For years, the RIG series of gaming headsets have set a new standard for what a budget headset should sound and feel like. In 2020 NACON acquired the RIG line and just recently in the last couple of weeks have released their new and improved versions of some of the headsets. These Gen 2 headsets feature better audio and even more comfortable and gorgeous designs. The RIG 500 PRO HX Gen 2 is the exact thing that gamers really deserve. It has a beautiful soundstage, it’s unbelievably comfortable, and it doesn’t break the bank.

What’s in the box

Just like with the RIG PRO Compact controller, the RIG 500 PRO HX Gen 2 comes in a sleek box that doesn’t go overboard with extras. Besides the headset itself, you’ll find the detachable mic, some papers with information, and your access card for Dolby Access. Don’t toss it out because you’ll need that card in order to fully take advantage of what the headset can do.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

I used to have the 400 HX a couple of years ago and up until this point held it up as my favorite headset that I’ve ever owned. It has been dethroned though, by this new headset. I absolutely love every aspect of the 500 PRO HX Gen 2’s build both durability-wise and aesthetically. It hits every checkbox when it comes to choosing the best overall headset.

The earcups are still removable and adjustable so that you can find the best fit for you. I’d say that the self-adjusting head strap is the MVP in terms of the way that the headset actually fits your head. It makes it so that you barely even remember that you’re wearing it. The term that I used when I first put it on was that it’s the equivalent to a sock for your head. It just feels naturally satisfying. It feels so perfect.

As I’ve come to know and love, the RIG headsets have incredible durability. This one is no different and actually adds a new ultralight metal frame. The metal frame adds to the durable construction of the headset while still maintaining the almost weightless feel of it. Because of the leather and cloth mixture, the earcups are extremely comfortable and you don’t have to worry about your ears feeling too warm.

The jet-black design really makes the headset look premium. It actually gives me Dark Knight vibes with an almost military look to it. I could totally see Batman using one of these in the Batcave. I truly appreciate it when headset manufacturers choose more mature and professional designs over the cheesy colorful ones that seem to plague the marketplace. RIG does it right.

Features and Audio Quality

Features:

• Low distortion, precisely tuned 50 mm drivers deliver game-changing sound.

• Unlock precise, 3D sound with Dolby Atmos for superior audio accuracy.

• Durable metal headband and lightweight exoskeleton earcups offer comfort and stability

• Noise-isolating acoustic chambers provide high-resolution audio and low distortion

• Isolated closed-cup design and dual-material ear cushions block outside noise

• Removable noise-canceling mic and flip-to-mute function for focused gameplay

• 1.3m kink-resistant cable has a 3.5mm connector making it compatible with PCs, consoles, and personal electronic devices

As always, the audio quality of the RIG is extremely great. The audio of the headset itself is wonderful in its own right and the fact that you can customize the audio to your preferred specs is just the cherry on top of the cake. The Dolby Access app allows you to choose from a vast variety of different presets for gaming, movies, and music as well as the ability to create and save your own presets.

The 3D audio that Dolby enables for this headset is nothing short of fantastic. Especially for the budget price ($69) of it. I feel that you get more than what you pay for with the 500 PRO HX Gen 2. Most headsets in the budget category feel cheap in comparison save for a couple of quality brands. I really have to give it to NACON for continuing the magic that goes into the RIG products.

I used this primarily with Warzone and found it to be my favorite headset to grab when I wanted to jump in a few matches with my friends. The 3D audio picks up footsteps and spatial sounds perfectly. I always felt a step ahead of my pursuers because of it. Mic quality is great as well as my friends told me that I sounded crisp and clear.

The in-line audio slider is great for adjusting your audio on the fly so that you don’t have to worry about missing a beat. This is pretty bog-standard these days in gaming headsets though and it really doesn’t do anything too much more than it needs to. It does have an auto-lock for when you slide it all the way up so that it doesn’t slide back down. It’s a nice feature that I used often.

What It Could Have Done Better

A small complaint I have about the headset is that the attached audio cable isn’t removable. I just find it odd as almost every part of the headset can be removed except for the cable. I prefer ones that break away from the headset as I feel that it preserves the lifespan of the headset because you can purchase a replacement if it gets damaged.

Verdict

The RIG 500 PRO HX Gen 2 in my eyes at least has earned the title of the best budget headset available. It’s not enough to have just fantastic audio. To me, it also has to be extremely comfortable and durable. The fact that I can play for hours without feeling fatigue in my head, sets it leagues ahead of the other brands’ headsets in this price range. If you want something that sounds awesome, won’t break down on you, and fits your head like the equivalent of your favorite pair of socks, you gotta give the RIG 500 PRO HX Gen 2 a shot. I’m happy to see NACON carrying the torch forward.