Accessory Review: AfterGlow AG 9 Wireless Headset

 

Now I’m a huge advocate of the official Sony Wireless 2.0 headset that I use for my PlayStation 4, but I’ve been after a quality wireless headset for my Xbox One for quite some time.  Unlike the Sony Wireless 2.0, even though most headsets claim to be “wireless”, many require connection to your control pad and the only wireless factor being from console to controller, so many weren’t truly wireless at all.

 

So after picking up the AfterGlow AG 9 Wireless headset for Xbox One, which is officially licensed by Microsoft, I found a headset for my counterpart console that was truly wireless with no cord attached to the controller.  Just like the Sony Wireless 2.0, the AG 9 is connected by the dongle that you attach to the console via the USB port.

 

The AG 9 has a strong signal from console to headset, giving you a connectivity distance of up to 40ft, though I’m not sure why you’d want to move that distance away from your console with the headset still on.  But it comes in handy when you want to go in to kitchen and maintain a conversation with others on the other end of the headset, though it would be courteous to remove the headset during bathroom visits.

 

 

Other than the fantastic audio quality, which is given in two audio modes (Pure Audio and Bass Boost), one of the most impressive features of the AG 9 is the extensive battery life.  While this headset doesn’t quite match the 7.1 virtual surround sound provided by the Wireless 2.0, the AG 9 certainly top trumps the said headset in terms of battery life.  Whereas the Wireless 2.0 headset provides up to 8 hours on a full charge, the AG 9 provides up to 16 hours of battery life, which earns extra kudos points from me.

 

In terms of comfort, the AG 9 is as comfortable as any other headset that I’ve tried, certainly more so then my wired Turtles Beach’s that I once owned.  It has a light-weight design with padding across the top of the head and of course around the ears.  With other headsets that I’ve used in the past, at times my ears would sweat due to heat and after using the AG 9’s for around 3 hours’ sessions each time, I am yet to encounter this problem.  It may also seem like a small feature, but the AG 9 also has a removable boom microphone.  Being able to remove the microphone comes in handy for when playing offline games, where you have no need to talk to others in the chat room lobbies.

 

 

Also, should you be in a lobby, but want something to eat while gaming (because we all do that from time to time or know someone that does), being able to remove the microphone saves your fellow gamers in the lobby from hearing you munch food down the headset.  But you of course still have the mute option.  The microphone also has noise and echo cancelling technology, which makes voice chat more easy on the ears for recipients on both ends of the headset.

 

Overall, even discounting the fact that this headset looks awesome at night with its glowing green, if you’re after a quality wireless gaming headset for Xbox One, then the AfterGlow AG 9’s should be under serious consideration, especially when there any many other headsets at a far greater price, that might not be to the standard of quality as this gloriously glowing wireless AG 9.  If you shop about, you might just be able to pick them up from the £65-£75 price region and I can promise you won’t be disappointed with your purchase.

 

Final Score: 9/10

• The AfterGlow A9 is also available for the PlayStation 4 with a glowing blue (instead of the green found on the Xbox One headset).