Active noise cancellation is a weakness because reviewers who addressed it said ANC is missing or that the headset is not an ANC model.
There is no active noise cancellation. The open-back design prioritizes airflow and natural sound, so it can’t cancel distractions the way closed-back ANC headsets can.
Android support appears through the mobile app evidence, with reviewers noting Android/Google Play availability for the Navigator app.
Works on Android over Bluetooth and supports the Swarm II mobile app, but several advanced audio features are PC-centric and mobile options can feel limited.
The app is a strength: reviewers found it easy, clean, useful, flexible, and available for headset tuning and setup on mobile platforms.
Swarm II provides firmware updates plus access to EQ, mic controls, spatial options, and game/chat features. Stability and feature parity vary by platform, and some users report connection or preset issues.
Latency-related sync is strong in the evidence, with no noticeable lag, low-latency gameplay audio, and under-20 ms wireless latency mentioned.
Audio latency is best over the 2.4GHz dongle and 3.5mm wired mode. Bluetooth is fine for casual listening but not ideal when timing is critical.
Bass is present and useful but not consistently described as head-shaking; reviewers noted boost options, serious punch, good bass, and a warmer profile in some use.
Bass is generally controlled rather than thunderous. Some reviews find it punchy enough for games, but many note weaker sub-bass and less impact for explosions or bass-heavy music.
Battery life is a major strength, repeatedly cited as 60+ hours and strong enough to reduce charging anxiety during normal gaming use.
Battery life is repeatedly praised, usually meeting the advertised ~50 hours and sometimes exceeding it, so most users can go many sessions between charges.
Bluetooth support is consistently present and useful, with Bluetooth 5.2, phone connection, and dual-mode phone-call support mentioned across reviews.
Bluetooth generally works reliably for calls and media, but it’s higher latency than the 2.4GHz dongle and switching between sources can take a couple seconds. True simultaneous game audio (2.4GHz) plus Bluetooth mixing isn’t supported. You can toggle/QuickSwitch between sources instead.
Build quality is generally solid, with reviewers calling the headset rock solid or durable, though one disliked the feel of the matte plastic.
Build is mostly plastic to keep weight low and is generally described as solid and flexible. It doesn’t feel as premium as metal-framed competitors, and the unusual suspension design raises long-term questions for some.
Controls are generally easy to use and locate by feel, with simple button layouts, one-sided controls, and clear physical controls mentioned.
Controls are mostly on one earcup with a prominent volume wheel. Some find them easy to locate, while others dislike similarly shaped buttons or coarse volume steps.
Cable quality received limited criticism from one reviewer, who described the included USB-C cable as short and non-fancy.
Pack-in cables are commonly braided, longer than average, and better than typical bundled cables, drawing positive comments across multiple reviews.
Carry case quality is weak because the relevant review noted that the headset did not come with a case.
The included pouch/bag is useful for scratch protection but isn’t a structured case and offers limited impact protection.
Charging is one of the strongest convenience features, centered on the dock/base station, magnetic or contact charging, and habit-forming storage between sessions.
USB-C charging is convenient, with multiple reviews citing fast charging (often roughly under a couple hours) and the ability to keep using the headset while it charges.
Clamp comfort is mixed: some reviewers found the clamp firm or medium, while another said it was not vise-like and comfortable with glasses.
Clamp is typically gentle and glasses-friendly, but the same light clamp can reduce stability for people who move around a lot.
Comfort is generally positive for long use, especially in reviews praising prolonged sessions and cozy wear, though one review called comfort middling and another wanted a little more comfort.
Comfort is a standout theme: lightweight build, breathable pads, and low clamp keep it easy to wear for hours, especially for glasses wearers.
Connectivity versatility is a core selling point, covering 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, console/PC use, dongles, and simultaneous modes, with some caveats.
Console compatibility has a real limitation: one review emphasized that a buyer must choose PS5 or Xbox rather than getting both in one headset.
Design is mostly clean and modern, with reviewers liking the low-key look and RGB flair, while one review found the design fairly standard.
A restrained, modern look with distinctive open-back grilles and floating cups. It reads more functional than flashy, which some prefer and others find plain.
Detachable mic convenience is weak because reviewers repeatedly noted the boom is fixed, non-removable, or not retractable.
The detachable boom mic and flip-to-mute are convenient for switching between gaming and casual use. A few mention the boom length or ergonomics as minor annoyances.
The USB-C dongle is important for platform switching and wireless use, but reviewers also noted manual swapping and dock dependency in some setups.
The included 2.4GHz USB-A dongle is the preferred mode for low-latency gaming and tends to be stable, while also enabling the best PC-only audio options.
Ear padding is mostly praised for depth, memory foam, plushness, and moisture-wicking fabric, although one reviewer disliked how the cups rested on the ears.
Earpads are described as plush, breathable, and comfortable, often using fabric rather than pleather to reduce heat. Many note they’re removable for cleaning or replacement.
Ear cup movement is mixed but mostly useful, with swivel cups praised by some reviewers and one reviewer criticizing the slanted feel.
The earcups don’t swivel flat, which makes it less convenient to rest around the neck or pack neatly compared with headsets that fold or rotate.
Earpad replacement is easy where discussed, thanks to magnetic pads that peel off, swap out, or come off without complicated tools.
EQ customization is well supported through bass boost, presets, expert mode, and multi-band EQ controls inside the app.
A 10-band EQ with custom presets is a core strength (especially on PC). A few reviewers report EQ-related artifacts or odd behavior with non-default profiles.
Fit and seal are generally strong, with reviewers saying the headset conforms to head shape, fits securely, and keeps ears inside the pads.
Footstep cue handling is strong, with reviewers hearing footsteps, cue direction, and competitive audio details clearly in shooter-style scenarios.
Frequency response and accuracy are supported by reviewers describing controlled audio and the stated 20-40,000 Hz range, with an emphasis on detail rather than boom.
Tuning is broadly balanced with a mild upper-frequency emphasis that favors detail and competitive cues. Multiple notes point to less sub-bass than many closed-backs and occasional treble unevenness.
Game/chat balance is useful but imperfect; some reviewers praised the gameplay/chat balance, while others wanted a dedicated physical dial or described app-based saving.
Game/chat mix is typically handled in the companion software rather than with a dedicated hardware dial, which is workable on PC but less convenient mid-game.
Headband adjustment is functional and generally positive, using sliders or telescoping arms; reviewers noted tension, adjustability, and a comfortable strap.
Adjustment relies on a suspension/velcro system rather than sliding yokes. It fits many heads well, but it’s less granular and some worry about long-term velcro tension.
The floating, band-suspended earcup design avoids traditional hinge stress points and feels robust in early use, but it’s unconventional enough that long-term wear remains an unknown.
Included accessories are solid, with reviewers listing the base station, wireless adapter or dongle, USB-C cable, and mod plates.
The bundle typically includes the dongle, USB-C cable, 3.5mm cable, detachable mic (often with a windscreen), and a pouch. Braided cables and overall completeness get frequent praise.
The included stand/base station is widely praised for weight, stability, storage, charging convenience, and RGB presentation, though one reviewer found it limited as mostly a charging station.
Instrument and sound separation are strong enough for reviewers to identify separate frequency layers, calibers, and busy game audio without losing details.
Instrument and layer separation is strong, helping complex mixes and busy game scenes remain distinct rather than blending together.
The integrated boom microphone is present and flexible or sturdy across reviews, with flip-to-mute and right-side placement frequently noted.
Clarity at high volume is generally strong with little distortion, though a few reports suggest certain EQ modes can introduce artifacts, especially at lower listening levels.
The microphone is broadly good, with clear voice capture, fuller sound than cheaper mics, and positive comments about boom quality, though some settings need adjustment.
Microphone noise reduction is mixed: the boom has directional isolation and side-noise rejection, but reviewers also noted no electronic or AI noise cancelling.
Noise handling is generally good with adjustable noise gates and processing, but some reviewers hear occasional dips or artifacts when noise reduction is too aggressive.
Call and team-chat mic quality is rated well where reviewed, with clear voice capture and teammate communication highlighted as effective.
Mic clarity is above average for a gaming headset, especially over the dongle/high-bandwidth modes. Over Bluetooth it can sound more compressed and less full.
Midrange performance is clear enough to highlight in-game cues and vocals, though one reviewer found the mids prominent and warm out of the box.
Midrange is typically clear and present, keeping dialogue and key cues intelligible even in busy scenes.
Multi-platform support is broad, covering PC, console variants, mobile, Switch-related use, Bluetooth, and optional dongles, while PS5/Xbox choice remains a limitation.
Connectivity is flexible via 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm analog, covering PC, PlayStation, Switch, and phones well. Xbox support is the main caveat because it isn’t wireless.
Multipoint behavior is useful for calls but limited; reviewers noted simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz support while also saying music/game mixing is incomplete.
Passive isolation is a clear strength for some reviewers, helped by the pads and seal; it blocks sound passively but is not a substitute for ANC.
Passive isolation is minimal by design. Sound leaks out and outside noise comes in, so it’s poorly suited to shared rooms, offices, or commuting.
Packaging quality was lightly criticized in one review for using paper support rather than laser-cut foam.
Portability is limited: reviewers noted it is not a great travel headset, though it can fold and is not hard to carry.
Positional audio is a clear strength, with reviewers describing placed gunfire, opponent location, directionality, and improved awareness.
Preset EQ profiles are a useful part of the software, with reviewers calling out well-done presets and listed profiles such as FPS, clarity, voice boost, and bass boost.
The default Signature Sound profile is widely considered the most balanced and reliable. Superhuman Hearing and other presets can sound artificial or overly bright, and some profiles behave inconsistently.
Replaceable earpads are a clear plus, with magnetic cushions and easy removal mentioned repeatedly.
Earpads are removable and replacements/mod options are available or expected, which helps hygiene and long-term maintenance.
Replaceable ear plates are a major customization feature; reviewers described swappable Mod-Plates, magnetic covers, 3D printing, and personalization.
RGB lighting is useful for presentation and customization, but opinions are mixed because one reviewer found the base-station RGB controls annoying.
Sidetone and monitoring are adjustable but mixed; reviewers noted mic monitoring and profile control, while one found mid/high monitoring levels too heavy.
Mic monitoring/sidetone is adjustable and often described as hiss-free, but several reviewers found it too quiet unless set very high or noted it doesn’t feel especially strong.
Setup and software simplicity are strong, with reviewers praising fast setup and well-chosen app settings.
Setup is straightforward when everything behaves, but multiple reviews mention finicky detection, firmware/update hiccups, or settings that don’t persist, making the experience inconsistent.
Sound quality is the main strength: reviewers described crisp clarity, strong detail, excellent gameplay audio, and in several cases standout or favorite-headset performance.
Overall sound quality is a highlight: detailed, natural-leaning audio with strong positional clarity. The most common caveats are lighter low-end impact and occasional brightness depending on content and EQ.
Soundstage and spread are described positively, with reviewers hearing overhead effects, directional movement, and a clear stereo spread in gameplay.
Soundstage is notably wide and airy thanks to the open-back cups, creating a speaker-like sense of space that helps immersion and directional awareness in quiet rooms.
Spatial audio is a standout, with Dolby Atmos or Tempest 3D Audio support repeatedly tied to better directionality, detail, and immersive gameplay.
PC-focused spatial features (often Waves 3D) can add useful directionality, though results vary by game and some listeners prefer it off for the cleanest, most natural presentation.
Stability is supported both wirelessly and physically, with stable long-session connection and secure magnetic parts or fit mentioned.
Stability is mixed: it can sit comfortably when you’re stationary, but the light clamp and floating cups may shift with head turns or quick movement.
Treble and high-frequency clarity were supported by comments about clarity across the sonic range and highs being present alongside bass and mids.
Treble tends to lean bright for detail and cue pickup, but several reviews mention occasional sharpness or sibilance, especially with certain presets or EQ changes.
USB-C is well represented through the headset port, connection cable, and dongle, with reviewers noting USB-C connection and wired update or audio possibilities.
Charges over USB-C; reviewers treat the USB-C connection as power/charging rather than a full-featured wired audio link.
Value is strong overall: several reviewers described good value, premium features without premium pricing, or a headset that punches above its weight.
Volume output is mixed: one reviewer found console volume too low, while another described the app test output as very loud.
Overall loudness is adequate for many, but multiple reviewers note an odd volume curve or that it needs higher percentage settings to reach their preferred listening level.
Weight comfort is acceptable rather than ultralight, with one reviewer calling it a good middle and another noting it is not incredibly lightweight.
Weight is consistently noted as very low for a wireless headset (around 300g), helping it feel almost invisible during long sessions.
Wireless latency is rated highly in the evidence, with no noticeable latency, low-latency 2.4 GHz gameplay, and under-20 ms claims mentioned.
Xbox compatibility is strong for the HX version, with immediate Xbox recognition, Xbox-focused hardware, and Series X|S/One compatibility mentioned.
Xbox use is described as wired-only through the controller via 3.5mm, with no native Xbox wireless support.