Plantronics Headsests under test: RIG 300, RIG 400 PRO and RIG 500 PRO
At least since streaming has become a trend, a gaming accessory is more important and therefore more popular than any other: the headset. Much more than just simple headphones, good headsets should not only deliver clear sound and isolate the ambient noise as much as possible, but also provide the appropriate micro quality to be clearly understood in the game or live stream – and preferably without background noise. Plantronics is one of the leading suppliers of such headsets, with a product portfolio ranging from mid-range gaming headsets to the lower pro range. We have looked at three of their current mid-range headsets for you and compare them both in terms of features and value for money
.Plantronics RIG 500 PRO
Anyone familiar with Plantronics headsets knows that serial names are not the same as serial names. The RIG 500 PRO is available in four variants – from single system versions to the multi system version and the eSports Edition. The differences within the variants are mainly in the workmanship of the Ear Cups, the headband and the enclosed cables, while the actual sound quality is the same for all models. For our test we looked at the RIG 500 PRO Multi-System Headset.
What is noticeable at first glance is that Plantronics built the RIG 500 PRO on a redesigned headband compared to earlier headsets: Instead of plastic, the multi-system version (just like the eSports Edition) uses aluminium (the two lower priced models still use plastic) and a flexible inner handle provides a comfortable and secure grip when playing. The general size of the temples is adjusted in the typical Plantronics way by clicking the cups into one of three slots. If you have a very large head or like to adapt your headset to your head shape down to the smallest millimetre, you won’t be completely satisfied with this solution at times; for everyone else, however, this is an extremely comfortable headset that still sits comfortably after hours of gaming thanks to its super-light design.
The cups on all versions of the RIG 500 PRO are made of material mix Memory Foam, but on the Multi-System version and eSports Edition they are additionally covered with imitation leather to ensure better noise insulation and higher wearing comfort. In general, however, the noise insulation of all RIG 500 PRO models is in the good to very good range.
For the loudspeakers, you rely on a dynamic 50 mm driver and deliver the best sound for a headset in the mid-range sector. You can overlook minor weaknesses in the bass, which can be a bit too drone, especially in the middle range; especially since the treble sounds all the clearer. It’s also nice that a code for activating Dolby Atmos for Xbox One or Windows PC is included as well, which makes the sound a lot better by using it.
The microphone quality of the RIG 500 PRO is also impressive for the price class of the headset; especially the noise cancelling works above average here, which is why the headset is also perfectly suited for streamers. A practical feature, by the way, for all those who use the headset as headphones: The RIG 500 PRO has a modular design just like any other RIG headset, and the microphone can be connected or disconnected with a simple click. If you want to mute it temporarily during your gaming session, just flip it up.
The cable has the biggest trigger of the headset, because it is only 1.5 m long and will be a bit too short for some users and comes without splitter. If your computer doesn’t support an all-in-one input, you’ll have to buy a separate adapter here. The practical thing is again that the cable comes with inline volume control, and if you indulge in the eSports Edition, you will also receive an alternative connection cable for connection to the controller with volume control directly on the audio jack, so that you can control the sound without taking your hands off the gamepad.
The RIG 500 PRO costs, depending on the model, between almost 50 Euros for the single system version and 165 Euros for the eSports Edition; the multi system model tested by us comes to almost 96 Euros. All in all, the RIG 500 PRO, especially in the two more expensive versions, plays in the top field of mid-range headsets and offers clear sound and very good wearing comfort for a reasonable price.
Plantronics RIG 400 PRO
In addition to the RIG 500 PRO, two Plantronics headsets for slightly smaller purses were presented at this year’s Gamescom: The RIG 300 and the RIG 400 PRO. In contrast to the RIG 500 PRO, all RIG 400 PRO versions use a plastic headband, but offer the same flexible inner headband in terms of comfort as the RIG 500 PRO headset.
The Ear Cups are also based on the well-known modular system, which could cause slight problems with wearing comfort for adjustment purists or gamers with rather large heads. On the other hand, the headset is once again pleasantly light and therefore easy to use even during longer gaming sessions. The cups are once again padded with memory foam, this time made of dual material and in all versions without artificial leather sheathing. The noise insulation is not quite as good as that of the RIG 500 PRO, but should still be more than sufficient for most environments, while the pleasantly large, round shape scores well in wearing comfort.
The RIG 400 PRO and RIG 500 PRO are still very similar up to this point, but the differences become clear with the loudspeaker at the latest: Instead of the 50 mm driver, the RIG 400 PRO uses a 40 mm driver. The sound result is nevertheless more than just audible and offers a very good listening experience for the price class with astonishing surround effect, with the exception of smaller wastes in the mid-range, despite the fact that the RIG 400 PRO is merely a stereo headset. Like the high-end models of the RIG 500 PRO, the RIG 400 PRO comes with a code for Dolby Atmos activation on Xbox One and Windows PC.
The boom microphone of the RIG 400 PRO is also removable on this model for more comfort when just listening and, like the loudspeakers, offers above-average results for the price range.
The 1.5 metre cable is as short as the RIG 500 PRO, which shouldn’t be a problem when playing directly in front of your laptop or via the front port of your PC, but can cause minor problems with set-ups designed for longer distances. On the other hand, there is the RIG 400 PRO with inline sound control (and mute function) as well as the additional connection cable for the controller with sound control directly on the Audio Jack.
The RIG 400 PRO is available for almost 72 Euro and therefore a very nice gaming headset for the cheaper mid-range sector.
Plantronics RIG 300
Finally we had the chance to have a look at the RIG 300 already mentioned, which was also presented at Gamescom 2018 and with its price of just under 40 Euro will mainly serve the upper low-budget segment.
The temple has a simpler design consisting of just a wider plastic part, which is comfortable to wear, but in terms of adjustment flexibility is far from the other two RIG models presented here.
The cups have an open design for better air circulation, which makes the headphones comfortable even when playing for long periods of time, but requires more coarse cuts in noise insulation. The RIG 300’s design is ideal for environments where complete sound isolation is not desired – for example, when children and teenagers gamble and their parents still want to hear.
In terms of loudspeakers, we have also set 40 mm drivers here. The sound quality offers pleasant sounds through all registers, which is not necessarily a matter of course for headsets of this price range in the quality offered. In addition, the headset comes with a special feature that intercepts audio spikes to protect your ears – or those of your children.
The microphone again offers noise cancelling and the recording quality is generally very good – especially when you consider that this is a headset in the lower price segment. Unlike the RIG 500 PRO and RIG 400 PRO, however, the microphone of the RIG 300 cannot be picked up.
The cable is also 1.5 meters long on the RIG 300 and offers inline sound control as well as a mute function for comfortable volume control.
Thanks to its price class audio and recording quality and lightweight open cup design, the RIG 300 is the perfect entry-level headset for young players or those looking for a high quality budget headset. There are also several models of the RIG 300 – the HX model for Xbox, the HS model for PlayStation as well as the HC model for PC (and Switch) tested by us. The prices of all three variants are between 36 and 39 Euro.
RIG 500 PRO Ear Cups
FAZIT
Which of the three Plantronics RIG headsets is ideal for you depends primarily on the environment you want to use them in, the level of comfort you demand and your budget. If you are looking for an affordable gaming headset that can compete with mid-range offers in terms of audio and micro quality, you should take a look at the RIG 300. Parents who are looking for an entry-level headset for their offspring can also access it without hesitation.
The RIG 500 PRO is the best choice for prospective pro gamers or pro streamers with a medium budget. The eSports version in particular offers (almost) everything you could wish for in a nice gaming headset – from the comfortable wearing comfort (in spite of the idiosyncratic adjustment options) to the high sound quality – without putting too much strain on your finances.
The RIG 400 PRO is finally the best choice for all those who want more than just a low budget, but would like to do without the slightly better sound quality and noise insulation of the RIG 500 PRO in favor of lower acquisition costs.
All in all, Plantronics offers beautiful gaming headsets with all three models, which perform above average in their respective price ranges.
Product name: RIG 300, RIG 400 PRO and RIG 500 PROManufacturer: Plantrontics
Price: approx. 30 – 80€
Link: Official Website
