Entertainment is no longer about sitting around one device all the time. One minute you’re gaming on your PC, the next minute you’re watching Netflix on your PS4. Chances are you also have a mobile device where you make phone calls and listen to music. We’re connected to these devices around the clock, and the experience of each is made better by great audio.
The Steelseries H Wireless is a headset that desires to be the supreme occupier of your ears no matter what device you’re consuming from. Not only does it deliver great audio quality, but in the box you’ll find a variety of cables including optical, 3.5mm, and USB. Using these, you can utilize the headset across the entire device spectrum. Yes, that includes Xbox One, PS4, mobile, and just about everything else you can think of. Made better, there are power adapters for nearly every standard, so if you find yourself in Australia or Europe you can bring your headset along with you.
It’s important to emphasize how great of a feature this is. It’s redundant to have two, three, or sometimes even more sets of headphones lying around. With the H Wireless you have a single solution for any situation. Want to watch a film without waking up anyone? Toss on the H Wireless. Want to make a new game you bought even more engrossing? You know what to do.
But what would be the point using a headset on a half dozen devices if it didn’t provide a high quality audio experience? Thankfully, Steelseries has succeeded in making this a headset that your eardrums will love. Supporting Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Headphone, and Dolby Digital, audio clarity is outstanding whether you’re playing a game that supports 7.1, or listening to music. Playing Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls with 7.1 surround sound enabled has been an absolute joy. I have been able to pick up subtle noises in the environment that I had previously never heard. The crash of my Crusader’s shield on the faces of vile opponents, and the slashing of my flail through the air has brought a whole new level of immersion to the game. It’s almost like playing Diablo 3 in an IMAX theater.
Though, if you’re an audiophile, this headset isn’t going to convert you. It’s closed, but not entirely. Some sound leaks through, which I wouldn’t necessarily mark it down for since being isolated from the environment is a bit of a hazard. But for audio purists, you aren’t going to get the same level of audio quality as fully closed headphones, although it’s close enough that the untrained ear won’t know the difference. That said, it strikes a great balance of highs, mediums and lows. If you happen to feel like it’s missing some bass, or just want to tweak things around a little, the transmitter has a potent equalizer that’s worth exploring. You can create custom balances, or choose between a few presets which include immersion and music.
As great as the headset is, the transmitter is just as good. The interface and dials are well-crafted making setting adjustment easy and intuitive. The headset is completely plug and play, so as soon as you provide power to the transmitter (via USB or AC), and pair it with the headset, you’re ready to rock, no drivers required. As a matter of fact, the entire H Wireless experience is simple. Despite including a ton of cables and extras, setting it up is hassle free.
The transmitter also serves as a charging station for the lithium ion batteries. There are two included, and during testing they have lasted anywhere between 18 to 24 hours. Charging a battery is as easy as popping it out of the back of one of the earphones (it’s under an easy to remove shell), and then sliding it into the charging bay of the transmitter. You can monitor the batteries, both the one presently in the headset and the one charging, on the transmitter’s face. Wireless doesn’t get more convenient than this.
As far as range goes, you will be surprised. I’ve been able to walk anywhere in my two-story home without any loss to input or output. Whether I’m in the garage, or downstairs grabbing a snack, the headset functions optimally through wireless.
You can interact with the transmitter using its dials, or opt to use the inputs on the headset. On the right earphone there’s volume control, power, and even a mic mute. As with the rest of the headset, these are well crafted and have a great tactile feel. When the microphone is muted, a red light will come on so there are no doubts that your online audience can’t hear your private conversations or bathroom breaks.
Speaking of the microphone, it leaves something to be desired. Yes, people can hear you, but they’ll laugh when you say you’re using a $299 headset. My friends thought I sounded worse on the H Wireless than the Siberia V2, saying that it sounded “tinny”. Chances are that’s due to the sound card built into the device. It’s a shame, really. On the plus side, the microphone is concealable so you can operate the headset as if it had no microphone without any regrets. Whenever you need to use the mic, you can pull it out and adjust its orientation. It’s only a gaming headset if you want it to be.
Steelseries continues its success in headset comfort with the H Wireless. Previously, I thought the Siberia V2 couldn’t be matched. Well, the H Wireless foregoes the successful but funny-looking headband design for something more conventional: pads everywhere. Not only does it look absolutely dashing, but the soft materials used are great for long gaming sessions. After a short break-in period (15 hours~) you might forget you have them on altogether. Despite their leather look, they breathe well, so sweat isn’t a problem. Despite being a wireless headset, it’s rather light weighing in at 11.4 ounces (with battery).
At this point you’re probably wondering if there’s a single thing wrong with the H Wireless outside of its unimpressive microphone. Well, not really, but the price instantly puts it out of the range of many consumers. At $299, this is one of the most expensive gaming headsets you can buy. On one hand that makes it easy for some to disqualify it, but if you’re someone who spends hours of each day using electronics, you can justify the price by the sheer amount of miles you’ll put on them.
This is a headset that is extremely comfortable and delivers outstanding audio. There are a lot of headsets that can say that, but nearly of them can’t say that they support just about every device on the market. This sleek, sophisticated, and meticulously designed headset is the best I’ve ever used. Chances are you’ll feel the same.
Jonathan Leack is the Gaming Editor for CraveOnline. You can follow him on Twitter @jleack.
Headset provided by Steelseries. The Steelseries H Wireless is compatible with PC, Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3, mobile, and more.
