The LucidSound LS500X Wireless Gaming Headset for XBOX is PowerA’s latest budget-friendly, wireless gaming headset designed for comfort and longevity. Boasting up to 50 hours of 2.4GHz wireless and 70 hours over Bluetooth, the LS500X offers multiple connection solutions. It also features 50mm drivers, an integrated flip-to-mute mic and lightweight comfort. The LX500X aims to provide an audio solution at a sub $100 price point.
Exceptionally lightweight for an over-ear headset, the LucidSound LS500X Wireless weighs in at a mere 265g (0.584lbs). The design is fairly minimalistic and in line with most gaming headsets, with a few notable design elements. The most notable is the inclusion of exposed cables that connect the headphones. These grey, coiled cables harken back to the look of mid-80s headphones. It might be the nostalgia speaking, but I quite like the look.
Gone are the many buttons and dials found in many modern gaming headsets to manage controls. In their place is a single button for powers and Bluetooth pairing. For every other setting (volume, XBOX/PC mic monitoring, chat levels, EQ modes), PowerA has opted to integrate the controls into the faceplates of each earcup. Each provides two basic functions, turning and pressing, allowing for all controls to be managed easily.
While quite a few controls are managed from these two dials, after a few moments of use, it’s fairly easy to manage. Mic muting, as noted, leverages the classic flip-to-mute system, a personal favourite. When not in use, the mic tucks up into the left ear cup with ease, presenting the headset as a traditional pair of headphones.
The earcups leverage a cost-effective mesh and foam design. While not as soft as some more premium headphones I’ve tested, they are fairly comfortable and breathable. This is, in part, due to the relatively light tension band that holds them in place. While they do feel secure enough for sitting and playing or even walking around, I’d caution against quick and jarring movement as they won’t stay in place. It’s a small trade-off, though, as the LS500X are quite comfortable to wear due to this tension design.
The final design note is in relation to the headband. I was a bit underwhelmed at how thin the padding was along the band on initial inspection. My assumption was that, over time, this would cause discomfort during longer play sessions. I have been pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the LucidSound LS500X Wireless Gaming Headset is, even during those longer gaming sessions.
The audio experience of the LucidSound LS500X Wireless Gaming Headset for XBOX is solid overall. Frequency testing noted a bit of noise in the sub-100 Hz range, but everything above this comes through clean and clear. This translates to a slightly muddy low-end in frequency testing, but in everyday listening, it wasn’t noticeable.
In audio tests, the profile is a little bright but not so bright as to cause premature fatigue while listening. As a gaming headset first, it makes sense as a brighter mix lends itself to pronounced details such as directional gunfire or footsteps. As for the lows, mids and highs, the latter two are clear and distinct in the mix. Bass, while present, can feel a little underwhelming at times. It isn’t that the profile lacks bass but rather that it isn’t as pronounced as I prefer for gaming.
“I have been pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the LucidSound LS500X Wireless Gaming Headset is, even during those longer gaming sessions.”
Music, likewise, comes through a little bright but sounds great and provides a clean, clear audio profile. I find it great for everyday listening while working, and due to the LS500X’s lighter weight and impressive battery life, I have no issue wearing them all day for multiple days without concern. While there are three built-in EQ profiles, I’ve found myself leaning toward the signature sound profile as it is fairly well balanced.
The microphone, while functional, isn’t amazing and sounds like you’re capturing audio in a tin can. The audio is clear enough so you can functionally communicate with teammates without issue; it’s simply that the capture quality isn’t a great representation of the source. This is the weakest element of the LS500X, which otherwise provides a solid audio experience.
Battery life is true to the spec sheet as well. I was able to achieve the noted 50 hours on 2.4 GHz wireless and am just now creeping up on the 70 hours on Bluetooth and still going strong. It’s an impressive battery life considering the 800 mAh battery capacity. For a $69 headset, I’m quite impressed.
The final feature of note is the plug-and-play design. The LucidSound LS500X Wireless Gaming Headset for XBOX is ready for action out of the box, with the included dongle providing an onboard toggle switch that allows it to shift between XBOX and PC without any hassle. The result is a smooth user experience with minimal configuration.
This is a solid offering for PowerA. The LucidSound LS500X Wireless Gaming Headset’s plug-and-play design, lightweight build and audio profile are solid. While it lacks a bit of the premium design qualities of pricier headsets, the LS500X provides a good audio experience for gamers without breaking the bank. At $69.99, the LucidSound LS500X Wireless Gaming Headset is an audio option worth considering.
- Seamless Connectivity: Connect to an Xbox Series X|S or Windows 10/11 PC using the included USB Adapter for low-latency wireless or connect to a compatible device in Bluetooth mode. Toggle between Xbox and PC mode on the USB Adapter.
- Enhanced Audio: Improve your positional awareness with custom-tuned 50 mm drivers and 3 EQ modes to choose from—Signature Sound, Bass Boost and FPS. Add spatial sound to your gaming experience with Windows Sonic
