Wyze Gaming Headset Review
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1970-01-01 08:00
Typically, wireless gaming headsets cost significantly more than wired headsets, and we’ve considered any models

Typically, wireless gaming headsets cost significantly more than wired headsets, and we’ve considered any models priced just under $100 in the budget category. Wyze, the manufacturer of many low-price but surprisingly good smart home devices like the Wyze Bulb Color and Wyze Cam OG, shatters that idea with a $59.99 unit. Despite its price, the Wyze Gaming Headset features a USB transmitter, Bluetooth, and surprisingly good sound. We still favor the Razer Barracuda X ($99.99) for its 7.1 simulated surround sound and excellent microphone, but the Wyze Gaming Headset is a strong budget pick at just over half the price. It earns our Editors’ Choice award for ultra-cheap wireless gaming headsets.

Looks Simple, Feels Good

The all-black headset looks plain, but it doesn’t feel cheap. The oval-shaped, over-ear earpads are padded with memory foam covered with faux leather, with additional padding under the headband. At 10.8 ounces, the headset is quite light and, with the memory foam, comfortable to wear. Despite being comfortable, I found it slightly difficult to keep the headset balanced properly on my head; the adjustment slides on the earcups felt slightly loose, so the right ear would occasionally inch downward.

The earcups' back panels are bland, matte black plastic with glossy Wyze logos. The plastic is sturdy, but lighter than more expensive gaming headsets with plastic earcups. By itself, it would have contributed to a cheap feel. However, the black, U-shaped metal struts that connect to the faux leather-wrapped headband elevates the headset's overall build quality.

The left earcup holds a volume wheel, a mic mute switch, a USB-C port for charging, and a port for the detachable microphone along the bottom edge, while the right earcup features power and multipurpose buttons. According to Wyze, the headset can last up to 20 hours on a full charge, and a 10-minute charge provides two hours of juice.

Wireless Connectivity and Stereo Sound

The Wyze Gaming Headset is designed to work with PC and Mac computers along with the Nintendo Switch (docked) and Sony PlayStation systems via the included 2.4GHz USB-A adapter. It also features Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connections with any phone or other compatible device. However, it lacks simulated surround sound, or an app that delivers EQ or other customization options.

If you want spatial audio when gaming on your PC, you must download Dolby Atmos for Headphones or Razer THX Spatial Audio (it shouldn't cost more than $20). Otherwise, you must rely on the headset’s stereo output and games' surround processing.

Loud, Clear Gaming Audio

In our tests, Fortnite sounded loud and clear on the Wyze Gaming Headset. Although the higher frequencies weren't the crispest, all audio effects, including rustling grass, were present. The stereo audio offered a plain left-right balance, but lacked separate spatial audio processing. As a result, there wasn't a strong sense of directionality that provided a tactical advantage during play.

Likewise, Diablo IV sounded full and atmospheric, with lots of low-frequency presence that highlighted the soundtrack's unsettling rumbling. The dialogue was easy to hear, and the stereo mixing worked in the game’s overhead perspective.

A Modest Mic

Teammates won’t have difficulty understanding you through the headset’s boom mic, but it isn’t necessarily the best tool if you want to stream or record. Our test recordings were fairly clear, but my voice had a bit of fuzziness that could be attributed to the mic itself, wireless artifacts, or the mic picking up my air conditioner across the room and attempting to compensate.

Regardless, you can get better mic performance with the Razer Barracuda X or Razer Blackshark V2 Pro. For serious content creators, we recommend a separate USB microphone unless you’re planning an even more complex setup with an XLR mic and a mixer.

Booming Bass

For music, the Wyze Gaming Headset delivers appreciable bass. In our bass test track, The Knife’s “Silent Shout,” the bass drum hits were almost palpable, with plenty of low-end force. There was no hint of distortion at maximum (and unsafe) volume.

The opening acoustic guitar plucks in Yes’ “Roundabout” rang out with plenty of low- and low-mid resonance, while the treble let the string texture come through. When the track properly kicked in, the bassline sat at the front of the mix while the drums, guitar strums, and vocals sat slightly back due to a drop-off in the high-frequency response. Overall, we could clearly discern the many audio elements even if they weren't ideally balanced.

In The Crystal Method’s “Born Too Slow,” the ominous backbeat was deep and full enough to drive the track. A slightly weak high-end prevented the riffs and vocals from having a crisp edge. Still, the Wyze offered a more satisfying track reproduction than many mids-focused headsets that fail to reach into the lower frequencies.

The Wyze Gaming Headset Is a Top Budget Pick

If you want a high-quality wireless gaming headset without spending too much money, check out the Wyze Gaming Headset. Naturally, it comes with a few trade-offs to meet its budget price; the high-end sound isn’t particularly crisp, its mic isn’t exceptionally clean, and its earcups are a touch wiggly. However, it doesn’t fail in any category, and sounds surprisingly good for a $59.99, Bluetooth wireless gaming headset. For its price and audio quality, the Wyze Gaming Headset is our Editors' Choice pick for ultra-cheap gaming cans.

You'll get better performance across the board with the $99.99 Razer Barracuda X (a strong mic, 7.1 simulated surround sound), but that headset costs nearly twice as much as Wyze’s high-quality offering. If you want excellent audio and spatial audio processing without buying extra software, you can find the wired Razer Blackshark V2 for the same price.

Tags headphones game controllers and accessories