RIG may be known for its sturdy and modular gaming headsets, but they’re making a clear push for console gamers as well. Much like how many of their headsets provide reliable comfort and well-tuned audio at accessible prices, their wired headsets continue this trend, offering clear, low-distortion audio paired with a design that focuses on comfort and focus during gameplay.
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The RIG 500 PRO HX is a wired headset that works with Xbox One, Xbox Series consoles, PS4, PS5, PC and mobile devices using the included 3.5mm connection. Lightweight, stable on your head and tuned for gaming, the RIG 500 PRO HX has surprised me in all the right ways.
There are a couple of areas where I think RIG could make improvements, but considering the price and the features you get, I think they have made a fantastic headset for those who want clarity and stability during long gaming sessions.
What’s in the box?
- RIG 500 PRO HX Gaming Headset
- Detachable noise-cancelling microphone
- 3.5mm audio cable with inline volume dial
- Dolby Atmos prepaid activation code
- Quick-start guide
Design and build
I love some of the detail that has gone into the 500 PRO HX. Anyone familiar with RIG products will recognise the simple black-on-grey colourway, but the way it has been implemented here is clean and practical. The suspended headband spreads the weight evenly, and the large ear cups with soft padding cover your ears without being too large.
As these use fixed hinges, there is no swivel adjustment – I like to have one earcup half off my ear sometimes so I can keep an ear out for my surroundings; although it’s not uncomfortable to do this with the 500 PRO HX, it causes the ear cup to shift slightly, which breaks the seal and causes a noticeable drop in bass and mids.
The ear cups are made from tough plastic with a flat RIG logo on the outside. The cups are chunky without being heavy, and they are well assembled with no creaking when flexed. The metal band feels stable without adding extra weight, keeping the headset comfortable for longer sessions.
The earpads are stuffed with soft foam and coated in leatherette. It is very comfortable, but it can make your ears warm compared to fabric. I found the sizing to be ample to fully cover my ears, and wearing the headset correctly created a very effective seal, which is important for both audio quality and noise isolation during play.
RIG has judged the clamping force well; some headsets can squeeze across your temples or below your ears, but these sit perfectly for my taste. The 500 PRO HX is also suitable for glasses-wearers, as the ear pads are soft enough that they don’t press on the arms and cause discomfort. It’s not quite on the level of Turtle Beach’s ProSpecs padding, but it is comfortable enough for glasses-wearers to use during longer sessions without major issues.
Features and controls
All of the controls are located on the inline volume dial, and I found it easy to locate and operate during gameplay without having to look away from the screen. I like how it adjusts volume with a simple roll rather than multiple button presses; it’s a minor quality-of-life improvement, but once you get used to it, you will wonder why it isn’t a standard feature on every headset.
The RIG 500 PRO HX comes with a Dolby Atmos prepaid activation code, which is easy to redeem on Xbox or Windows and adds a noticeable improvement to spatial awareness during gaming. It’s one of those features that you might overlook until you use it and realise how much it improves your experience in games that use positional audio well.
Connectivity
The RIG 500 PRO HX is a wired gaming headset using the included 3.5mm cable. Users will appreciate that it is fully plug-and-play with no additional software required, making it easy to switch between Xbox, PlayStation, PC and mobile devices without needing drivers or updates.
Using the wired connection means there is zero latency, which is important if you play competitive games or fast-paced shooters, and you do not need to worry about charging the headset or experiencing dropouts in the middle of a match.
An additional advantage is that using the wired connection avoids any signal interference, ensuring the audio remains consistent and clear. The inline volume dial allows you to make quick adjustments without pausing your game or reaching for your console, keeping you focused during play.
Sound Quality
Much like my colleague noted when reviewing other RIG headsets, the RIG 500 PRO HX has a gamer-focused audio profile. Rather than pushing heavy bass that can drown out other details, the headset has a mostly neutral profile with a clear focus on mids and highs that keep audio bright and detailed. If you play competitive games, you will appreciate this tuning, as it adds clarity to important sounds like footsteps, gunfire and voices without being overwhelming.
It is refreshing to use a headset that understands what its audience needs. Bass is still present and punchy but does not overpower, allowing mids and highs to shine through during gameplay. The clarity helps with positional awareness, and when paired with Dolby Atmos, it gives a sense of depth and directionality that is important in competitive games.
There is a minor tendency for the audio to become slightly muddied when there is a lot happening across all frequencies, but compared to other headsets in this price range, the performance is above average. Overall, I think RIG has found a good balance, especially in a headset that can often be found at a very reasonable price.
Although the tuning is great for gaming, it does not have the warmth you might want for movies or music. If you spend as much time watching films or listening to music as you do gaming, you may find other headsets with a warmer sound profile more enjoyable. However, if you have access to software EQ, you can tune it for different uses, and without adjustment, it still performs well for general use.
Microphone quality
The microphone on the 500 PRO HX is about what you would expect from a headset in this range. Clarity is good enough for game chat, but bass tones are reduced, meaning it won’t sound exactly like your natural voice. It uses an omnidirectional pickup pattern, which is useful for picking up your voice even if you don’t have the mic positioned perfectly, but it will also pick up background noise like keyboard clicks.
The mic attaches firmly and includes a flexible arm that makes it easy to position correctly. It sits just off the corner of your mouth, helping to reduce plosive sounds and heavy breathing that can become distracting for teammates during calls. The flip-to-mute function is reliable, giving you confidence that you are muted when you need to be.
Comfort
The lightweight design of the 500 PRO HX helps reduce fatigue during long gaming sessions. The suspended headband does a good job of spreading weight across the top of your head, while the soft ear pads create a solid seal without pressing too hard on your head or around your ears.
I found it easy to wear the headset for several hours without discomfort. The clamping force is balanced, providing a secure fit while still being comfortable, and the ear pads are soft enough to allow for wearing glasses without causing discomfort or breaking the seal around your ears.
The headset can get warm after extended sessions, particularly if you are gaming in a warm room, but this is a common trade-off for using leatherette padding, which helps with passive noise isolation during play.
Summary
I’m impressed with what RIG has achieved with the 500 PRO HX, especially at this price point. It has a clean, practical design with solid build quality that feels durable and comfortable during long use. The microphone could use some improvement, and it would be nice to have a swivel adjustment on the ear cups, but these are small points.
Overall, the RIG 500 PRO HX is a strong wired gaming headset that offers clear, detailed audio with a tuning that benefits competitive gaming, paired with comfort that allows for long sessions. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos support and the practical inline volume control adds to its usability across Xbox, PlayStation, PC and mobile.
If you are looking for a straightforward headset that will not let you down during gameplay while offering a comfortable fit and reliable audio, the RIG 500 PRO HX is a great choice.
The RIG 500 PRO HX is available on Amazon.