If you want better Equalizer customization
Choose Razer BlackShark V3 Pro. It scores 4.4 vs 1.0 for Equalizer customization, with a 4.1 overall score.
Cooler Master CH351 Gaming Headset Review
Bottom Line
Choose the Cooler Master CH351 if you’ll mostly play wired and want strong spatial audio plus a clear detachable mic. Skip it if you need dependable wireless use, long-session comfort, or app-based sound customization.
Best for
Best for budget console or PC players who plan to use the aux cable and want immersive spatial audio, clear footstep cues and a strong detachable microphone.
Not for
Not for shoppers who need reliable wireless performance, long-session comfort, simple controls or app-based EQ customization.
Verdict
The Cooler Master CH351 lands as a headset with a sharp split between audio strengths and everyday usability. The CH351-specific review praises its wired performance, wide soundstage, spatial audio, loud positional cues and clear detachable mic, making it appealing for budget console or PC gaming when plugged in. The tradeoff is that the wireless side undercuts the point of the headset: the reviewer heard static over wireless on two units, found the controls cluttered, and missed app or EQ customization. Comfort is another caveat, with weight and headband pressure becoming noticeable after about an hour.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
27 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.013 (48%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.44 (15%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.41 (4%)
-
Negative 1.5-2.45 (19%)
-
Very negative below 1.54 (15%)
Pros
-
Footstep scaling is a standout because the reviewer could judge which footsteps were closest and farthest away.
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Microphone noise rejection is a strength because nearby background noise was not picked up.
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Positional audio is excellent because the reviewer could judge footstep distance and direction while playing.
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Spatial audio is one of the clearest strengths and is described as making games sound fantastic.
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Build quality is praised, with the headset described as high-quality plastic with a soft-touch, premium finish.
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The design earns praise for fun colorways, especially the macaron teal-and-pink finish.
Cons
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The CH351-specific review treats the missing companion app as a clear drawback because it prevents customization.
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Equalizer customization is poor because the reviewer specifically criticizes the lack of a companion app for EQ tweaking.
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Preset EQ support is poor because the reviewer complains that the CH351 lacks Music, Movie or Game mode-style presets.
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Software support is weak because there is no app for customization.
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Wireless connectivity is judged poorly because it did not work as intended and produced distracting static.
-
Controls are criticized as cluttered and unreliable, with buttons sometimes failing to register commands.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Headsets, this product is above average in Microphone noise reduction, Volume output, Footstep sound level scaling feature, near average in Design and Aesthetics, Ear cup padding quality, below average in Equalizer customization, Software/setup simplicity, App.
Comparison summary
27 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher12 (44%)
-
Same as average within 0.3 pts3 (11%)
-
Below average 0.4+ pts lower12 (44%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equalizer customization | 1.0 | 3.9 | -2.9 |
| Software/setup simplicity | 1.0 | 3.9 | -2.9 |
| App | 1.0 | 3.7 | -2.7 |
| Preset EQ profile quality | 1.0 | 3.7 | -2.7 |
| Comfort during long use | 2.0 | 4.4 | -2.4 |
| Button control usability | 1.5 | 3.8 | -2.3 |
| Weight comfort | 2.0 | 4.2 | -2.2 |
| Value for money | 2.0 | 4.0 | -2.0 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better Software/setup simplicity
Choose Cherry XTRFY H3 Wireless Gaming Headset. It scores 4.2 vs 1.0 for Software/setup simplicity, with a 3.9 overall score.
If you want better Preset EQ profile quality
Choose SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1. It scores 4.6 vs 1.0 for Preset EQ profile quality, with a 3.9 overall score.
If you want better Bluetooth
Choose beyerdynamic MMX 150 Wireless Over-Ear Gaming Headset. It scores 4.7 vs 1.5 for Bluetooth, with a 4.1 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
- Better: weight comfort The CH351 is heavier than the Cherry XTRFY H3 in the reviewer's comfort comparison.
- Better: sound presets and app alternatives The Cherry XTRFY H3 is used to show that even a headset without an app can still offer preset mode switching, which the CH351 lacks.
Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D
- Alternative: Sony console use The Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D is offered as a safer alternative for users focused on Sony consoles.
Sony PlayStation Pulse Elite
- Worse: dialogue clarity The CH351 is presented as clearer for dialogue because it avoids the echoing or hollow effect noted against the pricier Sony model.
FAQ
Is the Cooler Master CH351 good for wireless gaming?
The CH351-specific review is negative on wireless use. The reviewer heard static over wireless and found the issue on a second unit too.
How does the CH351 sound when wired?
Wired performance is the strongest part of the review. The headset is praised for powerful audio, clear game effects and immersive spatial audio when plugged in.
Is the CH351 microphone good?
Yes. The detachable mic is described as working very well, sounding loud and clear, and avoiding pickup of nearby background noise.
Is the CH351 comfortable for long gaming sessions?
Comfort is a weakness. The reviewer felt pressure on the top of the head after about an hour, though the protein leather earcups were considered comfy.
Does the CH351 have an app or EQ customization?
No. The review criticizes the lack of a companion app and says there are no Music, Movie or Game mode-style presets either.
Does spatial audio help on the CH351?
Yes. Spatial audio is one of the clearest positives, making games sound fantastic and helping the reviewer judge footstep distance and direction.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
tomshardware.com
tomsguide.com
- Review score
- 3.4
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