PDP Afterglow AG 9 Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox One - Comfortable Over-Ear Headphones with Mic for Online Multiplayer & Streaming

First of all, any review written about this headset must take into consideration one basic fact: it's a truly wireless headset for $100 or less (depending on deal or source). With that in mind, let's begin!The GoodThe sound from the earphones is a real highlight for the price. When I mention sound, I'm referring to their primary function: gaming. While they come with a standard audio cable for your phone, MP3 player, etc., they will not compete with a set of cans in the same general price range. I don't expect them to, since the resources that go into them at this price point include the wireless and voice chat technology required to serve that aforementioned primary function. The sound, for gaming, is exceptional for the price.The headset's "Mode" button switches between what PDP refers to as "pure" sound and a bass-boosted sound. For my taste, the bass boost works best. My main game of choice on Xbox One is World of Tanks, and the guns, explosions as well as engine rumble really come alive. The pure sound is fine, but I doubt I'll ever turn the bass boost off now.Some will complain that the AG9 is a stereo headset as opposed to (simulated) 7.1 surround. Again, let me emphasize, this is a truly wireless headset for $100 or less. To be honest, the stereo works really well, and does give a general sense of surround sound. Case in point, when a tank rolls behind mine, it sounds like it's behind me. This has as much to do with sound mixing by the software developers as it does the headset, but I have no complaints whatsoever for the price.So with sound established, let's move to the wireless capability. So far it's been flawless. Once synced with the USB dongle (which should already be paired out of the box, by the way - mine were), it's really as simple as pressing and holding the center button on the left ear cup to turn the set on. A tone will let you know they're on, as well as the green light on the USB dongle. The ear cups also light up green, but you won't see that if you're wearing them! I actually tested these by going downstairs to grab a drink while chatting to a friend in my Xbox party, and there was no difference from being in the room with the Xbox.The BadThere is one thing I would classify as bad on this headset: the mic. I have not found it to be as bad as others have, but it needs improvement. Some have stated that the mic isn't flexible, or that they can't flex it much because they're afraid to break it. It's true that the flexibility is limited. That is to say, it takes more effort to conform it to your preference than it should. However, the only threat of breaking it is if you try forcing a bend with the mic plugged into the left ear cup (it is removable). I simply unplug it before bending it, then plug it back in. This is not an effort to dismiss the design - it is flawed - but it is a note to those who presently own or are considering this headset: if in doubt about the stress at the mic's connection, unplug it and make your adjustment.The flexibility, though, is actually a secondary issue. The primary issue with the mic is its sensitivity and sound quality. My friends say they have to turn me up to hear me properly. Moreover, the sound is said to be "tinny". The included (in my set, anyway - I've read others who say the set didn't come with one) foam mic cover helps with the noise cancellation, but doesn't completely solve the sensitivity issue. Perhaps a firmware update will address this like they did with the AG7 before it.In my opinion, the mic is where the compromise rests for the price. It isn't terrible, it does the job, but it could really be improved. That's where the headset loses a star.The RestThe headset glows green from the ear cups, which may or may not be your thing. You can disable this feature if you prefer, which is a considerate touch. Personally I let them glow their little hearts out. Those same lights, conversely, are your indication of charge. When charging, they pulsate. When fully charged, they glow steadily.The comfort level of the headset is moderate. They have a fair amount of padding and I've worn them a few hours at a time so far. I haven't experienced fatigue or soreness. I have noticed that my ears begin to get hot around the 2 hour mark, and a short break alleviates that. As a closed set of phones, this is not much of a surprise.The build quality is good for the price. I have no worries about breaking anything on it, but I'm also not particularly rough with my electronics in the first place. All my headphones are treated respectfully and this headset is no different.I hope this review is helpful. For the price I have no problem recommending them.After several checks on the reviews both good and bad I thought I would give this a try and I must say it is fantastic (with glitches of course).PROS:1. Plug and Playability: Perfect. I have 5 windows 10 computers in my family and 1 win 8.1 (test purposes only). I just plugged it in and windows found the drivers and poof it worked perfectly. 2. Sound: Freaking great!! Even my nearly deaf father could hear clearly. There is a slight change from the high bass sound and the high vocal switch but nothing I would brag about. What's nice is I can hear people talking fairly clearly with the headphones on but it dampens the background noises nicely.3. Comfort: I have earrings and wear glasses. I would suggest taking out the earrings due to irritation after a few hrs. though. Wearing glasses is no problem at all after you get used to the tighter fit (it is nice to have the weight off the bridge of my nose). As with all headphones prolonged exposure causes sweating but with the cloth earpiece that allows breathing so this increases the time I can have them on (about 3 hrs. at a time).4. Mic: This one I am not to sure about as I don't use this very much. The volume that is for the mic/chat is fantastic for filtering between the two and the mic is adjustable just a very stiff adjustment. And since it is detachable that is a big plus in my book.5. Additional features: The glowing led around the earpieces can change colors. I had to download the user manual from the website and even then it was poorly written. Just press and hold the Mode button and the LED will change colors and even shut off if you don't want the glow.CONS:1. There is connectivity issues if you plug in the receiver into the USB ports in the back. To resolve this use the Side USB on the Xbox and front USB in PC's if you can. Once I did this no more problems.2. for me the ear pieces are ALMOST large enough to cover my whole ear (reason to take out earrings). The length could be maybe an inch longer in the adjustment.3. PISS POOR USER MANUAL ... do companies not know how to put out instructions on how to use their products any more?Summary:All in all the best product for wireless I have seen in many years that are under $100. Comfortable, well made, versatile, long battery life (about 15hrs of continuous playing), and great sound. A great product for any home.I've owned two Afterglow AG9 headsets, one being an old headset that my boyfriend used to use and just needed a mic replacement (really easy to do and to find), and this one that I purchased. I'm satisfied with them for the most part, aside from two things.Using the headset wirelessly may cause audio to be inverted--audio meant to be on the right coming from the left earphone and vice versa. The only temporary fix for this that I know is to disconnect the USB and reconnect it, but it only fixes the issue until you turn the headset off again. Also, on the original Xbox 1 when all 3 USB slots are in use (one on the side, two on the back), the headset will sort of flip out, disconnecting and reconnecting every couple of seconds and causing audio to be slightly static when it is connected.Regardless, it's good for a cheap wireless headset that can be used on multiple different platforms.honestly for £70 ive had better £10 headsets they made u sound like an alien when u speak and went fault so returned for refund honestly the turtle beach stealth 600 are far better as thats what i replaced these with honestly avoid these afterglow headphones like the plagueBought for my 15 yr old for Christmas. He loves them. Excellent sound, blocks out all background noise. Comfy to wear and easy to charge through console. He has had various wired headphones which have always broken. Well worth the extra money...An older model but still great set of wireless headphone and mic . Was to setup on the Xbox and PC when needed.Have now had two of these in a few months, first one failed within a month by the mic jack going bent, then wobbly, then just snapping clean off, now the replacement has done exactly the same thing!Its very weak at that point esp if you plug the mic in and out regularly..Have now returned the 2nd one for a refund and will look at another model..Bought for Xbox One. Turned on and looked great... bright lights on headphones etc. Only problem is they don't work. Came on for a short time then went straight off again. Returned and refunded next day. Good service from Amazon.... but poor product.