Verdict: The EKSA E900 Pro is a perfectly acceptable entry-level gaming headset, offering versatility across consoles, PCs, tablets and smartphones. While at times the audio produced can be overwhelmingly thick, the headset can capture the disorientating nature of certain FPS and rough action gameplay. Energetic and fun, certainly. Refined and balanced, certainly not.
The Rundown
The EKSA E900 Pro Gaming Headset is a multi-platform headset promising audio greatness on a budget. Coming in at under £40 (at the time of writing), the E900 intends to defy expectations by offering a detachable n/c mic, virtual surround sound, memory foam padding, and an audiophile-grade audio performance.
The Experience
Visually, the E900 Pro is great. The red and black styling carries a classic gamer vibe, and the three red bars which illuminate when connect via USB are a welcome touch. While the colouring is commonplace within the gaming marketplace, the silhouette of the headset appears to be inspired by the Logitech Pro X gaming headset, with its curled cables, aluminium frame and black leather padding.
Weighing in at just over 250g, the headset is lightweight on the head. The padding across the headband and earcups is soft and plump, and the faux-leather material is cool and comfortable, even after long periods of use. Though a lightweight design primarily comprised of plastic, the build quality feels robust. On the left earcup houses all of the connections and operations, including a volume control and mic-mute, and audio jack, USB-C and microphone ports.
READ MORE: The best gaming headsets
While EKSA’s Amazon UK listing advertises the headset as carrying “Audiophile-Grade Sound”, this isn’t the case. While the drivers here are capable of delivering plenty of volume, the sound profile is unbalanced. The drivers are heavily biased towards the bass and mid frequencies, with little definition between the two. This overpowering prejudice creates a muddy, woolly sound profile that sees the higher register getting lost in the mix – at times almost entirely.
Having said this, this bias does seem to have its place. While there is a lack of refinement and precision here that will disappoint discerning audio-lovers, the sound is energetic and fun. Quieter moments of FPS gameplay pass by with little trouble, with far-off rumbles and ambient, grungy sounds carrying some pleasant weight and presence. It’s as things start to build that the problems occur, with all but the loudest call outs and audio cues getting lost in the mayhem.
RELATED: The best gaming PCs under £500
Fortnite seems to be a bit of a sweet spot for the headset. Its sparse audio almost completely negates the frequency bleed, and the thick bass gives weapons like the Charge Shotgun and Hunting Rifle a punchy and exciting kick. Equally, in a game like Doom Eternal, where mayhem is the aim of the game and heavy metal soundtracks dumb-but-fun monster-slaughter, this is acceptable. Jumping into a match of COD: Warzone, where the need for delicacy in amongst the chaos is more acute, and the shortcomings are more of an issue.
Those using the E900 Pro on PC will be able to access the EKSA 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound software suite. This program allows you to set up some custom EQ profiles, and dial in the virtual surround experience. The EQ can correct the wrongs of the drivers’ bass bias to a degree, frequency separation and audio depth is elusive at best. The 7.1 virtual surround sound is a nice touch here, running via the USB-C connection. While there isn’t the clarity of near and far field separation you’ll find with DTS HEADPHONE
The EKSA E900 Pro is a perfectly acceptable entry-level gaming headset, offering versatility across consoles, PCs, tablets and smartphones. While at times the audio produced can be overwhelmingly thick, the headset can capture the disorientating nature of certain FPS and rough action gameplay. Energetic and fun, certainly. Refined and balanced, certainly not.
RELATED: A guide to the best gaming keyboards
Features
Multi-platform Compatibility
With a 3.5mm and USB connections available, the EKSA E900 Pro is a versatile headset that will work across the PS4, Xbox One and PC. For audio-only use, the headset can also be hooked up to the Nintendo Switch, tablets and smartphones.
Detachable Mic
The removable mic connects via a dedicated 3.5mm port. The poseable Flexi arm is great for getting its positioning just right. Thanks to the headsets multi-platform compatibility, the mic can work across PS4, Xbox One and PC.
EKSA Surround Sound
The EKSA software suite for PC allows gamers to access and refine the E900 Pro’s virtual surround sound and EQ profiles.
Accessories
The EKSA E900 Pro comes with all the accessories you’ll need to access its features. Inside the box, there’s the microphone, 3.5mm audio cable, 3.5mm cable splitter (for audio and mic) and a USB-C cable. There is also a carry pouch for easy storage and transportation.