The CHERRY XTRFY H3 Wireless headset is the latest eSports-ready wireless headset in the company’s H wireless headset lineup. Sporting a closed, over-ear design, 53mm drivers, and multi-platform support, the H3 Wireless aims to be a cost-effective, game-ready headset that prioritizes an eSports-focused audio profile. With 100 hours of battery life (some conditions apply) and a comfortable design, the H3 Wireless is a headset I want to love.
Examining the design of the H3 Wireless, CHERRY has done a solid job constructing a relatively lightweight and well-structured headset. Stripping away any RGB or flourishes, the H3 Wireless opts for a sleek, professional design instead. The outer cup shells and headband hinge are made of solid aluminum, which helps the H3 Wireless feel sturdy when worn. The headband offers a comfortable cushion that rests atop the head and, when coupled with the lightweight structure of the headset, results in a very comfortable wearing experience.
The earcup pads are comprised of incredibly soft memory foam that accommodates glasses quite well. Thanks to the closed-ear design, the ear sits comfortably inside the cup without any notable pinching. This results in a comfortable wear experience over long gaming sessions. Like many modern headsets, the earcup material is also quite breathable, allowing for easy heat dissipation during extended play.
“Stripping away any RGB or flourishes, the H3 Wireless opts for a sleek, professional design instead.”
CHERRY has chosen to streamline the onboard controls, which is important as there is no additional software support for the H3, leaving the left ear control cluster as the only way to manage all settings for the headset. As with many of CHERRY’s peripheral lineups, though, it’s well thought out and easy to work with, making the H3 Wireless an ideal choice for those looking for a plug-and-play experience. As one can imagine, with only four controls onboard, each pulls double duty to manage connection, volume and profile switching.
The H3 Wireless also comes with a detachable microphone that attaches to the left earcup via an inset 3.5 mm headphone jack. When not in use, it can be stored in the included zip pouch that also houses the USB-A to USB-C charging cable. It’s easy to attach and detach, and is slotted to only insert one way. It is a simple and effective construction.
This theme of simple and effective carries over to all of the design elements of the H3 Wireless. From headband to earcup, the H3 Wireless is built to be sturdy and easy to use, playing into its eSports-optimized focus. Each control on the headset is easy to navigate and can quickly be engaged during an intense gaming session. It’s smart and well thought out.
Even connecting to multiple devices, thanks to the 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connections, is a simple affair and easy to set up. By default, the H3 Wireless is in pairing mode when Bluetooth is engaged, so firing up your device’s Bluetooth search results in it quickly finding and connecting to the H3. Swapping between the two modes is a two-second press of the appropriate key. Again, it’s simple, easy to navigate and works well.
Performance testing was an interesting experience. The battery life is rated for 100 hours at 50 per cent volume. While I’ve been testing the headset for two weeks as my main pair of headphones, I have yet to put them on charge. As with everything on the H3 Wireless, the only indicator for battery status is hardware-focused. In the case of battery life, it is represented by a small indicator light that changes colour based on charge status. It’s not the most accurate system, but it is functional and simple.
Audio on the H3 Wireless is good, but with a few qualifiers. The overall sound profile is clear, especially in the mid and high end, but the low frequencies are a bit of a letdown. In frequency testing, there was quite a bit of noise detected in the lower range, which translates to a slightly muffled bass experience.
“From headband to earcup, the H3 Wireless is built to be sturdy and easy to use, playing into its eSports-optimized focus.”
When using the H3 Wireless for gaming, while the bass is present, it lacks clear punch on weapon fire or grenade explosions. The lower-end frequencies come across a bit muddled. You are left with an audio experience that is simply okay but lacks clear low-end definition. To be clear, the bass frequencies are there—they are simply not as punchy and clean as I would have hoped.
It also lacks spatial audio, which is a feature we are increasingly seeing in headsets, even those in the $100 to $140 price range. It seems odd considering who CHERRY is marketing the H3 Wireless to. Having simulated 3D audio seems like something you would want on a headset catered to gamers.
Music testing revealed a similar experience. The mid and high ranges are clean and clear. The low end, though present, is muddy and lacks the clean distinction I’ve heard on other headsets in the $100 to $140 price range. Even when swapping between the three preset EQ modes, the experience remained the same. It is serviceable audio, especially for gaming, and at $100 offers a good experience; it simply isn’t an excellent one.
Microphone testing, on the other hand, was quite disappointing. Promoted as an eSports headset, I expected to hear clean, full audio capture. This, unfortunately, was not the case. Capture revealed a hollow vocal presentation that lacked any meaningful low end. It was almost like listening to audio through a tin can. While what I was saying came through fine, it was not a great representation of my voice. Again, the microphone is serviceable, but for a headset marketed toward eSports players, a clear and full audio profile for mic capture should be a priority.
With all that being said, the H3 Wireless is still a decent gaming headset and, for $100, worth considering. While I nitpick about bass frequencies, the overall audio experience is still quite serviceable. Even music presentation is fine for everyday listening. When you consider the build quality, battery life and plug-and-play experience of the H3 Wireless, there is an audience that will appreciate it. It simply isn’t as outstanding as other headsets in its price range.
The H3 Wireless headset from CHERRY XTRFY is a well-constructed, easy-to-use device, priced competitively, but it lacks the outstanding audio experience needed to truly stand out from the competition. Muddy low-end frequencies and lacklustre microphone capture mar Great battery life and a strong plug-and-play experience. Priced at $99.99, the H3 Wireless headset is exceptionally comfortable but ultimately a decent, rather than exceptional, gaming headset.
