LucidSound LS500X Wireless Headset Review – Comfortable, Affordable Audio

LucidSound LS500X Wireless Headset Review

PowerA’s sub-brand LucidSound, has released their latest wireless headset, the LS500X. While branded as being designed for Xbox, it’s fully capable of meeting the needs of gamers on all consoles, including PS5 and Switch 2. With a goal of combining excellent sound quality, comfort, and player flexibility, this headset is designed to deliver gaming audio without a heavy price tag. By utilizing wireless modes and Bluetooth, the LS500X should be capable of handling most gaming and everyday audio needs.

Audio in Comfort

Clearly, comfort was one of the key goals when developing the LS500X. The frame is compact and lightweight, weighing just 265g. You’ll barely notice you’re wearing them during long gaming sessions. The ear cushions are made from a breathable material that feels soft. Aside from the swiveling ear cups, there isn’t any other adjustable parts to the LS500X. It is designed to be one-size fits all, but you won’t be able to loosen or tighten the headset in any way. For me, I had to consciously wear them in a way that the frame leaned a bit more forward on my head than other headsets to create the best fit. While the LS500X wasn’t as snug as I would have liked, they still stayed in place during my gaming sessions. I also wish the ear cups were a touch bigger, but despite that, these are still among the more comfortable headsets I’ve ever used.

The stereo sound the LS500X produces is as good as you can get without diving into higher tier audio products. The 50mm drivers reproduce audio with great clarity and a solid amount of bass. There are three EQ modes, but during my experience, I just left it on the default setting, as it provided the most balanced audio. The headset is compatible with both Windows Sonic and PlayStation 3D Audio, ensuring that gamers have access to spatial sound. And it works very, very well.

Spatial Sound Delivered

During my review, I played Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, 007 First Light, and Content Warning. In Black Ops 7, the spatial sound worked brilliantly. I could hear enemy player’s footsteps and gunshots, and easily know which direction they were coming from. In games like this, situational awareness is important, and the LS500X helped in that regard.

In 007 First Light, what I appreciated most was the audio distinction between the in-game background noises, the brilliant soundtrack, and the dialog between characters. Without the right audio hardware, such as just using the sound from a TV, these things can blend together, making it difficult to hear dialog or other audio clues. The LS500X provided each layer of sound with distinction, and I was able to fully appreciate the audio of the game.

In Content Warning, hearing your teammates is critical in creating the viral content needed to progress. Fortunately, I could clearly hear where my teammates were calling from, or where a creature might be lurking. Some of the creatures produce quite chilling sounds, and the LS500X delivered those eerie sounds with startling clarity.

Mic Clarity

It’s worth noting that Content Warning was also where I tested out the LS500X microphone. The microphone is a plastic boom that can flip out of the left earcup. When flipped out, it hovers about 4 or so inches from my mouth. According to my teammates, my voice came through with solid clarity, and there was no background noises or echoing on my end. The microphone works as expected. Flipping it up into the ear cup is a quick and easy way to mute.

The LS500X audio controls are quite easy to use. The left ear cup includes a wheel that adjusts the overall audio, while the right ear cup includes a wheel that adjusts the game/chat balance. It’s super simple and very accessible.

Compatibility is a key component for the LS500X. The headset comes with a special wireless dongle that has both a USB-C and USB-A output. Console and PC players will have no problem hooking up this headset. And for devices that use Bluetooth, such as mobile phones, the headset features that too.

Excellent Headset Option

The LucidSound LS500X Wireless Headset is an excellent combination of comfort, sound, and flexibility. The soft ear cushions and lightweight design make for a comfortable experience. The stereo sound provides excellent audio and is capable of spatial sound, perfect for gamers who want good sound but are not able to afford higher-tier audio options. The LS500X also provides excellent flexibility with USB-A, USB-C, and Bluetooth connection options. At $69.99 (USD), the LS500X is an affordable and capable headset.

***The LucidSound LS500X Wireless Headset was provided by the manufacturer for review.***