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G9000 Pro Review
When it comes to building a budget gaming setup, every dollar counts. You’ve already stretched your wallet to snag a decent gaming machine, a display, and a few games. But what about a gaming headset? Can you really justify spending more when you’re trying to cut costs? As much as we’d like to say you can skip it, the reality is that a good headset can make a world of difference, especially for multiplayer games where communication is key.
Enter the G9000 Pro Gaming Headset. Priced at a jaw-dropping $22, this headset promises a lot: compatibility with both PC and consoles, a noise-isolating microphone, and even flashy LED lighting. But with such a low price point, does it deliver on its promises, or is it too good to be true? Let’s find out.
Packaging and Build Quality
The G9000 Pro comes in basic packaging with no protective foam, and the headset itself is mostly shiny plastic that feels cheap but functional. There’s a thin metal strip in the band for added durability, and the foam padding is thick enough to keep it comfortable for short gaming sessions. The ear cups, however, are a mixed bag. While the synthetic leather material feels durable, it’s not breathable, so prepare to sweat during extended use. Additionally, the ear cups are small and firm, which could cause discomfort, especially for adults with larger ears.
Despite these shortcomings, the adjustable headband is flexible and stays in place once set. The headset also features a sleeved cable with a volume control wheel and a mic mute toggle. These practical additions enhance the overall usability, even if the materials don’t scream luxury.
For gamers looking for aesthetics, the G9000 Pro includes LED lighting. While it’s purely cosmetic, it adds a gaming vibe to your setup. However, the USB plug required to power the lights can be inconvenient, especially for console users.
Features and Connectivity
One of the standout features of the G9000 Pro is its universal compatibility. It connects via a 4-pole 3.5mm combo jack, making it easy to use with controllers, PCs, and laptops. There’s also a USB plug, but don’t get too excited—this is solely for powering the LED lighting, which, while flashy, doesn’t add any functional value.
The noise-isolating microphone is a flip-down design that’s convenient to use. However, some user reviews mention that it picks up background noise, which might be more of a user error than a hardware flaw. Still, for the price, the mic quality is surprisingly decent.
Additionally, the cable’s design deserves some praise. It’s sleeved for added durability and long enough to reach most setups comfortably. The inclusion of a volume control wheel and a mic mute toggle on the cable enhances convenience, especially during intense gaming sessions where quick adjustments are necessary.
Sound Quality
Let’s address the most important aspect: sound quality. To our surprise, the G9000 Pro is not terrible. While the bass response is lacking, and the upper mids can sound muddy, the overall audio quality is serviceable for casual gaming. The ear cups’ inability to seal properly might contribute to the weaker bass performance, but if you happen to have a head shape that aligns perfectly with the design, you might get better results.
To validate our impressions, we sent the headset to our lab for a frequency response analysis. The results confirmed that the G9000 Pro attempts to compensate for its sub-bass deficiency, but its upper mids struggle, leading to a slightly muddy sound profile. Despite these shortcomings, it’s still miles ahead of other headsets in this price range.
The G9000 Pro’s sound isolation also deserves mention. While it’s not perfect, it’s good enough to block out most ambient noise, enhancing the overall gaming experience. However, for audiophiles or those who prioritize crystal-clear audio, this headset might fall short.
Microphone Performance
The microphone on the G9000 Pro exceeded expectations. During our tests, the mic delivered clear audio that’s more than adequate for in-game communication or Discord calls. While it won’t make you sound like a professional podcaster, it’s functional and gets the job done. Some user reviews criticized the mic for picking up background noise, but this issue might stem from incorrect settings or usage rather than the hardware itself.
In real-world tests, the mic’s performance was consistent, even in noisy environments. It’s an excellent feature for gamers who need reliable communication during team-based games. The mic’s flip-down design also makes it easy to use, and its noise-isolating capability, while not perfect, is impressive for the price point.
User Reviews and Reliability
With over 96,000 reviews on Amazon and an impressive 82% of them being four or five stars, the G9000 Pro is a best-seller for a reason. However, digging deeper into the reviews reveals some concerns. Complaints about the build quality, mic performance, and ear cup size are common, but these are to be expected at this price point.
More troubling, though, are allegations of unethical practices by Bengu, including attempts to bribe dissatisfied customers into upgrading their reviews. While these instances are concerning, they don’t seem to reflect the product’s actual performance. That said, it’s always a good idea to approach products with overwhelmingly positive reviews with a healthy dose of skepticism.
On the bright side, many positive reviews praise the headset’s affordability and functionality. Users appreciate its ease of use, compatibility across devices, and decent sound quality. These features make it a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers or as a starter headset for younger users.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re willing to spend a little more, the EPOS GSP 300 is a fantastic upgrade at around $32. It features better build quality, larger ear cups, and a more comfortable design overall. For those on an even tighter budget, the Redragon H101 is an option, but be prepared for a significant drop in sound and build quality.
Another alternative is the HyperX Cloud Stinger, which offers a more premium experience for around $50. It’s a step up in terms of comfort, durability, and sound quality, making it an excellent choice for those who can stretch their budget further. For console gamers, the Turtle Beach Recon 70 is another reliable option, offering decent performance at an affordable price point.
Final Verdict
The G9000 Pro Gaming Headset is far from perfect, but it’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers or younger users. It delivers decent sound quality, a functional microphone, and universal compatibility—all for a price that’s hard to beat. However, if you’re looking for something more premium, it’s worth saving up for a higher-end model.
At the end of the day, the G9000 Pro is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a solid gaming experience. Just be prepared for a few compromises along the way.
For gamers on a shoestring budget, this headset provides everything you need to get started. Whether you’re jumping into a competitive match or just chatting with friends on Discord, the G9000 Pro gets the job done. While it’s not the best in its class, its unbeatable value makes it a worthy contender in the world of affordable gaming peripherals.
