RIG
NJM
Its surprisingly good for almost any application, may it be gaming, some casual music listening, and even MS Teams meetings, as it automatically detects the mic and applies noise reduction on the mic, especially useful if you're in a gen-pop, open-office plan where there are lots of people around you having a conversation. For the price, this is an awesome set.
Mark
I should start by saying this is a high quality headset and all the details are very well thought out. Music performance was decent, but did not blow me away. I liked all the included accessories for swapping backplates, cables, and the removable mic. The USB-C DAC is Dolby Atmos certified, giving you additional settings if you download the Dolby windows app.
This seems to be more of a Jack-of-all-trades headset, but master of none. Here are a couple things I found were good, but not amazing:
Comfort: the headset is comfortable enough, but I found the ear cups to be a little cheap as the material started feeling itchy after about an hour. I personally would have preferred a leather-like texture, even though they’re warmer and wear out faster.
Sound quality: Playing music sounds good on these. Bass and treble felt good. The mids felt a little underwhelming, but I’m no audiophile so take that with a grain of salt.
Gaming: I’m an avid Valorant player. I liked the soundstage. Once again, it did not wow me. I was able to hear footsteps pretty well to identify where people were coming from.
Build quality: this is my favorite part of these. The cable feels high quality, as does the headset itself. I like how everything is magnetic and swappable. The adjustable ear cups are stepless and feel great on my medium-sized male head.
Microphone: Microphone quality was decent. My teammates can hear me in game pretty well. The raise-to-mute feature was a little clunky as there is a noticeable tactile click when the mute is enabled-disabled, but the mic felt a little loose when lifting or raising it. It’s not a big deal, but did feel less polished than the rest of the design.
Summary: this headset does a lot, but it also costs $150 for a wired headset. What’s crazier is that RIG offers wireless alternatives for a similar price. I was looking at other headsets from this brand and I could not figure out where this was supposed to sit in the current list of RIG products.
Personally, if you just want a wired headset with good audio quality, I would opt for an IEM with a built-in mic as you can research and find a good one for under $50. If you absolutely need a wired over-ear headset, then yes, this is probably a good fit. I’m giving it 4 stars because there’s nothing explicitly wrong with it, it’s just pricey for something with a wire.
AmazonCustomer
Wow! I'm very impressed with this RIG R5 Spear Max headset, it has exceeded my expectations. I wasn't sure what to expect, since I do own a few high end headsets that cost much more than this one, but I'm really pleased with it. Everything from the packaging to the design to the quality is just top tier. My son has another headset from RIG that he uses, and even he says this one was awesome, RIG really did their thing when they made this headset.
I absolutely love the style of it, the cool solid black color all around and the gold parts that shine through, it has a sleek and modern design with a bit of elegance to it. I also like that this headset can be modified to fit your style, it has a snap and lock mod system so you can change out your mic and mod plates. Its so easy to customize it, the mod plates are magnetic and the snap and lock system makes it quick and simple to switch out your mic, but keep them strongly in place. The ear muffs are solid but super soft, and there is plenty of cushion in the headband, making this headset so comfortable to wear for a long period of time. It fits over my head perfectly, but can be adjusted to fit better if needed.
The mic has a good reach and is flexible, and the sound is really nice. Playing online with my friends they say they can hear me loud and clear, with no distortion, static noise, or drops while talking. The overall sound quality of this headset is incredible, honestly I was surprised how well it sounded. I can hear everything clear as day, from distant foot steps from my enemy in the game to every little sound in the background when talking to someone. The sound is loud, sharp, and even, with a nice amount of bass, and it makes my gaming experience online so much better.
I've been using this headset with my PC and PS5, and it has worked perfectly for both. I like that it includes the USB C audio Dac which I use with my laptop for even better audio quality. I have ditched my other headsets for now to use this one, and so far I'm loving it, no complaints. I have to say this RIG headset is truly amazing in every way, I would think the price would be higher. Great quality, cool design, customizable, comfortable, and excellent sound. It doesn't get much better than that. Highly recommend it, definitely worth the price.
ART
I received this RIG R5 Spear MAX HD headset for a performance review, and it has proven to be an exceptional choice for gamers and audio enthusiasts seeking uncompromising sound quality. The 40mm GrapheneQ drivers, built from pure graphene material, deliver remarkably clean audio with less than 0.3% harmonic distortion, reproducing game soundtracks, dialogue, and effects with stunning accuracy.
The extended frequency response (20 Hz – 40 kHz) and high dynamic range capture everything from deep, rumbling explosions to crisp, detailed highs. The custom R-SERIES sound signature is tuned with a boost in the upper midrange, making it easy to pinpoint critical in-game details like footsteps and reloads—a clear advantage for competitive play.
The included USB-C Audio DAC elevates the experience, delivering 32-bit / 384 kHz audio resolution for true-to-source reproduction on PC or mobile platforms. The DAC also unlocks Dolby Atmos 3D audio on compatible Windows PCs, creating an immersive spatial soundscape. An auxiliary input allows you to monitor a second audio source, and the power-passthrough port enables on-the-go mobile gaming without draining your device.
The detachable 6mm unidirectional microphone ensures crystal-clear communication, while memory foam ear cushions and an over-ear design provide comfort during extended sessions. Connectivity is versatile with USB-C and 3.5mm options, though note that Dolby Atmos is not compatible with Xbox consoles.
A premium, well-crafted headset that balances audiophile-grade performance with competitive gaming features. Highly recommended for PC and PlayStation gamers who demand the best!
Please note that I do not receive any compensation for my reviews.
Jason & Sara V
This is easily one of the clearest, cleanest‑sounding pairs of headphones I’ve ever put on my head outside of an actual studio. Even at max volume with an amplified signal, the highs stay crisp, the mids stay clean, and the bass stays ultra‑low with zero distortion. These drivers are no joke, true studio‑quality performance.
The headset comes with everything you need for both consumer and pro setups. You get a ¼‑inch TRS adapter for larger studio gear, plus a USB‑C lightning hub with auxiliary input, USB‑C power passthrough, and a standard headphone output. It’s a surprisingly complete kit.
One of my favorite features is the Snap‑Lock modular system. You can swap the microphone boom or the power cable from left to right without even taking the headset off. Just pull it off one side and snap it onto the other, the four‑pin magnetic connector lines up perfectly every time and holds tight. You can move the boom however you want and it won’t pop off unless you intentionally pull it straight from the base. Very smart design.
They include two different connectors:
- A 3.5 mm TRRS plug with the microphone boom
- A standard 3.5 mm TRS plug with no mic
Both are fully swappable between sides.
Comfort is another big win. The headband pad is soft and fluffy, and the ear pads are some of the nicest I’ve used. It's like a soft gel memory foam that’s extremely squishy and comfortable. You barely feel them on your head. The adjustment sliders have a smooth, controlled resistance that lets you dial in the perfect fit and holds it exactly where you set it.
The 40 mm drivers fill the entire ear cup, and you can tell. They deliver serious output and incredible clarity. The microphone is also impressive, with two pickups. A large internal mic and a smaller external one, likely for ambient noise/noise canceling. Call quality is excellentas well. I tested them through a Bluetooth headphone jack adapter and the voice clarity was top‑tier.
I also grabbed a set of PlayStation‑branded mod‑plates to personalize mine. The stock R5 plates are nice but I like to personalize my gear.
Between the graphene drivers, the interchangeable cords, the swappable ear caps, and the Snap‑Lock system, this is one of the smartest and most versatile headset designs I’ve ever used. High‑quality build, studio‑grade sound, and a modular system that actually works.
Chet Sommers
I already own another headset from this brand and have been very happy with it, so I decided to give this one a try and I’m glad I did. These sound great right out of the box. The audio is clear and balanced, and they perform really well for gaming. I can easily pick up directional sounds, which is important when playing. While I’m mainly using these for gaming, I’d expect them to do just as well for music or general media. The sound quality is solid enough to handle both without any issues.
One of the standout features is how modular the headset is. Being able to customize different components is a nice touch and gives it a bit more flexibility compared to standard headsets. Comfort is also excellent. The headset fits well and can be worn for long sessions without discomfort. The ear cups and headband feel well padded, and they don’t create pressure points over time. The overall build quality feels premium. The materials seem durable and well put together, giving confidence that these will hold up with regular use.
Overall, this is a great sounding, comfortable, and well built headset. I’m very happy with it and glad I picked it up.
Gabriella
We have a few Rig headsets for my kids, but they are the type with the snap set size adjustments, and Im not a huge fan of them.
The classy, well constructed look of these, as well as the interesting modular design got me curious about these.
These are definitely well made. They have some weight to them and don't feel cheap at all. I like how these adjust (more traditionally) instead of the snap set that is Rig's typical design.
The outer plates remove, as well as the cups and even microphone (with the attached cord). I looked to see what other plates and cups they offer for swaps, and there's not much now, but that may change if people get interested. I did see that there's an option for custom 3d printing though for plates (for at home) and I thought thas was pretty cool. I do love that the cups remove so easily. This is usually a pain when it comes to headphones and the cups are what usually needs to be replaced first! You'd think more headphones would be like this, with a magnetic release. I really, really love this about these.
I like that the microphone removes too, but, it also removes the cord with the volume adjustment. The other cord without the mic doesn't have a volume switch on it, so I prefer to use the cord with the mic and just have it flipped up out of the way.
These also come with a dongle, so these can be used on devices that don't have an audio jack (and only a c port, like most newer phones). There's a mono jack attachment too, but I personally probably won't ever use it.
So far, these have worked for all devices I've tried them with, except my computer monitor. Even with swapping all of the settings (and trying with the dongle), I couldn't get them to connect for my laptop sound (not that this is my preference, but I was curious). They will work for the TV side of my monitor though.
I was using (and typiclly do) a wireless bluetooth headset (Skullcandy ANC 2), but for my laptop use I find myself having to manually connect them each time and honestly, it can get a little annoying. With these, I can keep them connected, or connect and then be automatically ready to listen, no extra steps (some people may need to manually swap the audio to headset).
The sound on these is insanely crisp and clear, and there's even a nice range of tone and some bass. I was honestly surprised and didn't realize just how much sound loss I was having with my bluetooth headphones. I'm hearing sounds in game that I didn't even know existed, and when doing a dungeon recently I was honestly a little creeped out from all of the strange new sounds I was hearing. 😆
Im extremely happy with this headset. It's comfortable to wear for multi hour gaming sessions, it has a great build and the sound quality is great. They're well worth the price!
Customer
My partner's always listening to something on his phone. We're not fans of having Bluetooth right on our heads. He recently got the newest phone without an audio jack. I know a USB-C to aux adapter with his old headset would've sufficed, but figured I'd get him a new headset to match the new phone and do not regret it. He is happy with it. This headset comes with multiple parts and covers to change the looks and feels of the speakers. Comes with 2 modules one with a microphone option and one with only audio that could be used in amps thanks to the inclusion of the 3.5mm audio jack to 1/4 headphone adapter. The head cups make a great seal to keep all the noise out and give you an awesome surround sound with clear vocals, decent lows, volume control is on point, and it has decent bass to it.
He has used this headset for hours without feeling his head heavy or feeling like the headset is splitting his head in two. The arms of the headset have just enough pressure to stay in place without causing pain or discomfort, but like most headsets if you move your head up and down or do sudden movements the headset will move or fall. It is very easy to adjust to size.
He loves the adapter that came with it, making it the perfect match for his new phone to still use this headset. The adapter also gives the chance to charge your phone and still use the aux port. The microphone input to a phone is clear. He has mentioned to me that people he talks to on the phone say it sounds better than just the mic from his new flagship phone. While the headset will be used primarily for listening to media and phone calls on an android phone or listening to media on a PC, I like that it is universal and can be used for different gaming consoles.
If you need a headset with options to be modded, a great microphone, and a clear sound I would recommend this one ten out of ten times. I think the overall quality and feel of this product makes the price worth it.
SonarTech
This headset clearly prioritizes audio quality, and it shows. The sound is detailed and clean, especially for gaming, with good positional awareness that makes it easy to pick out footsteps and directional cues. It’s comfortable enough for long sessions and offers a level of customization you don’t see on many headsets, though a few practical limitations keep it from being a full 5‑star product for me.
What I Like
* Clear, detailed audio that works especially well for games
* Included USB‑C DAC noticeably improves sound quality on PC
* Comfortable fit that holds up well during long sessions
* Modular design lets you swap plates and move or remove the microphone
* Solid build that feels durable without being overly heavy
What Could Be Better
* Passive noise isolation is only average
* Microphone uses a proprietary connection, which limits flexibility
* Value depends on how much you care about sound quality versus extra features
* While the audio quality is really good for games, at this price I expect something closer to an audiophile experience when I choose to use them for music. It's not a dealbreaker at all, but this isn't up to being my "daily driver"
Final Summary
If gaming audio quality and comfort are your top priorities, this headset delivers. The sound is clean and well balanced, the DAC is a nice bonus, and the modular design adds some genuine flexibility. It does fall a bit short in isolation and universal compatibility, which keeps it from being perfect, but overall it’s a strong option for gamers who care more about sound than flashy extras.
Why 4 stars:
Great audio performance and comfort with thoughtful design choices, held back slightly by isolation and proprietary components.
David J
This wired headset is very well made. The build qaulity is excellent and they are comfortable to wear during long gaming play. The nice thing is a DAC is included and this was a nice upgrade to my son's onboard sound. Setting up the DAC is a simple as plugging it in and going to Windows sound settings to configure to the correct 32-bit / 384 kHz settings. Windows by defalult will not have the kHz, so that must be done by you. Once everything is properly setup, the sound from these speakers are amazing for the price. I will say they sound as good as headsets I've paid 2x as much for. The bass is not over bearing, the mid's sound as they should, and the highs are crisp. The mic is very good, not high-end but a solid mid to high-end microphone. I get clear and crisp sound when I speak into the mic.
Overall, these are a steal for the price. In my opinion, these could easily be sold for 2x the asking price. Everything is top quality, well thought out, lightweight, and works great.
LARGO Guides
The RIG R5 Spear MAX HD is a very unique entry in the gaming headset market because it focuses on hardware modularity and advanced driver material. As a consumer who appreciates a well-built product, I was immediately impressed by the Snap+Lock system. The frame is surprisingly flexible and feels strong enough to handle daily use, and the magnetic plates align themselves perfectly. Being able to swap the microphone from the left to the right side is a great touch for personalizing a desk setup.
I am not an expert audiophile, but I found the audio performance to be excellent for this price range. I tested them with a bass-boosted track and could not feel any distortion even at higher volumes. When listening to songs like "Golden," the highs remained very clear and crisp. For gaming, the soundstage is well-defined as I could easily discern the direction of footsteps and hear voices without them getting drowned out by background noise. These results align with technical tests I've seen that show a distortion score of 4.2 out of 5 and an immersiveness score of 4.1.
The standout feature here is the 40mm GrapheneQ drivers. Unlike standard drivers that use mylar or graphene-coated materials, these use a membrane made of 95% pure graphene. Graphene is a very lightweight and stiff material, which allows the membrane to move quickly without warping. This is what keeps the harmonic distortion so low at less than 0.3%. In my experience with this headset, this translates to a very clean sound where the bass has a nice rumble for explosions without making the mid-range sound muddy. Technical response curves show a slight under-emphasis in the upper bass and upper mids, which actually helps in competitive games like Valorant or Counter-Strike because it makes footsteps and reloads easier to detect. I asked my son about this and he confirmed that these audio cues are much clearer than on his previous headsets.
I also love the included USB-C DAC. While I might not use it much on my computer, it is a fantastic tool for my Pixel phone. It allows me to adapt these high-quality wired headphones to a mobile device while upgrading the audio resolution to 32-bit / 384 kHz. The DAC also features an 18W power-passthrough, so you can charge your device while playing.
For a headset priced between $100 and $300, the combination of the graphene drivers and the modular design makes this a great find. It offers a professional feel and studio-grade sound that is definitely attracting attention from the gaming community.
I also pay taxes, Social Security and Medicare so I do not treat this as mindless ordering of products I will not use or fully test.
