The RIG 900 MAX HX is a premium gaming headset that, on paper, looks like it could be one of the best you can buy. With a price tag of $249.99 (£199.99)—unless you catch it on sale—it’s certainly a hefty investment, but one that seems like it can take your gaming experience, at least from an audio perspective, to the next level.
That seems to be the goal here, but does it actually deliver, and is it worth the high price tag? Having spent time testing the 900 MAX HX across different games and setups, here are my thoughts on everything from its design and build quality to its microphone performance.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the RIG 900 MAX HX didn’t scream 'premium', especially not for a headset in the $200-$300 range. The materials felt a little underwhelming at first, but after spending more time with it, I think I misjudged it entirely. What I initially took as a lack of quality was really just how lightweight it is.
Weighing in at just 292 grams on my own scales, it’s significantly lighter than many competitors in the same price bracket. That weight saving doesn’t come at the cost of sturdiness though. The headband, although very thin metal, feels solid. It’s paired with a soft, malleable cushion underneath that conforms to your head shape, meaning you avoid that uncomfortable pressure spot on top after long sessions.
The headset has a good level of flex, too. Even when applying some force to twist it during testing, it never felt like it was close to snapping. That said, the clip-in size adjustment system isn't something I'm on board with. As mentioned in my 400 GEN 2 review, you have to detach the earcups and reclip them into different positions. It’s not something you can quickly tweak mid-game, and the exposed wires that dangle when the earcups are removed make me nervous about them withstanding the test of time. Even when the cups are clipped in, those wires are still just hanging fairly free, which can be easy to snag if you're not careful.
The earcups themselves are a win, though: super soft, squidgy cushions that feel great even after hours of use. The only issue is that the ear space could be slightly bigger for better comfort. On the plus side, however, the volume wheel is nicely tactile, has a good amount of resistance, and is positioned exactly where your hand expects it to be. This, for me at least, made on-the-fly adjustments easy.
Travel-wise, I would say it's okay. While it folds pretty flat for travel and storage, the lack of a carry case, combined with the exposed cables, makes me hesitant to just toss it in a bag. But, with it being as light as it is, and the fact that you can make it quite compact (see image below), it's probably not awful to carry around if you want to game on the road.
Audio Performance
Sound-wise, the RIG 900 MAX HX delivers an impressive audio range, covering frequencies from 20Hz up to 20,000Hz (based on my own testing), which should satisfy most gamers looking for full-spectrum sound. While it only uses 40mm drivers, which are smaller than many rivals at this price point, they still manage to hold up well. There’s minimal distortion or shaking at the high end, too, though I did feel like bass-heavy audio caused some light rattling. Nothing major, but something to note if you consider buying it yourself.
One element I was particularly impressed with during my testing was how cleanly sound transitions between earcups, which really shines in games where positional audio is key. Playing games like Fortnite, I found it easy to track footsteps and other directional cues—something that’s absolutely vital in shooters. For a headset in this price range, which will almost certainly attract competitive players, that’s a big win.
For noise cancellation, the headset features an ear cushion design that provides 'acoustic isolation', which I found blocked out background noise relatively effectively. It's not on the same level as active noise cancellation (ANC), which is a bit of a letdown given the $249.99 price tag, but the isolation you do get still does a solid job.
The inclusion of Dolby Atmos support is another major plus, elevating the experience in both competitive and cinematic titles. In my experience, it helped to create an immersive soundscape, particularly in open-world or narrative-driven games. Through the Dolby Access app, you can even switch between audio modes and adjust things like the warmth of the sound output. Also, one setting that stood out to me is ‘Performance Mode’, which enhances positional precision for competitive play, or more immersive settings for single-player adventures.
Taking all of this into account, I would say the RIG 900 MAX HX is very well equipped for shooters, primarily, as well as cinematic games. For music, I think it would leave some true audiophiles a little short-changed, though for TV, film, and videos, I thought it did a good job of making every scene sound realistic and as lifelike as possible—not bad for a gaming-focused device.
Microphone Quality
There's a lot to like about the RIG 900 MAX HX's microphone. For starters, it's a flip-to-mute mic, which gives a satisfying noise to indicate when it’s muted or active—a small touch, but one that’s genuinely helpful mid-game.
It’s also equipped with noise-canceling tech that’s designed to block out background noise, including voices. I tested this in a fairly noisy environment and was impressed. Despite significant background sound, playback revealed that the mic did a solid job of cutting it all out.
I will say, though, that, out of the box, the mic is very clear, but arguably too powerful and clear at times. On initial testing, it picked up my voice at a level that felt way too loud and completely dominated voice chats. Luckily, the microphone gain can be adjusted through the companion app (more on that later), and lowering it helped balance things out. That said, I actually found that leaving it at the default gain level ended up working best during later tests, so it may vary depending on your setup.
In terms of quality, I wouldn’t call it broadcast-level, but it’s more than good enough for gaming and light streaming. My voice came through clean and clear, with just a touch of distortion that keeps it from sounding truly professional. Still, for communicating during fast-paced matches, it holds up really well.
Meanwhile, the mic itself is built from a flexible rubber material, which gives it an element of durability if you were to accidentally knock it. Being made of rubber, it's adjustable, too, and it definitely seems solid enough that you won’t be worried about it snapping if it gets caught on something, which can definitely happen during rage-inducing moments.
Wireless Connectivity and Battery Life
The RIG 900 MAX HX is designed primarily for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11 PCs, but according to the manufacturer, it’s also compatible with PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Connecting via Bluetooth or the USB dongle was simple, and in my testing, there was no noticeable latency, even during intense gameplay.
Battery life is rated at 50 hours, and while I didn’t completely drain it, the battery usage during my testing seemed to line up with that claim. When you come to recharging, though, you get a dedicated dock that doubles as a handy place to store the headset when not in use. It's a useful addition for desktop setups, helping keep the headset charged and ready to go.
That said, the charging stand has a few issues. The provided USB cable is on the shorter side, and the way the headset connects to the dock isn’t very secure. It uses four prongs and a magnetic connection, but it’s easy to knock loose with a light bump.
Removing the USB dongle from the stand also requires a bit of force, which feels like it could’ve been made smoother. Still, the stand stays in place well thanks to its rubberized base, and, ultimately, it does its job effectively if you place the headset in it and leave the charging dock to do its work.
Software and Customization
Unlike some rival headsets, the RIG 900 MAX HX has its own companion app, which you can find under the name 'RIG 900 MAX NAVIGATOR'.
The app is fairly comprehensive, but my overarching comments are that it's clean, intuitive, and packed with customization options, which are all accessible from your phone. You can save up to three audio profiles here, which I'm a big fan of, as it makes it easy to switch between games or listening setups without constantly reconfiguring everything.
Within the app, you can also tweak core settings like mic gain, mic monitoring, and audio level protection. In standard mode, these options are kept simple with three predefined levels, but switching to ‘Expert’ mode unlocks sliding scale controls for more precise adjustments.
There’s also an EQ section that lets you modify bass, mids, and treble. You’ve got handy presets like FPS, Bass Boost, Voice Boost, and Clarity, or you can build your own custom mix. Again, Expert mode gives you finer control here, though the deeper audio tuning might be a bit much if you’re not heavily into sound design.
Other useful features in the Navigator app include setting the Power Off Timer, accessing in-app tutorials and support, and the Test Mode, where you can trial different features and get a feel for the headset’s full range of functionality.
It's a pretty comprehensive app, and one that's far better than some rival apps for similar devices I've come across.
Price and Value
Sitting near the top end of the gaming headset price range, the RIG 900 MAX HX isn’t exactly cheap, though outside of ultra-premium audiophile gear, it’s right where many flagship models land. That said, it does fall a little short in a few areas when compared to similarly priced rivals. For instance, it features smaller 40mm drivers (most others have 50mm or more), no active noise cancellation, and a battery life that, while decent, is shorter than some competitors.
Still, what it does offer is mostly excellent. The sound quality is very good for the driver size, it’s incredibly lightweight yet sturdy, and the Navigator app adds genuine value with deep and accessible customization. While the three-step clip-in adjustment system won’t be for everyone, including me, that’s more a matter of personal preference than a flaw.
Overall, it may be slightly overpriced given the specs, but not by much. If you prioritize strong audio performance, low weight, and customizable settings, the RIG 900 MAX HX holds up as a solid, if slightly premium-priced, option in the high-end gaming headset space.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great audio quality with strong positional sound and Dolby Atmos support
- Extremely lightweight, yet it feels durable
- Highly customizable via the clean and intuitive Navigator app
- Comfortable ear cushions with decent passive noise isolation
Cons
- No active noise cancellation (ANC) at a premium price
- Fiddly clip-in adjustment system with exposed wires
- Basic charging dock and connection that’s easy to knock loose
- Smaller 40mm drivers than many similarly priced rivals
Should You Buy the RIG 900 MAX HX?
If you’re after a premium gaming headset that prioritizes sound quality, comfort, and deep customization, the RIG 900 MAX HX delivers on most fronts.
Its excellent positional audio, Dolby Atmos support, and lightweight build make it especially appealing for competitive gamers and long sessions. The Navigator app also adds value with its flexible EQ and mic controls, giving you the ability to tailor the experience to your preferences.
However, it’s not without drawbacks. The lack of active noise cancellation at this price point, smaller 40mm drivers, and a slightly clunky adjustment system may not be ideal for some. Also, the charging dock, while handy, could be improved.
At $249.99, it feels a touch overpriced compared to some rivals. But if you're looking for a lightweight, great-sounding, and highly customizable headset, it’s certainly a strong contender in the high-end space.
