones, tablets, even laptops. But if your PC has a split microphone/headphone jack, there is no adapter in the box, which means now you've just got a pair of decent headphones with a vestigial microphone. A PC headset adapter isn't expensive, but it'd be another thing you have to buy to get the most use here.
Bottom line on the Plantronics RIG 400HX
Plantronics knows how to make great audio gear and for $50 the RIG 400HX is no exception. Aside from a few niggles about the appearance and that it just won't fit everyone properly, it's mostly all good news.
It sounds great, it's extremely comfortable and the passive sound isolation is very good. The 3.5mm connector means it won't be great for all PCs, but if you're a multi-console gamer it's also good to use with the PS4.
It's a no-frills, no-nonsense headset that proves you can get a great experience for very little outlay. And it's frequently available for a good amount under $50, which makes it an even better buy if you can snag it on a deal.
