RIG 900 MAX HX Gaming Headset Review

The RIG 900 MAX HX gaming headset is taking a swing at higher-end headsets with its premium $249.99 price tag. On paper, it has an impressive set of features, but can it deliver during actual use? Here’s my review after many hours of gaming in both competitive and casual titles.

A promising start

As soon as I saw the product box, I knew there was a lot going on with the 900 MAX HX. Firstly, compatibility across all modern gaming systems is great to see and easy to achieve thanks to the toggle switch on the wireless dongle.

Then there’s Dolby Atmos support, which can be fine-tuned by users scanning the shape of their head, ears, and shoulders into the official app. I’m more of a stereo sound guy, but if virtual surround sound is your preference, the option is there.

Another feature promoted on the box is the dual connectivity via both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth. I’ve been a big fan of this feature on competing headsets, as it allows gamers to keep on playing while taking calls from a mobile device, so it’s great to see on the 900 MAX HX.

Everybody loves a dock

Then there’s the dock. This has three things going for it. Firstly, it’s clean, and keeps the headset nice and tidy, rather than lying strewn on the floor. Secondly, it charges the headset through contact points, meaning no cable is required and you’re never caught short on battery life. Thirdly, the wireless dongle can be plugged into the dock for both a cleaner look and optimal connection. This is especially useful if using the headset with a PC that is under a desk, as the dock brings the dongle closer to the user for a more consistent wireless connection.

Other features boasted by the 900 MAX HX include a companion app available for both Android and iOS, a relatively large battery for decent longevity, and a microphone that is good enough for chatting and coordinating with friends.

Winning comfort

I’d also like to highlight just how comfortable this headset is. The “Dual Fabric Ear Cushions” are some of the comfiest I’ve used, with both a plushness and coolness that I appreciate, especially during the hotter months. The headband is great, too.

Failing to justify

There’s a lot that I like about the RIG 900 MAX HX, but it unfortunately falls short in two key main areas. When you consider the $249.99 price, the sound quality on offer simply isn’t good enough. Sure, it’s still easy to pinpoint an enemy’s direction when they are firing or moving in titles like Call of Duty: Warzone, but the actual quality is subpar.

I was expecting to be blown away, but there’s a hollowness to the bass, something missing from the mid-range, and a “just okay” high-end. It doesn’t necessarily sound bad, but it does sound cheap. If I had to blindly guess at an RRP giving the sound quality alone, I’d be estimating closer to $120.

The lackluster sound quality paired with a cheap-feeling build make me surprised at the high price tag, even with all of the software enhancements and included dock.